Which behavior could indicate an individual is preparing for an assault?

Pacing and target glancing are behaviors that can often suggest that an individual is preparing for an assault. When someone is pacing, it can indicate anxiety or agitation, which may be related to planning a violent action. Target glancing, where a person frequently looks towards a specific individual, can signify that they are focused on that person for a potential confrontation. This combination of behaviors often serves as a warning sign that the individual may be assessing their surroundings and considering their next move, which in this context, could lead to an assault.

Quiet observation, casual conversation, and exiting the area quietly are generally not behaviors associated with preparation for an assault. Instead, these behaviors can suggest a more passive or non-threatening intent. For example, someone who is quietly observing might simply be surveying their environment without malicious intent, while a person engaged in casual conversation is likely to be relaxed and socially engaged, not preparing for a violent act. Similarly, if someone is exiting the area quietly, it typically indicates a desire to remove themselves from a situation rather than escalate it, further distinguishing it from the more aggressive behaviors of pacing and target glancing.