What does it take to be a good surveillance operative?
The ability to remember.
The human brain doesn’t store data like a computer. Memories are malleable. They change a little every time we replay them. Which helps us adapt to a changing environment, but it means our recall is deeply flawed.
That’s why a good investigator takes notes in the field. Keep a notepad of voice recorder in the go-bag. Use post-it notes to jog your memory. Play chess or Simon-Says to exercise your cranial muscles. Whatever it takes.
Use tools to help you store what you’ve learned. And you can have the memory of an elephant.
See also:
The Secret of Surveillance: Patience
The Secret of Surveillance: Being Invisible
Want to see more stuff like this? Check out our CE-approved course, “Serious Surveillance,” at PIeducation.com.