What should be done to ensure safety when maintaining surveillance?

Maintaining distance without stopping is crucial for ensuring safety while conducting surveillance. This practice helps to minimize the risk of detection by the subjects being observed, allowing the operative to gather information discreetly. Staying at a safe distance ensures that the surveillance officer can observe without drawing attention or compromising their position. Additionally, maintaining a moving surveillance operation can prevent situations where the officer might become vulnerable or exposed while stopped, as this could alert the subjects or lead to potential confrontations.

In contrast, frequently stopping to assess could increase the chances of being noticed by the subjects under surveillance, which defeats the purpose of discretion. Using undercover vehicles is also important, but it may not address the immediate concern of maintaining ample distance to avoid detection. Constant communication with headquarters is essential for coordination and backup, but if not combined with the principle of distance, it may still lead to safety risks if it attracts attention during surveillance. Thus, the approach of maintaining distance without stopping effectively prioritizes the operative's operational security and personal safety during surveillance tasks.