Course Overview
This is a practically-orientated, skills-intensive surveillance course is designed for those who will be conducting covert surveillance in an urban environment. The course will introduce the student to best practices when conducting covert surveillance, which includes the selection of proper equipment, an understanding of covert surveillance technologies available to the investigator, and both static and mobile surveillance techniques. Students will develop surveillance skills through classroom study and practical applications involving participation in a team environment. Students will utilize foot and vehicle surveillance at a variety of sites, integrating specialized equipment and surveillance techniques to surreptitiously follow a known target.
Prerequisite(s)
- No prerequisites are required for this course.
Credits
3.0
Registration requirements
Departmental approval is required to register for this course. Departmental approval is required for this course. You will not be able to register without it.
Domestic fees
$966.40
International fees are typically 3.25 times the domestic tuition. Exact cost will be calculated upon completion of registration.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Properly compose a photograph or video so that the subject matter is appropriately placed.
- Take photographs or video suitable for entry in court which will assist in an investigation such as vehicle license plates, personal identification, tire tracks, foot prints, and other useful investigative aids.
- Take covert photographs of subjects using a telephoto lens.
- Effectively carry out foot and vehicle surveillance, alone and as a member of a team, in various locations such as shopping malls, stores, and other public locations.
- Demonstrate proper note taking when conducting a surveillance-based investigation.
- Discuss and understand ways of ensuring that your testimony concerning observations made during surveillance assignments is effective and acceptable in court.
- Describe the type of equipment required to conduct a covert surveillance operation.
Effective as of Winter 2024
Related Programs
Covert Surveillance Techniques (FSCT 8200) is offered as a part of the following programs:
- Indicates programs accepting international students.
- Indicates programs eligible for students to apply for Post-graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
School of Computing and Academic Studies
- Forensic Investigation (Forensic Science Option)
Bachelor of Technology Part-time
Course Offerings
Spring/Summer 2026
Below is one offering of FSCT 8200 for the Spring/Summer 2026 term.
CRN 70581
Dates
Apr 16 - Jun 09 Loading
- CRN 70581
- $966.40 Domestic fees
Class meeting times
Duration
8 weeks
Instructor
Denis Gagnon
Course outline
Course outline TBD — see Learning Outcomes in the interim.
Important information
- Important course information will be sent to you prior to your course start date. Check your myBCIT email account to access this information.
- This hybrid course will be online (Synchronous) - on the following dates (Tues/Thurs): April 16, 21, 28, May 5, 14, 26, and June 2 from 18:00 to 21:20 hours. There are also 4 in-person (F2F) Saturday classes - May 2, 9, 16, and June 6 from 09:00 hrs to 15:00 hrs (with the exception May 16 which is 09:00 hrs to 12:00 hrs). The final exam will be on June 9th online. There is no class the week of May 18th due to Victoria Day stat. Attendance and participation in all classes is extremely important for success in the course. There is no required textbook.
Confirmation
Required
To proceed with registration and add this course to the cart, please confirm:
No approval yet? Request approval Departmental approval is required for this course. You will not be able to register without it.
Status
If you have any questions about this course, please contact us.
Programs and courses are subject to change without notice. Find out more about BCIT course cancellations.