I would say the firearm I have encountered the most in the security business internationally is the shotgun. I would say the firearm I have encountered the most in the security business internationally is the shotgun. I have heard many supposed experts within the close protection industry dismiss shotguns as be “cowboy” and “overkill” and […]
Careering-Ending Accident Turns Tragedy into Triumph
Sometimes you have a plan, and then the universe has something different in mind. After almost seventeen years in the private security industry, a little over 3 years ago I decided to start my own security company UPPER ECHELON SERVICES. I was making great progress building the company. Then in June of 2017, I was involved in a motorcycle accident that would change my life forever. I ended up suffering from an irreparable compound break on my right foot and ultimately blowing my heel to dust.
Kidnap & Ransom – Part two
In the previous issue we walked through what happens in the first hours after a kidnapping, we considered the critical factors relating to the initial contact, and we took a close look at the role of the communicator (see Issue 49). Now, we’re going to move on and look at the financial implications of ransom demands and what factors might impact it.
Venezuelan Gold-Trafficking
The gold business in general is a haven for scammers, money launderers, traffickers, criminals and terrorists. It is an area rife for the services of a protection specialist since the coupling of unsuspecting investors, with sometimes, greedy buyers can lead to a lot of trouble and loss of money, property, and even lives.
Fit for Duty: Health & Wellness as Crucial Daily Hygiene…
The only thing consistent about protective services and extensive travel is that it is consistently inconsistent. The hours are often long, we are up before everyone else and go to bed after everyone else. If your client is a business executive with global responsibility it is always 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM somewhere in the world. So, often your sleeping and eating patterns can become significantly altered. By the time we start or end our day, many times the quality eating establishments may not be open or are already closed.
FEAR, Society and the Police
To understand fear, one must examine it in several contexts from fear of a small insect to vicious animals, and even figments of man’s imagination. Imagination often drives the mechanisms that trigger fear. Fear can be a life saver or a killer. Understanding fear and accepting it as an emotional response opens a means of overcoming it.
Drone Technology and the Paradigm Shift in Security
Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) colloquially known as “drones” are expected to become ubiquitous in the short to medium term as the world’s advanced economies inevitably grow and converge with the complexity of everyday life. As a result, society is facing a technological wave that will change the way business and security is done.
No Cutting: Get To The Back Of The Line
Having traveled to over 30 countries, building executive protection and estate teams, embarking on 10 major worldwide tours and transitioning from field agent to Director of Security. Despite my successes, I’ve still felt like a student at best, but now finally considering myself a Specialist. Naively, many young protectors are eager to consider themselves “specialists” without undergoing the proper mentorship and gaining the practical experience needed to hold this title.
Dissecting the Gun Debate
One of the biggest reasons that gun discussions often don’t gain traction is the two sides are often comparing apples and rocks. Those who are for gun control are often discussing death and emotion, while those who are pro-gun may speak of technical aspects (semi-automatic vs. automatic) and entitlement (the 2nd Amendment).
Keeping Your Edge: What’s the End Game?
I’m sipping a Pina Colada (virgin) and staring at the ocean with the waves cresting about 10 feet from my cabana. I don’t write that to brag, but instead give a peek into an environment that’s a little different for me as I jump into the backstory.
Tactical Pistol Training: Cross draw!
The most favored method is to carry the handgun on the same side as the dominant/strong hand (strong side). It is believed that this is the safest method of carry, because when the handgun is drawn from the holster, it points in a straight line directly at the target. The Cross draw is where the gun is on the opposite side of the body to the dominant hand, so you have to reach across the body to draw the handgun.
A Deeper Understanding
a PoC service is like any other client server system that you use. Take Skype as an example that many people will be familiar with. This is what is commonly referred to as a ‘client-server’ application. The Skype app sits on you phone, tablet, laptop or desktop and is in constant communication with the Skype servers out there in the cloud.
CIA-Trained Somali Militia Uses US-Made Weapons in Deadly Internal Conflict
A Somali counter-terrorism force, the Puntland Security Force (PSF), which was created and mentored by the CIA and Navy SEALS, used US-made weapons in a deadly internal conflict that resulted in at least 22 deaths, including two children. The violence occurred over several days in late 2021 as the PSF, originally formed to fight against the al-Qaeda-backed militant group al-Shabaab, fought internally over control of US-supplied assets. The fighting displaced nearly 100,000 people and caused extensive damage to local infrastructure.
Russian Wagner Group’s Role in Sudan’s Power Struggle and Gold Industry
The Wagner Group, a Russian paramilitary organization, has been implicated in Sudan’s recent conflict, operating a gold processing plant and maintaining strong ties with General Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti) and his Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary group.
ISIS Chief Killed by Turkish Forces in Syria
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced on Sunday that the leader of the Islamic State (IS) group, Abu Hussein al-Qurayshi, was killed by Turkish forces during an operation in Syria.
Ugandan Minister Killed by Bodyguard in Apparent Wage Dispute
A Ugandan government minister, Charles Engola, was shot and killed by his bodyguard early Tuesday in an apparent private dispute over wages, according to the army and local media. Engola, a retired army colonel, served as the junior minister in charge of labor in President Yoweri Museveni’s government.
Zelenskiy Denies Ukraine’s Involvement in Alleged Kremlin Drone Attack
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has refuted Russia’s claims that Ukraine was involved in a drone attack on the Kremlin, which was allegedly aimed at killing Russian President Vladimir Putin. Zelenskiy stated that Ukraine fights and defends its territory, not attacking Putin or Moscow. The Kremlin reported that two drones were used in the attack but were disabled by Russian defenses.
Bodyguard Saves Japanese PM from Pipe Bomb Attack
A bodyguard has been hailed as a hero for his quick-thinking actions during a suspected pipe-bomb attack on Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. Video footage captured the bodyguard kicking away a metal object as it landed near Kishida
before positioning himself between the Prime Minister and the device, shielding him with a collapsible, handheld ballistics shield.
AlertEnterprise Reveals First-Ever Guardian AI Chatbot Powered by OpenAI ChatGPT
AlertEnterprise has unveiled its first-ever Guardian AI Chatbot powered by OpenAI ChatGPT. The chatbot will make its global debut at the ASIS Europe and ISC West trade events. Built on OpenAI’s GPT-3 platform, the Guardian AI Chatbot aims to provide security operators with instant access to critical physical access and security insights through quick questions and prompts.
Cash App Founder Bob Lee Fatally Stabbed in San Francisco
Tech executive Bob Lee, the founder of Cash App and former chief technology officer of Square, was tragically stabbed to death in San Francisco. The 43-year-old was attacked in the early hours of Tuesday morning on Main Street. Despite being rushed to the hospital, Lee succumbed to his life-threatening injuries.
