What is the primary objective of close surveillance?

The primary objective of close surveillance is to maintain the target within a range of observation. This means being able to monitor the movements and activities of the individual or group being surveilled without losing sight of them. Effective close surveillance involves strategically positioning personnel or assets so that they can continuously observe the target, allowing operatives to gather real-time information about the target's behaviors, patterns, and interactions.

Being able to keep the target within a certain viewing range is critical because if the target is lost, the purpose of the surveillance is compromised. It also allows for timely responses to any actions undertaken by the target. Maintaining observation range is essential in law enforcement and intelligence operations, where understanding the subtle nuances of a target's behavior can be crucial for decision-making.

While other factors like concealment and background gathering can be important in certain contexts, they are secondary to the fundamental goal of ensuring that the target remains in sight for monitoring purposes.