• 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

Increased global connectedness through technology is fast becoming the norm these days. Video conferencing and “face to face” meetings are happening daily in real-time across the world.

As an industry that prides itself on having the edge over our adversaries, we are falling below our own standards when it comes to utilizing the technological resources at our availability to their fullest potential.

The protection industry may still be in its infancy; however, the demand for qualified security personnel, continues to grow at an exponential rate. The industry is showing linear growth due to ever-increasing incidents of violence and enhanced political turmoil. Meanwhile, Executive Protection schools have responded to this emerging need by continuing to crank out “qualified” practitioners. These new practitioners saturate the market and look to fill competitive job vacancies, which are readily available.

However, the most notable issue is not an unduly competitive market or a lack of available jobs. A more significant problem rests with the employer and their operational procedures. Namely, that they fail to take advantage of all available technological resources when it comes to sourcing and managing qualified employees.

When it comes to contacting, contracting, and hiring people, the best practices of many employers’ is sorely lacking. Many recruiters will, at best, conduct phone interviews, while many others are prepared to hire outright based on what they read in a resume. As a nonverbal communication guy, I think that this is woefully inadequate, and leaves a lot to be desired. Of all the details I’ve worked on, only once was I required to take part in a video call, and this was for one of the larger EP firms several years ago.

The internet has changed the game and created opportunities that did not previously exist. This increased global connectivity means there is as much new blood on the employer side as there is on the contractor side of the house. Facebook groups such as “Executive Protection Lifestyle” and “Bouncers, Nightclub Security and Private Security Personnel” post a plethora of job openings across the industry. Gone are the days of waiting for an email from the training course you attended to hear about new opportunities. Instead, it’s become a numbers game for those companies looking to fill their positions. But this way of conducting business can leave you horribly exposed.

Those who’ve been on the circuit for a while understand that your reputation is your most valuable commodity. Reputation and integrity will be indispensable when it comes to getting any position. It’s not only agents who should be concerned about reputation; agencies will struggle to attract the top talent and win the best contracts if they’re not equally as protective of their standards.

The utilization of available technology to vet a prospective contractor or employee before giving them the go-ahead for a gig is paramount. All the routine background checks, due diligence, and verification of licenses are still necessary. However, on their own, these steps may not be enough to identify more profound issues.

Communication is a crucial soft skill when working with any team, and it’s also the first skill which diminishes when the stresses of the job ramp up. Taking the time to have a video conference with the prospective employee or client will prove to give a good sense of the person on the other side of the transaction. Being able to see, hear, judge, discern, and assess 100% of what is being communicated (both verbal and nonverbal) gives both parties the chance to understand what they are getting themselves into.

There needs to be a shift in the mindset of all who operate in this industry. Communication is a vital skill, it’s not only what’s said and the tone used, but also the nonverbals behind it. Making the deliberate effort to seek out a full understanding from all sides will create the best platform for success. Adopting, rather than denouncing, technology should be the new approach, especially when it comes to recruitment.

If the security industry wants to push for higher standards in all areas, then utilizing the technology available is the only answer. That will not only distinguish the true professionals, but it will also give way to better communication and build the platform for a reliable team.

 


Leveraging Technology in Industry Hiring
By Luke Daniel

This article was written by Luke Daniel of Primary Security & Consulting, LLC. Luke’s experiences as a Global Executive Protection Agent, Instructor at Tony Scotti’s Vehicle Dynamics Institute, and a student of behavioral analysis/non-verbal communication have led him to work with Fortune 1000 companies as a leader in human assets, “buy in,” and business resiliency.

Tweet
Share
Pin
Share
0 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

William Shakespeare

Executive Protection 2.1

William Shakespeare said, “Defer no time, Delays have dangerous ends”. What we do now in these trying times, we will either profit from or suffer from. Why is it that some survive these times in our industry, and some do not? What steps can be taken to avoid a crisis in your employment status?

Global Bulletproof Vests Market

Europe To Fuel Global Bulletproof Vests Market Outlook Through 2026

An upsurge in the body armor demand across the world is likely to fuel the global bulletproof vests market expansion in the near future. In recent times, there have been numerous public protests worldwide due to religious, racial, or political differences, which is increasing the demand for safety components. Rising need for protection for the police and numerous law enforcement personnel will majorly increase the use of bulletproof vests.

A Day in the Life: Assisting On a Protection Assignment

A Day in the Life:   Assisting On a Protection Assignment   You are at home getting some rest, and your cell phone rings. It’s the call you have been waiting for. The Team Leader on a Protective Security Detail is telling you they need last minute assistance to provide security for a well known recording […]

Follow us

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

From The Archives

Global Risk RoundUp – Feb 2020

Our Global Risk partners, Drum Cussac, provide in-depth analysis of global risks via in-house …

Continue Reading about Global Risk RoundUp – Feb 2020

Pink & fluffy? Not at all!

There are many reactions that I encounter when I tell people what my profession is but the top three …

Continue Reading about Pink & fluffy? Not at all!

how does all this relate to close personal protection?

McDonaldization of Close Personal Protection

Followers of Facebook, other social media, members of  North American Bodyguard Association, The …

Continue Reading about McDonaldization of Close Personal Protection

If your threat is from criminals or terrorists and you’re going to hire security personnel for your residence or office

Residential Security

Residential security (RS) is something that is usually taken very lightly, most believe putting in …

Continue Reading about Residential Security

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