Surveillance Training
In today’s fast-paced, complex security environment, surveillance is more critical than ever
It’s not just about watching it’s about understanding behaviour, anticipating threats, and making smart decisions in real time. Surveillance is a skill honed over thousands of years and refined into an essential art that helps protect people, assets, and organisations worldwide.
At Toro, we deliver surveillance training that goes beyond observation. We teach you how to interpret patterns, adapt on the move, and use surveillance as a strategic advantage.
Free consultation
Protect your business. Build trust. Unlock growth.
What is Surveillance Training?
Surveillance training teaches you how to gather intelligence discreetly and safely by observing behaviour and movements. It equips you with the knowledge and practical skills needed to detect potential threats, test security systems, and protect your organisation effectively.
Surveillance isn’t simply following someone it’s about situational awareness, recognising risks in your environment, and responding appropriately. Our surveillance training courses cover a broad range of skills from foot surveillance and public transport tracking to team-based operations and advanced counter-surveillance techniques.
Why choose Toro?
Expert-led instruction
Our lead trainers bring over 18 years of operational and training experience within the UK Government. You will learn from professionals who’ve been in the field, not just in the classroom
Real-world, scenario-based training
We go beyond theory with hands-on, practical exercises that simulate real surveillance operations. This prepares you to face real-life challenges with confidence and skill.
Tailored surveillance training solutions
Every organisation and role are unique. We customise our courses to match your specific security needs, threat landscape, and experience level, ensuring relevant and effective learning.
Balanced human and technology focus
Our training bridges the gap between cutting-edge technology and essential human judgment, giving you the ability to use both effectively in complex environments.
Small class sizes
With low student-to-instructor ratios (typically 3:1 or 4:1), you get personalised guidance and feedback, accelerating your learning and mastery of surveillance techniques.
Comprehensive skill development
We cover all aspects of surveillance training - from individual foot surveillance to team operations, counter-surveillance, covert meetings, and situational awareness giving you a well-rounded skillset.
Flexible delivery
We bring our surveillance training directly to your location to minimise disruption, reduce costs, and tailor sessions to your team’s operational realities.
Physically and mentally challenging
Our courses are designed to push you both mentally and physically, ensuring that you develop resilience and endurance alongside technical expertise.
Proven track record
Toro’s surveillance training programmes have been trusted by government agencies, security professionals, and private organisations seeking to strengthen their surveillance capabilities.
Managed Security & Consultancy
People focussed
At Toro, people are at the core of everything we do – our team, our clients, and the partners we collaborate with.
We prioritise building trusted relationships, delivering consistently high standards, and providing tailored support that reflects the unique needs of every client.
Free consultation
Managed Security & Consultancy
Why Surveillance Training matters
- Human judgment can’t be replaced by technology alone
Despite advances in surveillance technology, machines lack the instinct, intuition, and contextual understanding that trained professionals bring to the field. - Subtle cues require human insight
Only a skilled person on the ground can detect nuances and behaviours that indicate potential threats or suspicious activity.
- Real-time decision-making is crucial
Surveillance is not passive observation; it demands quick, informed judgments to anticipate and prevent incidents before they occur. - Technology and human skills must work together
Effective surveillance combines cutting-edge tools with human adaptability and critical thinking for maximum impact. - Dynamic environments need adaptable responses
Unlike automated systems, humans can adjust tactics and strategies based on changing situations and evolving threats. - Situational awareness extends beyond observation
Surveillance includes understanding your environment, identifying risks, and recognising emerging threats to protect people and assets. - Everyone in the organisation plays a part
Empowering staff with surveillance awareness helps create a security-conscious culture where threats are identified and mitigated early. - Surveillance enhances overall security posture
By combining observation skills with threat recognition, organisations can proactively safeguard against insider threats, espionage, and other risks.
Surveillance Training FAQs
Beyond our foundation training courses, we do not offer a one size fits all training course. Courses are designed bespoke to the client’s requirement.
Individually 4 days followed by a further 4 days to be able to work as an effective team member.
To learn the basic principles of conducting surveillance individually on foot would require a minimum of training.
We bring the course to you. This adaptable approach reduces cost and travel time to our clients whilst also minimising the impact on their daily operations.
Situational Awareness training is educating people to understand the threats their environment may pose and how to counter those threats.
Surveillance isn't simply a case of following someone, it is also about using those same powers of observation to identify threats. Good situational awareness allows you to reduce and eradicate potential threats.
A situational awareness training course will introduce attendees to the very real threats they may face in their roles and how to counter them. Dependant on the potential threats training can vary from classroom-based theory lessons to immersive role-played exercises.
There is no fixed length to this course as it is designed to fit a client's needs. Typically courses range from half day to a week dependent on specific requirements.
We offer all aspects of surveillance training and tailor courses to our client’s specific needs. The following list is not exhaustive but demonstrates some other surveillance training packages we can offer;
- Advanced driver training
- Surveillance Driving
- Surveillance cycling
- Covert Imagery
- Map Reading
- Anti Surveillance
- Counter Surveillance
- Conducting Covert Meetings
- Surveillance reconnaissance
Foundation Training Course Phase 1 (4 days)
Theory 20%
Practical 80%
Student to instructor ratio (maximum) 3:1
The course will teach the student the basic principles of surveillance enabling them to conduct a surveillance follow on foot and public transport. Students will also be taught how to work in close proximity to their subject, in order to gain intelligence/evidence in a safe and secure manner.
Each day of the course begins with a theory lesson before heading out to put the lessons into practice. The course concludes with a realistic consolidation exercise that tests the students understanding and application of all the skills taught. The course is demanding both mentally and physically.
Foundation Training Course Phase 2 (4 days)
Theory 20%
Practical 80%
Student to instructor ratio (maximum) 4;1
This course is a natural progression from phase 1 and follows a similar format. On this phase the student will learn how to conduct surveillance as a member of a team. Applying the same principles as phase1 whilst learning how to manage exposure, increase productivity and conduct surveillance safely and securely for greater periods. As with phase 1, this course will conclude with a realistic team consolidation exercise. This course is demanding mentally and physically.
Surveillance can be used in different ways depending on your goals:
- Defensive surveillance helps protect your organisation by identifying and monitoring potential threats before they become a problem.
- Offensive surveillance allows you to test your own security, find weaknesses, and observe the activities of hostile individuals or groups.
Knowing how to use both approaches gives you a strategic advantage.
Managed Security & Consultancy
Ready to get started with your Surveillance training?
Take the next step in your professional development.
Contact us today to discuss your surveillance training needs and discover how we can help you build world-class surveillance skills.
What our Investigations and People clients say
Investigations and People insights
Expert Insights on Investigations and People, Risk and Resilience
Safeguarding people in an evolving geopolitical risk landscape
Experts from across security and intelligence explored how shifting geopolitical risks are reshaping organisational strategies to protect people and build resilience.
When the threat comes from within
Organisations often focus on external threats, yet some of the most significant and persistent risks come from within. Insider threats exploit the very trust, access, and knowledge that employees and contractors hold by virtue of their roles. Employees who understand the company’s systems, processes, and culture have the potential, whether intentionally or accidentally, to create vulnerabilities that can be exploited.
Misinformation – Why facts matter more than ever
Seeing is believing but in an age of disinformation, knowing the difference between fact and belief has never been more urgent.
Our Investigations and People Partners
Brands & companies we work with
Managed Security & Consultancy
People focussed
At Toro, people are at the core of everything we do – our team, our clients, and the partners we collaborate with.
We prioritise building trusted relationships, delivering consistently high standards, and providing tailored support that reflects the unique needs of every client.
