Police Entry Practice Test 2025 – Comprehensive All-in-One Guide to Ace Your Exam Success!

Lawful surveillance is best described as targeted observation aimed at collecting evidence. This approach is strategically employed by law enforcement to gather information on specific individuals, locations, or activities that may be connected to criminal behavior or investigations. By focusing on particular targets, officers can conduct their surveillance in a manner that is not only effective but also compliant with legal standards and rights.

Targeted observation involves identifying a clear purpose for the surveillance, which is essential for ensuring that the actions taken are justified and proportional to the needs of the investigation. This kind of surveillance is typically conducted in accordance with established legal guidelines and often requires prior approval or warrants, depending on the jurisdiction and context.

In contrast, the other options describe forms of surveillance that either lack a clear objective or infringe upon individual rights without justification. For instance, invasive monitoring of all individuals does not discriminate between those involved in criminal activities and the general public, which could lead to privacy violations. Covert observation without a structured purpose lacks the necessary focus and legality that targeted surveillance has. Random monitoring of public places may serve a safety function, but it does not fit the legal framework and evidentiary goals associated with lawful surveillance aimed at specific suspects or situations.