SPYING 101
For those who have never participated in covert operations the idea of spying may be somewhat intimidating. That need not be the case. When done properly, gathering information can be liberating and thrilling. There are few feelings that rival the warm fuzzies that result from a successful mission. The equipment needed is abundant and relatively inexpensive. Simply get on ebay and by a decent digital audio recorder. I have seen good ones for as little as $30. Make sure it has an external microphone jack. A " hold " or locking setting is a plus. This will ensure that no buttons can accidentaly ruin your information gathering. External microphones are also easy to come by. If you are on a budget check Pawn shops! For a measley dollar or two you can purchase a computer microphone. Then simply smash the casing, remove the wiring with the conveniently " button sized " microphone. For those in a hurry, just tape the recorder to you leg, or tuck it into a deep pocket that cannot be easily seen. Then run the wire up through your shirt, and push the microphone through your button hole. Your tie will cover it. Don't move around too much during the meeting and the sound quality will be fine, provided you stay within a 5' radius of your targets. If you have more time and are creative, then the sky is the limit. Drill out a cuff-link, hot glue the microphone, or wear a shirt with black buttons, remove the foam cover from the microphone and " button " it. There are many possibilities. Experiment NOW for a smooth mission later. Bleed on the training floor and laugh on the battleground!! LOL!!!
If time is not an issue than Audio/video is the way to go. I recommend good quality spy watches. It is easy, no one suspects a thing, except another spy. One other route really pays off, but is risky. If you have access to the " meeting location " prior to the actual event, a bug is your best bet. If you have access to the site during the week for cleaning or maintenance, planting a bug is a simple matter. Retrieving it requires patience as this is where you are more than likely to get caught. Patience is key! If you lose your cool and imagine people snooping around looking for your bug then the urge to retrieve it prematurely will get you caught. Just be cool, and wait it out. If you have a good budget, buy a bug that will send you the information wirelessly. Then whenever you park your car at the location of your choice, fire up the laptop! Your little electronic friend will automatically send you all the info you need while you sit quitely, listening to the latest KM presentation or Local needs on masturbation and contributions. Of course, at some point you must change the battery, again be patient as you will be vunerable to discovery. Most of all have fun!
Mental preparation:
Not to be overlooked is preparing mentally for any covert operation. Become familiar with you target area, as well as with your equipment. Practice, practice, practice. Wear your gear when going out with friends, or to the store. This way you will know what does and does not work. Is the microphone covered up too much? Is my camera adjusted properly? Is my recorder secured? A field test is key. Your planned operation SHOULD NOT BE YOUR FIELD TEST. That is the last place you want to discover that you did not account for something, like a dead battery, or a shiny camera lense. ( just ask Raypublisher, he was a little rushed) You are going to be nervous as it is, your equipment cannot be a source of doubt.
Also, even though it sounds silly, watch spy movies, or read spy books. Mentally dwelling on these subjects will, in my opinion, ready your sub-conscious for action. If you want to be sneaky, then eat, dream, and breathe sneakyness.. Those are my 2 cents worth of advice for the novice. Nothing feels quite so good as knowing you are preying on the predators! Stick it to the man! Oh, If you have friends on your side whom you can trust, especially in the I.T or electronics business, ask for help! Everyone loves a good clean covert operation. Years later, drinking beers together, you will remember the day you played the players!
DD [ This was an older comment, but it may help. I recorded my meetings.]