start a tail

Step 2: Start a tail

When following someone the main object is to not get noticed and gather information.
It's best to follow someone in a slightly crowded place, that way there are people to hide you, if you try to follow someone on a deserted dirt road it would be very suspicious.
Stay at least 50ft away if you are on foot, if you are following someone by car, it is best to stay 2 cars behind them and try to be in a different lane.

>Use quick disguises like a hat, shades, or a jacket.
>Create a surveillance log, write the time in the left margin and write the events to the side.
>Remember stay close enough to the target to make sure he doesn't give you the slip, but far enough away that he won't realize you're there, make notes whenever you have a spare moment.
>After tailing for a while go over these questions: Is there anything the target did that surprised you?
Could you guess what was being said when the target talked to people? Did the target realize you were tailing him? Did you learn anything new about the target?
>NEVER make eye contact with your target.
>Wear sunglasses only if it's sunny out!
>Be prepared to change your appearance.
>If the target stops suddenly, you should not stop suddenly, too! Your target may be testing to see if you're following him. If you stop suddenly, you'll confirm his suspicions! So, keep moving and resume your tail later, after some quick changes.
>Take cover when necessary (but only when it looks natural)! Move into a crowd, turn away, or cover your face (without being obvious) if you think he's looking your way.