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

← Communication OpSec | If Compromised →