intelligence is a tool just like a gun.

the common man can use it just as sure as the biggest government

these guys teach how to do an "area study"
https://forwardobserver.com/an-introduction-to-the-area-study/

I took their SHTF intelligence course, so I can vouch for the value of the teaching (ill look up the review link i did)
edit:
https://steempeak.com/informationwar/@stevescoins/shtf-intelligence-course-overview
https://steempeak.com/informationwar/@stevescoins/the-shtf-intelligence-seminar-5-18-review-and-recommended-books

the "area study", if done right, should answer the questions you ask

also, check out https://cspoa.org/
Constitutional Sheriffs and Peace Officers Association