PPI530 - Advanced Photography and Surveillance

Subject Title
Advanced Photography and Surveillance

Subject Description
This subject is designed to introduce students to the key principles and practices of surveillance.  Students will evaluate the uses of surveillance and covert photography within complex investigations and across different professional areas (such as law enforcement, insurance fraud investigations, retail theft, professional misconduct, and private investigations).  Students consider the evidential aspects of surveillance and the legal and best practices that ensure the use of surveillance techniques in an ethical and legal fashion.   The different aspects of surveillance (foot, mobile, technical) are discussed and evaluated throughout the course along with discussion of the application of surveillance techniques, trained personnel and equipment to support an investigation.  The costs, benefits and risks of surveillance within investigations is evaluated across the course.

Credit Status
This is a prescribed credit in the Advanced Investigations and Enforcement program.

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this subject the student will be able to:

1.           Identify the elements of a digital camera, their functions and use as an investigative tool.  
 
2.           Organize surveillance and digital imagery for investigative purposes
 
3.           Evaluate the purpose/principles of mobile/foot surveillance as an investigative tool.  Assess best practices and equipment required. Evaluate the benefits/risks of surveillance techniques
 
4.           Evaluate the case law regarding surveillance and interception of private communications under the Criminal Code
 
5.           Identify importance of accurate note taking for court admissibility 

Essential Employability Skills
    •  Respond to written, spoken, or visual messages in a manner that ensures effective communication.

    •  Analyze, evaluate, and apply relevant information from a variety of sources.

    •  Show respect for diverse opinions, values, belief systems, and contributions of others.

    •  Interact with others in groups or teams in ways that contribute to effective working relationships and the achievement of goals.

    •  Manage the use of time and other resources to complete projects.

    •  Take responsibility for one's own actions, decisions, and consequences.

Academic Integrity
Seneca upholds a learning community that values academic integrity, honesty, fairness, trust, respect, responsibility and courage. These values enhance Seneca's commitment to deliver high-quality education and teaching excellence, while supporting a positive learning environment. Ensure that you are aware of Seneca's Academic Integrity Policy which can be found at: http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/academic-integrity-policy.html Review section 2 of the policy for details regarding approaches to supporting integrity. Section 2.3 and Appendix B of the policy describe various sanctions that can be applied, if there is suspected academic misconduct (e.g., contract cheating, cheating, falsification, impersonation or plagiarism).

Please visit the Academic Integrity website http://open2.senecac.on.ca/sites/academic-integrity/for-students to understand and learn more about how to prepare and submit work so that it supports academic integrity, and to avoid academic misconduct.

Discrimination/Harassment
All students and employees have the right to study and work in an environment that is free from discrimination and/or harassment. Language or activities that defeat this objective violate the College Policy on Discrimination/Harassment and shall not be tolerated. Information and assistance are available from the Student Conduct Office at student.conduct@senecapolytechnic.ca.

Accommodation for Students with Disabilities
The College will provide reasonable accommodation to students with disabilities in order to promote academic success. If you require accommodation, contact the Counselling and Accessibility Services Office at ext. 22900 to initiate the process for documenting, assessing and implementing your individual accommodation needs.

Camera Use and Recordings - Synchronous (Live) Classes
Synchronous (live) classes may be delivered in person, in a Flexible Learning space, or online through a Seneca web conferencing platform such as MS Teams or Zoom. Flexible Learning spaces are equipped with cameras, microphones, monitors and speakers that capture and stream instructor and student interactions, providing an in-person experience for students choosing to study online.

Students joining a live class online may be required to have a working camera in order to participate, or for certain activities (e.g. group work, assessments), and high-speed broadband access (e.g. Cable, DSL) is highly recommended. In the event students encounter circumstances that impact their ability to join the platform with their camera on, they should reach out to the professor to discuss. Live classes may be recorded and made available to students to support access to course content and promote student learning and success.

By attending live classes, students are consenting to the collection and use of their personal information for the purposes of administering the class and associated coursework. To learn more about Seneca's privacy practices, visit Privacy Notice.