“Followed Home: How Gangs and Activist Groups Are Tracking Citizens”

Criminals and activist groups are following citizens home, and most people don’t even realize it. A veteran police officer reveals how to spot the signs, the three surveillance tactics you must know, and what to do if you think you’re being followed. Don’t wait until it’s too late to get informed.

The Story

My name is Officer Mark Reynolds, and I’ve been in law enforcement for over 20 years. I currently train police officers across the state in tactics, situational awareness, and officer safety. Over the years, I’ve seen a shift in the kinds of threats we deal with, and one of the more concerning trends I’ve noticed is the increase in law-abiding citizens being followed, either by gang members, criminal crews, or politically motivated activist groups. And I’m not just talking about fellow officers or ICE agents, though many of them have been tailed by hostile organizations looking to intimidate or expose them. I’m also talking about everyday folks—teachers, contractors, parents—who find themselves targeted just for having an opinion or living in the wrong place.

The truth is, being followed isn't something most people think about until it happens. And by then, it’s usually already gone too far. That’s why I’m speaking up—because I want you to understand the warning signs and know how to respond if it ever happens to you. When we train law enforcement to detect surveillance, we break it down into three types: bumper lock, discreet-not-to-lose, and discreet-to-lose. These terms originate from counter-surveillance training, but they're equally applicable to what we’re seeing on the streets today.

Let’s start with bumper lock surveillance. This is the most aggressive and prominent type. You’ll notice a car is riding your bumper, matching your every turn, sticking too close through every stoplight. There’s no subtlety here—they want you to know you’re being followed. That’s part of the intimidation tactic. We’ve seen this kind of behavior used by gang members trying to send a message, especially when they want to show dominance over a neighborhood or intimidate someone they think is cooperating with law enforcement. If you ever find yourself in this situation, don’t drive home. That’s the biggest mistake people make—they lead the threat right to their doorstep. Instead, drive to a police station, a fire station, or a well-lit public area. Don’t get out of your vehicle until you feel safe or have backup.

The second type is what we call discreet, not to lose. This one is trickier to spot, but still detectable if you’re paying attention. The person following you stays back several car lengths, trying to blend in with traffic. They’re not tailgating you, but they’re making sure they don’t lose you. If you speed up, they speed up. If you make quick turns or go through a light at the last second, they’ll push the limits to stay with you, even if it means running a red light. These kinds of tails are often used by organized criminal groups who are trying to track your routines or figure out where you live. Again, the key here is to change your route. Take several right turns in a row—three or four will usually put you back where you started. If that same car is still behind you, there’s a good chance you’re being followed. Trust your gut and call the police immediately. We’d rather respond to a false alarm than show up after something terrible has happened.

The third and most sophisticated type is discreet-to-lose. These individuals are professionals, or at least well-trained enough to act like it. They’re not just following you—they’re tracking you. They don’t mind losing visual contact for a few minutes because they have a backup plan in place. Multiple vehicles might be involved. If one car loses you at a red light, another one will pick up the trail a few blocks down the road. They obey traffic laws, avoid drawing attention, and blend into their surroundings. We typically train federal agents to detect this type of surveillance, but in today’s climate, I’m telling you—it’s not just feds being watched anymore. Gang crews and activist groups have adopted these methods. They’re patient, coordinated, and often very motivated.

So what can you do about it? First, vary your routines. Don’t take the same route to and from work every day. Don’t be predictable. Pay attention to vehicles you see repeatedly, especially ones parked outside your house more than once or showing up at different places you frequent. If you think someone might be following you, don’t confront them. That’s a fast way to escalate a bad situation. Instead, keep driving, stay calm, and proceed to a police station or a safe public location. If you’re on foot, walk into a business and ask for help. Call 911 and tell the dispatcher exactly what’s happening. Be specific—give them vehicle descriptions, license plate numbers if possible, and your current location.

The most important thing I can tell you is this: trust your instincts. If something feels off, don’t ignore it. Your body is wired to detect danger, even when your mind tries to rationalize it away. I’ve seen too many people brush off their gut feelings—only to regret it later. You don’t have to live in fear, but you do have to live with awareness. The world is changing, and personal security is no longer just a job for police. It’s something we all have to take seriously. Stay sharp, stay alert, and stay safe.

The Lesson: “Awareness Is Your First Line of Defense”

In today’s world, being law-abiding doesn’t make you invisible—it makes you a potential target. Whether it’s gangs, activist groups, or opportunistic criminals, surveillance is real and often unnoticed. The key to staying safe isn’t paranoia—it’s awareness. Learn to spot the signs, trust your instincts, and act before it’s too late.