Originally Posted by
elephant
When it comes to "don't attract attention"
I have 2 schools of thought.
1.
A retired FBI field agent who worked under the State Dept. who was stationed in Botswana, Angola, Tanzania, Zambia and Mozambique from 1995-2013 said the best way to not bring attention to yourself is to first: Do not interact or make small talk with anyone if you can avoid it, DO NOT dress like you know what you are doing, clothing should be simple-neutral palettes (greys & earth tones- nothing trendy, something that is past and present), DO NOT wander around, Do NOT ask questions that gives anyone the sense that you are somewhere you are not suppose to be or not from around your current location (don't ask for time, bathroom, directions, translation etc), Break cash up into smaller groups of cash, never carry a camera that is visible, keep all communication devices out of sight, always act normal (sit still, stand still, keep arms and hands from moving around), if people approach you- be courteous, but walk away and act busy like you have somewhere to be. At all times, know your surroundings, observe number of people, cars, streets, alleys, etc. If they are minding their own business, so should you.
This was basic advice that was given to a group of missionaries sponsored by Dallas Theological Seminary, about 140 men in total, that were going to build a church/school in Sudan along with a water well and water purification system for locals. They hired officials from State Dept., FBI, and military to help consult along with about 20 language professionals, sociologist, anthropologist and area experts .
2.
TSA, police and several security personnel are trained to be observant of people and look for specific body language, specific indications of possible threats (back packs, sunglasses, hoodies, hats, gloves, walking funny, restlessness, anxiousness, aggressiveness, organization, speed motion, motionless facial expressions, tone of dialog, shuddering, confusion, stress, breaks in speech etc.)
Most of the Nazi leadership was caught after the war because they were too organized, too well versed and had too quick responses. The 911 hijackers were said to have been dressed like typical business men, acted like typical travelers, asked for typical help at airport, were heard talking about business and didn't throw off any alarms.
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