Abstract: A radio communication device includes a surveillance mode key (220) which when activated causes the radio communication device to enter a surveillance or clandestine mode of operation. In this mode, the radio communication device's volume setting is adjusted to a very low level or muted and its display (216) is switched to a red night light backlight (224). Optionally, other lights on the radio can also be switched to red night lights which minimize the chance of the radio being detected. A method for entering the surveillance mode includes the steps of determining if the surveillance mode is desired, and if so, automatically adjusting the lights and sounds of the radio to their predetermined surveillance mode settings.