Identifying Suspicious Behavior II

Identifying Suspicious Behavior II


Body gestures should be observed. Stress is an uncontrollable instinct and when under stress, a person cannot control their own bodily reactions. The terrorist may be under stress and stress causes involuntary physiological changes which may cause:

1. An increase in heart rate and blood pressure (the carotid artery shows fast pulsation).
2. Increase breathing (breathing fast and/or taking several deep breaths.).
3. Dilating pupils (eyes expanded)
4. Dry mouth.


Some visual Observations of Stress:

1. Face turns red
2. Refuses eye contact
3. Frowning
4. rubbing or touching nose
5. smoothing mustache
6. unusual sweating
7. squinting
8. exaggerated movements – can’t stand still, wandering around
9. Clutching of a package or briefcase.
10. tapping of shoes.
11. Grooming or smoothing hair
12. Scratching repeatedly
13. Protects throat area with hands
14. Yawning
15. Rubbing of hands


Some Auditory Observations:

1. Stuttering
2. hesitancy of speech
3. Deep sighs
4. Repeatedly clears throat
5. cracking voice
6. teeth grinding
7. if asked a question, inability to answer