What is the primary function of surveillance?

The primary function of surveillance is to closely watch a situation. Surveillance involves monitoring behaviors, activities, or environments to gather information that can be used for various purposes, including crime prevention, maintaining public safety, and gathering evidence. By observing a situation thoroughly, law enforcement or security personnel can identify suspicious activities and make informed decisions based on real-time data.

While apprehending criminals can be a result of effective surveillance, it is not the main function; rather, it is an outcome of the information gathered during the surveillance process. The provision of legal testimony and holding court proceedings are further down the line in the justice process and rely on the information collected from surveillance but are not the direct purpose of surveillance itself. Thus, the essence of surveillance centers on the act of watching and monitoring to ensure safety and gather necessary information.