Detecting a Two Way Mirror Spy Myths Exposed

Fear-peddling Fairies Aren't Doing You any Favors and Alarmist Santa Isn't Bringing You a Gift. 

 by The Self Defense Mythbusters in cooperation with Nottingham Sword & Shield Security, Hit Like a Girl, VIPER Violence Survival School and USA Martial Arts

Are you being spied on with a two way mirror?

Here's another one that keeps making its rounds.  A healthy bit of skepticism is important - especially when it comes to safety advice.  Be cautious of to whom you listen.  The truth will set you free and FREE advice can be the most expensive kind.

How can you tell when you are in a room, restroom, motel etc. with a mirror or a 2-way glass?
Here's how: I thought it was quite interesting! And I know in about 30 seconds you're going to do what I did and find the nearest mirror.
Do you know how to determine if a mirror is 2-way or not? A policewoman who travels all over the US and gives seminars and techniques for businesswomen passed this on.
When we visit toilets, bathrooms, hotel rooms, changing rooms, etc., how many of you know for sure that the seemingly ordinary mirror hanging on the wall is a real mirror, or actually a 2-way mirror (i.e., they can see you, but you can't see them)? There have been many cases of people installing 2-way mirrors in female changing rooms . It is very difficult to positively identify the surface by looking at it.
So, how do we determine with any amount of certainty what type of mirror we are looking at?
TWO WAY GLASS IMAGE MIRROR IMAGE
Just conduct this simple test: Place the tip of your fingernail against the reflective surface and if there is a GAP between your fingernail and the image of the nail, then it is GENUINE mirror. However, if your fingernail DIRECTLY TOUCHES the image of your nail, then BEWARE! IT IS A 2-WAY MIRROR!
"No Space, Leave the Place" So remember, every time you see a mirror, do the "fingernail test." It doesn't cost you anything.
REMEMBER. No Space, Leave the Place:
Ladies: Share this with your girlfriends, sisters, daughters, etc.
Men: Share this with your wives, daughters, daughters-in-law, mothers, girlfriends and/or friends.
_____________

This detection method is flawed and more folly than helpful safety advice.  Issue some pseudo-self-defense advice, tack on a nice diagram for credibility and an appealing tag line that rhymes and people are far more likely believe it then forward it on to friends.  Now ad some scary words in capital letters and throw in a few exclamation points and you have the beginnings of a viral internet letter or social media post.  Although people have pure intentions by passing these on, they are inadvertently perpetuating a common safety blunder that can suppress safety judgment, and scramble innate survival intuition.

The above example is not factual because the reflection of the mirror is determined by the manufacturing process, lighting, type of mirror, backing and coating.  The finger nail method is more likely to identify a first surface or second surface coating, both common mirror types.  All of these factors can create the conditions to thwart this urban myth test - a test which might lead to some undue anxiety or even embarrassing choices.

Detecting Observation Mirrors or Two Way Mirrors

Here are some better methods of detection of two way glass or covert surveillance:
1. Most two way mirrors are mounted into a wall, rather than hung on a wall.
2. Cup your hands around the sides of your eyes and press up against the mirror to block light. Often you can see through to some degree.
3. Two way mirrors tend to appear darker than regular mirrors and thus can prompt further investigation.
4. Rapping on the mirror can indicate if it has something behind it or not based on the sound.  Transparent mirrors tend to not have anything behind them and may produce a more hollow sound.
5. If you can turn off lights in your room it will be easier to detect as well.  The two way glass requires the light in the reflective room side to be bright while the observation side to be dark.  Often the mirror will be exposed if someone leaves the observation side dark room and leaks hallway light in through the door.
6. Angle a light source against the mirror such as a flashlight.  You will usually see light penetration on the other side.

So before Alarmist Santa brings you another free holiday gift, make sure it's not a lump of coal.  Peace on Earth, Goodwill Toward Mankind.

John Nottingham Close Security Specialist

John Nottingham is an internationally recognized strategist on counterterrorism, dignitary protection, travel safety and close security. He earned his reputation through his unique experience and has demonstrated expertise in predicting and managing situations that might lead to violence. He is the Founder and President of Nottingham Sword & Shield Security and a Close Protection (Bodyguard) Training Academy and has developed and implemented a broad spectrum of security programs and protective operations. He oversees all aspects of company operations worldwide.

He taught close combat (combatives) tactics to the US Army Special Forces CQB Instructors and trains First responders in the use of force and successful outcome-based response to critical incidents. He holds a license for Private Investigation, is certified in Executive Protection, certified in non-deadly force, law enforcement force trainer, advanced threat assessment and an NRA firearms instructor. He teaches workshops on violence management and is involved in research on personal safety since 1995. He is the developer of VIPER Personal Protection Survival School, the most comprehensive 30 hour individual immersion security training program in the world.

Mr. Nottingham holds certificates from Bodyguard Training International, USA Bodyguards, Gavin de Beckers and Associates in Dignitary Security/ Protection and has coordinated and implemented protective details for clients and traveling executives worldwide since 2004. His team of agents have protected fortune 500 executives and dignitaries such as: the President of the United States, Hollywood celebrities, and individuals targeted for stalking. He is the developer, founder and CEO of Nottingham Training Systems, a leader in innovative Crisis Management solutions used by SWAT, Military Special Operators and Executive Protection Specialists.

Mr. Nottingham served as a Combatives Instructor in a USAR Special Forces Military Intelligence support unit. He was issued official unit duty orders to develop an experimental hand-to-hand, hand-to-weapon combat program for close quarters battle (CQC/CQC).  He was awarded a Special Forces Certificate of Appreciation for his efforts and innovations.  He participated in missions in defense of the US and trained troops for combat in the areas of escaping captivity, K-9 attacks, sentry neutralization, clandestine operations, close combat and emergency management concepts.

Mr. Nottingham has been studying martial arts since childhood and is a Master Instructor and holder of multiple Black Belts and instructor certifications and inducted in the the Martial Arts Hall of Fame as Master of the Year (1995).

Mr. Nottingham is a member of the American Society of Industrial Security (ASIS), owns a licensed armed security company in Arizona, and a Training Advisor for several protective organizations and agencies.

Mr. Nottingham has been featured on network television, radio and films and in national print publications in the US, China and Korea. Among his television and print credits, he has been featured in TKD Times magazine, The Arizona Republic, Channels 3, 5, 10, 12 and 15, Good Morning Arizona, and others.