Dry run (terrorism)

The dry run is considered to be the heart of the planning stages of the terrorist attack. It is the method by which strengths and weaknesses in the plot are exposed to the terrorists, unforeseen obstacles can be detected, and the techniques are refined. Sometimes, multiple dry runs are conducted in an effort to perfect the ultimate attack.

Suspicious signs

The following are suspicious signs a dry run may be occurring:

• Appearing out-of-place
• Sitting in a vehicle and observing operations for no apparent reason
• Photography or videotaping with no obvious reason or illegally
• Passing fake mock-up objects through security screening, (e.g. an Airsoft gun in place of a real firearm) to witness the reactions and protocols of security personnel. If discovered the mock-up can be passed off as an “accident”
• Monitoring of a police radio frequency and observing response times to calls, as well as observing habits and placement of security/law enforcement personnel assigned to a terrorist’s intended target
• Mapping out routes to determine timing of traffic flow and lights; sometimes to determine an escape route as well
• Attempting to learn inside information about the operations of a place, including schedules, structures, security procedures and any overall “weakness” to exploit within
• Abandoning object(s), such as pieces of luggage, backpacks, bottles (often to be retrieved later)