Physical Security
Digital security matters, but so does the physical world. Where you meet, what you carry, and what you observe all affect safety.
Meeting Locations
Choosing Locations
For sensitive meetings:
Good locations:
- Private homes (of trusted members)
- Private rooms in community spaces
- Outdoor locations with good sight lines
- Rotating locations
Avoid:
- The same location repeatedly
- Anywhere with cameras you don't control
- Public spaces where you might be overheard
- Locations that could identify the group's purpose
Device Policy
For sensitive meetings, consider:
- Devices left in another room
- Devices in a bag/container away from discussion
- At minimum: devices on airplane mode, face-down
Who Attends
Only those who need to be present should attend:
- Don't bring others without prior agreement
- If someone unexpected arrives, be cautious
- Meeting organizers should know who's coming
Awareness and Counter-Surveillance
Be Observant
Pay attention to:
- Vehicles parked near frequent locations (especially occupied)
- The same person appearing in different places
- People who seem to be watching or following
- Drones in the area
This isn't paranoia — it's awareness. Most of the time it's nothing. But noticing when it's something matters.
Varying Routines
If you're regularly involved in activities:
- Vary your routes to meetings
- Don't arrive at the same time every time
- Use different entrances when available
- Avoid patterns
Surveillance Detection
If you believe you're being followed:
- Stay calm, don't confront
- Note details (vehicle, description, behavior)
- Vary your route — does the tail follow?
- Go to a public place, not home
- Alert your cell through secure channels
Paper and Physical Records
The Rule: Keep Nothing
The safest record is no record. Don't keep:
- Lists of members or community members
- Activity logs or calendars
- Notes from meetings
- Paper copies of sensitive information
If You Must Keep Records
Sometimes records are necessary. If so:
- Keep them in a secure location (safe, locked drawer)
- Minimize identifying information
- Shred when no longer needed
- Have a plan to destroy quickly if necessary
Printed Materials
For trainings or events with printed materials:
- Collect materials at the end
- Shred or securely dispose
- Don't leave materials in public places
Personal Safety
General Awareness
- Trust your instincts — if something feels wrong, it might be
- Have check-in systems for activities
- Know how to contact someone if you don't return
- Carry your rights card — print and keep with you
During Activities
Depending on the activity:
- Work in pairs when possible
- Have a check-in schedule
- Know when to disengage
- Don't escalate confrontations
De-escalation
If confronted by hostile individuals:
- Stay calm
- Do not engage physically
- Leave the situation if possible
- Document after, not during
- Report to your segment lead
Home Security
Your home may be of interest if you're active in the cell:
- Know your rights at home (At Home)
- Don't keep sensitive materials at home
- Have a family safety plan
- Brief household members on what to do if authorities arrive
Photography and Video
General Rule: Don't
Photographs are evidence. They identify people. They persist.
- Don't take photos at activities
- Don't photograph community members receiving support
- Don't post anything that identifies participants
When Documentation is Appropriate
Legal observers may document rights violations, but:
- Only with training
- Only with consent when possible
- Only when it serves the person's interests
- Never shared without permission