RECONNAISSANCE

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Intended Learning Outcome: By the end of the session trainees will be able to:

1. Explain the purpose of reconnaissance

2. Describe issues to be considered when conducting a reconnaissance

3. Describe the role of a security advance party

4. Conduct a reconnaissance

5. Describe the difference between a covert and overt reconnaissance.

AIM: To discuss the purpose of and carry out reconnaissance.

National Occupational Standards:

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PCP 1

PCP 2

Principals

PCP 5 (SLP2)

PCP 12

Asses levels of threats, vulnerabilities & risks to Principals

Plan and prepare to minimise threats, vulnerabilities and risk to

Communicate effectively in the workplace

Maintain personal security awareness

Employment NTO

SAS 8

UNIT 6

Use IT to support own role

Work effectively with other agencies.

RECONNAISSANCE

“Time Spent on Reconnaissance is Seldom Wasted”

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The Purpose of Reconnaissance

The reasons for taking time to carry out reconnaissance are

many. Obviously, we want to know the way to go. We

might want to know how long a move is going to take. We

want to know how vulnerable we are to particular types of

attack on particular routes

Route recces are always carried out with a very low profile

and as covertly as possible. Anti-surveillance drills should

always be exercised to ensure that you are not being

followed. Any terrorist or criminal that realises you are

carrying out a recce will know the route that your Principal

will be taking and will have an opportunity to surprise you

on it! If the move is important and considered high risk,

then several different routes MUST be looked at.

Route Reconnaissance

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Purpose:

To ensure the safety of the Principal whilst in transit

between two locations

The Threat:

Statistically evidence shows your Principal is at high risk when in

transit. Over 50% of kidnappings and assassinations occur in or

near the victim’s vehicle and this is usually near his home or place

of work. All kidnappers/assassins carry out surveillance of their

targets prior to attack.

Stage 1: - Route selection

Carry out map appreciation of the area; consider

computerised route selection. Always select if possible the

fastest, safest route. Always select alternative and escape

routes

Stage 2: - The Recce

Drive the whole length of the route to the venue. Drive as if

you had the Principal with you. Time the route carefully and

the exact mileage covered. Attempt to perform the Recce at a

similar time and day of the actual journey proposed.

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Stage 3: - Planning stage

Complete the linear route cards. Highlight vulnerable points

and the exact location of embus and debus points

Danger Areas / Vulnerable Points (VP’s):

1. Junctions, roundabouts, bends

2. Built up areas; high volume of pedestrians

3. Radio/mobile phone black spots

4. Road works / Diversions

5. Traffic queues

6. Areas with no street lighting

7. Narrow roads / Bridges

8. Accident black spots.

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Pre-Recce Requirements:

1.Always vary routes and timings

2.Never treat a journey as routine

3.Always carry up to date maps of the area

4.Plan alternative routes – escape route

5.Know the places of safety in the area –

6.Police stations fire ambulance stations hospitals

7.Select the safest route, not the shortest

8.Drive at the maximum speed that the road conditions allow.

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9.Check the weather forecast

10.Check the location of public telephones coin/card operated

11.Recovery service telephone numbers

12.Try to Recce the route at a similar time and day to when

the actual journey is proposed

13.Low profile – covert always

14.Car windows must not be opened more than one inch

15.Ensure that vehicle doors are locked at all times

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Route Checklist:

1.Date and time route will be travelled

2. Distance to be covered

3. Driving time based on advance team travelling the route.

4.Mark factories, offices, schools and other buildings that

increase traffic at certain times during the day

5. Locations of police stations

6. Locations of hospitals with emergency centres.

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7. Locations of overpasses

8. Locations of bridges

9. Locations of tunnels

10. Points where road construction may cause slowdowns

11. Other traffic choke points

12. If an official motorcade, note whether police can control

traffic lights to speed progress.

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13.Note any parades or other events scheduled that will

affect traffic

14. One-way streets and the direction of their flow

15. Wooded areas including parks

16.Buildings that offer particularly good shooting positions

for snipers

17.Mark particularly dangerous sites for a command

detonated explosive device

18. Pedestrian areas, especially where crowds are likely

19. Communication dead zones.

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20.Areas where loud noises may occur, especially if they

could be mistaken for gunfire or explosions

21. Note potential alternate routes at critical points

22. Note speed limits

23.Will a local Police Officer or Officers be assigned to a

motorcade?

24. How many cars will comprise the VIP motorcade?

25. Are several cars of the same type available?

26. Mark entrance to be used at destination.

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If a map generation program is used or an overlay added to

a standard street map, it might be useful to colour-code the

route, alternate routes and other key features

NB:

A route checklist is most effective if it is prepared in

conjunction with a map upon which features may be

marked. Computer programs now allow the generation of

maps, to which comments, alternate routes and potential

problem areas may be added.

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THE LINEAR ROUTE RECCE CARD

Venue on left –

Dobbins Bar

Antrim Hospital – 2.5km

Antrim Police Station – 2km

2nd exit

Straight over at traffic lights

Delta 3

Turn turn at lights –

8.2km 2nd exit

Glengormly junction

2nd exit

High Ground – 3.6 – 3.9km Delta 2 – Cottage

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Venu

e

Residence

VENUE: POINTS TO CONSIDER

1. What security is in place at the venue, if any?

2. Is the venue overlooked by other buildings or connected to

another building

3. Establish safest location for embus/debus points.

4. Establish fire muster points/escape routes and location of

extinguishers

5. Arrange secure area for parking vehicles.

6. Scrutinize any guest list

7. Draw plan of building, including all entrances and exits.

8. Principal seating must be in a safe position: away from

windows, exits and toilets

9. Check communications when inside venue.

10. What bomb threat procedure is in place?.

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CLOSE PROTECTION – ORDERS FOR A

RECONNAISSANCE

It is the responsibility of the Close Protection T L to ensure

that whoever is nominated to carry out the reconnaissance

completes the report in accordance with this checklist and

attaches any relevant imagery sketches, diagrams and voice

or video recordings. (Do not video any military establishments

under any circumstances). These can be used by the Team

Leader when planning his operations

Comprehensive information should be obtained with

regard to the following:.

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The Site / Venue

1.Full address

2.Map reference

3.GPS Reading

4.Any relevant Phone numbers

Function:

1.Location

2.Security

3.Contact Telephone number.

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Arrival

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1.Exact arrival point

2.Alternatives

3.Timings

4.Who met by

Physical Layout of Site/Building

1.All entrances and exits

2.Number of floors

3.Stairways

4.Lifts (including capacity & service details)

5.Any particular vulnerable points or open doors etc.

6.Can easy access be gained from the roof area? Can ahelicopter land on it?.

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Vehicle Parking

1.Locate car park

2.What security is present?

3.Are there V.I.P parking areas and are they secure

4.What facilities for drivers

Client facilities

What facilities are available for the Client, e.g. Private room, washing

area?

Client Routes within the Building

1.Exact route

2.Alternatives

3.Rooms/areas to be secured on route if any.

Refreshments

1.Will the Client be eating and drinking on site?

2.Food preparation area

3.Arrangements for Close Protection Operatives and

security detail

4.Timings

Media

1.Will the TV or press be present?

2.Are there any access limits?

3.Obtain samples of any IDs that may be used.

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Details of Other Persons To Be Present On Site/Function

1.Any other Close Protection Teams?

2.Police/Security

3.Guest List.

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Security Liaison

1.Who is in charge?

2.Is there any military present?

3.Will they co-operate with you?

4.Bomb and UXO searches

5.Contact details of the security team commander

e.g.Telephone/Fax/Radio

6.Radio frequencies

7.I.D Badges/Passes.

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Medical Arrangements

1.Address and phone numbers of the nearest medical

facility, Hospital, Military Base, Team medic required.

2.Will a doctor be on site

3.Any first aid equipment on site.

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Emergency Evacuation and RVs

1.Primary routes out

2.Secondary routes out

3.Allocate an emergency RV

4.Allocate Safe havens in or around the area

Fire plan

1.Locate all fire exits

2.Extinguishers/location and type

3. Check Any alarm system

4.Location of nearest fire station.

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Specialist Needs

1.Will we need any special equipment, e.g. torches, search

equipment etc

2.Is there a planned programme of events? Timings etc

available

3.Profile: High or Low

Communications

1.Details of all forms of communications to be used, i.e.

Telephone/Sat phone/fax/e-mail/ radio channels / hand

signals.

2.Test Radio. “Dead Spots”.

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Overnight Stay in a Hotel

1.Contact Manger/booking office, make booking etc

2.Liaise with Hotel security

3.Select rooms to be used if possible

4.Arrange for any searches EOD etc

5.Select Operations room and rest room

6.Description and physical Layout of Hotel as outlined

above, i.e. entrances, exits, parking etc

7.What key security systems are in use, key access?.

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8. Check for underground shelter

9. Nearest medical facility

10. Escape routes and RV points

11. Ideal security locations for your Residence Security

teams

12. Weapons storage and rules within the hotel

13. Is an Elevator override system in place to enable VIP’s

to bypass all other floors?.

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PUBLIC ACCESS AREAS

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Public Functions

When a Principal attends a function for which publicity has been given in

advance that they are at risk. When crossing pavements, to enter

buildings from cars, they are particularly vulnerable. Most assassinations

have been carried out at a range of less than 10 feet with a hand

weapon

Where possible, arrangements should be made for the public to be held

back by security at a safe distance on both sides of the Principal.

Coverage should be given to surrounding buildings and overlooking

windows

Public Meetings

Early liaison should be made with stewards responsible for order at such

meetings. Protection officers will need strategic positions whilst the

Principal is on the platform.

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Restaurants

Restaurants are public places and planning must take account of

this in the following way:

1.Seating arrangements should be made in advance, to afford

where possible a commanding view of the restaurant and doors

2.CPO’s eating should stay one course ahead of the Principal,

arranging to finish before him and settling the bill in good time;

consideration should be given to using credit or charge cards

3.Officers should not sit at the Principal’s table unless invited to do

so

4.No Close Protection Officer carrying a loaded firearm (outside

the UK) will not drink alcohol.

Dinners

It is usual to make arrangements with organisers for the

Close Protection Officer(s) to be seated near the Principal,

in a position to observe the doors and windows

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Shops and Department Stores

Plans for visits to shops and department stores for private

shopping purposes should be based on the following:

1.No prior warning of a visit if possible

2.Close Protection Officers should stay as close as possible

to the Principal at counters, in lifts, and in crowded areas

3.Prior notice to security staff should only be given if they

can be trusted and are unlikely to seek publicity from the

visit.

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Theatres and Cinemas, etc

Private or public visits to places of entertainment, where the

Client will be seated in an audience, require special

planning. Arrangements should be made to sit behind the

Principal, and at the end of the row in which the Principal is

seated. If drinks are required in the interval, arrangements

should be made beforehand and if possible arrange for a

private room. All Close Protection Officers must carry

torches.

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WHAT THEY “NEED TO KNOW”

Building Security

The Principals of searching apply to all building security. Ensure that all

persons involved in the protection are properly briefed

Clients Home

Where security is required at the home of the Principal, check occupants

of neighbouring houses, unoccupied premises and those under repair,

giving a view of the Principal’s house and garden. Note access points to

the home and its alarm system and ensure street lighting is maintained

or altered as appropriate

Become acquainted with all persons who call or work at the home,

e.g. cleaners, milkman, postman, etc. Is the Client aware of the

procedures for dealing with suspicious mail or deliveries?

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Clients Office

Make sure you have excellent liaison with security officers,

telephonists, receptionists and key personnel. Ensure proper

arrangements for checking post, handling telephone calls and

instructions to staff in emergency telephone procedures

Get plans and become familiar with the layout of the building.

Install a silent alarm between the Secretary and the VIP. Ensure

Embus & Debus points are not looked down on and vehicles are

to be secured or garaged

Security of Information: -

“All information regarding protection, particularly threat

intelligence, should be secure”.

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THE SECURITY ADVANCE PARTY (SAP)

The Security Advance Party (SAP) may find themselves

working months in advance of the Principal’s visit, scouting

for the most secure hotels or houses to rent, planning routes

and gathering local intelligence

They may also find themselves just a few minutes ahead of

the Principal, checking routes to the Principal’s destination

and giving the BG real time traffic reports. They might then

carry out covert searches and ‘quick looks’ of the venue,

ensuring that all is OK before the Principal arrives.

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The SAP need to be experts at maintaining a low profile, as

their position frequently demands it. They need to be skilled

in anti-surveillance techniques because if they are followed,

this will give vital information to the terrorist or criminal about

the Principal’s planned movements

They should be trained in building search techniques and be

able to do this quickly and effectively, both overtly and

covertly. The skill of discretely checking out a venue, like a

restaurant or bar, without letting anyone know what you are

up to, while knowing that you haven’t been followed, takes

considerable skill, experience and no little confidence.

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They need to have excellent communication and navigational skills as

they may often have to liaise with others, such as hotel security or the

police, whilst also having the ability to change route and navigate at a

moment’s notice. They must keep completely up to date with the current

Threat Assessment as this will dictate the type of ‘Advance’work they

carry out

Playing Leapfrog

The SAP will often travel the same route as the Principal and will

therefore need to be extremely vigilant on route with regard to

surveillance. Should an enemy recognise them for what they are, they

could compromise the route or the venue

Incidentally, it is easier than you may think to identify a SAP or security

team if you know what you are looking for. Just try walking around

Harrods and marvel at the amount of CP Teams walking around trying

not to look obvious and you will see what I

mean!

Time and Route Travelled

Route recce’s and time are of major importance. They must leave

enough time to be able to check the route and search the venue

before the Principal arrives. It is better to be early than late, but

not too early as it is best to travel the route as close as possible to

the one travelled by the Principal so you can pass on any

concerns to the BG such as any new Vulnerable Points (VP’s)

Action on Route

While carrying out anti-surveillance drills, you must also be

monitoring the route for problems that may befall the Principal, i.e.

Choke-Points caused by; traffic accidents, which cause tailbacks,

road works, and the sort of things that were not there when the

recce was done which constitute a Vulnerable Point (VP). You

must also remember that you should continually look for

suspicious persons or vehicles. Anything noted must be relayed

back to the BG or your Team Leader.

“IF IN DOUBT CALL IT IN”

Action at a Venue

At the venue, you are still as covert as possible so as not to

draw undue attention to yourself or tip off an observer that

your VIP is arriving. A thorough check of the outside of the

venue is the first priority. Suspect packages, parked cars and

snipe points must be all considered

If you are not being covert and are carrying out thorough,

overtly searches such as you might for your Principal’s

business Annual General Meeting (AGM), or you are working

at a property in which you are known, or owned by your

Principal, etc., then the searches are going to be carried out

in much more detail than is possible when you are covert.

Searching inside the venue has to be methodical and a

system set up to ensure that all areas are searched and no

areas missed. Do not search just the rooms that the Principal

will visit as a bomb in a basement or a room above will still

kill or cause mayhem. Use the RAG system (explained

shortly), and don’t forget that it’s not just bombs you are

looking for! There may be people who want to bug rooms to

listen to everything said, such as the press or commercial

competitors

If the threat dictates that your Principal may be subject to an

attack using explosives then you must consider using a well

trained sniffer dog with a good handler. This is explained

further in the Search Procedures chapter.

When the search is finished

Once you have searched a room, you must ensure that it stays

clear, so either lock it or have someone guard it. If, after you have

searched a room, you are asked by the police, security, or

organisers whether the room is clear, DO NOT SAY YES

Never make such a bold statement such as ‘This room is clear’.

You just state that you have ‘SEARCHED AND FOUND

NOTHING’

Should anything suspicious arouse your attention, your first action

should be to look after your own safety. Carry out the 4C’s

(explained in Search Procedures chapter). The last thing you need

is for the Principal to arrive among the mayhem, so you should inform the

BG or TL ASAP.

Further duties of the SAP

The SAP will generally stay in position until the VIP arrives.

Then, depending on the brief, they may stay and provide

perimeter security, backing up the PES, or they may have to

get to the next venue of the VIP to start the whole process

again!.

SECURITY ADVANCE PARTY (S.A.P) CHECK LIST

Preliminary Sight Survey

1.Name and address of location

2.Exact arrival point of Principal

3.Who will be there to meet the Principal and escort him/her

throughout the visit and where will they meet the

Principal?

4.Where will the Principal go on entering the building?

5.How many floors have the building?.

6.Is there a lift and who services it?

7.Number of rooms to be secured on Principals route

8.How many people will the room hold for an event?

9.Where is the nearest rest room for the Principal?

10.Where are the nearest toilets male & female?

11.Where is the nearest phone for the Principal?.

12. What fire precautions exist? Location of fire

extinguishers, fire escape? Is there a fire alarm system in

the building and where are the nearest fire station and its

phone no?

13.Is there a doctor at the venue and what is his name?

14. Where are the nearest hospital and its phone no?

15.Where is the nearest police station and its phone

number

16. What is the primary and secondary evacuation route?

17. What is the full duration of their visit?.

18.Other security agencies in the area to provide these

services

19. Other escort sections

20. Will there be press coverage?

21. Where will the vehicles be parked

22. Total mileage

23. Communication black spots.

Movement by train and plane

1.Secure areas for press and public

2.Arrange aircraft security and refuelling area

3.Select Parking area for Principal

4.Brief emergency services and departments

5.Meet with manager of terminal

6.Additional information

7.Passport/visa

8.Booking in area

9.Baggage.

Planning considerations for movement on foot

1.Is the movement formal or informal

2.Is the route or time predictable

3.Is the route the shortest possible

4.Does it provide minimum exposure

5.Is there an alternative route available

6.What are the danger areas

7.What is the best evacuation route.

8.Is there a safe or secure area available

9.Where is the nearest medical point and shortest route

10. Are there any physical hazards such as bad footing or

places under construction

11. What support is required/available from other services

12. Are extra personnel required for crowd control

13.Possibly place security personnel strategically along the

route S.A.P Team.

Equipment

1.Maps & photographs

2.I.D Cards / Pen & paper

3.Head torch / Stopwatch / Binoculars

4.Camera / Tape recorder

The SAP team need to keep themselves on top of the Threat Assessments

so that they know what they are looking for. They should always strive to be

low profile and be able to blend into most places. They should also be

skilled in both overt and covert search techniques

The SAP duties are extremely important to any operation, even though

many feel that the job lacks the ‘glamour ’ of the BG or PES. However, it

cannot be stressed enough that a vigilant SAP could easily save the life of

the VIP. And anyway, if a CPO is in the job for the glamour, then he is in the

wrong business!.

COVERT AND OVERT RECONNAISSANCE

COVERT

Covert reconnaissance is conducted when the treat is high

and the profile is low i.e. undercover filming

No one needs to know of the pending visit and all details are

recorded covertly there are inherent problems with this that

you will gain limited information due to the fact that you

cannot meet with security staff, Hotel managers, to ascertain

what security measures they have in place.

OVERT

Overt reconnaissance is conducted at high profile venues

such as the Oscars or when your Principal would like to

inform everyone of his pending visit. You are able to meet

with all other CP teams and security officers and ask

questions with regard to your Principal’s protection during

any visit

NB: Students will all conduct both Covert and Overt Route

and Venue Recce’s and produce reports accordingly.

SUMMARY

“TIME SPENT ON

RECONNAISSANCE

IS SELDOM

WASTED!”.

QUESTIONS?