Sometimes you have a plan, and then the universe has something different in mind. After almost seventeen years in the private security industry, a little over 3 years ago I decided to start my own security company UPPER ECHELON SERVICES. I was making great progress building the company. Then in June of 2017, I was involved in a motorcycle accident that would change my life forever. I ended up suffering from an irreparable compound break on my right foot and ultimately blowing my heel to dust.
Kidnap & Ransom – Part two
In the previous issue we walked through what happens in the first hours after a kidnapping, we considered the critical factors relating to the initial contact, and we took a close look at the role of the communicator (see Issue 49). Now, we’re going to move on and look at the financial implications of ransom demands and what factors might impact it.
Drone Technology and the Paradigm Shift in Security
Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) colloquially known as “drones” are expected to become ubiquitous in the short to medium term as the world’s advanced economies inevitably grow and converge with the complexity of everyday life. As a result, society is facing a technological wave that will change the way business and security is done.
No Cutting: Get To The Back Of The Line
Having traveled to over 30 countries, building executive protection and estate teams, embarking on 10 major worldwide tours and transitioning from field agent to Director of Security. Despite my successes, I’ve still felt like a student at best, but now finally considering myself a Specialist. Naively, many young protectors are eager to consider themselves “specialists” without undergoing the proper mentorship and gaining the practical experience needed to hold this title.
Keeping Your Edge: What’s the End Game?
I’m sipping a Pina Colada (virgin) and staring at the ocean with the waves cresting about 10 feet from my cabana. I don’t write that to brag, but instead give a peek into an environment that’s a little different for me as I jump into the backstory.
Tactical Pistol Training: Cross draw!
The most favored method is to carry the handgun on the same side as the dominant/strong hand (strong side). It is believed that this is the safest method of carry, because when the handgun is drawn from the holster, it points in a straight line directly at the target. The Cross draw is where the gun is on the opposite side of the body to the dominant hand, so you have to reach across the body to draw the handgun.
Russian Wagner Group’s Role in Sudan’s Power Struggle and Gold Industry
The Wagner Group, a Russian paramilitary organization, has been implicated in Sudan’s recent conflict, operating a gold processing plant and maintaining strong ties with General Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti) and his Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary group.
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.
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.
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.
Cash App Founder Bob Lee Fatally Stabbed in San Francisco
Tech executive Bob Lee, the founder of Cash App and former chief technology officer of Square, was tragically stabbed to death in San Francisco. The 43-year-old was attacked in the early hours of Tuesday morning on Main Street. Despite being rushed to the hospital, Lee succumbed to his life-threatening injuries.
U.S., U.K., and Germany Rank Top in Ransomware Attacks
A recent report by Black Kite analyzed 2,708 ransomware victims from April 2022 to March 2023, revealing a significant resurgence in ransomware attacks. The number of victims in March was nearly double that of last April and 1.6 times higher than the peak month in 2022.
National Guardsman Charged Over Classified Documents Leak
A 21-year-old Air National Guardsman, Jack Teixeira, has been arrested by the FBI for allegedly leaking highly classified documents, including maps, intelligence updates, and assessments of Russia’s war in Ukraine.
Chinese Operatives Arrested for Running Covert Police Station in New York
New York City residents Lu Jianwang and Chen Jinping were arrested for opening and operating an undeclared overseas police station in Manhattan’s Chinatown on behalf of China’s Ministry of Public Security (MPS).
New Horizons
The truth is, the simulated communications you just read were not with a helicopter, but instead were between an Executive Protection team, and it’s FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) Licensed and experienced UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) Pilot. Executive Protection is evolving every day, and one of the areas out front is technology. Developing are new forms of detection, tactical hearing and visual aids, vehicle security and transport, radio systems, and now UAV’S.
How did Russian woman whose family had links to the Kremlin get a role in an British security body?
Anastasia Spiridonova, 23, who speaks six languages and is described by several colleagues as ‘exceptionally charming’, is connected to the Putin regime through members of her family. Her grandfather was an MP in Putin’s United Russia party, while her mother Marina worked at the Kremlin in a department running resort hotels and presidential retreats around Russia.
Trump Settles With Protesters Who Said His Bodyguards Attacked Them
Trump Settles With Protesters Who Said His Bodyguards Attacked Them
Donald J. Trump on Wednesday reached a settlement in a civil case brought by protesters who said they were attacked by his bodyguards in 2015
So, you want to be a Hostile Environment Security Adviser?
“War correspondents” I mistakenly thought, were hand-picked for their skills set, fitness, mental toughness, awareness, and clean living. But no, what I found instead were individuals with many issues ranging from drug and alcohol problems to PTSD episodes to fundamental fitness concerns… the list goes on.
Training for When Time is Life
The 21-foot rule has long been an established firearm training standard. Simply put, it means an average man can close 21feet in 1.5 seconds, as we look at the below data of attacks on law enforcement officers the previous standard far from reflects the reality of the dynamic encounters in both distance and timing in enhancing your ability to prevail in a violent close quarter firearm encounter.
The Dangerous Reality of Unmanned Drones
Governments have already developed the lethal capabilities of unmanned drones on the battlefield. And until greater regulations and countermeasures are introduced, protectors need to remain mindful and watchful of the threat this technology poses to ourselves and our clients.