What is the primary purpose of surveillance?

The primary purpose of surveillance is to obtain information. In law enforcement, surveillance is a crucial technique used to gather intelligence on suspects, monitor activities, and collect evidence in a discreet manner. This information can be vital for building a case, understanding criminal behavior, and ensuring public safety. By effectively collecting data through surveillance, officers can make informed decisions and take appropriate actions based on their findings.

While other options may have relevance in various contexts—such as community engagement or familiarity with a specific area—they do not encapsulate the fundamental objective of surveillance itself, which is predominantly centered on information acquisition.