• Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to content
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • Subscription
  • The Magazine
  • Podcast
  • Contribute
  • Advertise
  • Contact Us

Circuit Magazine

For Security & Protection Specialists

I’ve had the privilege of protecting my HNW principal and his family for some time now, but the recent global COVID-19 crisis has thrown up a new security challenge, or has it? 

Is it not just another type of threat that the modern bodyguard must adapt to, or should we be covering this type of threat already? If the client would be susceptible to the virus due to the nature of their work, then how can we protect them without putting them into isolation? What emotional worries and stress will this have on the family? What new roles should we undertake? Or should we not? 

What about the Household staff, or any other external visitors and contractors? What is their risk to contamination and the possibility they could pass it on to the family? Perhaps we should already be doing this? First, we need to understand how the virus is transmitted, and what safety measures can we put in place to create a safe working environment and acceptable to the family first. Don’t forget, while you may be employed to protect an individual, you also have your own family to think of!

Scientists still do not know exactly what constitutes a safe distance between one person and another person. While the guidelines vary from region to region many people can’t seem to adhere to a simple 2-meter rule. So, in reality, what should we be doing? Are we doing it already? As protectors we’re currently faced with a lot of questions which we must take into consideration. Regardless of your current policies I’m sure many of you will be revisiting SOP’s in wake of COVID-19. In this article I’ll share some of the ways in which I am dealing with the threat in my working environment.

My client is a world-famous musician and a member of a phenomenally successful band spanning over 40 years in the music industry. The cancellation of world tours and the complications created from reorganising dates and events has added to the emotional trauma that has evolved with this pandemic. 

The emotional impact is just as significant as the physical threat. This pandemic is stirring up a hornet’s nest of problems that need to be addressed to ensure a smooth running of daily life for the client’s family.

Have I personally instigated new procedures? Yes, I have, and this has been made easier through the good relationship I have formed with the family. They have learned to trust me in my decision making, and they know their protection and safety is my no1 priority, even though they are having to make sacrifices through the restrictions I have suggested.

Firstly, all estate staff undergo medical checks daily to see if they might be contaminated; if they show any symptoms, then they leave the estate immediately. No external visitors are allowed on the estate. External family members have been requested to stay away and are doing so. Deliveries to the estate are handled in a separate location away from the family. PPE is worn at all times when dealing with visitors. Food deliveries are dealt with the same way. I go to supermarkets and other places to lower the chance of contamination with the public. In other words, I have established a safe perimeter around the property which I can control. 

I have undertaken new roles which would not typically be covered. This means my role as a bodyguard is ever-changing. I must be able to adapt to the situation to be able to control the risk. Saying ‘it’s not my job’ is no longer acceptable, you must be adaptable to change.

In some ways, my role has morphed into that of a therapist. To prevent hysteria and panic, you must listen to the needs and worries of your client and family. You cannot suddenly become a walking medical dictionary and you don’t have inside info on when the situation will change. Still, you can offer a sympathetic ear, rational theory, and be able to come up with compromise’s that are acceptable to the family.

This can only be achieved if you have the right relationship with your principal. Remember, you work for the family; you are not family, so keeping a professional distance is more important than ever in stressful times.

 You cannot suddenly become a walking medical dictionary and you don’t have inside info on when the situation will change. Still, you can offer a sympathetic ear, rational theory, and be able to come up with compromise’s that are acceptable to the family.

Looking to the future, I envision some things will change, and some will not. However, this situation has allowed me to implement some security changes, which, in the past, may have been deemed ‘excessive’ but are now getting the green light. 

My role as a family bodyguard will change as required and standard operating procedures must also adapt to these types of threats. The news is that variants of this virus will continue to surface for the foreseeable future. We must demonstrate that we can adapt too and that we’re not an outdated and unnecessary, expensive add-on which no longer serves its function.

Isolation is a word that has been used often in conjunction with this pandemic. The word itself is insular and threatening.

Isolation should not be a threat but an opportunity to establish stronger ties with your client’s. If the client and their family see that you understand their concerns and have put procedures in place to benefit them, then it will lead to a better working relationship and job security. This will enable you to make changes as necessary to their security arrangements without the usual negative responses. Isolation can seem to escalate a small problem into a seemingly large problem due to emotional worries. You, as a bodyguard, must be able to recognise these problems and act quickly to resolve them to keep the family in balance.

To summarise; you must deal with this virus as a new threat. Take control of your working environment and any outside threats. Your role and SOP’s will need to change. You will become more involved with the family, and yes, you may need to start thinking about retraining as a psychiatrist! 

COVID-19 could cause your role to change permanently. Embrace it, it’s time for change!

 


COVID-19 Is it Just another threat?
By: David Dann

David has over 30 years’ experience within the security industry and has filled various roles from escorting artists at music festivals to protecting HNW’s and celebrities, through to his current role where he manages the security interests of a well-known Musician and his family. David is also a qualified instructor and has taught CP, DS, CCTV, First Aid Level 3, paediatrics and Stewarding.

Tweet
Share
Pin
Share91
91 Shares

Buy The Latest Issue

Sign Up For News and Updates

We respect your privacy and will not share your information with anyone.
We will only message you when we have something relevant and of value to share with you.

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Latest Issue

Circuit Magazine - Issue 66 - AI Armageddon

Issue 66

Buy Now

Latest Newsletter

Newsletter Sign Up

What you don't know CAN hurt you!

SUBSCRIBE

Latest Industry News

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.

Event

News - Circuit Magazine

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.

News taken from Issue 65 of the Circuit Magazine

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.

News from Issue 65 of the Circuit Magazine

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.

Executive Protection/Secured Transportation Profession

COVID-19 and the Executive Protection

As practitioners, our responsibilities are many: protection of the client from physical harm, protection of the client from self-embarrassment, etc. Now, that the restrictions in the post COVID-19 era are starting to be lifted in some areas, Clients, and other high-net-worth individuals will be more aware of the area in which they are located, lodging, and traveling to.

James Bore's Cyber Security

Ways to See the Threat Before it Happens

Threat modelling is widely in use, whether knowingly or not, across every walk of life – and has been used since time immemorial to prioritise security defences. The only difference between the well-known risk assessments carried out by everyone and threat modelling in cyber security is the attempt to document and systemise it. I am hoping that this idea of formal threat modelling will be a useful tool for you to use in your future arsenal of available resources as a CP operator.

Close Protection advice

Keeping Your Edge: Building a Solid Foundation

Longevity, consistency and remaining relevant are some primary goals of all protectors. These factors are important when establishing a new contract and providing services for a new client. But what is equally important is the mindset that goes into those first days and weeks on the assignment. As such, I wanted to get the personal perspective of Vantrell Wilson, a close protection agent who I have trained with and worked alongside of for years now.

Global Risk Updates

Global Situation Report - November 2021

Global Situation Report – November 2021

Each issue our global geopolitical partner, Stratfor, provides an in-depth analysis of global incidents via in-house experts, cutting edge technology and through a comprehensive globally sourced network. Here is your summary from the last 30 days.

Popular Tags

armed attack Bodyguard business Celebrity client clients Close Protection Communication cp Crime Elijah Shaw EP Executive Executive Protection firearm firearms government gun Intelligence Law Enforcement Media Medical military News online police Prevention professional protect protection Risk Safety Security SIA Social Media Surveillance Technology terror Terrorism terrorist Threat Training VIP weapon

On The Frontline

Commercial Security Courses

Commercial Security Courses

Having dug around in the last year to see what’s going on with security training courses at home and overseas, it would appear that there is a gap between what’s acceptable, to what’s a complete rip off, and that gap is as wide as the Grand Canyon.

Journalists Behaving Irresponsibly

What is it with hurricanes and journalists behaving irresponsibly in such extreme conditions? As a security advisor to media teams, I can hardly believe my eyes. Understandably, a lot of pressure comes from TV bosses, sat in warm, safe studios who want to compete with other network providers by having their employees take needless risks, but it’s time for individuals to take responsibility for their own safety and set an example to younger ‘green’ journalists entering the profession.

Jose Casillas

Foot Steps: Mike Brown

Mike Brown is one of those individuals who has found success as an operator by envisioning where he wanted to end up and trusting the process to take him there. In his time in the industry, he has earned his stripes and now reaps the rewards running a successful business and managing the protective detail for a very well-known public figure. I speak to Mike to learn some of his keys to success.

Follow us

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

From The Archives

A Medics Experience

How the industry has changed and evolved The role of the medic working on the ground in hostile …

Continue Reading about A Medics Experience

Fit for Purpose

Nine years have passed since I wrote my first article for The Circuit magazine and it’s been …

Continue Reading about Fit for Purpose

collar choke

The Close Protection Ground Fighting System

The Close Protection Ground Fighting System Ask yourself this realistic question and if you can’t …

Continue Reading about The Close Protection Ground Fighting System

CSARN 4th Crisis Leadership and Business Recovery Conference

CSARN 4th Crisis Leadership and Business Recovery Conference   1 July, 2013 - 09:00 - …

Continue Reading about CSARN 4th Crisis Leadership and Business Recovery Conference

Promoted Event

International Security Expo

Latest Podcast Episode

Latest Issue

Circuit Magazine - Issue 66 - AI Armageddon

Issue 66

As AI armageddon comes closer, the global challenge is discerning the line between innovation and oversight, particularly concerning decision-making biases and security implications.

Buy Now

Follow us

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter
  • Home
  • Subscription
  • The Magazine
  • Podcast
  • Contribute
  • Advertise
  • Contact Us

© 2023 Circuit Magazine · Rainmaker Platform

This website or its third-party tools use cookies which are necessary to its functioning and required to improve your experience. By clicking the consent button, you agree to allow the site to use, collect and/or store cookies.
I accept