Hostile reconnaissance
Reconnaissance is considered to be an integral part of
operational activity for terrorists. Evidence suggests that hostile
reconnaissance activity will be undertaken prior to any attack.
The following aspects are considered to be indicators of
this type of activity
- Unusual enquiries made by individuals regarding specific events
scheduled at the venue
- Unusual questions about the type of security in place
- Unusual questions about parking arrangements
- Vehicles parked in suspicious circumstances
- Persons filming, taking photographs of venues for no apparent
reason but focusing on areas such as security
cameras, hallways, fire exits etc
- Individuals loitering outside or inside premises for an
extended period of time for no apparent reason (taking notes,
watching people enter or exit etc)
- Individuals requesting unusual detailed information relating to
conference facilities, i.e. layout of rooms, parking and security
arrangements
- Individuals bringing (or attempting to take) unusual packages
into premises
- Discovery of unattended packages
- Suspicious behaviour by an individual attempting to enter
premises, e.g. subject is alone, nervous, perspiring, inappropriate
clothing etc
- Unusual occurrences, e.g. members of the public found in areas
normally off-limits to patrons, particularly in parts of the
building allowing access to heating and ventilation and
air-conditioning systems or other plant systems
- Evidence of tampering to plant systems
- Discovery of unknown odours or substances, oil-based stains or
other flammable material.
What to do if you suspect hostile
reconnaissance?
- Contact the police using the emergency 999 number.