Today, we would like to analyze a very important skill for EP agents that is not being addressed or taught in EP schools but is extremely crucial. Presently, as we have all seen, there is a lot of talk about prevention and proactive measures but less talk or, none at all, regarding what it takes to actually prevent a situation and how one can train to improve these skills. For an agent to be able to prevent a situation, he/she will need to have sharp observation skills.
Observation is part of human nature and, as a protective measure, has been practiced by our ancestors for survival, but as we are living in big cities and in a world more dependent on technology, many have lost their observational skills and/or become desensitized.
In his book, The Gift of Fear, Gavin de Becker wrote in 1997 about the importance of educating security professionals on being more observant. Later, in 2007, Joe Navarro wrote in his book that whoever doesn’t have the skills to observe properly will not be able to ‘’read’’ the person he/she has in front of him.
Andreas Venetis, who had been studying the application of body language for decades, conducted his own research on how security professionals can highly benefit by applying body language techniques. He wrote regarding these techniques in his thesis,” The contribution of body language in dealing with terrorism and crime: A comparative analysis of international cases” which is also included in the National Library of Police in London. He uses many case studies and examples from which one can gain substantial knowledge.
Why is observation so important?
First, we must clarify that observing is significantly different from seeing. Just because you see something or someone doesn’t mean you observe it or them. Observation is a cooperative mental blending of visual and thought processes. The difference between seeing and observing can be crucial for a security detail. Being able to observe properly, one will be capable of identifying any early risk exposures and thus take appropriate safety measures.
Having good observational skills means you know what to look for and the how, when, and where to look and then interpret properly what you see according to your position and client. No matter how much visual information you have, it means nothing if you don’t know what you are seeing. If you cannot make a judgment, a prediction based on what you have just observed and how that can affect the safety (and smooth operation) of your client and your team, then your observation skills are lacking. And, quite often, many newer agents forget that an important aspect to always be mindful of is what you AREN’T seeing. What is missing from the scene they are observing, perhaps certain aspects of behavior missing, lack of street or local traffic, or cultural/customary expectations that are strangely absent.
Another thought is to always be mindful of the day or date. Some events or behaviors you expect will not be present on certain days, whereas others that are restricted or observed only on certain days or times will be an awkward surprise if you are not properly prepared or informed.
Good observational skills can help you not only in identifying suspicious people and behaviors but also can help you in these examples:
Problem-Solving
Being the problem-solver or troubleshooter everyone appreciates, starts with identifying the source of the problem in the early stages and then taking the correct action to solve it.
Critical Thinking
Critical thinking is the analysis of available facts, evidence, observations, and arguments to form a judgment. And, the ability to think critically often relies on observation skills to accurately realize and comprehend what is happening around us.
Interpersonal Intelligence
The ability to understand and interact effectively with others (public, team members, clients) and, again, observation is the key component because of the need to monitor others’ behaviors.
But how can one learn how to observe properly?
We can likely agree that society has taught us to pay attention to and observe others in the wrong way—or even not at all. In everyday life, we are often encouraged to look away from the world around us and focus instead on the small screens in front of us. We should strive to stay in a heads-up position, paying close attention to everything happening in real time around us.
We, as humans, focus too much on facial characteristics rather than hands. If you are a security professional, hands should be the first thing you are observing. Is the person holding anything that can be used as a weapon? Is the person holding something that is unusual for the environment, or do the person’s hands look tight or tense? (Making a fist is the first sign of someone who is either under a lot of pressure and trying to maintain self-control or someone who is getting ready to attack in some manner). Also, if you ask women and men to describe what they observe in someone else, women will focus on different characteristics than men. (And yes, sometimes they will give you more detailed descriptions than men!).
Observing properly means that you have a full understanding of your role, your environment, your client’s security needs, and the risk factors and that you can read people and their behaviors based on these. And, as all these factors have the potential to change quickly, you must also be able to ‘’reset’’ your observation and reaction just as quickly. This is the primary reason that these skill sets must be repeatedly and constantly challenged and refreshed because if one requires too much time to think, the critical moment may very well occur before any proactive security measures can be implemented properly and the client/team will then be in jeopardy.
In 2015 I found myself for the first time working in India, a totally different and new world for me. After my driver picked me up from the airport and we were on our way to my apartment, we stopped at a gas station. As the driver was fueling the car, I decided to get out and stretch (after all, I had been flying for many hours). I saw a young woman get off a scooter and stand next to me. What primarily made the ‘’red light’’ go off in my head was the fact she had a backpack (which looked heavy), and she had a full-face scarf. Now, what I didn’t know was that this was a very frequent image for the foggy area of Mumbai, but it wasn’t common for me, so I had to re-train my observation skills according to my new environment.
Observation, like any other skill, can be improved with practice. Start observing people and how they interact with each other. In your daily life, get in the habit of always asking the who, what, when, where, and why’s as you move about, on your way to work on the transit bus/train, at the park, in a coffee shop, in an event, at a town square, etc. What stands out? Why? What DOESN’T stand out? Why not? What belongs? What is missing? The questions will certainly keep your mind busy, but they will definitely begin to sharpen your observation skills and adaptive reactions or solutions to events, people, and things that are happening all around you.
Tips for improving your observation skills:
Know your client, your environment, and your safety risks.
Establish your baseline.
Self-observation (Are you focused on your job, or is your mind wandering?) You drastically lose your awareness as you become increasingly self-absorbed or self-focused. Stay in the moment!
Watch hands, watch hands, WATCH HANDS! Then, body core, face, and legs. Is anyone carrying anything that can be used as a weapon or beginning to gesture a violent movement in your client’s direction?
Less cell phone time.
Focus on the necessary task.
Focus on body language. Body language can be an amazing asset in identifying pre-attack indicators.
Improve your concentration.
Identify and block any distractions.
Less cell phone time.
Pay attention to details or be aware of what might be missing.
Observe how people interact with each other and try to make stories about what is happening among them.
Less cell phone time
Learn more about different environments, cultures, etc.
Keep notes of your observations.
Maintain critical thinking during the observation process.
Put information and people into categories as you notice them.
LESS CELL PHONE TIME. Wait, did we mention that already? This has become the primary reason for the lack of observational skills and continues to numb and desensitize people to all that is occurring around them. You will always have downtime later to look at your phone and wander off into Cyberland. But it is NOT the time when your senses need to be at their most sensitive and when the client needs you most.
Some examples, or signs of unusual behavior:
Inappropriate clothing for the season/time and place circumstances and consideration.
Elegant / strikingly different clothing for the surrounding location.
Jacket/coat during summertime.
Long sleeves that conceal the palms of their hands.
Protrusions in the sleeve, the back, or the chest.
Excessive nervousness /shaking hands /touching the face.
Sweating/flushed.
Involuntary motions.
Apathy/gazing.
Adjusting items under clothing.
Signs of stress: Elevated stress levels can be a good indicator of potential illegal activity
Pacing Fidgeting (Bouncing legs, tapping fingers, playing with an object, rubbing materials).
Swaying or Rocking.
Soothing (repetitive behaviors, OCD behaviors).
Sweating
Leaning
Freezing
Extensive talkativeness.
Cracking Knuckles.
Crossed Arms.
Picking at or Biting Nails.
Playing with hair.
Keep in mind that observation skills are something that you hone over time. Practicing, looking for things out of place, excessive, or even missing, will make you increasingly aware of what does and does not belong, what is normal, or what is out of the ordinary. As you continue to practice these methods, you will find that very little escapes your observational skills, and in time, you will be able to quickly glance and make a lifesaving assessment when moments count.
The Grows
Denida & Chris bring a combined 56 years of international experience in the Protection and Intelligence services. They are based in Seattle, WA, and run their companies LeMareschal, Athena Worldwide, and Nannyguards.
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