Airport surveillance investigations, including airport pick-up tracking and monitoring, have become increasingly crucial for private investigation firms dealing with international clients. When foreign nationals or individuals with insufficient information provided by the client arrive in Taiwan, the investigation firm must immediately begin tracking their movements. This process is time-sensitive, often with a “once-in-a-lifetime” chance to monitor the target. If the target’s trail is lost, the entire investigation may be jeopardized.

The Challenges of Airport Surveillance

Undertaking such high-stakes surveillance is not only challenging but also highly stressful. Private investigation agencies must deploy their most experienced agents to ensure success, particularly in environments like international airports where multiple exits and transportation routes must be monitored simultaneously. The success of the investigation hinges on the ability to maintain continuous surveillance; failure to track the target’s movements means all subsequent investigative work becomes impossible.

In Taiwan, most requests for surveillance typically involve Taoyuan International Airport, followed by Taipei Songshan International Airport. There are also occasional surveillance investigations at Kaohsiung International Airport and Taichung International Airport, often related to individuals returning from Mainland China for business or short-term travel.

Key Information Required for Airport Surveillance Investigations

Clients commissioning surveillance at airports must provide as much detail as possible to the investigative agency. This information greatly improves the likelihood of successfully identifying and tracking the target. The required details include:

• Clear photos or video recordings of the target.
• Physical description: Height, weight, body type, hair color, and style.
• Whether the target is traveling with companions.
• Luggage count, types of bags, and colors.
• Potential escort personnel, vehicle details such as model, license plate number, and color.
• Possible destinations or addresses where the target might be heading.
• Additional information that can aid in identification and tracking.

Surveillance Measures and Tracking Strategies at Airports

1. Identification at the Arrival Hall

Recognizing the target in the airport’s arrival hall seems simple, but it is a task fraught with difficulty. Why?

The challenge lies in the difference between the target’s 2D photograph and their 3D physical appearance. For investigators with less experience or poor identification skills, the risk of mistakenly identifying someone is high. A few seconds of hesitation can result in losing sight of the target, a mistake that can be disastrous and lead to failure in the investigation.

To minimize this risk, Lex Solution Investigations ensures that agents with better identification skills are stationed on both sides of the arrival hall, close to the exit. Comprehensive information from the client about the target’s appearance and travel details increases the chance of accurate identification.

2. Tracking on the Airport Roadways

Airport roadways are typically for temporary drop-off and pick-up, with strict regulations to prevent vehicles from parking for too long. This presents a challenge for investigators trying to track the target discreetly. A major concern is being noticed, which could compromise the surveillance mission.

If the target takes a taxi, this becomes the best-case scenario for investigators, as taxis are easy to follow. However, if the taxi driver adheres strictly to traffic laws and is vigilant, the likelihood of losing the target increases.

The optimal approach for Lex Solution Investigations is to deploy two vehicles equipped with radios and dash cameras. One vehicle will park near the exit while the other will loop around the airport terminal, ensuring continuous surveillance. This strategy is crucial for avoiding detection by airport security while maintaining close monitoring of the target’s movements.

3. Tracking in the Airport Parking Lot

Most international airports in Taiwan feature parking lots that allow passengers to walk from the terminal to the parking area. These parking areas are usually in separate zones, each with different exits. This makes it easier to maintain surveillance, provided enough personnel are assigned to monitor key locations.

Investigation teams should deploy vehicles near the parking lot exits. Agents responsible for foot surveillance will monitor the target as they exit the terminal and report back to colleagues positioned around the parking lot. Whether the target takes a taxi or is picked up by family or friends, this information allows the investigation team to adjust and continue the surveillance effectively.

4. Surveillance After Leaving the Airport

Once the target departs the airport terminal, agents must quickly mobilize and relocate to their assigned vehicles. The ability to react swiftly and maintain visual contact with the target is crucial. This stage is often where many surveillance missions fail because agents sometimes become distracted by their colleagues’ actions, leading to a loss of the target.

Investigators must remember: it is essential to track the target directly, without relying on others to cover for them. Any lapse in attention could result in losing the target’s trail.

Unpredictable Situations After the Airport Departure

After the target leaves the airport, various unforeseen circumstances may complicate the investigation. Determining where the target will go next (such as a hotel or residence) becomes difficult, especially with Taiwan’s strict privacy laws making it challenging to obtain accommodation details via phone calls or casual inquiries.

This requires a high level of training and rapid decision-making. If investigators lose sight of the target, all prior work becomes null and void.

Comprehensive Strategy and Human Resources Deployment

A foolproof surveillance plan requires meticulous preparation and a well-coordinated team to handle every possible scenario. Lex Solution Investigations ensures that they are always ready with a comprehensive strategy and well-trained agents who can adapt to unexpected developments.

In summary, airport surveillance investigations in Taiwan are complex, requiring high levels of expertise, coordination, and resources. Lex Solution Investigations maintains a first-rate level of service to meet client needs, ensuring that even the most challenging tracking missions are executed flawlessly. The firm’s success in these cases stems from the ability to anticipate every potential issue, execute well-planned strategies, and make quick adjustments when the unexpected occurs.