Surveillance Course (OT-C)

The Surveillance Course (OT‑C) is intended for professionals who already have the Private Investigator diploma and want to specialize in conducting observations in the private investigator profession.

The course focuses on people who are already active in private investigation or who want to further develop within it, such as detectives, observers and tactical investigators. The course is also suitable for former police officers, soldiers or security professionals who are making the switch to private research.

The following prior education requirements apply to participation in this course:

• The participant must have a good command of the Dutch language, both orally and in writing.
• In addition, it is required to go through an extensive selection procedure.
• Furthermore, participation is reserved for persons who hold the Private Investigator diploma or who work as investigative officers.

The Surveillance Course (OT‑C) is offered at hbo(+) level.

The total study load for the Surveillance Course (OT-C) course is approximately 140 to 170 hours. The study load consists of:

• 17 training days of an average of 6 to 8 hours, consisting of theory, practice and field training
• approximately 4 days of homework and self-study (approximately 32 hours), such as developing observation reports, preparing and studying teaching materials
• a practical exam on day 17, in which you are assessed on your observational skills in the field

During the Surveillance Course (OT‑C), you will learn how to operate effectively and legally responsibly as a professional observer. The course combines theory with practice and prepares you for deployment in the field, using observational techniques, technical tools and careful reporting. As well as developing your tactical skills, you'll learn how to collect evidence responsibly and communicate with lawyers and the police.

Among other things, you will learn:

• all relevant laws and regulations that you must comply with as a private researcher
• capture evidence on image, mainly via video, and process it legally correctly
• prepare independent and factual observation reports and add evidence
• collaborating with lawyers and the police
• apply valuable observation techniques to stay ahead of your subject
• work according to fixed observation procedures for various situations
• use covers and tools to blend in with the environment
• use of monitoring beacons, drones and other specialist tools with knowledge of the associated legislation
• carry out preliminary explorations with digital checklists
• working with tactical software to support your observations
• recognize counter-observation and respond appropriately
• tactically applying police and non-police behavior in the field

The Surveillance Course (OT‑C) course is fully tailored to the practice of the private detective profession. You will learn in a small-scale setting with a lot of personal guidance, constantly alternating theory and practice. By training in realistic scenarios, you not only learn the techniques, but also the why behind each action. The course is intensive, interactive and focused on independent employability in the field.

The course format consists of:

• Small-scale education with a maximum of 4 participants per group
• Guidance by experienced instructors who are themselves active in the field
• Practical training courses, including field observations, simulations and explorations
• Theory lessons with legal frameworks, reporting and tactics
• A comprehensive lesson book of more than 250 pages, both physical and digital
• An observation kit with tools that you use during the training
• Homework assignments with quick, personal feedback
• Healthy lunch during the theory days on location
• Final practical test with assessment by professionals in the field

The Surveillance Course (OT‑C) examination takes place on the last day of training and is aimed at testing your practical skills and professional attitude in the field. You show that you can observe, report and act independently and effectively in accordance with applicable guidelines and methods. The assessment is carried out by experienced professionals in the industry and concludes the learning process.

The examination consists of:

• A practical test in the field, in which you are assessed on observational skills, tactical insight and cooperation
• An assessment of your reporting, including the completeness, objectivity, and legal correctness of your report
• A final interview with professionals, where you reflect on your development, actions and learning outcomes
• An official final assessment and certificate, provided you pass the test

After successfully completing the Surveillance Course (OT‑C), you are fully employable as a professional observer in (private) investigation. You have the skills, knowledge and mindset to carry out operations independently, constantly considering legal frameworks, safety and effectiveness. The course prepares you to work in complex, risk-sensitive situations where tactics, technique and care come together.

After completion, you can:

• Observe unobtrusively in a variety of conditions, on foot or with a vehicle
• Perform preliminary explorations, digitally and physically, using structured tools
• Gathering information without leaving traces, for example in public spaces or via discreet contact
• Use covert technical tools, such as cameras, beacons, sensors and drones, in accordance with laws and regulations
• Detect and mitigate counter-observation and anti-observation so that your efforts are not disrupted or recognized
• Calculate failure risks and make decisions to ensure the safety of yourself, the team and the operation
• Use police and non-police behavior, depending on the situation and objective
• Collect evidence and report legally correctly, including observational reports and footage

The costs for participating in the Surveillance Course (OT‑C) are €3,750 excl. VAT (€4,537.50 incl. VAT). This award includes a certificate of participation and a comprehensive assessment report, as well as the use of all teaching materials and observation tools that are covered during the course.

You can choose to pay the amount in 2-6 installments, whichever suits you best.

You can register for the Surveillance Course (OT-C) by filling out the registration form at the bottom of this page and scheduling an intake interview.

After your application, you will go through a selection process, which consists of:

• An intake interview (motivation, background and learning goals)
• A personality test and test for insight into intelligence, motives and team style
• ID check
• For private investigators: a valid yellow pass
• For government employees: a valid service ID
• Signing a Declaration of Integrity and Confidentiality