What does "surveillance" refer to in an investigative context?

In an investigative context, surveillance specifically refers to the monitoring of an individual or location with the aim of gathering pertinent information. This practice is crucial for investigators as it can help them observe behaviors, gather evidence, and verify leads related to an ongoing investigation. Surveillance can take various forms, including physical observation, electronic monitoring, or the use of technology such as cameras and GPS devices. It is often employed to track a suspect’s movements, establish patterns of behavior, and identify associates or other connections relevant to a case.

The other concepts listed diverge from the core definition of surveillance. Identifying suspects relates to initial investigative processes rather than ongoing monitoring, while collecting evidence from digital sources refers to cyber investigations. The analysis of financial records is a specific investigative technique that involves evaluating financial data, which do not encapsulate the broader practice of observational monitoring that defines surveillance.