Espionage for Authors - PT. 1

This series of indeterminate length will focus on unclassified aspects of espionage that can be incorporated into novels. It is based on actual training provided in the security industry, and will help make your characters and settings believable. Not an exhaustive listing, there are many other tactics that can be employed.

Part One: Detecting Non-Electronic Surveillance

On Foot Alone

(1) Turn a corner and stop. Observe who passes into view.

(2) Sit in a restaurant or bar at a window where you can observe the entrance or any location where you can face the entrance.

(3) Pause to "window shop," observing any reflections. This can be done to an extent using such reflective items as chrome fenders on cars.

(4) The "Local Yokel." Stop a local and ask for directions to a place you just passed, meanwhile watching for anyone paying close attention.

(4) "Accidentally" drop anything that might attract the attention of a potential "tail."

On Foot or Vehicular with Support

(1) Have an accomplice "convoy" a short distance behind.

(2) Have an accomplice maintain a fixed position at a critical point on your route.

Vehicular Alone

(1) Make effective use of rearview/sideview mirrors for any potential "tail."

(2) In conjunction with (1), vary your speed or make unexpected lane changes.

(3) Shift from light to heavy traffic.

(4) Enter dead-end streets (whether to use this method depends upon whether you anticipate a confrontation of hasty retreat by your "tail").

(5) Break the law (keep in mind, this is a risky maneuver that normally would be restricted to intelligence operations).

(6) Make three consecutive turns in the same direction. The odds of someone behind you just "happening" to make the same turns are slim to none. The action legally constitutes stalking.

(7) Make "Y" or "J" turns.

(8) Parallel park, then pull away.

Next post - Part Two: Evading Surveillance