Arrest

In order to remove you from society — usually through imprisonment — an adversary must be able to locate you physically and arrest you.

Techniques

NameDescription
Alarm systems

Alarm systems protect buildings and other physical or digital infrastructure by sending an alert signal when unauthorized access is detected. The alert signal can lead to the rapid intervention of a security team or law enforcement in order to investigate the situation.

Canine trackers

An adversary can bring specially trained dogs — a canine unit — to an action site and have them follow a scent. If the dogs are successful in tracking your scent, this could give the adversary clues as to the route you took out of the action site or even lead to your location. It is easier for dogs to follow a scent in rural areas than in urban areas with higher population densities.

Guards

Human guards can be hired to protect buildings or other physical infrastructure.

House raid

A house raid is when an adversary conducts a surprise search of a residence, sometimes accompanied by simultaneous arrests. This is often done early in the morning when the occupants are asleep and taken by surprise. However, if the goal is to obtain electronic devices when they are turned on, the timing is more likely to be during the day.

ID checks

An ID check (short for identity check) is the process by which the State verifies a person's identity by asking them for their personal information, requiring them to produce a government-issued ID document, or taking their biometric information (face photograph, fingerprints, DNA) and comparing it against a database. An ID check can be a pretext for questioning and pressuring, and can be followed by a search of the person's belongings.

Increased police presence

The police increase their presence in a particular place and time for two reasons: to intimidate, and to improve their options for intervention and their responsiveness.

International cooperation

Several international organizations (such as Interpol) exist to facilitate the exchange of information across borders and the arrest and deportation of fugitives. Intelligence and police agencies from different countries routinely help each other by exchanging information, especially in high-profile cases.

Police patrols

Police patrol areas in vehicles or on foot, either as routine patrols or in response to a perceived threat in a particular area. In some contexts, unmarked vehicles are used for patrols.