Espionage for Authors - Pt. 4

CAVEAT: These articles are for fiction writing purposes only, and is not to be used for any unlawful purposes.

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 Four: Planning a Surveillance Operation

Liaison with other Agencies:

(1) Avoid duplicated efforts -- two or more agencies with the same operation.

(2) Avoid hindrances -- one agency interfering with the operations of another.

Personnel Characteristics:

(1) Patience. A surveillance operation may take a long time, involving periods of rapid movement and periods of mind-numbing staying in place.

(2) Physical stamina. The operator must be able to keep up with the "rabbit."

(3) A solid memory.

(4) Resourcefulness. The operator must be able to land running and think on his feet.

(5) Experience. A green operative can rapidly mess up a good operation.

(6) Unobtrusive. The operative should not stand out in a crowd. Disguises can only carry a person so far.

(7) Ability to read maps. When tailing a "rabbit," one of the last things wanted is to have to peel off other operatives to locate a lost sheep.

(8) Area knowledge. See (7) above.

(9) Alert.

Establish lines of command and control.

Establish lines of communication. Primary, alternate and emergency

Coordinate technical intelligence. What equipment is needed, and are operators well-versed in their application?

Set up teams.

Brief operators. Minimize unwelcome "surprises" and focus on having the team work together as a unit. [NOTE: Mine in Germany worked so well that on most operations none had to puzzle over what would be the next move of the others.]

Reports. Ensure operators know the part each will play in oral and written reports.

Area Study. The team will need:

(1) Accurate and current maps

(2) Knowledge of available transportation (bus lines, cabs, etc.)

(3) Population knowledge (customs, ethnic distribution, size, languages, religions, etc.)

(4) Laws existent within the jurisdiction (and which and whether enforced)

(5) Traffic patterns

(6) Topography (elevation, any features that may differ between maps and actual)

(7) Zoning

(8) Weather conditions and forecast. [NOTE: Voice of experience -- to be improperly dressed or protected can at best make the operation a very unpleasant experience.]

(9) Prior reconnaissance of anticipated routes

Vehicular requirements -- general. [NOTE: No fewer than two operatives per vehicle!]

(1) Must be 100% appropriate to the mission and the surroundings

(2) Must have no distinctive features that would make it easy to identify or attract undue attention

(3) Must be pre-operationally tested on potential routes. Check out all equipment

Good items to have along.

(1) Changes of clothing

(2) Water and food

(3) Toiletry supplies

(4) Materials for recording, note taking, photography, etc.

Subject study.

(1) Habits

(2) Professionalism (Does he have any background that might trip up the operation, such as intelligence or investigative training?)

(3) Detailed Description (Pass out photos if available)

(4) Known Associates

(5) Subject's modes of transport (Especially its horsepower)

(6) Subject's normal daily routine

Rules on Fixed Surveillance.

(1) Never alter the appearance of the site

(2) Never leave the site unattended

(3) Conceal any equipment to be delivered

(4) Maintain the site with a minimum of two operatives

(5) Provide for supplies, concealment, etc.