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
Fit for Purpose
From a physical training perspective, the evolution of my own personal practice, my approach to nutrition and what I advise for the general population has dramatically changed over these years.
Industry News At A Glance – July 2019
We cast our eye over the main stories impacting the security industry. Here’s what’s appeared on the radar since the last issue.
Global Risk RoundUp – July 2019
Our Global Risk partners, Drum Cussac, provide in-depth analysis of global risks, here is your summary of the last 30 days. Including: Three Explosions Reported in Mogadishu, Multiple Fatalities Reported as Measles Outbreak Continues to Spread Nationwide, Dozens Arrested in Suspected Terrorism Financing Ring, Fatalities Reported following Explosions in Jolo, Sulu Province
7 Tips to Improve Surveillance Results
Over the course of my career (17+ years), I have heard my fair share of complaints from potential clients indicating that their current surveillance/investigative partner was not achieving the desired results with the budgets provided. The activities and behaviors of people are constantly changing and that forces us as investigators to change our approach and evaluate our practices in order to achieve optimal results.
Introduction to Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity is often seen as a niche area which requires a lot of specialist knowledge to apply. This is partly true – in order to configure a web application firewall someone needs to understand how to work with the technology at a very low level. What is often missed, as the technologists take over, is that cyber is still security and the same fundamental principles apply to designing and building effective protections.
Disaster Preparedness
Rule number one when it comes to disaster management – preparation beats the hell out of managing in the crisis. Now is the perfect time to start preparing while there is no critical emergency or natural disaster. When it comes to disaster preparedness I think about the Family, the Dwelling, the Environment, Critical Stuff and the Plan.
Mental Illness and Addiction
Addiction. Mental Illness. What comes to mind when you hear those words? According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, approximately 1 in 5 Americans experience a form mental illness within a given year, while about 21% of 13-18 year olds experience a serious mental illness.
IT Support is NOT CyberSecurity!
Working with a credible Cybersecurity professional means a company should be able to have an up to date and easily understood incident response plan, an improved level of security, both with regards to systems and personnel, and have a trusted expert they can call upon with confidence.
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.
Experiences Of Being A Hostage and Living With The Shia
On May 29, 2007, IT consultant Peter Moore and four bodyguards, all British ex-servicemen, were kidnapped in Iraq. During his years of imprisonment, Moore endured solitary confinement, mock executions, and the loss of his four colleagues. He was eventually freed in return for, and after, the release of two senior leaders of the Shia paramilitary group Asaib Ahl al-Haq, the brothers Qais and Laith al-Khazali.
Industry News At A Glance
We cast our eye over the main stories impacting the security industry. Here’s what’s appeared on the radar since the last issue.
Global Incident Report – May 2019
Our Global Risk partners, Drum Cussac, provide in-depth analysis of global risks, here is your summary of the last 30 days. Including: 40 dead in armed attack in Mali, 13 killed in Hostage situation in Mexico, Multiple Islamic State Militants killed in Iraq and explosion on a bus in Sweden.
Protective Surveillance
With each client, the situation and threat level will vary, as will their requirements and appetite. When it comes to security there are a myriad of options available, often (and hopefully) with multiple, complementary components working together in harmony. One weapon in the personal protection armory is Protective Surveillance. This article attempts to provide a comprehensive overview of a service that has multiple benefits, quite a few limitations and several misrepresentations.
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.
How Surveillance Can Help Prevent Acid Attacks
The recent surge in acid attacks in London and surrounding areas has filled the headlines in recent weeks and months, understandably causing a great deal of concern for the general public and those responsible for their safety.
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.
