Industry News January 2020. We cast our eye over the main stories impacting the security industry. Here’s what’s appeared on the radar since the last issue.
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”.
Women In The Close Protection Industry
First, I prefer placing female CPO’s with female clients or their children for the client’s comfort or peace of mind. Some males are easily suited to this task but the client may simply think that a male does not belong in constant close proximity and occasionally in isolated private settings with the kids or a client’s wife. This can be equally true with female CPO’s and male clients but the concern of inappropriate behavior with the children dissolves when a female is placed with them. Remember, it’s always up to the client.
Gap Training – What Most Practitioners Overlook
Many industry practitioners understand and embrace that continuing education is a necessity in a highly competitive, rapidly evolving industry such as protective services. Yet, there is a commonly overlooked issue which leaves gaps for most. When selecting training, do you find trendy topics, or do you train to fill your gaps?
Yet, there is a commonly overlooked issue which leaves gaps for most. When selecting training, do you find trendy topics, or do you train to fill your gaps?
Manners Maketh Man
The proverb ‘manners maketh man’ derives from a shared understanding that courtesy and good manners are essential to the preservation of human interaction and relationships.
Good manners can be applied to several aspects of human life, including how we speak, the words we use, the tone of our voice, our gestures and our actions.
Hero bodyguard throws himself in front of client after motorbike hitman opens fire
A man on a motorbike cruises into the hotel grounds and pulls up close behind the SUV when the bodyguard places himself between the woman and the attacker.
Keeping Your Edge – I Finished Training, Now What?
It’s the final wrap up of the last day of your Close Protection training course. It’s been a long, and at times grueling, process but ultimately rewarding on multiple levels.
Along the way you’ve met some people you have really gelled with (and a couple that you have no plans on staying in contact with once class ends.) Overall, you enjoyed the experience, feel like you have gotten your moneys worth, and can say that you have some new, “tools for the toolbox.”
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
So, You Want To Be A Celebrity Protection Agent?
“Elijah, I’m glad you choose me for the assignment, just so you know I have to be home on the 15th as my son has his little league try-outs.” I’ll have to be honest and say, if the assignment extends past the 15th, I’m likely going to use someone else from the outset. Why? Because VIP clients appreciate familiarity but the rotation of celebrity protection agents does not project stability, instead, it implies just the opposite.
The DEEP End
the Deep End, the (Dynamic Evolution Of Executive Protection) can you swim? Since the beginning of time, everything from man to nature has or is evolving; the protection theater is no different.
Breaking the Communication Barrier
Security Consultant, Ben Hockman, shares tips on breaking the communication barrier when operating in foreign countries where the locals do not speak your native language. Specifically, the advantages he experienced, having Spanish language skills while working on an assignment in Colombia.
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.
Leave no man behind?
“Ultimately, I need to know that whoever I’m working with, if the shit hits the fan and I’m in a situation, that my colleagues are going to be there to watch my back”. The ethos of “Leave no man behind” is a mainstay across Armed Forces and equally relevant to professionals in Close & Executive Protection. If a colleague was injured out in the field, would you turn your back and walk away?
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 […]
Working a Political Convention
These political conventions occur only once every four years but it’s scale and magnitude are pretty staggering, involving everything from the United States Secret Service to State and Local Law Enforcement.
The Problem with Selfies
We have all heard the old saying, “Pictures are worth a thousand words,” so who wants an autograph, when a photo with your favorite celebrity conveys much more perceived authenticity? This also has value in the arena of SOCIAL capital.
Readiness and Commitment
There is no better feeling than to get ‘the call’ and you be able to say, “I’m prepared to move when you are”. You’re not “ready” because you took an Executive Protection course, or because you did a detail last week, you’re “ready” because you’re constantly prepared and stay that way and able to provide services at any moment. Follow these tips to help you remain alert and ready at all times.
