Who’s looking at you?
It’s not unusual to see people shooting video or taking pictures in today’s social media world. Sometimes, a person surveilling or observing your institution, school, or workplace, may be planning a crime or attack. Remember that most criminals or terrorists spend months planning an event before they act.
Observing who’s looking at you or your facility is another facet of Situational Awareness. Admittedly, most observers or photographers have no malicious intent. Here’s some surveillance indicators that warrant attention:
1. Observers using optical devices to watch your facility.
2. A car repeatedly circling through your parking lot or surrounding streets.
3. People entering your building and taking notes, intently observing activities, or asking unusual questions.
4. People taking pictures or video of areas that are not visually attractive.
5. Visitors that seem flustered when someone makes eye contact.
Preventive actions:
1. Incorporate surveillance detection procedures in your security assessment.
2. Encourage people to report suspicious surveillance.
3. Require security personnel to take appropriate action immediately following a report.
4. Call security or law enforcement instead of personally confronting a suspicious person.
5. Emphasize Situational Awareness and prompt reporting.
Key Takeaway: Most outsider picture taking or observational activities are not threatening, but trust your instincts and act when something doesn’t seem right. Develop security procedures requiring appropriate personnel to take action. When in doubt, call law enforcement.
What are your thoughts?
