Counter Surveillance 101

Counter Surveillance is the process of detecting and reducing bad guy surveillance. It is an important, yet often overlooked, element of counter terrorism and security operations. Counter Surveillance is especially important because it is one of the few security measures that allows for threats (bad guys) to be mitigated before they can develop into active attacks. Being proactive in this day and age is a must – whether you live along the borders of the United States; the streets of Los Angeles, Chicago, or New York; or middle America suburbia – bad people are always out there ready to pounce on their prey.

The news about kidnappings by Mexican drug cartels from El Paso, TX; Phoenix, AZ; and San Diego, CA have triggered this posting. Perhaps those kidnapped have something to do with not being on the right side of the law, but nonetheless, counter surveillance for the average law abiding citizen should be practiced in order not to fall victim to crime no matter how small (purse snatching) or how severe (kidnapping)!

An effective counter Surveillance mindset is as simple as noticing people repeatedly in different places you frequent such as your neighborhood; the park you take the children to, or the area you personally use to run or exercise; the restaurant you frequent with colleagues or family; the sports bar you go to with your friends; and the grocery store you frequent the most. Most of the criminals and terrorists conducting surveillance are very well trained. Their presence, their mode of dress their actions Heir Sometimes the one who is conducting surveillance can slip and all of a sudden there is an anomaly – out of place, in these places you frequent.

Counter Surveillance instincts can also be used while driving. For instance, think about the route you take to and from work or to and from the gym or school. Alter your routes of travel. Be situational aware of where the nearest “safe place” is in case you need to pull in and divert from your route – preferably a law enforcement facility or fire station. If you notice a vehicle in your rear view mirror has been traveling the same route you have and does not look familiar to you at all, before pulling into your home or destination – pass that location and go around the block, so of speak, to see if they were truly following you to commit a crime. Bottom line: be alert and always pay attention to your surroundings.