Why Risk Assessments Matter: How SIASS Delivers Safe, Legal and Transparent Covert Surveillance

SIASS conduct full risk assessments before outlining an investigative strategy to a client

Why Risk Assessments For Covert Surveillance Matter

When it comes to covert surveillance, it’s not simply about what you discover—it’s about how you go about discovering it. At SIASS, we believe that high-quality investigative work begins long before any camera is positioned or any operative steps into the field. That’s why every investigation we undertake starts with a thorough assessment of risk, legality, and ethics.

Before any operation is carried out, we ensure our clients fully understand every stage of the proposed investigation through a clear, costed, and compliant investigative strategy.

From Free Consultation to Fully Mapped Strategy

Once a new client has completed their initial free consultation with SIASS, we move on to design a bespoke investigative strategy. In many instances, we present more than one approach to offer flexibility, depending on the client’s needs, risk appetite, and budget.

Each strategy includes:

• Precisely what we intend to do

• Timescales for each phase

• Clearly itemised costs

• A comprehensive risk assessment, including a Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA)

We will never proceed without the client’s written consent confirming their full understanding and approval of the strategy. Transparency is fundamental to our approach—there are no hidden charges, no withheld evidence, and certainly no unexpected surprises.

The Importance of Target Impact and Risk Assessments

Covert surveillance carries inherent risks—both operational and legal. A full risk assessment for covert surveillance, especially, is an essential part of our process. This ensures that we protect our clients' interests while operating within the law and safeguarding the rights of those under observation.

Our risk assessments examine:

• The environment in which surveillance will take place

• The potential for confrontation or escalation

• Any relevant legal constraints or permissions

• Data protection implications, particularly around privacy and proportionality

• Technical and operational challenges

These assessments help us create a surveillance plan that is effective, proportionate and responsible.

Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs): Ensuring Legal and Ethical Compliance

A vital component of our risk assessment is the Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA). At SIASS, we strictly follow the guidance issued by the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO)—the same standards that govern local authorities and housing associations.

A DPIA allows us to:

• Identify and mitigate data protection risks

• Ensure our surveillance is proportionate, necessary and lawful

• Uphold the privacy rights and freedoms of those involved

• Handle and store data in line with legal requirements

DPIAs are mandatory where surveillance may involve a high risk to individuals' privacy—particularly if:

• Genetic or biometric data is involved

• Special category data is handled on a significant scale

• New or innovative technology is used

• The surveillance targets a large number of people

DPIAs are regularly reviewed and updated to ensure continued compliance if circumstances change.

Why SIASS Is Different

Sadly, many clients come to us after experiencing poor service from other private investigators. We’ve heard countless stories—exorbitant final invoices, evidence being withheld, and in one case, a client was told they couldn’t even view their footage unless they paid an unexpected release fee.

At SIASS, we operate very differently:

• All operations are legally compliant and transparently priced

• Clients are kept fully informed at every stage

• We never act without the client’s explicit written approval

• All evidence belongs to the client—we will never use it as leverage

• Our operatives are highly experienced, ethical, and work to a strict professional code

  
  

Choose SIASS for Safe, Lawful and Responsible Surveillance

Whether you’re a local authority, housing provider, solicitor, or private individual, SIASS is committed to delivering covert investigations that are not only effective, but also ethical, lawful, and completely transparent.

Risk assessments and DPIAs are not just administrative tasks—they’re essential safeguards that ensure your investigation doesn’t cause legal issues, public backlash, or reputational harm. We make sure every aspect of our strategy protects you, your organisation, and the rights of those involved.

Contact us today for a confidential discussion about your needs. Let’s explore how our experience, equipment and professionalism can help you get the answers you need—safely and securely.

www.siass.org.ukYour Intelligence. Our Expertise.