The real subject matter experts in this field come from the military. Soldiers deployed to war & conflict zones are dealing with this threat on a daily basis. However, for the purpose of this article, let’s view the subject from the point view of an executive protection team. The knowledge gained through the examination of this threat will be particularly useful to RST teams (Residential Security Team), those charged with the guarding of critical infrastructure, and event security personnel.
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.
ALWAYS HAVE IT TOGETHER
My job is to look after my media team first and foremost. With the right mindset and approach, most of the time, this can be communicated to the military in a way that not only will they understand but also gets them onside.
Intelligence 2.0
Although the underlying principle of understanding ‘capability and intention’ and the objective of ‘forewarned is forearmed’ have not dramatically altered overtime, the sheer scale of intelligence available in the Open Source environment means that the greatest risk today is information overload rather than information scarcity.
It is in this context that in order to acquire and analyse asymmetric and potentially outcome-defining intelligence, analysts are required to think more laterally than ever and be able to draw both strategic and tactical conclusions from intelligence which may be independent and accurate as much as it may be deliberately misleading or presented through an emotional prism. SOCial Media INTelligence (SOCMINT) is one such instance of lateral thinking. FINancial INTelligence is another.
Security in New Zealand
Your high profile principle has decided to come to NZ. The first thing that will hit the close protection officer is the Maori culture. A member of the local Iwi (tribe) will be responsible for explaining to your client the local customs, but the close protection officer will still see threats.
Field Report
How many times had I asked myself the question ‘what the bloody hell am I doing here?’ God only knows. I will admit though, these days I don’t need to ask that question as much and in the same context as I used to. Going from operations to administration and then onto training over a 12 year period means that I have somewhat of a luxury ride now. Monday to Friday hours, holidays with the kids and only occasional weekend interruptions when courses are on or we are undertaking professional development with our trainers / clients etc. My venture into the world of close personal protection has been an eventful one; nothing spectacular or heroic, but a learning curve nonetheless
Key Points to Being a Good Bodyguard
For long-term assignments, it is very important to build up a rapport with your client / VIP and anyone else associated with the operation. Effective and good communications will not only assist you with having an easier and less stressful assignment but also keeps you up-to-date on the client’s day to day activities
Home Surveillance – Is It Worth It?
Due to the rise in technology, especially when it comes to indoor cameras, it’s not uncommon for people to have concerns with home surveillance. One of the most major concerns being hacking – which is possibly one of the biggest concerns when it comes to living in such a digital age.
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.
Risk Management Tips for Every Household
Home safety should be top priority for any homeowner. Everyone wants and should feel safe in their own home so it is important to take necessary measures of securing it.
HOW TO SURVIVE A MASS SHOOTING
I’ve harnessed the knowledge and experience I’ve gleaned through two decades of Special Forces soldiering, and nearly twenty years as a private security adviser working in conflict zones around the world to advocate for a formula-guided, options-based response plan to mass shootings. I’ve taught these techniques to diplomats, the media, executives, NGO’s etc.
Keeping Your Edge – Is Politics Driving a Wedge Between Protectors?
2017 has been an interesting year for politics, particularly American politics. On these shores, we had an election for the history books, one which pitted the wife of a former President against a billionaire reality show host.
Church Security the New Frontier Part 2
More now than ever, church security is an issue that must be addressed in our modern society. Most recently in Nashville, Tennessee, seven people were shot, including one killed by a person who simply walked in the church, down the center isle, shooting.
Countering snipers Part 1
One thing I find amusing and annoying is that whenever there is a terrorist attack with an attacker using a long gun the media tends to immediately label the shooter as a sniper. There is a very big difference between a trained sniper and some idiot with a rifle and just because someone served in the military to some extent it does not make them a sniper. But, with modern weapons and a little knowledge the wannabe jihadist or anarchist are still a serious threat.
Utility of Force
Physical violence is a fact of life. Those of us involved in the security industry are in the front of the queue when it comes to people wishing to cause us harm. It is right that we are held to account and it is right that we are taught and encouraged to use de-escalation techniques, but at the moment we and those we are dealing with are in greater danger than need be because the training is inadequate.
Church Security – The Five R’s of Venue Protection
People go to church for all kinds of reasons but almost no one goes to find trouble. The ones that do go for that purpose are the reason your church has a security team or ministry. Unfortunately, over the last twenty years “Trouble” has been finding its way into church for the simple reason that for the most part, we welcome it. Church is still the place that welcomes anyone in any condition to come to find help.
Suited for Duty
When it comes to a wardrobe fit for duty rule number one, you don’t buy it, you acquire it over time. In most cases, unless you have unlimited resources this will be a slow build for most agents. To help you in developing a detail ready wardrobe I offer the below considerations for both fit and function.
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.
Enhancing Your Safety and Survival at the Airport
When it comes to surviving sudden violence whether as the result of an active shooter or other civilian mass casualty incident, I always tell people it is more important to not get shot than it is to shoot, shooting is extra credit.
Church Security the New Frontier
Because church is an institution that welcomes all comers with arms wide open, it has not only attracted those who want to bring their problems to the altar but those who want to cause a problem at the altar. In this article I would like to look at some safety related areas that will help change your mind set about church security and start you on the road to making your church a safer place.