2-Week London Covert Surveillance Course (MLCS)

Course Cost £1,850 + vat

The 2-Week Mobius London Covert Surveillance course is developed and delivered by former MI5, SRR/ SAS, and Police Counter Terrorism Surveillance instructors; its aims –

“To train individuals to a standard within a comparable time frame to that which is required within counter-terrorist environments.”

The MLCS has been designed not only for newcomers to the industry but for those with experience of surveillance elsewhere and who wish to develop and improve their skills. The course is also ideal for those currently employed within Close Protection to understand the methodology, tactics, techniques and procedure used by those operating at the higher level within Covert Surveillance operations. The course is conducted over two weeks (ten full days), in central London and surrounding areas. The course encompasses every aspect of surveillance an operative needs to operate in this exciting industry; from basic foot, public transport and mobile surveillance, to imagery, report writing and the necessary legalities.

• Observational: As well as having good eyesight/ hearing you will also need to be hyper-observant; as aware of what is going on around you as you are the target.
• Quick Thinking: You must be able to ‘think on your feet’ and act accordingly, able to alter your plans/ actions or even conversation mid flow without arousing interest or suspicion.
• Able to blend in: By its very definition covert surveillance relies upon an operator’s ability to fit into their surroundings and not draw attention to themselves. On any given deployment you are as likely to find yourself sitting on a park bench in Hackney as you are having afternoon tea at a high-end hotel. The ability to converse naturally, with anyone, irrespective of age, race, creed or class is a must.
• Adaptable: You must be able to operate effectively in a range of environments. You must also be as comfortable working within a team as you are working completely alone for lengthy periods of time.
• Patient: You must be patient, able to manage long periods of inactivity, whilst remaining alert/ ready to react to sudden changes.
• Unremarkable: As a surveillance operator, your longevity in any environment relies upon your ability to go unnoticed. Distinguishing features such as prominent tattoos, outlandish hairstyles or modes of dress contradict this necessary quality.
• Responsive: Just as importantly, you must be able to respond calmly to sudden or increasing levels of activity.
• Confident: You must be confident but not over-confident, able to balance caution with calculated/ moderate risk taking.
• Memory Recall: You must be able to commit large quantities of information to memory and able to recall that information accurately, sometimes after long periods of time have elapsed.

• Technically Proficient: Surveillance relies upon the use of a range of technical equipment from computers to covert cameras and tracking devices, you will need to be comfortable using all.
• Driving Ability: You must be a competent driver, able and willing to learn and adapt to new techniques. You should be comfortable driving in all conditions, day and night, and on all types of roads.
• Navigational Ability: You should have experience of map reading.
• Multi-Tasking: Surveillance relies upon the ability to combine a range of skills which sometimes overlap, none more so than when solo during a vehicular follow. You must be able to balance the use of technical equipment with consummate driving and navigational skills; listen/ respond to, or deliver commentary; whilst also ensuring the safety of your vehicle and other road users around you.
• Fitness: Whilst you don’t need to be marathon ready, you will need to be comfortable walking long distances, and able to step it up should the target pick up the pace.
• Emotional Maturity: Surveillance relies upon autonomy, self-reliance, good judgement and, in order that mistakes are learned from and performances improved, the ability to accept and deliver constructive criticism. Life experience is invaluable and the more you have the better you stand to fare in this kind of environment.
• Interpersonal skills: Working in teams, especially when very tired, under stress or during challenging operational circumstances, requires excellent interpersonal skills, especially the ability to remain calm and act with integrity.
• Instinctive: Surveillance is often about relying on gut feelings. To be an effective operator you will need to get a feel for what seems right and learn to trust and go with that feeling. The best, most experienced operators will tell you instinct is invaluable in this field.