Circuit Magazine

For Security & Protection Specialists

What to Do about School Shootings?

As security professionals, we must not allow ourselves to be caught up in either politics or hysteria. Our approach must reflect what we have been trained to do: dispassionately apply sound security principles to this security threat.

After every such event, the blame begins. Some blame the National Rifle Association (NRA), gun owners in general, and Donald Trump in particular, and call for banning firearms, or at least banning AR-15-type rifles.  Others blame video games, violent movies, the culture, or the Kardashians.  And the political games continue.

Head on a Swivel

From the time we are indoctrinated into this Industry, we hear the phrase “Head on a Swivel”!  This ancillary movement of moving one’s head 180 degrees side to side is taught to familiarize the specialist with scanning areas or crowds for suspicious activity or persons. At first, it’s over exaggerated, you appear to be nervous, very bobble head like, anxious, your adrenalin surges through your veins, but WHAT DO YOU SEE? If you see something, WHAT IS IT? Do you UNDERSTAND what it is you’re seeing? If so, now can you now PROJECT? And if so, can you now RESPOND? Oh, and can you do it in mili-seconds? For many, the answer is NO and for the many that can’t in truth say yes, I offer this article.    

Industry News January 2020

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.

The Silent Sniper, PTSD & The Battlefield

You might be forgiven for thinking that a life on the frontline is exciting, even glamorous. And on occasion, it is. But for the most part, my job is nothing of the sort. It’s dangerous, it’s far from well paid, and it’s stressful. And I mean, stressful.  Nothing focuses the mind more than the sight and sound of a guerrilla army and its arsenal of fully-automatic weapons. And nothing destroys the mind more than the sight of women, children and innocent civilians lying dead or dying at one’s feet.

Church Security the New Frontier Part 3

I have many happy memories as a child going to church regularly being with my friends and family.  One day however sticks out in my mind above all others.  On this day, a man keeled over in the pew in front of me and the havoc that ensued is still clear in my memory… Emergency. 

Since there are no guarantees that you will never be involved in an emergency, this article will help you to understand some of the things necessary to properly handle, or ideally help prevent, a crisis situation in a house of worship.

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

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.

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.