Surveillance and Counter Surveillance Essay Example
Surveillance and Counter Surveillance Essay Example

Surveillance and Counter Surveillance Essay Example

Available Only on StudyHippo
  • Pages: 2 (542 words)
  • Published: September 15, 2021
View Entire Sample
Text preview

The planning process of terrorists can be seen as an attack cycle, making the attackers more susceptible to detection at different stages. Inadequate surveillance during this cycle exposes the attackers to a higher risk of being detected, according to Ball & Webster (2003). Therefore, surveillance plays a crucial role in the planning process.

The paper discusses the vital role of surveillance and counter surveillance strategies in terrorist operations. It highlights the contrasting functions of these strategies and explores organizations that commonly employ them. Terrorists rely on principles such as maintaining secrecy within their group and preventing infiltration to ensure their survival.

Operational security measures, including severe penalties for betrayal and minimizing the extent of damage, are crucial in ensuring the success of terrorist attacks (Ball & Webster, 2003). To effectively conduct surveillance, terrorists employ functional specialization, with specific groups dedicated to recruitment, t

...

raining, intelligence gathering, and logistical planning. Finance and propaganda play significant roles in facilitating the operations of terrorist movements. Surveillance involves closely monitoring potential targets.

Surveillance is an essential component of the overall terrorist planning process. Its purpose is to evaluate the importance, security measures, and vulnerabilities of potential targets (Funk, 2007). The internet is now a primary tool for conducting surveillance, particularly when the target is on the move. It allows terrorists to easily identify locations and determine the positions of guards for their convenience. The duration of surveillance varies depending on the specific operation.

Complex operations involving multiple targets and teams necessitate increased surveillance and planning. Even small-scale operations require some level of surveillance from terrorist planners. Many European Marxist terrorists employ sophisticated surveillance tactics learned from the KBG. The mastery of surveillance lies

View entire sample
Join StudyHippo to see entire essay

in observing and analyzing demeanor.

Maintaining a good demeanor might require terrorists to act against human nature (Funk, 2007). The fundamental concept of surveillance involves discreetly monitoring a target or individual without being detected. Counter surveillance and its detection are typically performed by counter intelligence agencies, aiming to identify and counteract terrorist surveillance activities. In the United States, various principles, such as TEDD, are employed to effectively counter surveillance.

This passage discusses the relevance of time, environment, distance, and demeanor in understanding attacks and counter surveillance (Monahan, 2006). The concept of Time, Environment, Distance, and Demeanor (TEDD) can be utilized to analyze both large-scale attacks and personal assaults. Counter surveillance plays a vital role in identifying attacks and terrorist activities. It is worth noting that demeanor is a crucial aspect in all types of attacks, while distance may not be a significant factor in certain cases, such as car attacks.

The surveillance and counter surveillance functions both require time and intelligence. The surveillance group and the counter intelligence group are both at risk of being detected, so skilled manpower is necessary. An analysis of the TEDD principles is required for counter surveillance personnel. Those planning terrorist attacks often employ KBG tactics to achieve success (Monahan, 2006). In contrast, counter surveillance is more advanced than surveillance. It requires more skills compared to surveillance, where terrorists only need to hide from the target.

Terrorist organizations like al Qaeda and ISIS frequently employ surveillance strategies, while governments utilize counter surveillance techniques to combat terrorism and minimize the risk of attacks. For instance, the US government employs the TEDD principle as a counterterrorism measure.

Get an explanation on any task
Get unstuck with the help of our AI assistant in seconds
New