Microphones The smallest surveillance microphones currently available are typically 5mmx 5mm x10mm. These may be hidden, for example, under a desk or in a light fitting,but it is more usual to disguise them in an innocent, 'host' device such as apen, briefcase or plug adaptor. Transmitters The transmitter is a very important part of any surveillance installation. These come in a variety of shapes and sizes, the smallest beingapproximately 35mm x 18mm x 10mm. As with microphones they can beeither hidden in a room or disguised as an innocent item.ReceiversIf using a transmitter you will also need a receiver. There are various typeson the market and performance is usually related to size. Receivers areavailable which can monitor up to five different signals at the same time.RecordersEvery surveillance configuration should employ a recorder if it is to be trulyeffective. This can be situated either with the microphone (making atransmitter and receiver optional) or at a remote location with the databeing relayed over a transmission link. The chief disadvantages to locatingthe recorder in the area to be monitored are the space requirement andalso the need to maintain the device (ie.replace the tapes and batteries). The great advantage to concealing the recorder in the area to bemonitored is that these devices are almost impossible to detect withcounter surveillance equipment. (If your recorder is located at a remotelocation then it is always possible, indeed quite likely, that thetransmission signal may be picked up by a debugging device.)Finally remember that no matter what kind of listening device is used theireffectiveness always depends on the skill of the operator in choosing andusing devices, from the range we discuss in this publication, which aremost appropriate for the situation in question.
Telephone Monitoring
As we have seen, by no means are all surveillance devices attached totelephone equipment, but a good many items are. Depending on theassignment in question it may be necessary to employ both a listeningdevice and a telephone monitor. You will find a directory of the bestrecommendations within themain home study courseIt should also be remembered that, with the development of moderncommunications, it is now possible to monitor any type of information sentdown the telephone line. This includes voice transmissions, facsimile (fax)transmissions and computer data transmissions. In each case these may berecorded and, in the latter two cases, deciphered with the use of anencoding machine or even just a compatible fax machine or computer. There are three methods of monitoring 'phone calls :
1. Wire a device to the telephone line.
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