California Private Investigator Practice Exam

During rolling surveillance, if you lose sight of the target vehicle, what is the recommended course of action?

1. Return to the office

2. Follow other vehicles

3. Review notes and visit frequented locations

4. Wait for the subject to reappear

The correct answer is: Review notes and visit frequented locations

In rolling surveillance, if you lose sight of the target vehicle, the recommended course of action is to review notes and visit frequented locations. This approach helps maintain the integrity of the investigation, as it allows the investigator to apply their prior knowledge of the subject's habits and routines to the situation. By considering the locations that the subject typically visits, the investigator can increase the likelihood of re-establishing visual contact with the target. This method is particularly effective because it leverages previously collected intelligence, enabling the investigator to anticipate where the target may go next. It demonstrates the importance of preparation and the use of gathered information to guide surveillance strategies effectively. In contrast, returning to the office would halt surveillance and potentially lose valuable information about the target's movements. Following other vehicles could lead to confusion and detract from the focus on the subject of the investigation. Waiting for the subject to reappear does not utilize proactive measures, which may result in missed opportunities to continue the surveillance effectively.