action scouting

Scouting 101

• scout    (skout)v. scout· ed, scout· ing, scouts 1. To spy on or explore carefully in order to obtain information2. To observe and evaluate

n.1. a. One that is dispatched from a main body to gather information, especially in preparation for military action.

Agenda• Why scout?• Type of Scout• Pre-scout research• Target assessment• Scouting Objectives• Site layout• The Spiral Approach• Indirect vs Direct• Safety• Information Security• Field exercise• Report back• Wrap Up

Why?

• To make sure the Action Concept is realistic• To come up with a better Action Concept• Check on risks involved• Be able to prepare the right materials and

equipment needed for the Action

Type of scout

• Foundation scout– To acquire basic information for Action

• Technical scout– Specific information for a chosen Action scenario

(measurements, access, etc)

Pre-scout research

• Identify list of good sites• Local maps• Weather• Nearby services

• Internet cafes• Food• Accommodations• Public Washrooms• Emergency Services

Target Assessment

• Are they already aware of you• Have other groups targeted them before• What else might they be worried about• What kind of security is likely• Access• Location• Neighbors

Targets main concerns

• Thieves• Vandals• Parking control• Loitering• Industrial spies• Terrorists• Hunters/anglers

Likely Security

• Will they have their own dedicated team• Occasional drive by visits from security/police• Extra security because for upcoming event• Will employees be suspicious

Public Access

• None – Industrial facilities• Occasional – theatres, stadiums, convention

centres• Always – public monuments, bridges, hotels• Limited – tourist attractions, government

buildings, stores

Location

• Remote and far from you– Need good cover story for curious locals, motel

owners, etc– Be totally prepared

• High traffic area near you– Look at it often – Vary times of day

Neighbors

• May result in higher security presence (embassies, banks, schools, etc)

• Can be good resources– Rooftops– Alibis– Knowledge

Scouting Objectives• General

– Property access (without damaging anything)• Fences, loading bays, other buildings

– Location• orientation, weather

– Personnel• employees, security, etc

– Cameras• How many, locations, who is watching, motion triggered

– Car and foot traffic– Media

• Do they have access• Is THE picture important to your action

Scouting Objectives

• Specific– Access for Climbing

• Stairs, fire escapes, flagpoles, other buildings– Routes to blockade

• Gates, doors, elevators, loading bays, train tracks, etc

Site layout

• Draw a map– Where is _____ located?

• Cameras• Fire exits• Security

• Take measurements– Know your pace/steps– String– Your height/arm span

The Spiral Approach

Indirect Scouting

• The World Wide Web– Google Earth– Google maps (street view)– News Articles

• Other groups (that you trust)• Library• Topo maps (current)• The phone – maybe not your work phone• Employees

Direct Scouting

• In person• The Actor in you

Materials

• What to bring– Blank Notebook with pencil*– CAMERA– Measuring device– Smart Phone*

• What to leave at home– Pocket knife or anything that could be considered a weapon– Illegal drugs– Brainstorm Notes

Before you go

• What do you look like• Do you fit in• Hiding in plain site • Secret Agent• What are they going to remember about you• Props• Are you prepared to get caught

What do you look like

• Are they profiling for you• Are you remarkable

Do you fit in

• What do the other folks look like– Age– Sex– Race– Attire

• Are you in the right place at the right time– Shift change– Coffee breaks

Hiding in plain site

• Going where you are not allowed with a plausible explanation

• Higher risk of being questioned but lower risk of alarming anyone

Secret Agent

• Lower risk of getting caught but they will be alarmed

• Need an escape route and a buddy• Need a plausible explanation of why you are

there– Still might get in trouble– Hide the reason you are actually there

Remember me?

• Man in the red jacket• Changing clothes during the scout

Props

• Clip board• Hard hats• Brief case• ID cards• Field guides

– Have at least a beginner’s knowledge base

The Carpenter The Media The Delegate

Prepare to get caught

• The Actor in you– Plausible explanation for why you are there

• Lost• Smoker• Lovers (need at least two people)• Lost dog

• Don’t give up too much– Ask your own questions first– “Answer” your cell phone

Safety• Avoid scouting alone• Scout with the safety of the Action in mind

– Choke points– Emergency exits– Escape routes

• REMEMBER: Information is never worth personal injury

• Take a first aid kit (most important for remote)• Inform someone of your trip and schedule

check in times

Information Security

• If storing information on your computer use an encryption program– Trucrypt– Eraser

• If you have printed or written information– Destroy as soon as feasibly possible– Don’t take it with you to the Action

• Password protect your phone/computer

Field exercise

Scenario

There is meeting scheduled in Toronto which the group you are affiliated with wants to disrupt. There are two possible locations for this meeting.

Target

• Group 1– Park Hyatt Hotel, 4 Avenue Road, Toronto

• Group 2– Holiday Inn, 280 Bloor Street West, Toronto

Scout Objectives

• Find out how many rooms the hotel can accommodate

• Find out if there is event/meeting space in the hotel– Size of room– Capacity– Location in hotel

• Map out the public and employee entrances/exits

Objectives continued

• Is there in-house catering?• Try to see a room• Parking – outside or underground?• Anything else you feel is relevant