We discussed some basics of what to do if your target confronts you during a surveillance. Being made and confronted by your target has one advantage - "You Know they Know". What about if they don't confront you but your suspicions are aroused that they might know you are there?
Your target seems to be acting different from previous surveillance, or they are making maneuvers to determine if they are under surveillance such as backtracking, making a series of right turns, or looking at you frequently.
If you "think" you have been discovered by the target but are not sure, what do you do? There's no right answer that if followed will fixyour surveillance. Often, if time allows, you may want to use some of the following options:
1. Increase the distance between you and the target - Forget conducting your standard surveillance for awhile. Give yourself some room between you and the target to determine if they are looking at you or if they are looking for anyone that might have them under surveillance. If walking, become stationery for a few minutes longer to see if the target doubles back. You may chance losing your target for the day, but it is better to be sure if you suspect they know you are watching.
2. Call in back-up - If you are working alone, maybe it's time to stay near the target and call in some back-up. Pass the surveillance over to a secondary for a little while. Make sure they are aware that there is a possibility the target is looking for surveillance.
3. Call it a day! - Leave. Try again another day. If you think there is a slim possibility that you were made by the target or that the target is suspicious of you? Break off the surveillance and leave the area in normal fashion. Don't stop or linger to long, but head the opposite direction if possible and put some distance between you and the target.
4. Make sure you are not being placed under surveillance. - Depending on the target, they may be curious and attempt to follow you to determine who you are.
Whenever you suspect that you have been identified by the target, take the safest approach, which is not to approach but to wait for another day. It might be embarrassing to have to discuss with your client but be up-front and work on an alternate strategy for continuing the surveillance.