Suspect Behaviour

Criminals & Terrorists

Criminals, including terrorists, cannot be recognised by categories or statistical predictions. They can only be discovered through their threatening behaviour. Organised crime, like terrorism, does not act in an improvised way but are based on the preparation and planning of harmful illicit acts. When the criminal identifies the possible targets, they constantly observe them know all the target activities, security procedures, the surrounding environment, and above all, the system's vulnerabilities. It's crucial to reduce the information. The security activity and the reporting of suspicious behaviours are essential to force criminals to suspend their actions.

Several behavioural patterns can be used as an analytical tool, but they must never become a bias:

• External Appearance: the clothing may not be in line with the actual climatic conditions (i.e. clothes that are too heavy in summer, sunglasses when it rains) or with the environment (no suitable safety clothing). Or very loose clothing, which could simplify the concealment of weapons or prohibited objects. People are equipped with tools not connected to the environment (wire cutters, shovels, big bags).
• Eye-Catching Behaviour: such as taking pictures, drawing floor plans of the plant, and observing the plant for an extended period, perhaps from a car with the use of binoculars. The security personnel of the port facility must not overlook the details of the behaviour. It often happens that the criminals in the study phase of an illegal act will try to test the security readiness and the response of the security organisation. They may attempt to enter the facility using someone's badge, through nets, or by dodging barriers. Unknown people wandering around the facility are considered suspicious as equally suspicious are all behaviours contrary to the prohibitions present in the port facility (e.g. how to telephone near a chemical plant where it is marked as prohibited).
• Implicit Behaviour: this can include nervousness or visibly aggressive behaviour. An indication of suspicion could be individuals who: constantly look around, slightly trembling, avoid eye contact with others or have intense sweating.

Note: Not everyone who acts nervous is to be regarded as suspicious. But when nervousness occurs combined with the fact that the person is not familiar with the surrounding environment, it is advisable to inquire about the purpose of the visit with some open questions.

Understanding Suspicious Behaviours

The best way to understand the behaviour of an individual is to understand his intention and ask him questions. When a person exhibits suspicious behaviour, port facility personnel may, if deemed safe, approach the person to ask him a few questions. If the security personnel are in pairs, it is recommended that one stand at a distance and observe the conversation. The observer colleague will assist the other one only when aggressive behaviour is present. A short conversation can clear up a suspicious situation. The Port facility security personnel could be suitably asked questions calmly and openly. 

Example 1 - "Are you coming from the ship along our dock?" and not - "Are you a seafarer of the M /N MILLENIUM?"

Example 2 - "Why are you here?" and not - "Do you have an appointment?" or "Did you come with the Amazon delivery?"

The open questions are used to not indicate to the individual that there is a suspicion about her behaviour. Even if the situation evolves towards the aggression of the interviewed person during the conversation, keep a friendly tone, always calm and distance yourself to warn the PFSO. Avoid aggression and don't respond to it. People who have a legitimate reason for being in the port facility will react calmly and remain polite. 

During the conversation, some peculiarities can be observed, indicating suspicion:

If in doubt, report to the PFSO. The information provided to the PFSO should be as complete as possible; hair colour, height, average age, any scars and more. If there is a car linked to the person, the license plate and the nationality of that license plate are essential.

Watch out for Unattended Vehicles or Packages

Be alert and on the lookout! If you notice an object or vehicle that seems to be out of place in your immediate workplace or work environment, report it to the security staff or your immediate superior. In most cases, the object or vehicle will not pose any threat, but a healthy dose of awareness - without being paranoid - is always a good thing.