How SIASS Can Make Council Covert Investigations More Effective

SIASS Helps Organisations Tackle Anti-Social Behaviour and Other Covert Investigations More Effectively

In recent years, public confidence in the ability of local authorities to respond effectively to community concerns has suffered a significant blow. According to a 2024 Ipsos survey, satisfaction with local councils in England and Wales has plummeted from 40% in 2021 to just 21%. While many still trust councils to make the right decisions (52%), fewer believe they offer value for money (41%), and confidence in their ability to deliver on-the-ground results—particularly in areas like anti-social behaviour (ASB), fly-tipping, and youth disorder—is in steep decline.

Despite the dedicated efforts of Anti-Social Behaviour and Environmental Teams within councils, the reality is that shrinking budgets, growing workloads, and a lack of technical resources are impacting their ability to robustly respond to community complaints. The perception—right or wrong—that reports will be met with inaction is leading many residents to stop reporting altogether, exacerbating the issues.

Collaboratively using resources from SIASS, organisations can improve their covert investigations.

Enter SIASS: Enhancing Local Investigations with Expertise and Technology

At SIASS, we understand the operational pressures facing local councils, housing associations, and other public sector bodies. That’s why we offer a highly adaptable, cost-effective solution to help organisations conduct high-quality covert investigations—without the need for heavy capital investment or redeployment of stretched internal resources.

Our offering is scalable and can be tailored to match the specific needs and risk appetite of your organisation.

Here are three ways that SIASS can work with you:

1. Full-Service Investigations

For organisations looking to outsource covert investigations entirely, SIASS offers a comprehensive end-to-end service. From the initial client briefing and investigation design, through to active surveillance, evidence gathering, and final reporting, our expert operatives are trained to provide fully admissible evidence that can support civil or criminal enforcement.

We also produce professional witness statements and attend court if required. This model allows councils and social landlords to pursue enforcement with confidence, even where internal capacity is limited.

2. Equipment Loan and Training

If your team already has investigative capability but lacks the technical resources, SIASS can act as your equipment partner. We loan out our state-of-the-art surveillance technology and provide practical training in its deployment, ensuring your staff can gather intelligence safely, legally, and effectively.

This removes the need for organisations to invest in expensive kit that may only be used occasionally—freeing up procurement and maintenance budgets while still enabling robust evidence collection.

3. Hybrid Support Model

In cases where an organisation wants to lead its own investigation but requires additional expertise or targeted operational support, SIASS can offer limited or tactical involvement. This flexible model enables your internal teams to benefit from our specialist skills and equipment without full reliance on external support.

Whether you need assistance in a single phase—such as surveillance planning—or targeted deployment for a particularly sensitive location, our services can be integrated seamlessly into your existing operations.

Why Use a Private Intelligence Agency Like SIASS For Your Covert Investigation?

In the current climate of tightening public sector budgets and declining public satisfaction, using a professional technical surveillance partner is not a luxury—it’s a smart, strategic decision. SIASS can extend your organisation’s capabilities without the long-term cost or risk of underperformance.

We have:

• Highly experienced covert operatives

• Specialised technical surveillance tools

• A proven track record of supporting public sector investigations

• Flexible and confidential service offerings

Let’s Talk – You’ve Got Nothing to Lose

We understand that many councils and housing associations may assume that using an external intelligence partner like SIASS is financially out of reach. But the truth is, our services are designed to be highly cost-effective—and we’re confident we can demonstrate real value to your organisation.

Council Covert Investigations - Confidentiality is Essential

Even a confidential conversation with us might unlock new solutions to long-standing problems. Whether you’re grappling with a surge in fly-tipping, a persistent ASB hotspot, or want to gather admissible evidence without the logistical burden, we’re here to help.

Contact SIASS today to explore how we can support your investigations and restore public confidence in local enforcement. The right tools and the right support can make all the difference.

Surveillance. Intelligence. Solutions.