TEDD: The Four Signs You’re Being Watched

Learn the four clues that can save your life when someone’s tracking you

If someone was watching you, would you know?

Surveillance is where most attacks start. Whether it’s a stalker, a criminal crew, or a professional intelligence team, the first step in almost every hostile action is gathering information.

That information almost always comes from watching you, your habits, your routes, and your vulnerabilities.

Spotting this surveillance early is often the only chance you get to prevent an attack.

One of the most reliable systems for doing this is TEDD, a four-point acronym standing for Time, Environment, Distance, and Demeanor.

This acronym is a condensed version of how protection teams, intelligence officers, and counter-surveillance specialists are taught to think in the field.

When applied properly, TEDD is a way to provoke surveillance into revealing itself.

Understanding TEDD

1. Time: The Power of Repetition

Professional surveillance rarely works in a single sighting. To gather meaningful intelligence, they need multiple looks over time.

When you see the same person, vehicle, or object more than once in a meaningful time window, it should register.

• Practical cue: The same man at the bus stop two mornings this week, always standing in the same spot.

• What to do: Note the appearance, clothing, and any unique details. Change your route the next day and see if you spot him again.

The key is recognizing that repetition equals investment. If someone is willing to put time into watching you, you need to take them seriously.