Video Surveillance Techniques

Course Dates: Wednesday, December 2 – Friday, December 4, 2026

Location: San Marcos Police Training Academy, 2300 S IH 35, San Marcos, TX 78666

Instructor: Chris Knowles

Cost: $425.00 per student (agency discounts available for 3+ registrations)

Course Overview

This intensive 3-day program teaches law enforcement and public safety professionals the essential techniques for conducting video surveillance operations. Participants will develop skills in utilizing video as a tactical resource for investigations while maintaining emphasis on situational awareness, officer safety, and public protection. The curriculum balances theoretical instruction with extensive practical, hands-on training using state-of-the-art surveillance equipment.

Course Content

Beginning with foundational camera principles, this course accommodates both novice operators and those with prior video experience. Instruction covers surveillance recording methods for drug and weapons sales, auto theft, gang and cartel investigations, human trafficking, poaching, fraud, and organized crime. Participants learn to select appropriate surveillance equipment and accessories, including camcorders, DSLR and mirrorless cameras, action cameras, body-worn cameras, in-car systems, pole-mounted cameras, IP cameras, and covert recording devices. The course emphasizes proper video continuity protocols, focus techniques, and recording from extreme distances exceeding one mile.

A dedicated evening session introduces low-light surveillance capabilities, utilizing night vision technology and infrared illuminators for operations under reduced or no-light conditions. Participants gain experience integrating audio from covert transmitters and professional microphones to capture confessions, witness statements, and victim accounts. Additional training covers evidence-grade video documentation procedures for pre-operational briefings and components for pole-mounted and IP camera deployment.

Schedule

• Day 1: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
• Day 2: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM (includes night surveillance exercises)
• Day 3: 8:30 AM – 2:30 PM

Ideal Participants

This training benefits law enforcement and public safety professionals, military investigators, fish and game enforcement personnel, correctional facility staff, school and campus security professionals, and independent investigators.

Instructor Background

Lead instructor Chris Knowles brings 20 years of National Guard Counterdrug Program experience, specializing in video and audio systems design and deployment. Since assuming leadership of Law Enforcement Video LLC's training programs in 2021, he has provided comprehensive video surveillance and evidence documentation instruction to hundreds of local, state, tribal, federal, military, and evidence technicians throughout North America.

Course Materials and Resources

All participants receive a comprehensive physical and digital video surveillance manual with field reference guides, an audio knockout plug, course completion certificate, and carefully curated recommendations for camera equipment and accessories. Students are encouraged to bring agency-issued camcorders and recording devices; loaner equipment is available for those without personal gear.

Registration Details

Payment Policy: Full payment is required before the course begins. A full refund is available for cancellations submitted at least 14 days prior to the start date. Cancellations made within 14 days of the course may be substituted with another participant but are not refundable. Multiple registrations and alternative payment methods can be arranged by contacting info@lawenforcementvideo.com.

Recommended Accommodations

• Holiday Inn, 105 Bintu Dr, (512) 805-1000 – SMPD rate available
• Homewood Suites, 451 Barnes Dr, (512) 667-7011 – SMPD rate available
• Candlewood Suites, 600 Wonder World Dr, (512) 749-1717