24 qer 2007

Identifying Suspicious Behavior

Identifying Suspicious Behavior
Ezan Bagdasarian

The potential terrorist threat to American business’, large or small is real and cannot rely solely on private security forces or local law enforcement to protect them from possible terrorist actions. In our current environment, it has become imperative that employees be cognizant of potential terrorist activity and targeting methods. Recognition of an impending terrorist threat is crucial. Sometimes, we are not aware of what is in front of us and the potential danger that exists. Be aware of your surroundings and what doesn’t fit into that surroundings and seems out of place.

One of the most effective methods used to identify suspicious behavior is the use of observational techniques. This method employs broadly based principles that attempt to determine the credibility of actions of the individual being observed.

Many of us have had an occasion where, when talking to someone, either socially or on-the-job, you sense that the person is lying to you or acting suspiciously. Even though what the person is saying sounds like the truth, you know they are lying. Chances are that in those situations you are unconsciously noting a mannerism or changes of some sort that is causing your suspicions.

I will focus primarily upon those methods you can use to determine the legitimacy and credibility of an individual whom you feel may be acting suspicious or in an unusual manner. Using these primary concepts will significantly assist you in identifying those individuals whose behavior appears to be out of the norm. I will attempt to provide you with the basic tools to:

1. Define the concept of observational techniques and suspicious behavior.

2. Understand some of the actions that might indicate that an individual is acting suspiciously.

3. Having some basic knowledge of the terrorist and their behavior, identify those individuals that appear to be high-risk by applying the fundamentals of observational techniques and behavioral symptom analysis.


The following is very general targeting intelligence of a terrorist. Because of its limited nature, it should only arouse suspicion when used in conjunction with other articulable facts -

Initial observations of suspicious behavior.

(1) Suitability of whether he fits into the given environment. The appropriateness of clothing, briefcase, package and luggage

(2) Characteristics of companions, if any.

Age: Usually in the 18-35 year range

(3) Sex: Male or female

(4) Appearance: Well dressed or casual

(5) Finances: Uses cash, not credit cards

(6) Travel status:

(a) Usually travels singly or in pairs

(b) If two persons of different sexes travel together, they often pose as husband and wife

(c) Rarely travels with children

(d) Joins tour groups after beginning of tour


Appearance and Behavior:

Does the individual’s clothing and dress fit the environment? If a person is wearing a heavy coat when the weather is warm, does that person have something underneath his garment that he doesn’t want detected?
What type of person do you normally encounter in your work environment at any particular time of day, day of week or time of year?

How is the average employee dressed? How is the person you suspect as being a terrorist dressed?

Why is the person there? Can he articulate his reason for being at your work site? If you engage in a conversation, does this person articulate his profession or work status? Does it make sense?

What is this person’s relationship to employees or management?

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