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.
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.
Keeping Your Edge, Politics as Un-usual
I’ve always tried to make sure I ask and answer that question before I write about personal experiences in public settings. In light of that, I must admit I thought about this one a bit longer than most, but felt it was worthy to share because one of the purposes of The Circuit Magazine is to inform and educate while offering unique perspectives within the Close Protection community.
Church Security the New Frontier
Because church is an institution that welcomes all comers with arms wide open, it has not only attracted those who want to bring their problems to the altar but those who want to cause a problem at the altar. In this article I would like to look at some safety related areas that will help change your mind set about church security and start you on the road to making your church a safer place.
Task, Threat and Environment
Task, Threat and Environment, The Mindset of Protective Services Professional. This is a mindset that goes beyond situational awareness, knowledge, or even foresight but rather a collection of them all into a cycle which must be constantly in rotation. The items listed are the most paramount on the task list of a security professional engaged in protective services.
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.
What You Need to Know About Body Armour
You will already know just how important body armour is for Security work, yet many do not completely understand the different options available.
Covert Protective Details – The Invisible Shield
Many clients feel uncomfortable with highly visible or “overt” protective details. Some may even ask you to be so invisible that they don’t know you are there. But what are covert protective details? As you’ll discover, it’s not a case of ‘one size fits all’!
Leaders – A peek behind the curtain of the Close Protection Industry.
What is the state of our industry? Where are we headed? What are the emerging trends? Take a peek behind the curtain of the Close Protection Industry.
Remaining Professional: Dealing with High Conflict Personality
You cannot change a high conflict personality, so you must have a calm and well-practiced approach to working alongside them.
Hands-On Protection Training
Are We As Good As We Think We Are? After finishing 5 days of intense and demanding protection training aimed at the Close Protection Officer, who has left their ego behind and realised their hands-on Protection Skills need either developing or, in some cases, building from a none existent base level, I thought it prevalent […]
Keeping Your Edge: When Your Time is Not Your Own
So let me set the stage of this edition of Keeping Your Edge: it’s day 26 of a 30 day musical tour, and I’m currently writing this column in the front lounge of a 38’ Tour Bus. This particular bus has a fully functioning recording studio in the rear, and the THUMP, THUMP, THUMP of […]
Close Your Eyes Too Improve Accuracy
Next time you go to the range, step up to your shooting lane, look down the range then take a moment to look at the ceiling slightly in front of the shooting bench to a considerable distance down range. You will undoubtedly notice countless rounds have inadvertently been fired into the ceiling. This is usually […]
Be courteous and professional when answering questions
However, when you think about it, what I’m really talking about is communicating knowledge and that is vital in close protection. Security means that ensuring people understand what you mean quickly and effectively is essential, and one way to help develop communication skills is by learning how to present effectively. This article aims to provide […]
Man, That Burns!
A brief look at MACE Pepper Gel for Protection Specialists. Pepper Gel is a great option for confrontations that may not warrant a lethal force response.