Organization is KEY to surveillance. If your gear is not organized, you will end up losing valuable surveillance time when trying to locate your cameras or you will end up losing your subject by taking too much time to stow your gear when the subject departs. There are many ways to ensure that your surveillance vehicle remains organized, the following are just some suggestions that I use in my vehicle:
 
 
Magnetic Mounts: I screwed in some magnetic mounts in various locations of my vehicle to hold things such as tracking devices.
 


 
Seat Belt Removal: I removed all the rear seat belts so I would get more window area for video surveillance.
 
 

 
 
Card Holders: I installed car holders under the steering wheel for business cards for easy access in the event that I am asked to show identification.
 
 

 
 
Seat Organizers: I bought and installed “Uncle Mike’s Law Enforcement Side-Armor Standard Car” from Amazon for $40.00 each. I use the passenger side unit to store cameras and batteries and the driver’s side unit to store a printer, scanner, and electronic wires. Please note, I screwed in a few screws to keep the bottom of the organizers flush against the car seats.
 
 

 
 

 
 
Tie-Down Hooks: I installed tie-down hooks around the cargo area of my van to tie down coolers and other things to make sure that nothing is moving around the vehicle while it’s in motion.
 
 

 
 
As you can see, this list is not exhaustive and I am always open and willing to listen to other investigator’s recommendations. It is important to remember that, as an investigator, your goal is to gather evidence for your client and an organized surveillance vehicle will only make that goal easier to achieve.