This week we discuss the differences between anti and counter-surveillance and how customers can benefit from the Summis Global Anti-Surveillance & Counter-Surveillance Training courses.
Definitions
First, let’s define anti-surveillance and counter-surveillance then explore the differences between the two, how they can be performed and how they might be applied, depending on the objectives and intended outcomes.
“Anti-Surveillance is an activity carried out by a single person using specifically designed routes, tradecraft and tactics for the purpose of detecting the presence of surveillance teams and/or identifying surveillance operatives.”
“Counter-Surveillance is an activity carried out by a team of operatives, using pre-arranged and specifically designed routes, for the purpose of detecting the presence of surveillance teams and/or identifying surveillance operatives.”
Differences
The primary differences between the two is the abilities, training and experience of the person under surveillance and the resources available to them.
Conducting effective anti-surveillance is demanding on the individual, it requires a good memory, the ability to log events covertly, and good working knowledge of anti-surveillance and surveillance principles and tradecraft. It will require some recording kit and equipment, for making notes and taking images or videos covertly. It also requires planning and reconnaissance of routes, all of which can be stressful for the untrained person, especially if the task they will be carrying out after performing the anti-surveillance is in itself stressful and difficult.
Counter-surveillance, however, puts the operational stress onto a team of trained individuals whose sole objective is to assess whether the individual they are supporting is under surveillance or not. The individual has only to make sure they walk the correct route, enabling them to remain relaxed and focussed on the activity they are hoping to carry out once they have been cleared by their team.
Application
If you are concerned about your safety or security in your personal or professional life then anti-surveillance and counter-surveillance training can form a part of the solution to protect you and provide you with peace of mind. It should be considered alongside your online and cyber security and the physical security of the premises you live at, work in and visit.
Anti-surveillance training will enable you to better assess your personal security, and counter-surveillance training will enable you to do the same for others and also provide you with an understanding of how your security team will conduct a counter-surveillance operation.
When conducting training for a security team we often suggest that one of the principles that the security team will be providing counter to, acts as the principle on the final exercise stage of their course, so that everyone involved understands the process better and they can learn from development areas together. It also has the secondary benefit of enabling the principal to go through the process of being briefed on a route and then being able to follow that route without making it obvious to any potential surveillance.
Actions on Identifying Surveillance
Next time we will look into the courses of action available to you if your anti-surveillance or counter-surveillance detects the presence of surveillance behind you.
