Role Playing and Cover Stories

 

      You know you have to be an actor to play James Bond but you might not realize how important role playing is in real spy work.   Your ability to get into places you shouldn't be, get perishable information or remain unnoticed in a hotel lobby all require excellent role playing ability. 

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     As we talked about in the tradecraft section, a professional should never let those around him know what he is up to.  We operate covertly, meaning while others may see us (we're not invisible, after all) they should not be able to tell what we are up to.  So, if a hotel security guard approaches me while I'm searching for someone's car, I need to act natural and have a realistic reason or cover story to explain what I'm doing there. 

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      Actually, an expensive hotel is a good place to test your role playing and cover stories as employees generally possess a high level of situational awareness.  It is a place I often take new trainees.  Walk into any five star hotel and see how long it takes to get pounced on by an attentive employee.  They are there to help and pamper and if you look the slightest bit confused, lost or out of place, the doorman, valet, concierge or worst, the security officer will be right there asking if they can help you.  However, if you look like you know where you are going, and walk in, nodding at the doorman as you pass, they will leave you alone, except to smile back.  If you are good enough, you should be able to go anywhere in the hotel and draw no suspicion from anyone.  

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      The key to role playing is to look confident and natural.  This is true while doing surveillance, while searching for information, or whatever you are up to.  If you look like you belong, you will be left alone; if you don't, you will draw much unwanted attention. 

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     If you do get approached, this is when you want a good cover story.  One that makes the person think, "Ah, that makes sense", and leaves you alone.  In the example of the hotel security guard in the parking garage, I would act very polite and seem a bit confused, and tell the guard that my wife parked the car but she couldn't tell me exactly where she put it.  You're not even sure if it is in this building.   Most likely, the guard will laugh with you and either let you continue, or even help you look.  Either way, he is no longer suspicious of you.  

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     To be a professional, you must be a very good role player.  It is imperative to your success, and in some places in this world, it can mean the difference between living and dying.