Hands-on Surveillance Training for Aspiring Investigators.
Are you looking to break into the world of private investigations but don’t know where to start? Our surveillance training course offers in-person training and helps facilitate job placement at top investigative firms throughout the US and beyond.
Think you have what it takes?
Join us at our next course taking place in Northern California in early 2025!
Students must pass the assessment test to be considered for the in-person training
Description
This intensive 5-day training course was designed to help aspiring investigators develop their skill sets and get hands-on experience in the private investigation field. Upon satisfactory completion of the course, trainees are guaranteed an interview with an international private investigations firm in their area of residence.
Unlike courses offered by other companies, the core of our training centers around proven surveillance tactics and real-time covert activities. We are the only organization to publicly offer the opportunity to participate in hands-on surveillance, backed by over 20 years of our own development and insights.
Students will also be introduced to a variety of equipment and software commonly used to investigate worker’s compensation and general liability claims. We will teach our trainees about common legal and ethical pitfalls to avoid and emphasize the value of personal integrity over immediate results.
The Surveillance Academy requires all prospective trainees to take a selection screening exam before applying to the course and to provide a valid driver’s license. Due to the degree of personal integrity demanded of investigators, we also require applicants to have a clean criminal background to participate.
The safety of our students and the public is of utmost importance to us. To ensure that our expectations for student behavior are clear, a signed acknowledgment of our class Code of Conduct must be submitted upon acceptance to the course.
Think you have what it takes? Take the exam below to unlock the opportunity to apply for our upcoming Surveillance Investigator Training course in Northern California in early 2025!
Course Outline
DAY 1
• Camera Basics & Operation
• Covert Video Techniques
• When to Film
DAY 2
• Vehicle Follows
• Confrontation Handling
• Stakeouts
DAY 3
• Remote Camera
Introduction & Legalities
• Live Surveillance Exercise
• Rural Surveillance
Workshop
DAY 4
• Mock Subject Exercise
• Introducing Comms
• Multi-Investigator
Introduction & Workshop
DAY 5
• Multi-Investigator
Mock Exercise
• Individualized Retraining
• OSINT Tips
Meet Your Instructors
The Surveillance Academy’s Investigator Training Course is led by two experienced investigators currently employed in the industry. Together they have investigated over 600 surveillance cases and online investigations and share a decade of knowledge in complex surveillance tactics, Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) techniques, and Claims Investigations.
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A.H.
A.H. has worked hundreds of solo surveillance assignments and currently serves as the Surveillance Specialist at one of the top investigative firms in the U.S. In their current role, A.H. oversees the development of the advanced surveillance training curriculum, works high-profile cases, and researches and tests covert and remote camera devices. They are a licensed Private Investigator in 14 states and have successfully completed solo surveillance operations in 9 states in 2023 alone. A.H. graduated from an intensive 2-week course in the UK hosted by ISS Inc. which covered complex team surveillance tactics, OSINT techniques, and social engineering. A.H. has prior professional experience in emergency medical services and law enforcement and holds degrees in Applied Mathematics and Police Science. In their free time, they enjoy volunteering with animal rescue services and competitive powerlifting.
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S.R.
S.R. began their investigative career in 2017 as an Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) investigator at one of the top firms in the U.S. They conducted more than 300 online investigations into cases of potential insurance fraud and have since held many roles within the firm, including Desktop Specialist (administering training to new Research Analysts) and Open-Source Intelligence Specialist (researching new technology and tactics to utilize in online investigations). S.R. currently manages the firm’s Research & Development Department, overseeing the efforts of OSINT, Surveillance, and Claims Specialists.
S.R. holds a degree in English Literature from the University of Oregon, where they graduated with high honors (magna cum laude) in 2016 and is a member of Phi Beta Kappa. They also volunteer regularly with a non-profit organization called Guardian Group which uses OSINT techniques to support possible victims of sex trafficking.
F A Q
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Experience in the industry is encouraged, but not required – we accept applicants from many backgrounds and experience levels. However, the course covers vehicular follow tactics, so students must possess a valid driver’s license and pass an MVR (motor vehicle report) check to drive our surveillance vehicles.
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All equipment (camera, binoculars, radios, etc.) and a vehicle will be provided. Students should possess a smartphone (Android or iPhone is fine) with network connectivity. A laptop is not required but may be useful.
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Courses are only offered in-person, we do not offer any online courses as this is such a practical and dynamic course.
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It takes five days to complete the course. Courses are scheduled so that they take place Monday through Friday from 8:30a to 5:00p. Students must be present for the duration of the entire course to be eligible for passing it.
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Responses following application submissions take no more than 48 hours.
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The end-of-course test is a written examination testing retention of the concepts covered. Additionally, students must also demonstrate proficiency in all skills that are taught in the training by utilizing those tactics during the exercises throughout the week. A passing score requires all skills to be demonstrated.
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The training curriculum was designed by a panel of acting practitioners of investigative tradecraft (subject matter experts licensed to work in numerous states) and draws from collective decades of experience in the industry. The course was designed with real casework in mind and combines applications from multiple previously completed investigations to realistically prepare students for the challenges they will face in the field.
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Surveillance Academy does not offer any payment plans. However, if hired at one of our investigative offices tuition will be reimbursed if the candidate successfully completes their 90-day probationary period.
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We understand that things can happen beyond your control that impact your ability to attend a course. If you notify us 14 days before the course that you are unable to attend, you will have your deposit refunded and can skip the application assessment portion of a future class. If you notify us anytime after this, we will be unable to refund your deposit.
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There are no plans at this time to offer the surveillance academy course in different states.
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Requirements for continuing education vary depending on the program and entity that administers it. You may use the Contact Us form to ask about specific programs.
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This course is geared towards practical skills and can bolster an application to work for a licensed private investigation company or help you develop the skills necessary to succeed in your own Private Investigations venture. However, Surveillance Academy does not provide you with a PI license. An interview with a top investigative firm is guaranteed for students who demonstrate exceptional abilities.
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There are normally six students accepted into each 5-day course.
Pricing
Investigator Training Course
Ideal for individuals aspiring to enter the private intelligence sector as well as current surveillance professionals seeking to enhance their investigative skill sets.
Class tuition is $1,995.00, payable by check or by credit card. An initial deposit of $400 is required to register as a student, which will be put towards the total tuition amount if the student does not request a cancellation. All course fees are due 14 days before the first day of instruction.
