Tennessee Private Investigator Licensing Practice Exam

Where is fixed surveillance generally conducted from?

1. A public area

2. An office space

3. An apartment or house

4. A vehicle

The correct answer is: An apartment or house

Fixed surveillance is typically conducted from an apartment or house because these locations offer the advantage of being stationary and providing a discreet environment for investigators to monitor a target's activities. An apartment or house can be set up with proper vantage points to observe without drawing attention, which is crucial for the effectiveness of the surveillance operation. This setting allows for extended monitoring over time without the need to move around, which can risk detection. In contrast, while public areas can sometimes serve as surveillance points, they do not provide the same level of cover or stability as a dedicated location. An office space may lack the appropriate view or concealment needed for effective surveillance, and a vehicle, though mobile, also comes with the risk of being observed and does not allow for long-term monitoring in a single location. Therefore, conducting surveillance from an apartment or house is often the most strategic choice.