How to do a recce

Recce is another term for reconnaissance.

At its most basic reconnaissance is preliminary surveying or research.

We try and avoid the term “reconnaissance” due to its military association. Recce is much softer and almost sounds FUN! (rec-reational!)

The success of every action is in the planning and the detail. As Benjamin Franklin said “If You Fail to Plan, You Are Planning to Fail”.

A good recce can make or break an action. A bad recce (or no recce) can potentially put people in danger.

There are three types of recce:

Sometimes you need to do Multiple Area Reconnaissance (all 3) - for example the Pink Table required a recce of the junction, a recce of the march route, a recce of the vehicle route and then a recce of the wider area to think about the impact of the occupation. It also required a night time recce to evaluate late night risk - partygoers, proximity to nightclubs, etc.


Why do we recce?

Essentially, a recce is important for us to plan how to execute an effective action. This means we don't want to just turn up on the day and hope for the best!

We want to…

Sometimes seeing a location in the flesh will help trigger more ideas. It’s sometimes easier to visualize the action once you’re in the space, you have a better sense of scale.

Every action needs a recce (of sorts).


Before the in person recce

Determine what kind of recce you need to do…

Do a Digital Recce

Check the location via Google Maps and Google Streetview to get a feel for it (Be security conscious! Make sure you are using a VPN or the Tor browser when using google!) Or use paper maps instead!

Advantages of a digital recce in advance

Limitations of digital recces

Prep to make your recce smooth and successful


Who should do the recce?

The three C’s - Competent, Confident and Careful


What to take on your recce?

Be Incognito


When to do your recce?

On going, live, on ground reconnaissance in the lead up to and during the action can be done via several people on site using a Whatsapp chat using live location to track vehicle positions. This can be used to communicate Plan B to all key players if needed!

During the action, especially longer actions/occupations, ongoing information gathering is essential for potential moves to a plan B or plan C, or to develop escalation of the action. A cover story that allows all areas access can be helpful, eg a photographer/live streamer, or a hand sanitiser dispenser.


Recce checklist / Things to consider

Traffic & Access
Buildings and Infrastructure
Security/Police
Beacons / Tripods
Workers & Community
Miscellaneous

After you Recce

Recce Packs/Briefing Docs

Some aligned actions might require a recce pack; the Black Friday Amazon occupations are a good example. A recce pack was pulled together to advise on the areas that should be investigated at each specific Amazon depot. This pack helps ensure that those doing the visit cover all the appropriate requirements.


Information on security staff whose job is to identify threats from activists

Facial Recognition Technology


Revision #11
Created 9 March 2023 11:18:26 by Woody
Updated 18 December 2024 18:21:25 by Emma