BCIT Forensics instructor Denis Gagnon is teaching FSCT 8200 – Covert Surveillance Techniques this spring. We asked him to tell us more about this fascinating area, and this course which is designed to help future investigators in conducting covert surveillance.
Q: What can you tell us about FSCT 8200 – Covert Surveillance Techniques?
Denis Gagnon (DG): This applied, skills-intensive surveillance course includes classroom study and practical applications. Students learn to use specialized equipment and surveillance techniques to discreetly follow a target. The course also provides expertise in preparing the evidence gathered for Court purposes to ensure admissibility.
Q: Who is this course for?
DG: The course is designed for those who want to conduct surveillance in an urban environment and may want to work in policing and public safety, private investigation, corporate cyber and physical security, or other roles in corporate settings and government agencies.
“The core skills covered in FSCT 8200 – Covert Surveillance Techniques are the basis of any private investigator’s knowledge.” – Denis Gagnon
Q: How will future graduates use these skills?
DG: Students will be able to employ best practices for covert surveillance, including selecting equipment and technology for both static and mobile operations – on foot or in a vehicle – and practical knowledge of surveillance equipment.
Surveillance is commonly employed to improve security by acting as a deterrent, aiding law enforcement and private investigators, safeguarding businesses and individuals, and increasing operational efficiency across multiple industries.
Those who complete the course will possess foundational and practical expertise in surveillance techniques, methodologies, and their inherent limitations. These unique skills will require frequent refinements due to the constant development of new and improved surveillance equipment and techniques.
Q: What are some of the most important or interesting applications of these skills?
DG: Physical and digital surveillance play a significant role in numerous civil and criminal cases. A framework of privacy laws guides these applications.
These skills can be applied in business and commercial settings, including business security, employee monitoring, loss prevention, and corporate espionage. Applications can be unique and customized to the specific needs of clients within the guidelines of privacy laws.
Cyber and physical surveillance are used in civil cases to establish a basis for criminal prosecution. The key element of surveillance is its admissibility in civil or criminal prosecutions.
Q: How did you become a private investigator?
DG: I became a private investigator and founded BCSI Investigations Inc. after seeing an urgent need for advanced, specialized investigative services. I applied for a Private Investigator (PI) under supervision and was then grandfathered into the industry due to my law enforcement background. My profound interest in private investigation helped me create a successful career.
My original intent has not changed, and I have now enhanced my skills with the use of technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI). There is no limit to the power of surveillance as new equipment is constantly being developed.
Q: What can you tell us about how you use these skills in your work?
DG: The skills I have acquired over the past 33 years are used daily in over 80% of our cases. The most critical skills include situational awareness, environmental scanning, responsible use of technology, and information analysis.
Surveillance is helping solve a multitude of cases, from marital matters to corporate theft and fraud. Surveillance is also often used in the development of covert operations. I am gratified that I have been able to contribute significantly to the resolution and improvement of many cases.
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