How to Identify if You Are Under Criminal Investigation

Being under criminal investigation can be a confusing and stressful experience. However, there are several signs and methods to help you determine if you are being investigated. This article will explore how to recognize if you are under criminal investigation and what steps you can take to protect yourself.

Common Signs You May Be Under Investigation

While it can be difficult to pinpoint whether you are under investigation, there are some signs that can indicate if law enforcement is closely watching you. Here are a few of them:

Limited Police Presence in Your Area

If you notice a significant decrease in police activity, it could be because you are under observation. Typically, in an area where there is a suspect, patrol officers are asked to avoid that specific location. This lack of presence is a clear sign that your area is under surveillance.

Sudden Release After Prolonged Detention

During a routine traffic stop, if officers pull you over and identify you, but do not issue a warning or penalty, it could be a sign of surveillance. When you are under observation, a Do Not Apprehend / Approach flag is typically added to officers' records. This flag helps them avoid interacting with you directly.

Mysterious Vehicles at a Distance

Undetectable surveillance vehicles are usually positioned at a considerable distance from the subject. If you notice a suspicious car parked far from your property, it may be part of the surveillance effort. Most law enforcement agencies ensure that their surveillance vehicles are as far away as possible to avoid detection.

New Friends or Colleagues

Another sign of potential surveillance is a sudden appearance of new friends or colleagues who seem overly interested in getting to know you. Undercover officers may use this tactic to gather information or build a relationship with you.

Methods to Determine if You Are Under Investigation

While the signs mentioned above can raise suspicion, there are more direct methods to determine if you are being investigated. Here are some additional approaches:

Conduct Counter-Surveillance

One of the most effective ways to identify if you are under investigation is to conduct counter-surveillance. Use surveillance detection routes (SDRs) to spot law enforcement teams. These techniques involve moving around your area while looking for any law enforcement vehicles. This can help you understand if you are being monitored. For detailed instructions, refer to online resources or professional counter-surveillance guides.

Ask Law Enforcement Directly

While it might seem counterintuitive, you can use a trick to get dispatch to reveal if you are under investigation. Call the non-emergency police line and ask a polite but indirect question to divert their attention. For example, tell the dispatcher, Hi, my name is Jim Smith. I'm trying to return a detective's call in relation to an investigation but I can't recall his name. The dispatcher may perform a system check and accidentally reveal if you are under investigation.

Understanding the Surveillance Process

The surveillance process can vary depending on the agency and jurisdiction. Most large law enforcement agencies in developed countries have the capability to conduct passive surveillance without direct observation. However, smaller local agencies typically require more substantial evidence before deploying a team.

High-Value Targets

If you are under active surveillance, it is usually due to your being a high-value target involved in a significant crime, such as a felony, murder, or rape. In such cases, the resources and risks associated with deploying a team make surveillance worthwhile.

The Not-So-Secret Rule

A helpful rule to remember is that if you can spot the surveillance team, then they are not likely watching you. High-quality surveillance teams are trained to blend in and avoid detection.

Conclusion

Being under criminal investigation can be a daunting experience, but recognizing the signs and taking proactive steps to ascertain the truth can provide you with the information needed to protect your rights. If you suspect you are under investigation, use the methods discussed in this article to determine the extent of the surveillance and protect your privacy.