Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
likely that the target will detect the surveillant's presence. The curvature
of the street also works to the advantage of the surveillant as it allows for
the observation of the entire driver's side of the vehicle from a position of
cover. Notice also that this street is one-way only. The point vehicle needs
only to alert other surveillance operatives that the subject is in the vehi-
cle and is departing. Other units can be waiting farther along the subject's
known or anticipated route in order to pick up the mobile surveillance
away from the subject's residence.
DETECTING SURVEILLANCE
Let's discuss the common ways that you may be followed or otherwise
become subject to surveillance. By understanding the technique, you will
become sensitive to what to look for and be able to detect all but the most
sophisticated attempts at surveillance.
How do you know if you are being followed? The first thing to be
mindful of is your level of awareness. If you are wandering around in
condition white (see color code definitions in Chapter 2), you will be
oblivious to the presence of even the most ineptly run surveillance. Pay
attention to your surroundings. That is the single most important thing
to do. The central rule in detecting whether you are the subject of surveil-
lance is:
If you see the same individual or vehicle, separated by time and distance,
at least three times, you can assume you are being followed.
Surveillance is an art, not a science. Its object is to observe someone
without being detected. The greater the skill of the individual or indi-
viduals conducting the surveillance, the more difficult it will be to realize
that they are there. We will discuss a physical, mobile surveillance first —
following someone, either on foot or in a vehicle. A discussion of this
technique will make you understand the point about surveillance being an
art. It will also give you a basic understanding of standard surveillance
techniques.
METHODS OF SURVEILLANCE
Let's assume for a moment that you are the subject of terrorists' sur-
veillance. Perhaps you are a prominent businessperson and have been
selected as a possible target for a kidnapping. They decide to follow you
