This document provides an introduction and overview of body language analysis from Daniel Sharon, a retired Israeli police commander. It discusses the importance of body language, how it can reveal truths that contradict spoken words. Specific eye behaviors are examined, such as looking straight ahead (generally positive), looking up and to the left (processing information emotionally), and looking to the right and up (trying to remember details). The document aims to teach basic body language signals to help determine when someone is lying or their true feelings.

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Eye to eye
The guide to Advanced Body Language Identification
By
Daniel Sharon
Israeli Police Retired
About the author.
Daniel (Danny) Sharon is a retired Israeli Police Commander from Northern Israel. Danny
has over 25 years of police and military training; Danny was a reservist for 11 years in the
Israeli Army Alpine Anti-Terror Ski Patrol Unit on the Syrian-Lebanese Border at Mt Hermon.
He is an instructor in the following fields: Intelligence, Advanced Body-Language, Suicide
Bomber Containment, Suicide Car and Truck Bombings, Bomb Planning & Crisis
Management, Perimeter Security, Border Control, Airport Security Methodology, History and
Motivation of Suicide Terror, Infiltrating into Islamic Terror Cells, Comp stat, Identification of
Middle Eastern Travelers, Campus and Shopping Mall Security, Media Preventive Security
in dangerous areas.
He excelled in the development of a Counter Suicide Bomber Plan, for armed and unarmed
security personnel, after developing a "Body Language Identification" to expose
terrorists impersonating diabetics that have surgically implanted bombs.
He personally witnessed and was present in suicide bombings in the Jerusalem shopping
precinct, Nahariya and Binyamina train stations.
He has been awarded commendations in the past by the Northern Police Commander. He
was also recently commended by the Rio de Janeiro Municipal Guards Inspector General for
presenting a compelling lecture on Israeli Anti-Terrorism Methodology at the academy.
During the years 1994, 1995, 1996, exposed with the security services a Syrian spy ring on
the Golan Heights. Reduced crime by as the Northern Golan Heights Police Commander at
Massade by 20% between 1998 and 2002, when he retired from the police.

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After retiring from the Israeli Police Force in 2002, Danny decided to continue in the security
world and set up a consultancy specializing in training police and security forces around the
world in order that they will benefit from his experiences and expertise in being a former front
line cop and a soldier of the I.D.F.
During the Intifada uprisings where there were two uprisings and revolts against the Israeli
occupation of the Palestinian territories, namely the Gaza Strip and the West Bank of the
River Jordan, terrorism was rife and over 1,000 Israeli citizens lost their lives including IDF
serving soldiers, police officers and civilians through kidnappings, suicide bombings and
rocket attacks by Islamic Militants.
Accreditations and thanks to the following that made this book possible:-
Mrs. Barbara Aellen, Swiss federal Police Force .Sr. Marco Baioni, IOS Agency, Bologna, Italy. Major
Salim Shufi deceased, Sayeret Matkal, IDF, Israel. Major Dave Kutcher, Israeli Police retired, Israel,
Sergeant Derek Pacifico, San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department, California, USA. Detective
Bernard Plaskett, LVMPD, Nevada, USA. Christian Mills, ATC, Brazilian Air Force, Captain Theo Toscano,
Retired Brazilian Navy Seals. Vinicius Cavalcante, Regional Director, ABSEG, Brazil. Reinaldo Lopes
Alves, Security Coordinator, British Embassy, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Jose Oliveira, ABSEG reporter, Rio
de Janeiro, Brazil. Stuart Reiken, Linc Secure Aviation Ground Services for Delta Airlines, Fayetteville,
NC, USA. Cesar Franco, Dominican Republic. André Koerner, Fox Security, Freiburg, Switzerland.
Bassem el Heib, Tuba, Israel. Retired Colonel Phil Wargo, US Army/Pentagon Anti-Terror Adviser.
Detective Mark Bloxham, Edmonton Police, Alberta, Canada. Professor Frank G Spranza, AVSEC
Consortium, Miami, USA, Major Chris Moghalu, Atlanta USA, Lagos Nigeria, US Army Intelligence Retired
Index: Introduction to Understanding Body Language-
Chapter1- pages 2 to 19
Criminal's body language
Chapter 2- pages 20 to 28
Threatening body language, security risks and terrorism
Chapter 3 pages 39 to 43
Chapter 1: BODY LANGUAGE
Introduction to Understanding Body Language:
Body language is the way that we hold and move our bodies when we are giving or receiving
information. There are two broad types of body language: open body language and closed
body language. Some body language theorists say that these are very old behaviors which
date back to our early ancestors. By maintaining open body language, our ancestors showed
that they had no concealed weapons hidden behind their back, their armpits or in their
hands. By opening our hands, unfolding our arms and bodies we still show that we mean the
other person no harm. When we have closed body language, we appear to be physically
showing that we are hiding something from the other person and this can be threatening to

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them. These messages are often received subconsciously by the other person who starts to
distrust our words and what we mean by them. An open manner is a good start to an open,
frank conversation. All of us are trained in the use of speech, to communicate what we mean
in a way that other people will understand. And most of the time, others understand what we
mean. In a telephone conversation, we communicate through speech alone. In a face-to-
face meeting, part of the communication is carried in a non-verbal form, what is often called
body language.
Why is body language so important? There are two principal reasons:
We have probably heard many times that people remember more of what they see than
what they hear. Long after a meeting, we are likely to have forgotten the exact words
someone used, but we may retain a vivid image of the same person's facial expressions.
Through life experience we have learned, perhaps unconsciously, that people often lie with
words. (We're talking here about the little white lies and omissions that are part of many
conversations. But facial expressions and other body language tend to be more honest.
When a person's words and body language are consistent, we believe that person. When
their words and body language say different things, we tend to believe the body language
and doubt the words. In other words the body language has to corroborate with the verbal
communication, and if not then the person's verbal communication is doubtful and we would
observe that he or she is not telling the truth.
To understand body language is a science in its own right and only trained body language
experts can tell on the spot whether or not the body language expressed fits the verbal
communication that we are receiving. Senior police investigators through experience over
the years have the ability to ascertain whether the person under interrogation is telling the
truth or just a plain liar. With that in mind obviously to get to the truth, they will not say to a
suspect that his body language is off! They may continue to observe, in order to see that
person's body language, or initiate body language to get to the truth without saying a word.
Picture this scenario: You say to a friend, "How was your review with the boss?" Your friend
says. "OK" Then her smile vanishes and her hand tightens around the notebook she is
carrying. Did your friend really do OK in that review? Probably not, but she doesn't want to
talk about her true feelings right now. When a person's facial expression differs from their
words, your experience tells you to go with the visual clues, not the words.
So out of curiosity to get the truth we may wait to get the body language and the verbal
communication to rally together. The visual clues that we observed before will then become
in a way obsolete or the friend is being secretive in order not to expose her true feelings at
that moment. It is not a lie but maybe that person wants to keep her feelings private, and
there is nothing wrong with that! However with that in mind if she comes out of the meeting
with a huge grin on her face then you can surmise that the meeting was great without saying
a word between you and her.
When we start to read body language, we first gaze into the eyes as the first focal point of
interest when disseminating a person's intentions whether friendly or not.

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Eye Body Language
Reading the eye body language is not without risk. If you can look at someone's eyes, to find
what's really on his or her mind, that person can also see your eyes as well.
Most people are conscious of this, and will look away when their gaze is caught... Yeah,
admit it! You do it too! You, however, will have to overcome that, because you cannot read
somebody's eyes, without looking at them.
These are the basic movements of the eye, the classics of eyes body language!
The basic eye movements
Looking straight ahead
When someone looks straight ahead to you, this is usually a good sign. After all, most of us
will try to catch someone's eyes by looking at him/her to show our interest. But do consider
that people usually also look away as they're processing what you're saying. So, if someone
looks right at you, and doesn't look away at all, the message of what you're saying may not
even come across. Also, people who are lying are often aware that eye movement may give
them away, so they'll look you straight in the eye. And keep looking. However in threatening
behavior the glare or glance would be called" Tunnel vision".
I guess that's why it's usually a bit creepy if, that prolonged stare in the eyes.
In short: Straight at you... good, continuous looking without signs of looking away... often
not so good, disinterest or lying. Exception: the gaze of 2 people deeply in love.
Looking up and to the left
Looking up is an eye body language sign of thinking. If you're looking to the left as well,
you're processing information, and relating it to a past experience or an emotional feeling. If
you're talking to this person and you see this eye movement, I think it's a good sign. Some
people associate this with lying, but liars usually look straight at you to conceal their lie.

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In short: Looking up is thinking, left and up is thinking about experiences and emotions.
Looking to the right and up
You look to the right and up, if you're trying to remember a recent experience, or you're
trying to assess if it's logical what the other person is saying. If you're talking to this person,
it's usually a good sign, you have captured her attention.
In short: Up and Right is about remembering recent experiences and thinking logically.
Looking up only
If someone's looking up, he or she is carefully thinking over what you're saying... if this
movement is made while arms go up and hands are folded behind the head, that's a
particular good sign. If someone glances up for a second or so, while sighing, that could also
mean they're looking at the heavens, summoning their God. That's usually not such a good
sign.
In short: Up means careful thinking, weighing both emotion and logic... good! Or they're
saying "My God!" with their eyes! (Not so good!)
Looking down
Looking down, especially with someone not looking the other person in the eye, is usually
associated as submissive (ie. not dominant) eye body language. So, that person may not be
very comfortable in your presence, or feeling guilty of something. Not engaging in eye

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contact can also mean disinterest, and a desire to leave. On the other hand, he or she may
be just thinking what use your information is.
In short: Constantly looking down signals "Submissive". It could also be that this person
feels guilty, not wanting to face you. Or general disinterest. Usually not a good sign. It can
also mean a sign of disapproval as well.
Body language basically is a form of communication whether verbal or non-verbal, and we
use it in daily life whether intentional or non-intentional. In fact we virtually do not control our
body language signs as a lot of the signs are involuntary but a lot are voluntary when we
attempt to communicate to another person or many persons such as lecturing at a school
class or an audience. Speaking at a conference or a public addressing event.
Whatever we do in intentionally or non-intentionally, body language is the first form of
communication even before we open our mouths.
Even at a chance encounter with a person who we may know from past encounters, or may
not know, the initial contact at first will be 55% Body Language, 38% Tone of Voice, and 7%
words. In other words the first face to face contact, the dominating factor of the Body
Language in most cases will determine the outcome of the encounter.

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It is does not matter if we encounter a person and we cannot speak a common language the
initial body language gesture for example of a smile will make the other party attracted to
your body language sign as a smile for instance which will show the other party that you
have no hostile intentions towards him or her.
A typical meeting place to observe nonverbal body language or communication can be seen
when people are in an elevator in an office block for example.
They both may not know each other, but they both express the same body language and
tend to look upwards at the illuminated floor indicator; both are waiting for the elevator to
arrive at their desired floor. Both are impatient and express their impatience to arrive at their
destined floor. They have not exchanged 2 words between them but the fact that they both
are looking upwards to floor illuminator shows their desire to reach their destination.

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When 4 people are in an elevator they each occupy a corner.
When the elevator gets crowded with 5 or more people, in 99% of all observed cases they
turn towards the door, as the elevator corners lose relevance and the space between the
people closes up.
So what are some nonverbal gestures?
Nonverbal gestures that we may notice but have a direct impact on an encounter or a
chance meeting can be seen as follows:
The man in the picture is showing confidence! He is very relaxed, hands are behind his
head, is leaning back in his chair, but as in the slide there are other gestures as well that
show confidence. If he was worried then we would see the opposite where he would be
leaning forward, eyes glued to the computer monitor as if the stock markets had crashed.
Normally would see these kinds of gestures with businessmen or stock market traders when
the trading has taken a plummet.

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Cooperation or readiness can be determined typically for example by the slide below where
the security guard is displaying a willingness to help or to assist but also is showing
readiness for any eventuality. He demonstrates also alertness, control and even though he is
smiling on encounter, he also radiating a message to any would be trouble makers, and this
without saying a word unless asked. In no way is he radiating any provocative gestures to
cause an unwanted confrontation.
The professional encounters where two people are involved or even three persons, it could
be at a job interview where both are using space between them in order to carry out a
conversation at ease and to use the space for maneuvering and also not to invade each
other's space
This also known as the Lincolnesque position. It is also designed to make both parties feel at
ease as well as the use of all the other points shown in the slide illustration.
On encountering the next gesture, we can see that the person seems to be waiting out of
boredom, as it seems that he could also be waiting for a person to enter the room into his
space, feeling tired, is not relaxed, he could be tense, worried and can be waiting to get the
day over.

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Whoever encounters him will feel most likely very uncomfortable and certainly not at ease.
Although we can only observe his hand in the slide it is very probable that all the definitions
in the slide will define his behavior as being highly tense or "Up tight"
Evaluation, interest and very curious. Is trying to solve a situation, contemplating what to do
next! Without looking at the facial expressions we can evaluate his body language just by the
hand movement which is known as "Kettle Drumming".
Will be deeply in thought, not certain what his next steps will be or need to be taken. Will not
be looking at you directly but will be looking at you with one eye and one eye above you, can
also be in a "Day dreaming position" or what is commonly known in another world, showing
lack of interest in what he may have to say to you.
A headache or in doubt? Judging by the photo slide and the descriptions it is questionable
whether the subject is in doubt, but can also be suffering from a "Hard day at the office" a
deal that went sour, unable to make a concrete decision, in deep thought what to do.

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Suspicion or Secretiveness! Are body languages gestures that are very hard to define as a
lot of people will not show what they have on their minds.
Looking around to not be observed
Automatically the person in the slide below would be a suspect, as a car thief or someone
that is trying to break into the vehicle in order to steal the contents of the vehicle. His body
language is a dead giveaway as he is observing who is observing him as he attempts a
forced entry to the vehicle, his dress and appearance also gives him away.

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The need for reassurance. Playing with hair, face is tensed slightly, fidgeting, cannot relax
plus the definitions in the slide. Touching a chair before sitting denotes that the person is
uneasy and is looking to recline and release pressure.
That person while lowering themselves to the chair will be looking to be stabilized as they
maybe unsure that the chair is there beneath them, suddenly there may be an arm
movement to find the chair.
Anxiety can associated to a number of situations such as someone in danger of losing his
life, waiting for the result of a medical examination, someone under interrogation.

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Frustration and anger
And under pressure, showing frustration, face locked, cheek muscles are lifted, locked, eyes
closed tightly. The whole face is the scenario that we are observing; on the other hand could
be suffering from a migraine. He could also be in extreme pain. Hands are interlocked.

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Both men are in an encounter and both of them are showing defensiveness. There also
other defensive mechanisms to show defensiveness as illustrated below.
Self-control or inner conflict depicts while in a conflict with whoever is being encountered,
even though the woman depicted is being confronted she has put her hand to her mouth in a
state of awe or shock. She could be informed that she is suspected of some crime, or the
officers have come to inform her maybe of a tragedy that has occurred. In both cases by her
body language she is showing self-control. There are other examples in the slide that would
show the same.

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The dominating stance or body language gesture that would determine that the person is
trying to dominate in a confrontation, explaining something, or could even be elevating his
body to even show an outburst of superiority and also is trying to prove that he is control of
the situation.
The superior will also be trying to make himself taller in order to dominate the subordinate
even though through an on top handshake will also be trying to show that he is the one in
control of the encounter.

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The feeling of uneasiness at the encounter between the superior and the subordinate where
the subordinate would show his dislike of having the superior putting his legs on the table in
front of his face, would also show lack of politeness, trying to distance himself from the
subordinate as well. Not only would that he also be trying to make the subordinate uneasy at
the encounter. A lot people do this to feel superior and to be in control of the encounter.
Flirting or courting can also be portrayed by the fact that the couple involved will want to
show their longing not to be disturbed by others. They will behave as if only they exist and
nobody else matters.

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Suspicious persons can be characterized by their dress, appearance, and behavior; even a
well-dressed person can come under suspicion just by his or her behavior.
Clothing or dress attire from a distance are the first thing that we may see from a distance,
but as the person closes distance towards you then we can see their appearance at a close
distance and make a judgment of how to maybe approach that person or be approached by
that person, but do not let appearances fool you as what will determine the outcome of the

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encounter will be the behavior recognition process or BPR( Behavior Pattern Recognition)
which at a distance may seem nothing out of the ordinary but when that person closes
distance that we can observe the facial expressions, and the entire body language, can we
be able to ascertain that person's intentions, whether friendly or hostile. In Israel for example
we are able to judge a person's intentions from a distance of roughly 40 meters. As that
person closes the distance we start the process from the head downwards, via the upper
chest, torso, hands and legs being the last focal point of interest.

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Anger. A pointing finger, raised eyebrows, pursed lips, head slightly tilted, open mouth,
upper body is tense.

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Extreme anger is where the entire face and the upper body is involved, jaw wide open, as if
the subject is snarling like a wild animal, clenched fists, eyes are tightly closed, raised
eyebrows, head is set backwards into the neck, all the facial muscles are tense and locked.
Mischievous, is denoted when some or part of the face is involved supported by one or both
limbs. The example of a nurse in a hospital where she is about to give the patient an
injection. In order to maybe convince the patient that it does not hurt, the subject will smile,
eyes wide open holding the syringe pointing upwards and not downwards as downwards can
denote that the syringe is going to hurt the patient. On the other hand she could be saying to
the patient without saying a word, but just by her gestures! "Look what I have for you"

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Defeated. In this case reflects on a boxer who has been badly beaten by his opponent, rests
against the ropes, will look for the corner for extra support, head sunk into his neck, head
leaning backwards, arms outstretched on the ropes for more support, sweating after extreme
physical exertion.
Confused. Where the forehead is raised, eyebrows will be raised, mouth will be gaped
open, jawline set back, eyes wide open, ears can be twitching, the head seems to be
extended outwards from the neck, both the head and neck seem to be extended upwards at
an angle from the body. The person can also grab his own throat with a semi-clenched hand
to stabilize his facial expressions and would be seen as if he was holding his head up, but he
is actually confused and try by all means to gather his thoughts.

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Embarrassed-basically is a multi-dimensional gesture that is a direct result of an event that
happened immediately or in the recent past. It can be connected to a number of incidents,
whether quite seemingly innocent situations or a situation that is involving criminal activity. In
most cases the gesture is connected to an occurrence that takes place on the spot, such as
being caught "Shop Lifting", or other criminal activities, being caught with somebody else's
spouse or husband. Embarrassment can be spotted easily as the photo portrays, head sunk
into shoulders, the neck cannot be seen, and eyebrows are raised, biting a finger.
Excited- As a rule most of the top half the body is involved to portray excitement. The jaw is
open with awe, face is drawn back, eyebrows are usually lifted, a smile on the face will
extended to the width of the face, hands will be raised, fists will be retracted and half closed,
the head maybe sunk into the neck slightly.

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Frightened-Humans are just like animals when frightened, will move back looking for
support, cowering against a wall as a backup, hand partly opened, attempting to cover the
mouth area, head will be raised backwards, eyes wide open, eyebrows will be raised.
Animals will curl up in order to protect themselves, we can observe this when for example a
cat will freeze on the spot and arch its back while sending threatening messages to whoever
it feels uneasy with.
Another frightened example but without a wall to support herself, the same natural
reaction by raising her hand to cover the mouth area. It can also be a pretext to protect the
facial area from a blow from an attacker. Another definition is when for example one sees
something that maybe frightening, but not directly frightening for the subject, She could also
be saying at the same time" Oh my god". Not me please!

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Chapter 2 Criminals Body Language:-
Criminal's body language is a unique and a special way of expression, and can be spotted
by a trained eye; it is very similar in some aspects to a terrorist, as terrorists are criminals
anyway. Even though the terrorist may not have in the past committed a crime, but the
actual act of terrorism or harming another person willfully is in itself a criminal act, and so the
body language will be a similar as a seasoned hardline criminal.
No matter how the seasoned criminal may try to hide his "Behavior Pattern Recognition" he
will give himself away anyway with one form or another of typical body language, no matter
how hard he may try to hide himself from being spotted.
Anders Breivik from Norway
The most recent mass murderer Anders Breivik from Norway even in court charged with the
murder of the 33 teenagers on holiday at a summer resort shows no remorse. Looking at his
body language we see glazed eyes, eyebrows are raised slightly, a motionless face, pursed
lips totally relaxed jawline. Head is forward; shoulders back, hands are partly clasped, thumb
to thumb denoting contempt.

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Rapist or a murderer? Looking at the subject from the eyes as the first focal point, we can
see tunnel vision, where he can see nothing else other than his focus on a possible victim.
Wearing a baseball cap to hide his face from overhead cameras, facial muscles are not
relaxed denoting a tenseness, but are not locked, the mouth is closed not exposing his teeth.
Hand is clenching tightly the phone. At the same height we are observing also lower lip
seems to be out of line with the upper lip, denoting tenseness and nervousness. Head is
forward and lowered showing an aggressive poise.
Major Nidal Hassan, the Fort Hood Texas murderer
1 Before the crime
2 In a wheelchair after being shot by a policeman

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3 Waiting to meet Allah? A death sentence?
Major Nidal Hassan, a Muslim and a former US Army Officer, a mass killer who butchered
13 of his fellow servicemen and wounded many more, in a shooting rampage in the name of
Islam at Fort Hood in Texas. If we look at photo 1, we can see a normal looking person who
would not be identified as a criminal by his body language other than his eyes that are very
similar in expression to photo 2, in photo 1 he is also smiling and this obviously before he
committed the crime. In photo 2 we can see the change in body language after being shot
and detained we see him sitting in a wheelchair, eyes slanted to the right slightly but with a
fixed gaze, head is slightly tilted to the right.
In photo 3 we a similarity to photo 2 but a man with a beard, slouching to the left, eyes with a
fixed gaze similar to tunnel vision, unshaven like most Islamic suicide terrorists as if waiting
to meet Allah. We can surmise a certain disappointment on his part by his general facial
look that he did not meet Allah at the crime scene as he was shot and paralyzed, and now
waiting for a death sentence to be handed down by the court.
Sex offenders body language
Sex offender's body language is quite difficult to spot even by the most highly trained body
language experts. One thing is in common with most of the offender's that their personal
appearance is slovenly, sloppy, usually unkempt, poorly shaven as in these 3 photo
examples of convicted offenders in the USA and the UK. All three of them have raised
eyebrows, glazed eyes.
A victim will find it hard to detect before confrontation with an assailant or a rapist. Most
panic before the actual attack and can actually invoke an attack. In most cases a sexual

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attack will come from behind the back and not from the front as the offenders will try to avoid
eye contact in order not to be identified.
Drug offender's body language
All drug offenders especially couriers/mules have a
specific body language identity that will show that they are carrying illegal narcotics, a lot of
them have similar body language to suicide terrorists. Many are spotted by agents at
airports, as airports are a favorite choice for speedily transporting narcotics to the buyers
and underworld distributors.
Most have a specific age range normally between:-
 25 years old to 40 years old, can sometimes be of a younger age.
 Being of a different racial extraction from people coming off a full plane.
 Clothing inappropriate for going or coming from the departure port, or destination
port.
 Distinctive or outstanding dress such as a bright hat or overcoat.
 Where a person is seen departing on a flight, wearing the same clothing as the day
before, such as slovenly dressed, rumpled clothing, dirty clothing etc.
 Carrying a shoulder hold all bag that may be untagged as it did not go through a
security scan or registered at the check in counters.
 Unusual bulges or shapes under the person's clothing that break up or protrude from
that person's natural physique( Similar to a suicide bomber that has an explosive
device strapped to his body)
 Drug couriers or mules are usually the first or the last off a plane.
 They will signal between themselves when security has been spotted or undercover
agents.
 Normally they can be spotted by their nervous behavior, scanning the area,
hesitancy, trying not to be seen, looking for a place to hide in the vicinity, pacing
about, looking for the opportunity when the security is not alert to get out of the area.

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 Taking evasive actions.
 Handling 1 certain bag with more care that the other.
 When encountered cannot explain themselves through nervousness or lack of
communication skill in the language of the country.
 Maybe overdressed, denoting and attempting to pass off as a higher social class
than they actually are.
Shoplifters/retail store thieves "Body Language"
Just as shoplifting can be committed in any retail environment, shoplifters can be of any
gender, age, race or socioeconomic background. This broad spectrum makes it incredibly
difficult to pinpoint a potential shoplifter based on physical appearance alone. Despite this
difficulty, there are certain signs and behaviors that, if detected, can be very telling of a
potential thief's intentions and can help stop crimes before they happen.
Shoplifters tend to have very jerky movements and their body language generally denotes
both alertness and unease. A potential shoplifter will typically look around the store for signs
of security cameras and other security devices, as well as to monitor the positioning of the
store employees. A shoplifter's visual preoccupation with everything going on in the store
tends to leave his hands unguided to grab items without much regard for things like shape,
size or style; this kind of disregard should be a red flag, as a normal shopper would typically
take a bit more interest in an item he planned to purchase. They will generally look for the
easy items to steal, such as perfumes, aftershaves, lipsticks, cosmetic items that are easy to
hide and have no electronic alarm stickers, especially perfume testers.
Common Shoplifter Body Language to watch for
 The face is tense – the mouth is set and rigid as are the cheeks and the eyes, and
the face may be flushed.
 The entire body seems rigid and tense; movements are not fluid and relaxed as with
other customers.

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 The eyes are not warm and friendly and they don’t “focus” on anything in particular.
The eyes are scanning everything around them, watching for management or
security.
 Bulky oversized clothing will suggest that the suspect is hiding something in their
clothing or could be wearing already items that have just been stolen.
 When you walk toward or near the customer, their eyes follow while their body moves
away from you. Your approach often unnerves shoplifters and delays or alters their
plans briefly. They may even show hesitation or confusion in their shopping.
 In general, their body has jerky movements and they are very alert. The adrenalin
flows and they are in “flight or fight” mode. They cannot prevent this – it is instinct.
Robber's body language- All of them try to avoid eye contact, and try to hide eye contacts,
other than with their victims, which also are subdued. Gangs that rob banks have individual
body language and much harder to identify as they will more than likely to be wearing
balaclavas or ski masks covering their entire facial makeup, and in all cases will be armed
with handguns or automatic weapons. These are the hardened criminals who do not have
any consideration for innocent people getting killed or maimed.
Not all robbers will risk a confrontation with weapons as a method of persuasion as they
realize that if they are caught or shot, they risk a long sentence in prison just by the use of a
firearm as part of the robbery plan, however a lot of robbers prefer not to go down that
avenue as they are scared of the end result which could end up with innocent people getting
killed. Most prefer the use of aggressive body language as a means of persuasion to hand
over the cash!
1

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Walks into a bank wearing glasses and a baseball cap, while looking for the security
cameras, carrying an envelope, walks with a confident gait, shoulders set back, head raised
slightly, both hands are holding the envelope, as if he is about to make a cash deposit.
Arrives at the counter facing the bank teller, head is bowed slightly trying to avoid being
caught in CCTV, left hand holds the envelope while the right hand is holding a demand note,
which is subsequently passed to the teller. Then he turns and makes a run to get away from
the scene. There is no indication that he is carrying a gun by his "Body Language Makeup"
There are no bulges in his trouser pockets that would suggest a weapon of some sorts.
1 2
Similar to the previous robber wearing a baseball cap, fidgeting with his mobile phone,
possibly phoning to create a diversion at the bank that he wants to rob, such as a bomb
hoax which would cause a panic and in the confusion that erupts, he will be able to rob the
bank. Notice the peaked cap covering any eye contact with him and the inability of security
cameras to catch a full visual make up of his face. On his right arm just under the sleeve
there seems to be a partially exposed tattoo. The way his body and stance are facing to the
right, he seems to have a bulge under his polo shirt on the left side that could suggest he is
carrying a weapon of some sorts. The polo shirt seems to be slightly raised on the let side of
his body, which another indicator of a potential weapon. It is unlikely that he is carrying a
wallet in his pocket with identification for fear of dropping it in the process of a robbery.
There also seems to be a bulge as well in his left trouser pocket which is a further clue to a
weapon. As he is facing the CCTV camera in photo 2, we can see the bulge in his left
pocket, and even if the bulge is partly covered by the shirt it seems that he is carrying a
weapon.

31. 31
1 2 3
The robber in this case is holding a small bag that is not a big item, more than likely for
holding limited amounts of stolen cash, easy to carry and easy to dispose of in a "fight or
flight" situation. His head and most of his face in photo 1 are concealed by his cap, even
though he is facing the teller. He is taking precautions by not looking directly at the teller,
looking left and right as illustrated in photo 2. During the robbery has spotted the cameras
and in photo 3 he is making his exit, while his head is turned to the left, obviously to avoid
the cameras that are located on the right side of his body. We can see that he is still pre-
occupied in looking around to see if he has been spotted. Even when we see him leaving the
scene that there is no indication that he was carrying a gun.
1 2
Looking at both photos the subject makes no attempt to hide his identity. Full facial view!
Obviously he has something concealed in his left pocket that could be a weapon or he is
trying to impress the teller that he has a weapon. He is attempting to reach for it with his left
hand, while he is handing her a note with his free hand. He may have or may not have a
weapon. On the other hand he does not want to risk an armed robbery where innocent
people can be hurt. By his body language he is making an effort to convince the teller to
hand over the cash without initiating violence which is normally part and parcel of a robbery.

32. 32
1 2
Looking at photo 1 the person is trying not to be seen by the wearing of a partial facial cover,
a hooded training top, eyes are not exposed and when he bows his head, it is impossible to
see any facial expressions. In photo 2 there is absolutely no way that we can tell what his
intentions are as there is no visual contact frontally. From the camera footage we cannot
ascertain whether this robber is carrying a gun, however there is a distinct possibility that this
maybe the case as he is making every effort to disguise himself from being identified on
camera.
Gang robber's body language
Bank robbery in process!
The first thing that we can observe is the first robber, who is left handed brandishing a hand
gun, running towards what seems to be an information desk, surprising whoever is in the
vicinity. His face is covered as is his partner who is walking into the bank, carrying what
seems to be an empty satchel or bag in his left hand. The first robber seems to be braking
with his initial run towards the desk. The second robber is pointing his gun to the right to
cover and threaten any other person in the vicinity.

33. 33
Criminal's body language while being detained and interrogated.
When police officers bring in a suspect for questioning, they are on the lookout for signs that
the person is lying to them. Some people train themselves to hide the fact that they are lying,
but members of the police force are also trained to spot those signs. Some signs are more
obvious than others.
A person's body language can tell a police officer whether he/she is lying. Someone who is
fidgety and sweating profusely exhibits a much stronger clue of giving false information than
someone who is sitting still and appears to be calm. Sweating is an involuntary reaction, so
this can be an indicator. Others may have a nervous habit that can indicate when they are
lying, such as twisting their hair or wringing their hands. However, body language should not
be used as the only indicator as it is also a legitimate sign of nervousness in general.
Someone who is lying during an interrogation will often describe details vaguely or not
include them at all. The suspect is hoping to remove suspicion by showing how little he
knows about what happened. However, police officers are trained to dig for details. The
officer will ask questions, leading the suspect to continue to give more details. The more
details he gives, the more likely he will get caught in lies.
When a suspect is being interrogated by police officers, his/her emotions and reactions are
watched closely. A lying suspect often knows what emotions he/ she should be feeling in a
given situation and forces these emotions through. As a result, the reaction time is typically
too fast or too slow compared to the reaction time of genuine feelings. A lying suspect also
tends to exaggerate the emotions, holding on to the visible reaction too long and then
abruptly returning to normal. Agitation is a common emotional sign of lying. Officers also
watch facial expression as a forced facial expression uses far fewer muscles than a natural
one.
The police interview
The interviewing officer is explaining the suspect's predicament while watching the body
language reactions to the interrogation.
Interrogation for some people is an ordeal, for others who are used to police interrogations
are those that have become hardened to the actual act of questioning by the officer or the
accuser. Some will not bat an eyelid or show no apparent signs of nervousness to an
untrained body language interpreter, and they will spot your body language as it they
themselves have been through a course of body language under stress or duress. However

34. 34
with that in mind that we are dealing with suspects of some crime or another and have to
look for the signs that he or she may be lying. Sometimes we have to use a technique to
aggravate body language in order to get the desired results in an interrogation.
Suspect putting on a show of anger while being led to the interview room
As we see in the footage of the picture, 2 detectives are escorting the suspect to the
interview room where he will be seated opposite the interrogator and across the table from
the second detective and adjacent to an observation mirror; in order to capture his body
language reactions to the crime he is accused of from an angle. The interrogator will be
observing the body language and behavior patterns from a frontal confrontation, while the
second detective will be observing from the side and using the mirror to see the reactions
from the blind side.
Suspect initiating the interview
While observing the interrogation procedure we can see a number of body language
scenarios in the process, where the detective and the interrogator are sitting in a relaxed
mode. The interrogator is leaning back in his chair, a leg is crossed over the other, while the
crossed leg is slightly outstretched, denoting a posture of relaxation, is facing directly
towards the suspect. There is a space between him and the suspect in order not to invade

35. 35
the suspect's space, to get him to relax and into his confidence as well. If the space is
invaded then the suspect at this stage of the enquiry will close up and the idea at this stage
is to get him to open up, without putting on any pressure. The same can be said regarding
the detective who is facing the suspect's right side and observing his left side movements via
the observation mirror. The detective is also sitting in a relaxed posture while they both are
attempting to get the suspect to open up voluntarily without the need for aggravated body
language on the part of the police officers.
The suspect as we can see is starting to feel the pressure slowly, sitting upright, leaning
forward, stabilizing himself with his left hand on his leg, while both legs are crossed, and he
is sitting on the edge of the chair, he is also sitting at a slight angle on the chair which will
show also fear as he will be expecting violence on the part of the police towards him, he is
also trying to close the distance between himself and the interrogator, using his right hand,
palm opened, fingers spread, that denote an attempt to convince the police that he is telling
the truth, but in reality, he is lying as he is attempting to use his body language reactions as
a signal that he is volunteering information that maybe true or false.
The suspect's facial body language in the second slide is showing signs of submission, neck
outstretched, the face is tense, muscles are tight, his mouth seems to gape which will denote
an element of shock and surprise. He has also a halfhearted smile as if he taunting the
police officers.
Putting on the pressure to provoke a body language reaction.
Suspect's initial reaction: - What's up? What do you want from me?
In many cases where a "Heavy criminal" is suspected sometimes the detectives have to pile
on the pressure to get a statement, and to be able to get to the bottom of an investigation.
As we can see by the previous slides where the suspect is openly volunteering information
by his body language may be off and not what the detectives are looking for, then they have
tp put on the pressure in order to get to the truth. As we can see the questioning detective is
confronting the suspect, by standing at his side, with one hand on the chair behind the
accused back and the other hand is placed at his waist level. The accused is seen leaning
back in the chair, head set into his neck away from the detective. The suspect's right arm is

36. 36
seen resting on the table in order to steady himself. The accused is realizing that he has
been cornered and does not know how to get out of his predicament. Looking at the second
illustration we see the accused sweating, his mouth is starting gape wide open, eyebrows
are raised, extenuating the lines on his forehead, his eyes are transfixed on the detective as
if showing a state of shock.
Pondering and in deep thought!
Reassurance from the police!
After being faced with the facts and evidence against him the suspect is in deep thought,
wondering what will happen next! His eyes are transfixed at an angle to the left, eyebrows
have drooped towards his eyes, jaw and mouth are tense, covering his chin with his hand,
while leaning at an angle to the right to steady himself and is anticipating that he is has been
trapped and has no way out of the predicament. Face muscles are tense; his upper body is
leaning away from the detective as if trying to move away from him, and to gain space away
from the confrontation that is sure to come.
The officer is exhibiting relaxation by sitting on the edge of the chair, legs spread to steady
himself, left arm is resting on his legs while his right arm has closed the distance between
himself, and his hand is placed on the suspect's left shoulder, his head has leaned forward
in an attempt to close the space between them, behaving in a sort of subordinate situation
where he is trying to gain the suspect's confidence. By his body language is attempting to
melt the ice that existed between them before. On the other hand is also convincing the
suspect to tell the truth about his activities before a confrontation with the suspect's victim.

37. 37
The victim at the confrontation
Suspect's body language reactions at the confrontation between them
The victim's initial reaction at the confrontation with the suspect is one of shock as she
demonstrates it with the hands where the left hand is slightly outstretched with the palm
open and the right arm is placed on her buttocks in order to steady herself at the meeting
with the suspect. Her left leg is leading the right leg at the entrance to the room and her right
leg is cautiously placed behind her body to stabilize herself as she looks down towards the
suspect who is cowering behind the table as the detectives towards her. By her body
language she seems to be talking to the suspect and saying to him " Look what you did to
me, you scumbag" "You hurt me, you -------- piece of garbage, why me?"
The suspect reacts immediately to her accusations! He is sitting very nervously behind the
table, looking upwards towards the woman as if he is shocked at her, his right hand is on the
table for support, while is left arm is free and palm is opened upwards. His body is leaning
towards the woman; his shoulders seem to be hunched as if cowering and begging for
mercy. On the other hand his reactions would also note some remorse for his behavior
towards the woman.
At the same time he could also deny that he knows the victim as if saying to her:- It is not
me, you must be mistaken, anyway on accounts he is in a defensive mode and is denying all
knowledge that he has confronted her before being detained.

38. 38
Under pressure-
Looking at the photo in the interview we can see that the suspect is under pressure where
he is staring at the detective, while looking up at him while the detective is leaning forward.
The detective is a dominating posture while looking down at the suspect, controlling the
situation, as we can see the suspect's lips are pursed in what we may called "The cornered
look"
Looking for space.
Instead of sitting across the table from the suspect, the officer is standing away from the
suspect, while placing a chair also between them, arms are folded, the officer is deliberately
standing opposite him with folded arms to show confidence at the same time looking down at
the suspect to make him feel uncomfortable.
The suspect is leaning back in the chair, feet on the ground and are anchored to the floor
while his hands are on the table to stabilize himself, while realizing that he is cornered by
looking up at the officer to see what is coming next.

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360 Degree Body Language Identification to identify potential terrorists.
When we look at a human being in Israeli Security/Police! We look at the head of the person
and work down his body, via his arms, right to his legs. His head is always the focal point of
our interest. The brain is stored in his head and commands all body movements or reactions
whether intended or not intended.
Owing to set circumstances in Israel, such as the threat of suicide bombings as an everyday
occurrence, certain standards of BL identification were developed, based on basic Body
Language identification and upgraded to identify potential threats before they occur ,
whether it maybe in a supermarket, airport, shopping mall, school, train station, bus station,
campuses, in fact anywhere!
'360 degree Body Language Identification' was developed specifically to deal with the
suicide bomber threat! It can be adapted to identify other threats of terrorism as well! It can
be adapted to any kind of security environment, but its use is totally an Israeli development
to fight terrorism. No other country in the world today has any answer to this kind of terrorism
other than the Israeli Security Forces and Police.
We know that "things" or "objects" do not carry out terrorist attacks! Humans do!
We took the human body and divided it up into threat zones from every angle, hence the 360
Degree Body Language Identification Definition.
The head being the focal point and the command center of the body! We examined the
entire body from every direction as a potential threat of an attack. Does not have to be a
terrorist attack, but the identification methodology is the same! Anyone carrying an offensive
weapon or is carrying a suicide belt/vest can be identified by simple identification.
The body is divided into threat zones and levels of threats from the head to the feet.
: central nervous system and controls all body actions, behavior patterns, facialThe Head
expressions, involuntary and voluntary actions.(Without the head there is no body
language).
lower body, via the spinal cord to the: channels all commands from the brain to theThe Neck
arms and legs.(Without the Neck there is no Body Language)
-illOversized(Clothes to cover up intentions and objects to be hidden on the body.Dress:
fitting garments to cover up the threat)
: serves as a carrier or hiding place for weapons of any kindr bodyThe chest, torso and lowe
and suicide vest or bombs. (Threat level identification by body profile break up)
: serve as the carrier of the body and least identified as a potential threat.The legs

40. 40
360 degree possible head and face threat indicators:-
When we look for threats we start our observation from the head downwards,
checking and eliminating what is not relevant in our identification for warning signals
from the face and head area. In order to face a threat level, the process commences
from the top of the head downwards or a number of processes at the same time. The
face is divided into a number of threat zones from all angles, hence the terminology
360 degree identification. We cannot single out any one particular threat zone as the
only threat; we have to look for a combination of threat signals that that particular
person is a definite threat. At the same time that we have identified the threat via
facial signals, we also have to look for the tools to carry out the threat such as the
hands, while looking at the torso as well to check if there is a breakup of the subject's
body profile that looks abnormally big for example in comparison to the person's
normal physical makeup.
Haircut
Protruding forehead veins
Forehead
Eyes
Raised eyebrows
NoseEars
Cheek& face muscles
Locked jaw or chin
Pursed or quivering lips
Protruding veins in neck

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Identifying the combination of threats from the facial zones downwards:-
A trained security operative with advanced body language identification expertise will look for
the combination of threat signals immediately on spotting a suspicious person such as
someone that may be carrying a weapon or a bomb, and will be focused firstly on the
head/face area as the initial indicator because without the head there is no body language,
however with that in mind there are certain persons that do not show threat signals from the
face and who are trained not to show emotion, feelings or any signs of nervousness. This
may be difficult even for a trained security operative to spot, but even with that phase
eliminated the operative will be looking for other threat indicators from the rest of the body at
the same time he will be running his eyes down the suspect's body to spot the threat for
example from the neck, hands and the upper torso, and chest area of the person.
If we are looking for example for a suicide bomber that will be wearing a suicide vest packed
with explosives under a safari jacket or an overcoat, then we will be looking for a physical
break up of that person's body as a suicide bomb vest is a difficult object to hide without
breaking up the persons natural physique and body shape. Not only had that, in order for the
bomb to be hidden then we will be looking for outsize upper attire with a noticeable bulge
under the clothing.
: channels all commands from the brain to the lower body, via the spinal cord to theThe Neck
arms and legs. In some people the neck arteries stand out when excited or nervous or are
stressed.

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The chest and the lower body serve as a carrier and hiding place for a suicide
bomber vest which looks similar to a flak jacket, also serve as a hiding place for
weapons, such as a hand gun or knives.
The legs serve as the carrier of the bomb and are least identified as a threat, other than the
fact when we observe someone running towards us that they are carrying an object that may
be a threat.

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The legal weapon? How do we pick up the “Body Language”?
The legal weapon and how is it detected?
What is it? – “A Credit card”
How does a body language interpreter expose a legal weapon?
Has anyone thought that an innocent looking credit card can be turned into a lethal
weapon and its potential cannot be spotted unless a body language expert can pick up the
threatening behavior patterns beforehand?
An innocent looking credit card that we take for granted is legally carried in our wallets,
can be sharpened razor sharp, and its edge below the owner’s details can be honed into a
razor.
It can slash a victim’s throat with ease.99% of security have no idea how to spot the potential
of such a weapon on any regular looking person, unless that person’s behavior patterns can
be identified in order to inaugurate a search.
There is only one way to inaugurate a frisk or search to find such a weapon and that is too
question the suspect with deliberate trick questions and to observe hand movements on the
subject. As a selector or a security operative we have to observe with 2 eyes. One on the
face to look for deliberate lack of eye contact, and the other to watch for fidgety hand
movements.
The new terror threat facing Body Language Interpreters
The surgically implanted bomb
Probably the biggest headache facing the security forces and the body language
interpreters, and how to overcome this kind of threat, concocted by fanatical terror
groups in attempt to outwit security in sensitive, and crowded places such as
airports, aircraft, banks, subways, and bus terminals etc..