You usually cannot establish that an office is bugged from interference, a warm device or a moved ceiling tile. Such observations can have ordinary explanations. A useful response records the facts, addresses immediate safety and identifies what needs examination.
For a premises concern, our office and boardroom TSCM service examines an agreed scope. It does not turn every unexplained symptom into evidence of surveillance.
Observations worth recording
- Confidential information appears outside the expected group: record what became known, when and to whom.
- Equipment is unfamiliar or has been replaced: check the authorised inventory and service history.
- Access or tampering is unexplained: retain relevant entry, maintenance and incident records.
- A physical object or device has been found: document what is visible safely and seek appropriate advice.
- A communications problem persists: ask the responsible IT or telecoms team to examine routine causes.
Avoid assigning blame from these observations. Information can be lost through conversation, documents, misaddressed communications, account compromise or a device. The response should follow evidence rather than selecting one explanation first.
What a professional scope should cover
The TSCM Institute’s procurement guidance describes a combination of technical and physical inspection. Ask the provider to explain which parts are appropriate to your concern and what remains outside scope.
For your brief, list the rooms, installed conferencing equipment, shared areas and property-access restrictions. Confirm who can authorise the work and whether equipment may be handled or fixtures examined. Agree separately any examination of devices, accounts or networks.
The REI ORION manual provides technical context for non-linear junction detection. Normal office equipment contains electronics too; detector indications need interpretation and follow-up. A quiet radio observation or a single instrument reading does not establish the absence of surveillance.
Match the response to the question
An unexplained room-access concern can lead to a premises inspection and access-control review. A suspected information leak may also warrant a corporate investigation. A concern about accounts, files or devices may require separately scoped digital forensics.
NPSA’s protective-security guidance places technical measures within wider protection of sensitive areas. In practical terms, agree who controls the room after any inspection and what changes would trigger another review.
If you find a suspected object
Prioritise personal safety. Seek police help if anyone is at risk, and avoid unnecessary handling, dismantling or confrontation. Contact the appropriate security lead or specialist from a separate trusted location and device. Read our discovery guide for documentation and evidence-planning questions.
An inspection report should record what was examined, findings, access restrictions and limitations. It should not guarantee that every device is found, that a room will remain unchanged afterwards or that a report will be accepted in a particular legal process.
Frequently asked questions
Does phone interference mean there is a listening device?
No. It can have routine causes. Record the circumstances and have relevant systems examined rather than treating the symptom as proof.
Can a phone app clear an office?
An app can address only the functions and devices within its scope. It cannot establish the absence of every form of surveillance in a room.
How much does a professional inspection cost?
Bureau Securitas’ approved indicative starting range is €2,500–€5,000 per team-day for planned work. The quotation guide explains how the final scope and total are agreed.
Can we arrange a recurring inspection?
An individually agreed corporate TSCM programme can define visits, triggers and access responsibilities.
Discuss the facts with us
Request a scoping discussion with the city, premises, access authority and observations. Agree a suitable channel before sharing sensitive records or allegations. NDA available on request.
Sources and editorial notes
- TSCM Institute: procurement advice — commissioning and inspection background.
- REI ORION user manual — detection principles and limits.
- NPSA: protective security considerations — wider premises protection.
The observation checklist and service choices are Bureau Securitas editorial guidance. Sources reviewed 26 October 2026.