​Instructor: Wadi Sawabini        Course length: 24 hours

This three-day training program teaches participants how to use video camcorders, covert video systems and associated technologies to supplement their work in documenting all forms of illegal activity. The course will stress “hands-on” exercises throughout the course. Participants are urged to bring video camcorders to this class as well as other video surveillance systems owned by their agency.

This course is designed on the premise that participants have little or no experience with video. At the end of the course, participants will know how to:

• Use video to document surveillance for domestic and foreign terrorism, narcotics trafficking, auto theft operations, murder-for-hire investigations, and monitoring registered sex offenders.
• Capture surveillance video and other forms of uncontrolled action
• Capture moving surveillance video safely
• Use video for pre-operational briefings
• Link “body wire” receivers to camcorders
• Use night-vision equipment & infrared illuminators with video cameras
• Use Single-Lens-Reflex camera lenses with compatible video camcorders
• Record other surveillance video using analog input on a digital camcorder
• Use basic covert video systems for close-in surveillance

To successfully complete this course, participants will have to be able to demonstrate a mastery of basic skills through their videos and pass a written final exam.  A small class size and a commitment to one-on-one assistance will ensure that all participants will succeed.

Who Should Attend?
The course assumes that participants are familiar with all aspects of investigations including surveillance, search warrants, and wireless transmitters. Participants should be advised that this is an intensive course, which will stress practical shooting exercises in all kinds of weather and at night.

Required Equipment
Participants are urged to bring the video cameras they will be using on the job. The suggested equipment list includes:

• Any format camcorder
• Camera batteries (a minimum of 2 batteries; more, if available)
• The 110-AC power supply-charger for the camera
• At least two videotapes or equivalent amount of digital media

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Recommended (Optional) Equipment

• Tripod (preferably a fluid-head tripod designed for use with video cameras)
• Night-Vision Scope (and associated equipment for use with a video camera)
• Video Lights
• Wireless “body-wire” transmitter and receiver

upcoming courses