In this second installment, we pick up where we left off… The Principle, Pericles Panagopoulos, a Greek shipping tycoon and his CPO, George Sardelis, have been sandwiched in residential roadway by two vehicles and ambushed by gun-wielding kidnappers. They smashed in the driver’s side window and have forcibly dragged them out of their vehicle and driven them to a distant, remote location near a field. We pick up here with the rest of this harrowing tale…
Longevity in Executive Protection
As a newcomer to the industry, I had huge eyes when it came to EP. Everything was exciting and new. Nothing seemed to matter but trying to get seen by agency owners and progressing along—all in the hopes of one day being among the best in the business.
I wanted to challenge myself. I wanted to protect people that had important or extraordinary lives while being recognized as a professional. So off I went like a herd of turtles (things are slow at first). I had no clue what I wanted to obtain but knew that it was going to be what I made of it. All I needed was an opportunity.
MP Security
Since the killing of Jo Cox, MP, less than two years ago we have heard much in the media about the threats that our Member of Parliament are coming under.
Executive Protection Realities of the Industry and the Ugly Truth
Many newcomers in the protection business have a completely different idea of what the profession is, based on what they have heard or what Hollywood tells them it is. This lack of “truth” either leaves them disappointed or leaves them vulnerable to making mistakes while on duty.
It is common in our industry to see many of our colleagues posting pictures on the internet social media sites of “selfies” taken in first-class airline seats or the client’s private jet. More selfies show them with their feet up on a suitcase claiming ‘’another flight”, or posting from 5 and 6-star hotel rooms, or fine-dining restaurants, or next to a limousine parked in front of a private jet.
US Presidential Security Support
One memorable occasion was the visit by President George W. Bush to Manila, the Philippines, in October 2003, when he on his way to Thailand, where he was to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit. This visit served as a great example of how much of an asset you can be for the protective elements if you know and apply protective operations principles.
Executive Protection Fail – Jeff Bezos
The tabloid said it had evidence that Bezos has been “whisking his mistress off to exotic destinations on his $65 million private jet.
“Jeff Bezos is the founder of the online retailer Amazon and one of the richest people in the world. He has just made public that he will be getting divorced from his wife of 25 years after an extra marital affair was made public, that’s his personal business… The divorce could cost him 50% of his wealth including his stocks in Amazon, which could lead to control issues for the company and shareholders, this is company business… Again, someone’s personal life has gotten them and their company into big trouble!
Managing Your Digital Footprint
In the world of protective services, we are often charged with the responsibility of having to manage and reconcile between safety and access for our protectees.
As business owners, employees, independent contractors or just private citizens we too are challenged with the dichotomy of managing our personal and professional lives on social media.
Executive Protection in Russia
Risk and Retaliation at the World Cup and Beyond. On 3/26/2018, the United States joined 20 nations including the UK, Canada, and Italy in what is said to be the largest coordinated expulsion of Russian intelligence officers in history.
Over 100 Russian diplomats were told to leave their foreign postings in response to the poisoning of a former Russian spy living in the UK. Russia promised to retaliate against this “provocative gesture”.
Keeping Your Edge – Don’t Get Comfortable
That is the brass ring in our business, AKA the sacred cow, however, on the road to eating Filet Mignon, there are bound to be several Big Mac’s along the route.
So, as we proceed on this journey to success, we have to make sure we navigate the potholes, namely, doing the job as required without becoming too comfortable in our role, leading to potentially disastrous results.
Protecting Politicians
As recently as January of this year a man was jailed for a string of threating abuses against Mark Prisk, the MP for Hertford and Stortford. Perhaps the most worrying aspect of the story around this attack is that Prisk was so fearful that he failed to attending a hustings. He is not the only MP who has had to change his course of action due to threats. In February last year Diane Abbott, who was suffering cyber-attacks claimed she was fearful of walking the streets of her own constituency.
Airbourne IEDS
Shiite extremists remaining in Baghdad have added a relatively new weapon to their arsenal in the fight against U.S. forces, one with more destructive power than most of the usual improvised explosive devices planted along city thoroughfares – the improvised rocket-assisted mortar.
Keeping Your Edge, Politics as Un-usual
I’ve always tried to make sure I ask and answer that question before I write about personal experiences in public settings. In light of that, I must admit I thought about this one a bit longer than most, but felt it was worthy to share because one of the purposes of The Circuit Magazine is to inform and educate while offering unique perspectives within the Close Protection community.
Guide to Contracting & Subcontracting Security Services
A Guide to Contracting & Subcontracting Security Services. Market yourself appropriately and professionally, create a large network, do a good job whenever you are given the opportunity and follow up.
Celebrity Protection Vs. Executive Protection
A stable career in Corporate Executive Protection, more often than not with standard hours, reasonable expectations and a healthy benefits package, or the wild and unpredictable world of Celebrity Protection with its Long hours, temperamental clients, and a job description that includes pretty much everything but the kitchen sink.
Leaders – A peek behind the curtain of the Close Protection Industry.
What is the state of our industry? Where are we headed? What are the emerging trends? Take a peek behind the curtain of the Close Protection Industry.
Keeping Your Edge: When Your Time is Not Your Own
So let me set the stage of this edition of Keeping Your Edge: it’s day 26 of a 30 day musical tour, and I’m currently writing this column in the front lounge of a 38’ Tour Bus. This particular bus has a fully functioning recording studio in the rear, and the THUMP, THUMP, THUMP of […]
A Short History and Evolution of Personal Protection in the US
“Assassination of royalty was a common event and it was a customary thing for kings to have bodyguards sleep in their bed. King Henry VIII of England (known to have had six wives) routinely slept with bodyguards in the royal bed. King James survived two kidnappings and four violent attempts on his life. Such experiences […]
One Agents Opinion, Bodyguard Or Executive Protection Specialist?
When someone asks, “what do you do for a living”? Do you say, I’m a “Bodyguard” or you’re an Executive Protection Specialist? What’s in a name?
EP For Green… When Will Our World’s Collide?
In 1920 the 18th amendment was passed marking the start of prohibition and the rise of protection teams. Will we see a repeat of that trend with protection for marijuana?
Taking A Domestic Client Abroad
8 Things to Remember As the designated protection you may have to create a plan for taking a domestic client abroad. If so, here are 8 things to consider before you set off. 1.The Advance: In some third world countries, the advance can be more challenging to effectively execute; that said, never go on […]