Preventing a Terrorist Attack: Identify Suspicious Persons

Identifying suspicious persons is very key to preventing a terrorist attack; Keep an eye out for people in the wrong place and wandering aimlessly around. Remember that terrorists shadow their targets before they attack. Be wary of individuals expressing an unusual level of interest in aspects of operations at your workplace, organisation, institution or place of worship. Quite often people casing an area are looking for system vulnerabilities that they could exploit

Who is a suspicious person?

A suspicious person is someone Who is:

• In an unauthorised area
• In the wrong place or appears lost
• Overdressed for the weather conditions
• Loitering and/or watching activities
• Pacing, nervous or jumpy
• Acting in a disorderly manner that alarms or disturbs others
• A repair, utility or delivery person or other "trusted member" who is out of place
• Expressing an unusual level of interest in operations, personnel, equipment or facilities
• On a property without proper identification or uniform
• Playing the “ethnic" card — a tendency to be hyper-sensitive to the slightest hint of abuse and to seek various privileges from it, such as exemption from further questioning or searches 

When you observe someone who is suspicious, based upon his or her location and/or activity, you need to make a mental note of certain characteristics, below are some of those characteristics:

• Eyes: Color, shape, eyelashes and eyebrows;
• Ears: Size, shape; Mouth/Nose:
• Size of lips, shape and nostrils;
• Hair/Facial Hair: Color, length, texture, hairline, clean-shaven, bearded or mustache ;
• Forehead: Skin texture, height;
• Cheeks/Chin: Flesh texture, bone structure, shape, type (cleft, dimpled)
• Neck: Adam's apple, hanging jowls, length, width
• Complexion: Skin, color, texture, pores, pockmarks, acne, rashes, scars, birthmarks, bumps
• Body Shape/Size: Height, weight, build; Hat: Color, style
• Jewelry: Rings, watches, bracelets, earrings, necklaces, body piercing
• Shirt/Blouse/Dress: Color, pattern, design, sleeves, collar
• Coat: Color, style, length
• Trousers/Skirt: Color, pattern, design, length, cuffs
• Socks/Shoes: Color, pattern, style, clean/dirty
• Oddities/Tattoos: Shape, size, color, location on body
• General Appearance: Neat, sloppy, clean, dirty
• Accessories: Purses, briefcases, backpacks, packages

​Be Safe!