What is one of the first investigative tools used to gather evidence?

Surveillance is considered one of the foundational investigative tools used to gather evidence because it allows investigators to observe subjects directly, capturing crucial details about their activities, interactions, and behaviors over time. This method can help establish patterns, identify associates, and potentially gather evidence that would be difficult to obtain through other means.

Surveillance can be both overt and covert, providing flexibility based on the situation at hand. It typically serves as a precursor to more specialized techniques, enabling investigators to confirm suspicions or points of interest. This makes it an essential initial step in many investigations, laying the groundwork for additional evidence-gathering methods such as interviews or controlled deliveries.

On the other hand, methods like controlled delivery, interviewing witnesses, and data analysis may follow surveillance or rely on its findings to provide context or corroborate evidence. While all these methods are important to investigations, surveillance is often one of the first tools employed to develop a clearer understanding of the situation being investigated.