JUSTIFICATION AND OVERVIEW:
The ability to collect audio and video intelligence discreetly remains a cornerstone capability across law enforcement, military, intelligence, and counter-terrorism operations. In a world where adversaries are increasingly alert to conventional surveillance methods, the demand for covert, reliable, and field-adaptable AV solutions has grown significantly.
Commercial surveillance technology can be highly effective but is often costly, inflexible, or vulnerable to detection by hostile actors. Meanwhile, advanced adversaries continue to exploit consumer-grade hardware—such as nanny cams, modified smart home devices, or disguised recorders—for their own surveillance operations. Bridging this gap, the Covert Audio and Video Devices course teaches vetted professionals how to design, deploy, and recover operational AV collection platforms using both COTS (Commercial Off-The-Shelf) and bespoke modified hardware.
The course goes beyond just placing devices—it provides deep understanding of form factor selection, RF emission management, storage strategies, battery optimisation, network behavior, and risk mitigation. Delivered by instructors with direct experience in covert installations, technical surveillance, and HUMINT support, this course enables students to operate safely, discreetly, and effectively in contested environments.
INDICATIVE COURSE CONTENT:
Module 1: Legal and Operational Principles of Covert AV Deployment
• Legal frameworks: surveillance authorisation and data handling
• Mission planning: what to capture, where, and for how long
• Risk: exposure, signal bleed, and physical compromise
Module 2: Hardware Selection and Concealment
• Overview of AV-capable devices (ESP32-CAM, Raspberry Pi Zero, body-worn recorders, DVR kits)
• Form factors: smoke detectors, wall chargers, pens, furniture, vehicles
• Concealment strategies for static, mobile, and body-worn deployments
Module 3: Audio & Video Capture Essentials
• Microphone types, placement, and gain control for clarity
• Low-light video capture: IR enhancement, motion triggers
• Frame rate, resolution, and codec optimisation for storage vs. clarity
Module 4: Power, Storage, and Connectivity
• Battery-powered vs hardwired options
• Loop recording and overwrite logic
• Wi-Fi vs 4G uplinks, SD card storage, and air-gapped retention
• RF signature awareness and minimising digital noise
Module 5: Deployment Techniques and Recovery Planning
• Site access and placement under observation
• Time-delayed activation, remote triggering, or environmental triggers
• Recovery timing, evidence integrity, and post-op sanitisation
Module 6: Live Exercises – Build & Deploy
• Build: Assemble a functional covert AV unit with local recording or Wi-Fi uplink
• Test: Confirm audio/video quality and stealth in a test environment
• Deploy: Execute a simulated installation under time and concealment pressure
• Debrief: Review collection success, signature management, and field readiness
BOTTOM LINE UP FRONT:
This course teaches students how to build, deploy, and recover covert audio and video surveillance devices using commercial or modified equipment. It emphasises discretion, survivability, and technical tradecraft to enable lawful intelligence gathering in operational environments.
CONDITIONS OF ENTRY:
Access restricted to law enforcement, military, intelligence personnel, or vetted surveillance professionals. Students must sign a legal and ethical usage agreement. Basic technical proficiency expected (e.g. ability to operate a Pi or ESP32 system, familiarity with networks or video formats). Host organisations must confirm legal authority for surveillance operations.