Surveillance and Counter Surveillance w/ Tristan Flannery The Mind4Survival Podcast

What comes to mind when you hear the words surveillance and counter-surveillance? It may be images from TV and movies of spies following suspects, or a lurker across the street following the unsuspecting lady, or the guy watching from the booth in the corner of the diner.



But what is real surveillance? And how can we, as preppers, use it to keep ourselves, our family, and our friends safe?



This week's podcast is a throwback episode from the early days of the Mind4Survival Podcast. Brian talks with his good friend and surveillance expert Tristan Flannery.



Tristan was a member of the 2nd Ranger Battalion and spent a decade deployed with the US government running security in the most dangerous places in the world. He has kept some of the most influential people and essential infrastructures safe, and he is a leader in risk management.

What Is Surveillance?

Surveillance is keeping watch over someone or something. It focuses on and studies the regular pattern of people's lives to gather information.



Stalking has become more prevalent in the internet and social media age. Our phones give away our patterns. It's the first thing we touch in the morning, we keep it on us all day, and it's the last thing we touch at night. Be careful what you share.

Surveillance Isn't Just for Spies

Everyone can use the concepts Tristan shares in our everyday lives. You don't need to be a spy or a special operations guru to use surveillance to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.



Protect yourself with situational awareness. Be more deliberate about how you go about your day. Be observant without being observed. Listen to your gut, pay attention to your surroundings, and pay attention to the details. Don't keep your head down on your phone all the time.



If you feel that something doesn't belong or look right, don't dismiss it. Trust your instincts and listen to what your subconscious is trying to tell you. If something feels off, chances are it is. This is your natural fight or flight response working to keep you safe.

Be the Gray Man

Make yourself as unimportant and uninteresting with the most negligible value as possible. Blend in. If you're in a place where everyone is wearing a suit, wear a suit. Don't wear a flannel shirt and torn-up jeans because you will stand out. If everyone is driving a Prius and you're in a jacked-up diesel truck, you will be noticed.



If you're meeting someone, make sure you control the situation.



Always meet at a public place during the daytime, like a coffee shop or a bank.

Make sure you choose the location and consider places with cameras to record the interaction.

Arrive at the meeting place 15 minutes early and watch the area.

If the person you're meeting arrives and they aren't alone, or you have a bad feeling about them, you have the opportunity to drive away.



Don't ever go to someone's house. You have no idea what is waiting for you in there, and it's an environment they control.



Talk with your kids about what they should look for and how they should react if they feel uncomfortable. Discuss some possible scenarios.



We don't want them to hide. We want them to put distance between themselves and the threat. Tell them to make noise and call attention to themselves. Find a person of authority. Work out a safe place for them to go ahead of time, like a store, and ask for help.

What Should I Do if I Think I'm Being Watched?

Pay attention to who is paying attention to you. Continue to behave like you do every day, so the person following you doesn't realize you've figured them out. Let them think they have the advantage.



Call 911 and tell the police where you are, what kind of car it is, and what the person looks like.