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The Terrorist Next Door Hostile Termination WORKING ARMED Is it Worth the Risk? Cougar Team Radio • Hypothermia Management • Licensing & Regulation
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The Terrorist Next Door
International Bodyguards and Working Armed!
35 Hypothermia
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04 Editorial 06 My Journey into the World of VIP Protection 11 The Terrorist Next Door 18 The Security Consultant’s Role in Hostile Terminations 23 International Bodyguards and Working Armed! 29 Cougar Team Radio Review 32 Who’s Watching Your Back? 35 Hypothermia 41 Short History and Evolution of Personal Protection in the US 45 Revision and Exam Tips 50 Keeping Your Edge 53 The (BS) Numbers Game 56 Do You Know What You Are? 60 Working Girl 62 Personal Protection Specialist Code of Ethics 64 Classifieds
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Editorial Issue 27 Welcome all to another edition of the Circuit Magazine, the magazine written by professionals for professionals! A lot has happened in the world since the last issue. One terrible incident in particular was the terrorist attack mounted against the Charlie Hebdo staff that took place in Paris on January 7th, which accounted for the lives of 11 people with a further 11 wounded. This attack highlights what we’re all too aware of in the security industry; that terrible things can happen at any given time. As security professionals we must work hard to develop our situational awareness and remain diligent at all times.
Shaun West Editor
This type of attack was one that anyone in the area could have been caught up in. High profile incidents like this are becoming much more common place in todays society and this trend is only likely to increase as terrorist organizations look to spread fear by striking at the heart of communities. This leads to the question; should we be educating the general public as well as our principals to be more aware of their surroundings and to start taking personal security more seriously? Despite the frequency of such prominent attacks the attitude of “it will never happen to me” still prevails in the majority. This is as true of the close protection officer as it is the general public. When something does happen unexpectedly, adopting the proverbial ‘rabbit in the headlights’ stance is just not going to cut it with your principals. If you are operating as a security professional there is a high chance that you are going to be involved in a stressful or dangerous situation, at some point courtesy of your occupation, and if you don’t, then consider yourself extremely fortunate. Don’t become complacent in your role, it is imperative you remain alert and ready to respond by having good situational awareness and pre-empting possible scenarios. Remember: Failing to prepare is preparing to fail! I’ve been very impressed recently to see so many good courses popping up on the training circuit and it’s very reassuring to see so many people investing in themselves and taking personal development seriously. This, in combination with a strong work ethic identifies you as a true professional, and something which will distinguish you from your peers when applying or tendering for work. Whilst commitment is important it is also essential that you achieve a healthy work & life balance. So, as you’re setting your 2015 resolutions don’t forget to allow yourself a little ‘down time’ as well, I’m sure your families will appreciate it! Shaun West Editor
Editorial Issue 27 Greetings, esteemed readers of the circuit magazine. I come to you with a confession to make. Actually, it’s more like a realization. Simply put, there just are not enough hours in the day. While this isn’t new news, juggling executive protection work with coproducing an executive’s protection magazine is a handful. In fact as I’m rushing to make the deadline for this latest issue my partners in crime over in the UK are (im) patiently tapping their feet, and looking at their watches waiting for me to turn in the final content. Of course while this is happening, I am in the midst of a protective assignment that happens to coincide with one of the largest sporting events of the year in the United States. So that essentially boiled down to a daily average of about 19 hours of operational work, two hours of magazine prep which leaves about two hours to sleep. I guess that explains why I’m typing the foreword from a hotel bed and making sure I hit “save and send” before I pass out on the keyboard. But with all that said, unless I can petition the government to add a few additional hours in the day, I’m not complaining. The reason for that is I love what I do on both the operational side as well as the publishing side. What the circuit magazine has allowed me to do is share the craft with people all around the world and with the introduction of the digital medium that we are currently using that word has spread far and wide, so much so that even the excellent articles that might get neglected in an older issue now receive new life as back issue subscriptions are just a button press away. If 20 years ago you would’ve told me that I would play a part in crafting a periodical that provides tips, information, news, and reviews of the close protection industry and people as far away as Uzbekistan would read It, I might have told you were crazy. However, here I am, and you are somewhere in the world doing just that. So on behalf of the staff of the circuit magazine, thank you for helping us turn our passion into reality. I make this pledge, if you keep supporting us, we will keep doing our best to provide you quality content as it relates to the industry. Elijah J Shaw US Editor
Elijah J Shaw US Editor
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Editorial: Issue 27
My Journey into the world of VIP Protection
The alarm goes off, its 05:00 you fumble in the dark to find the button that makes the annoying sound stop.
As if on autopilot, the minute the light gets turned on, your brain starts a detailed accounting of the day ahead. You work out (if time permits), you take care of the three ’S (shave and shower being two of them), you eat, and then prepare to meet your protectee for a 08:00 departure. You’re told by staff the evening prior, that the protectee will be going to a breakfast meeting from 08:30- 09:30, then to the studio from 10:30 to 16:00, back home to change at 17:00, dinner at 18:30 and arrival back home by 22:00.
You walk your protectee into the studio, quickly check the surroundings, close the door, and wait in the sitting area.
Within minutes you hear a commotion in the back where your protectee is located, you listen for a second, and you hear HELP! You immediately start that way, and hear HELP! again. You realize it’s your protectee’s voice, you get a huge adrenaline dump through your body, you run trough two doorways to a room in the back, firearm at the ready. You open the third door, run through without hesitation, and crash into The Protectee comes downstairs at 08:30 a couch that’s there. For a split second, you and you depart at 08:40 that means that the see your protectee with a gun to his head detail is 40 min. behind schedule, and 10 and WHAM! You’re shot dead by the other min late already for the breakfast meeting, guy wedged in the corner of the room and so begins the stress elevation for the that you never saw! It was right then and day. While technically not your job to there, that I had found out two things, 1) accelerate things, you re-iterate to the driver I had failed miserably, and 2) Executive to take the shortest, and less constricted Protection was something that I was going route of travel to the breakfast meeting. to excel at, and lord willing, do for the rest of my life. Meeting over, 10:20 the detail departs for the studio and arrives at the studio at 11:15. …and so, my JOURNEY began.
My Journey By: Mark Roche EPS
Affirmation. The declaration to yourself that no matter what it takes, you are going to succeed. The assertion you place within yourself to start the journey in the first place. An individual wanting a career in protective While everyone’s journey may differ from services cannot be indecisive PERIOD. mine, the ultimate goal I hope for all of us The affirmation must be one of steadfast, is to become as proficient in this CRAFT as uncompromised, promise to oneself to humanly possible. I believe that there are do everything in your power to succeed. some core competencies that are required to Under that umbrella of affirmation, falls do this important work. I have learned some the emotional support and encouragement very valuable lessons and traits so far in my of your loved ones. The process to make a journey that I will never forget. Keeping in career in protective services is not short, mind that if you were to talk to ten different it takes a lot of time, money, time away specialists, you would get ten different from loved ones and time away from other opinions on what some of the fundamental responsibilities you may have at home. keys are to success in this business, here are While not to diminish any branch of the some of mine: armed services, the spouses and loved ones *The preceding scenario was a small portion of the final day exercise (ftx) experienced by myself and others attending the ICON Academy Executive Protection Course.
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of a protector are serving in some of the same ways that service members families serve. In the same vein, that they take care of the home front while we are away for periods of time protecting others. A clear head is imperative to success in this industry, a cloudy head focused elsewhere, could get you, your client, or someone else seriously injured or killed. So to have a great support system at home that is there, and takes the pressures of home off of you, helps greatly in my opinion. Dedication. Now its time in the journey to dedicate to what you have already affirmed in your mind. Dedication without question will make or break you especially in the beginning phases of a career in protective services. To start, you will have to dedicate to the allocation funds to an training school, which can run into the thousands of dollars for the better ones. Dedication to this CRAFT is one of the traits I believe a decision maker looks for in a student or individual. For example, you may not finish first in the PT run in class but you finished. You may not have the right answers but you gave one! When I started, I didn’t have the money to fly to other states to be involved on a detail, but, I had gas money and I would drive hundreds of miles round trip. Dedication is paramount because that same dedication has to be there when you have to step in front of your client should the need arise. The dedication it takes to learn this CRAFT the right way, is intense, formidable at times, tiring, stressful, and lonely. At the same time, it is one of the most rewarding, widely cherished occupations there is. Responsibility. As you progress through training as well as actual assignments, the responsibilities become greater and greater. If you cannot
be responsible, you cannot do this work! Responsibilities start with showing up on time (which is 30 min. early), to planning, acting on that plan, and being able to TAKE responsibilities on and completing the mission. You must be accountable, for not only the good things but being responsible is to be able to say, “ I screwed up” and I’ll fix it. Being able to show that you’re a person that can be held responsible to complete what is asked of you is another trait a decision maker looks for. You are responsible to protect someone’s life; there are NO excuses for irresponsibility. The choices you make are the key responsibilities you must own at the end of the day no matter what. There is a saying that goes, “you are free to choose, but you are not free from the consequence of your choice”. Mentorship. For me, mentorship has been without a doubt, the most important key to my success. Mentorship is a commitment a seasoned professional makes to you, and you to them to learn. In the business of protection, you can only learn so much in a classroom you must actually DO the job to excel. To find a mentor is sometimes a hard thing to do, you can have more than one mentor but one is beneficial to start. It takes a commitment of time, trust, likeability, professionalism, and dedication to make mentorship work. It is a personal choice made by both parties to commit to the furtherance of your career. Most mentors are very busy within their own careers and businesses to allocate the time to mentor you so, you must be worthy of this time spent. It requires you to be just as engaged in your learning and career as the mentor, or it will never work. Mentors help guide you to through this profession for free so, if they take the time to teach, you better make the time to learn. The 25yr. professionals are still
My Journey By: Mark Roche EPS
You are responsible to protect someone’s life; there are NO excuses for irresponsibility...
Answer the call for assistance for a fellow specialist when they are in need, be that brother or sister in arms that people know and trust. Continue to have the character especially in this industry, to continue to learn, you don’t know everything, nobody does! Your personality and character are two main ingredients needed to succeed in this field.
learning everyday or every time they go out on a detail if they are still learning, then you must at every pass. Mentors have their finger on the pulse of this industry they know where the needs are for specialists. A mentor can place you, they can refer you, they can get you in front of the decision makers, if they are not one themselves (which they usually are). There is no “fast track” to be a protection specialist, however, if there were one, quality mentorship would be the main contender.
Patience. Last but not least, PATIENCE it is a “virtue” as they say, and there could be no more truth to that then in this industry, especially when starting out. It was (and still is), a struggle for me at times because I feel like a wild horse that just wants the reigns taken off and I just want to run. I have the drive to succeed so bad that I sometimes find myself trying to get to level 5 without doing 3 and 4. It takes patience to watch others get “the call” and not you. It takes patience to tell the skeptical that this career path is a noble one. It takes patience to work the program and take your lumps along the way. It takes patience to handle the HATERS that don’t want you to be better then they are. It also takes a lot of patience to deal with the fans, general public that love, adore, and think that they should be married to your Protectee. Lastly, the patience to know that if you have all of the pieces in place I mentioned above, as well as your desire to be the best, that one day soon you will be just that!
Character. Right up there with Mentorship for me in my experience so far is character. Character can be changed but cant be taught in my opinion. You hopefully are a person of good character in all aspects of your life not to be confused with perfection, but good moral character. There is no way for anyone to consider you for a school, recommendation, job, a detail, or placing you with a client of theirs, without you having a good moral compass. Under this umbrella falls, your trustworthiness, your tenacity, you’re integrity, your dedication to the task at hand and the way you treat people in your circle(s). Be appreciative if someone you know in this profession that perhaps gets a detail before you. Be supportive if you are called upon to help out with a logistical problem without expectation. Be linguistically capable to talk to people on their level, whatever level that may be.
There is much more to learn, more details to come and more “paying it forward” I have to do. I hope that if you’re in a place where you are thinking about getting into or out of this Industry that reflecting on my journey give the motivation to keep pressing on, because, there is a light at the end if you just walk the extra mile to see it. My journey continues…
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The Terrorist Next Door By: Mark “Six” James CPO, EPS, CAS
The Terrorist Next Door If ISIS is the new Public Enemy Number 1 then Al Qaeda would likely be 1A, but they don’t hold a monopoly on terror.
Whether the act is a beheading, lynching or being drunk behind a pickup truck, the results are equally as brutal, senseless and catastrophic to the victim’s families or targeted groups. When it comes to acts of extreme violence, I don’t have a different filter or level of vigilance for the Islamic terrorist, than I do for the Christian terrorist, or violent atheist. Whether they are home grown, an international terrorist, an active shooter or someone focused on hybrid target violence, I believe we are much more effective when we focus on the activities that make an individual predisposed to consider violence as a solution more so than a myopic view of a particular religious group. Extreme violence is rarely associated with random acts whether a terrorist act or other civilian mass casualty incident.
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They will not come marching down Fifth Avenue or Main Street USA waving a black and white ISIS flag. Today’s extremist leaders are often charismatic, persuasive or just plain opportunistic. They have also learned how to blend in and strategically or tactically recruit. Often times focusing on what do they need now and what do they need in the future whether in personnel, resources or other assets. They will not come marching down Fifth Avenue or Main Street USA waving a black and white ISIS flag. They will not be deterred by the social media triple ninja wannabe gun fighter, but only repelled through education, intervention, and if required, neutralization by capable guardians be they military, law enforcement, protective services personnel or trained civilians prepared to escalate their own countermeasures to fulfill their oath or commitment, or protect those they love. Lions don’t roar when they hunt, as there is no need to engage in wasted dialogue and sabre rattling. To borrow a Latin phrase from the film, The Mechanic, “Amat Victoria Curam – Victory Loves Preparation.” If we can understand the motivations and preincident indicators perhaps we can intercede and avoid the conflict, preempt the carnage or indoctrination. When we find ourselves managing behind the curve (crisis/risk management) then our focus shifts to effectively neutralizing the threat and/or minimizing loss of life. My objective is simple, risk mitigation verses risk management. To quote a friend and fellow protector Jim Curtell, “You uncover plots through intelligence. Intelligence is the Advance
of every Advance.” Before we can ever talk strategy or tactics to preempt or defend against acts of extreme violence we must first level set or standardize our use of the some critical terminology. Active Shooter (AS) Is an individual actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a confined and populated area; and continues to do so while having unrestricted access to additional victims. Active shooters often look for soft targets like malls, churches or schools due to their low presence of security and high access to potential victims. Mass Casualty Incidents (MCI) MCI range from extensively planned terror related events to unplanned revenge –motivated or random events (Oklahoma Bombing, Pensacola School Board Shooting, Aurora Movie Theater Shooter, Boston Marathon Bombing, Fort Hood Shooter, etc.). Hybrid Targeted Violence (HTV) is defined as an intentional use of force to cause physical injury or death to a specifically identified population using multifaceted conventional weapons and tactics. HTV challenges protectors to prepare for violent “hybrid” multithreat incidents. These incidents may involve conventional weapons, the use of fire as a weapon, chemical weapons, and/or improvised
The Terrorist Next Door By: Mark “Six” James CPO, EPS, CAS
explosives. Attacks of this nature defy conventional thinking about protection strategies involving active shooters about the role of police, fire, and emergency medical professionals. HTV events demand cooperative strategies to efficiently neutralize complex threats that are beyond the capacity of a single first responder discipline. We saw this in the Kenya Mall attacks which featured the use of both small arms fire and explosives. Terrorism The United States Department of Defense defines terrorism as “the calculated use of unlawful violence or threat of unlawful violence to inculcate fear; intended to coerce or to intimidate governments or societies in the pursuit of goals that are generally political, religious, or ideological.” The FBI uses this definition: “Terrorism is the unlawful use of force and violence against persons or property
to intimidate or coerce a government, the civilian population, or any segment thereof, in furtherance of political or social objectives.” The U.S. Department of State defines terrorism to be “premeditated politically-motivated violence perpetrated against non-combatant targets by sub-national groups or clandestine agents, usually intended to influence an audience”. Terrorism has been utilized as both a tactic and strategy. Depending on your point of view; a crime or a holy duty; a justified reaction to oppression or an inexcusable abomination. Terrorism has often been seen as an effective tactic for the resourced challenged side in a conflict. It confers coercive power with many of the advantages of military force at a fraction of the cost or traditional manpower. Also due to often small or secretive nature of many terrorist organizations, they often offer opponents no clear organization to defend against or to readily target.
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A terrorist incident could manifest itself as an active shooter. However, an active shooter does not necessarily mean an act of terrorism. Understanding the Motivation Religious oriented groups typically attempt to inflict as much harm as possible, loss of life is irrelevant, and often the more casualties the better. Losses among their co-extremist are seen as a sense of duty and of little consequence, because such casualties will reap the benefits of the afterlife. Likewise, non-believers, whether they are the intended target or collateral damage, deserve death, and killing them is often considered a moral duty. Either you are with us or against us. Fear of backlash rarely concerns these groups, as it is often one of their goals to provoke an overreaction by their enemies, and widen the conflict. The effect of terrorism is often more impactful than the actual act of terror or violence. While a violent act may only kill or injure a dozen people, if conducted in a major metropolitan area it may make another half a million people be cautious about riding public transportation. The type of target selected will often reflect motivations and ideologies. For groups professing secular political or social motivations, their targets are highly symbolic of authority; government offices, banks, national airlines, and multinational corporations with direct relation to the established order. Another common form of symbolism utilized in terrorist targeting is striking on particular anniversaries or commemorative dates. Nationalist groups may strike to commemorate battles won or lost during a conventional struggle, whereas religious groups may strike to mark particularly appropriate observances. Many groups will attempt to commemorate
anniversaries of successful operations, or the executions or deaths of notable individuals related to their particular conflict. Likewise, striking on days of particular significance to their perceived enemy can also provide the required impact. The candidates who have proven more open to terrorist recruitment and radicalization tend to: • Have high levels of frustration, or distress (may be emotional, physical or both). • Experience cultural disillusionment and blame others for their plight. • Individuals who believe the government or some other sector of the population is trying to subordinate them. • Lack a religious or value system. • Come from a dysfunctional family unit. • Suffer from extreme low self-esteem. • Feel angry, alienated or disenfranchised. • Believe their current political involvement does not give them the power to effect real change. • Identify with perceived victims of the social injustice they are fighting. • Believe that engaging in violence against the state is not immoral. • Have friends or family sympathetic to the cause. • Believe that joining a movement offers social and psychological rewards such as adventure, camaraderie and a heightened sense of identity. Religious terrorists are often driven by their desire to please their God. Islamic jihadist believe that their actions are ordered by a higher power, and that their reward will come in the after-life. Terrorists do not see themselves as evil. They are fighting for what they believe in, by whatever means possible to attain their goals. A victim of a terrorist act sees the terrorist as a criminal with no regard for human life.
The Terrorist Next Door By: Mark “Six” James CPO, EPS, CAS
Active Shooters on the other hand are often motivated by attention. Because of a past of being bullied, feeling rejected or isolated, or as a result of low self-esteem. Acting out their violent plan is their moment of recognition. While active shooters may be responsible for the majority of civilian mass terror events in the US, the international tool of terror is explosives. Over 70% of the acts of terror committed abroad involve IEDs. With the advent and incorporation of social media and international recruitment efforts by many extremist groups, we can project an increase use of explosives for domestic initiated terrorist acts. Here are some key takeaways we have learned based on recent acts of terror involving IEDs and suicide bombers. • Over 70% of all terrorist attacks outside of the US involve IEDs. • 15 – 20 lb. range is the largest size explosive a bomber can easily carry. • Be cautious of people carrying backpacks or luggage that appears heavy. • Be cautious of people carrying backpacks in places that are not normal. • Be cautious of abandoned luggage and immediately create distance particularly in heavily trafficked public places. • Critical stand-off distance is 15 meters (100% mortality rate inside of 5 meters). • If you see an IED you are already too close. • If you suspect an explosive device do not use your phone within 50 meters.
• Suicide Bombers often have handlers (the handler’s job is to protect the bomber from LE, Military or armed Civilians). • Suicide Bombers tend to detonate when confronted. • Does the person you suspect as a potential bomber appear to be focused on someone or has just recently concluded a conversation with someone? The goals of recruiting often take a two tier approach, recruit able body fighters for today, and the brainwashing of young recruits in an attempt to develop their freedom fighters, race baiters or jihadist of the future. We have seem this strategic approach executed by Adolph Hitler, with gangs from Compton to the Favelas in Brazil, to the Aryan brotherhood to terrorist groups in Libya and Syria. The goal is indoctrination and raising them in a culture and ideology before they have life experiences that encourage them to think on their own or from an objective platform. The goal in the youth recruitment program is often to extend the legacy. However, we have seen some groups utilize youth perpetrators in the US for if arrested they are often tried as youth verses adults. The Recruitment Process The RAND Corporation identified three recruitment models utilized by today’s terrorist: The Net Every potential candidate is sent the recruitment propaganda (could be a video tape or video file)
Islamic jihadist believe that their actions are ordered by a higher power, and that their reward will come in the after-life.
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or invited to a weekend retreat. It is understood that some candidates will react positively and some negatively, but the whole population is viewed as potential targets. This method is often used outside of the US in regions of the world where there is little opposition to the message. An example could be a mosque headed by a recognized radical religious leader. The Funnel Is a phased approach that is utilized when the organization believes there is the potential for conversion but may require some transformation. It is recognized that when recruits finish this process they will have demonstrated dedication. This process is usually characterized by milestones, rites of passage, hazing or other rituals demonstrating commitment. They make take the form of demonstrated knowledge of radical Islam or extremist views of Christianity, or whatever the religion or acts of violence to achieve goals and objectives. These techniques often produced radically polarized attitudes and strong converts. The Infection This method is often utilized when there is considerable public opposition to an overt message. A trusted agent often a charismatic individual is inserted into the target group through direct personal persuasive approaches. As the recruiting effort increases so does the conformational pressure. There is a measured return on time investment to these activities with the goal of spreading the infection to levels hazardous to the public. They often look to trusted infrastructural organizations like the police or military who are often dissatisfied with their jobs or hold a grudge against the government.
Today’s terrorist is becoming more adept at utilizing regional operatives and diverse communication technologies to target the West. Today, terrorist groups are recruiting, inspiring, and guiding global strategies not just by internet operations but through an organized, steady infusion of propaganda videos and call-to-action messages circulated via social media. Their goal is to use unfolding world events, to take direct action via an open-ended jihad at home. The strategy of bringing like-minded people together via conversational media to increase radicalism and the collective technical capabilities of jihadists, in concert with greater reliance upon regional criminal activities to drive revenue. This is significantly changing the domestic threat picture and adding to the complexity of defeating borderless terrorism. This approach has eliminated the need for direct funding from prominent terrorist groups and global supporters because homegrown jihadists are capable of financing their own operations. Of the 32 plots in the United States examined from open-source material, only a few showed evidence of foreign funding. Furthermore, virtual classrooms have lessened the operational impact of eliminating key bomb-making specialists. In Philip Howard’s “The Arab Spring’s the Cascading Effect,” He speaks to how one activist in Egypt succinctly tweeted about why digital media was so important. “We use Facebook to schedule the protests, Twitter to coordinate, and YouTube to tell the world.” This symbolizes a radical difference in strategy with the incorporation of social media. Extremist are now actively going to the potential extremist as opposed to a potential terrorist searching the internet looking for information.
Mark “Six” James is Founder and Executive Director of Panther Protection Services, LLC, a full service protection agency focusing on Risk and Crisis Mitigation, Executive Protection, Self-Defense Training, and Firearm Instruction. www.pantherprotectionservices.com.
Joseph Kunkie, Social Media and the Homegrown Terrorist Threat November 2014, The Police Chief. Phillip Howard, The Arab’s Spring the Cascading Effect.
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Feature Issue 27
The Security Consultant’s Role in Hostile Terminations At some point in our careers, those of us working in a protective capacity will likely receive a call to provide support for an individual or business during a “Hostile Termination”. For many, the immediate thought after receiving a Hostile Termination call is to think of how to best escort the potentially violent individual from the premises. But in reality, dealing with Hostile Terminations should begin well before a disgruntled employee is let go, and will continue long after the fact. The list of requirements for a security specialist in these scenarios can be quite long; working with HR and Management to implement workplace behavior standards, developing a Threat Assessment team and protocols, creating Termination Procedures, and assessing facility security and existing protocols can ensure that
they will be well prepared should the possibility of a Hostile Termination arise. DEFINING WORKPLACE AGGRESSION No discussion about potentially violent or destructive employees can proceed without first attempting to understand the phenomenon we refer to as “workplace aggression”. Counterproductive Work Behavior (CWB) encompasses a range of actions – including workplace aggression – and is defined as “any act of aggression, physical assault, threatening or coercive behavior that causes physical or emotional harm in a work setting . This definition is a good starting point, but the security specialist
Hostile Terminations By: Miguel DeCosta must also be aware of several facts pertaining to CWB and workplace violence in particular. To being with, the best predictor of future violence by an individual is a past history of violence. The more prior violent acts that an individual has committed, the more accurate the prediction of violence will be. In addition, many threats and acts of violence can be controlled if anticipated and addressed. To that end, the National Institute of Justice lists four fundamental principles that underlie threat assessment investigation and management: • Violence is a process, as well as an act. Violent behavior does not occur in a vacuum. Careful analysis of violent incidents shows that violent acts often are the culmination of long developing, identifiable trails of problems, conflicts, disputes and failures. • Violence is the product of an interaction among three factors 1) The individual who takes violent action 2) Stimulus or triggering conditions that lead the subject to see violence as an option, “way out”, or solutions to problems or life situation 3) A setting that facilitates or permits the violence, or at least does not stop it from occurring.
systems are those employed by prosecutors; courts; probation, corrections, social service, and mental health agencies; employee assistance programs; victim’s assistance programs; and community groups How does one begin to confront these potential violent and/or unstable individuals? The answer lies in setting limits on the behaviors before they take place. WORKPLACE STANDARDS One of the first steps in addressing possible workplace violence issues – depending on the size of the company - is to have Human Resources, an Office Manager or Security Supervisor set company wide standards for acceptable workplace behavior. These standards let employees know how they are expected to (or expected not to) behave. This sets a basic benchmark against which employee behavior can be measured, should a complaint be received. It also sets a legal basis for a company to take action in the future if need be.
• A key to investigation and resolution of threat assessment cases is identification of the subject’s “attack-related” behaviors. Perpetrators of targeted acts of violence engage in discrete behaviors that precede and are linked to their attacks; they consider, plan, and prepare before engaging in violent actions.
EMPLOYEE COMPLAINTS The best violence prevention program in the world is rendered instantly ineffective if no one is willing to report violent or threatening behavior. Your company’s employees should be informed - via email, employee bulletins, or other means how to file a complaint or a concern, and in turn have this reporting responded to in a prompt and confidential manner. The knowledge that their reports are indeed being investigated and that their concerns are being addressed can reassure employees that they are being taken seriously.
• Threatening situations are more likely to be successfully investigated and managed if other agencies and systems – both within and outside law enforcement or security organizations – are recognized and used to help solve problems presented by a given case. Examples of such
INVESTIGATION, THREAT MANAGEMENT, AND THREAT ASSESSMENT Threat Assessment has two parts: an evaluation of the threat itself and an evaluation of the potential aggressor. Together, these evaluations
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can help lead to an informed judgment on whether someone who has made a threat is likely to carry it out – a determination that has been described as “differentiating when someone is making a threat versus posing a threat.” When a complaint of threatening or hostile behavior is received, a timely investigation strategy should be implemented to determine the veracity of the potentially violent behavior and what actions should be initiated to counter it. If the time and resources are available, the development of a Threat Management Team is of paramount importance. Security should work hand in hand with Legal, Human Resources, Management, and Law Enforcement to develop an action plan; including investigation, documentation, threat management, and threat assessment. While the Threat Management Team can work on investigations and paperwork, it is important to note that typically, “…threat assessments will be conducted by a psychologist or psychiatrist specifically trained to evaluate a potential risk of violence” This will guarantee that a legally recognized individual is reaching the proper conclusions regarding the employee in question. Should an investigation get under way, information should be gathered from multiple sources: • Personal interviews with subject • Material created or possessed by the subject – journals, letters, email, etc. • Persons who know or have known the subject, including family, friends, and coworkers. • Archival records – Police, court, mental, and social service records The decision to interview a subject should be made based on the case facts and any
recommendations from the professional conducting the threat assessment. Interviews not only allow the subject to tell their side of the story and help gather corroborating information, but alert the subject that their behavior has been noticed. This acknowledgement can encourage the subject to change the direction or intensity of their interest. However it is important to note that an interview may increase the subject’s risk of dangerous behavior. In these cases, it is imperative for the investigators, Threat Management team, and Threat Assessment personnel to consider additional counter measures to protect the intended target(s). This can include increased security, surveillance, or Law Enforcement notification. Temporary suspension of the employee should also be considered, especially when the threats are specific in nature (e.g. “I’m going to come back and shoot up the place”). Regardless of the subject’s employment status, managers must understand that in some cases threat assessments should be completed before disciplinary action is taken. Termination in the heat of the moment “…may be exactly the wrong thing to do; removing the potentially dangerous person from observation and possibly bringing on a violent act instead of preventing one.” HOSTILE TERMINATION Should the Threat Assessment conclude that the subject does indeed present a danger to themselves or others, swift and decisive action by managements required. First off, employers must remember there is no legal requirement to terminate an employee in person. This obviously removes the direct, immediate threat of a terminated employee harming those involved in the termination or retaliating against those co-
Hostile Terminations By: Miguel DeCosta
workers who may be present. There is also the option of generating a restraining order, though this decision should be made in consultation with the Threat Assessor. If the decision is made to conduct a termination in person, the Threat Management team should act to make it as thoughtful, respectful, and safe as possible. Terminations should take place in the early to late afternoon and in the middle of the week, and in a location (conference room, meeting room, or unoccupied office) which will not result in the employee being paraded through the work site. The meeting room should be reserved in advance to ensure no interruptions or traffic flow. This ensures several factors: • Fewer people will be present should the employee become violent • Less attention turned towards the employee by his co-workers • Less embarrassment for the employee as they are led to their desk/outside
meeting, remaining outside of the room unless it is decided that their presence is necessary. Notification of Law Enforcement for a potentially violent termination is highly recommended. Officers can be placed on the perimeter of the building or within the building itself to provide a visual deterrent. Once the termination is completed, the employee should be allowed to return to their desk and gather their belongings. Security should not touch or gather the employee’s belongings and should not rush or hover around the employee unless there is a perceived risk. The employee’s keys, cards, and any other work related materials should be gathered from them.
The termination itself should last a predetermined amount of time (5-15 minutes) and all basic information and paperwork for the employee should be prepared in advance.
Depending on the situation, the employee may be escorted from the premises or allowed to leave of their own accord. However, they must be given a firm time of departure and accompanied at all times while within the building. It is also important to note that the security specialist’s role at this point is to escort and observe - NOT to answer any work or termination related questions. The employee may be referred back to HR or informed of how to file a grievance, but NO information beyond that which was given in the meeting should be offered.
Only security staffers with hostile termination experience should be at the termination
POST-TERMINATION Once an employee has been let go, the job of
Security should not touch or gather the employee’s belongings and should not rush or hover around the employee unless there is a perceived risk.
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the security specialist enters another phase. Safeguards must immediately be put into place to prevent any possible acts of retribution against management or co-workers. To begin with, the company’s employees – especially those with a connection to any threat – should be notified of the termination. This will eliminate any guessing or speculation as to the removal of the employee. Target hardening in the case of a potentially violent individual can be implemented in the form of increased security (both inside and outside of the building) and requested police patrols. The former employee’s passwords and access codes should immediately be revoked and, if possible, any locks to which they had key access should be changed. In addition, safety measures to alter access to workspaces, networks, and equipment should be reviewed, updated, or implemented. The Threat Management team should also reconvene to examine their response to the initial complaint, review the investigation process, and scrutinize the hostile termination itself. Any and all perceived gaps in the process should be quickly remedied, and suggestions for improvement discussed and undertaken. Efforts should also be made to monitor any future contact by the former employee. CONCLUSION Receiving the call for a Hostile Termination
is the tip of a fairly large iceberg. Security professionals should make every attempt to gather as much information as possible prior to their involvement in order to ensure a smooth and legal process. From initial complaint through procedural review, the more integrated with the Threat Management team a security staffer is, the more likely they will achieve a safe resolution to a potentially violent situation RECOMMENDED READING: Robert Fein,PhD., Bryan Vossekuil, and Gwen A. Holden, “Threat Assessment: An Approach to Prevent Targeted Violence,” National Institute of Justice, Research in Action Mark A. Lies II, “Dealing With A Hostile Employee: Avoiding Workplace Violence”. Professional Safety, Journal of the American Society of Safety Engineers. www.asse.org/ professionalsafety Eugene A. Rugala, Arnold Isaacs, “Workplace Violence: Issues in Response” Federal Bureau of Investigation, 2004 ASIS International/Society for Human Resource Management, “Workplace Violence Prevention and Intervention – American National Standard” ASIS Commission on Standards and Guidelines, “Workplace Violence Prevention and Response Guidelines”
1 Rai, S. (2002). "Preventing workplace aggression and violence—A role for occupational therapy". Journal of Prevention, Assessment, and Rehabilitation 2 Robert Fein,PhD., Bryan Vossekuil, and Gwen A. Holden, “Threat Assessment: An Approach to Prevent Targeted Violence,” National Institute of Justice, Research in Action, September 1995, p. 3 3 Eugene A. Rugala, Arnold Isaacs, “Workplace Violence: Issues in Response” Federal Bureau of Investigation, 2004 4 Robert Fein,PhD., Bryan Vossekuil, and Gwen A. Holden, “Threat Assessment: An Approach to Prevent Targeted Violence,” National Institute of Justice, Research in Action, September 1995, p. 3 5 Eugene A. Rugala, Arnold Isaacs, “Workplace Violence: Issues in Response” Federal Bureau of Investigation, 2004
Working Armed By: Orlando Wilson
International Bodyguards and Working Armed! I am always being asked about which guns are best for close protection details and personal defense etc… My answer is whatever you have access to and what hopefully goes bang when you pull the trigger!! In the U.S. people are spoilt as far as firearms are concerned, in most U.S. States they are freely available to those without criminal records and the ‘use of force’ laws are very lenient. This is not so in many other countries! If you are traveling internationally the chances are you will not be able to take firearms with you due to the laws in the country you are visiting, which you need to check before travelling. In many countries you can take sporting/hunting guns if you manage to get a permit from the embassy of that country before you travel. This
can be a long and difficult process and will also put yourself and your project on the radar of the country you’re visiting before you even get there. If you get permission to take a firearm with you into another country the chances are that it will not be a ‘carry permit’. In most places citizens and legal residents of that country are the only ones who can get firearms ownership and carry permits, if they are available. It is also very important know the laws on use of force and restrictions on any weapons such as knives and pepper spray that you may want to carry. In places such as England if you’re caught with the same type of pepper spray, which can be
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bought at a gas station in most U.S. States, you’re looking at being arrested and likely spending up to 2 years in prison. Even in countries that have a reputation for high crime and violence the chances are that firearms will officially be regulated, usually strictly. I was recently asked to train a U.S. team who claimed to be going to Mexico, where firearms are very restricted, even for Mexican citizens – officially! When I asked these guys weather they wanted an armed or unarmed course they naturally said armed. When I asked them how they were going to carry in Mexico, they said ‘they were working on it.’ More like dreaming. Sure, if you’re working for the Cartels you’ll get guns no problems, I hung up, I don’t waste my time on such people. I regularly hear of people that have armed contracts in Mexico and are looking for bodyguards etc. 99.9% of the time these inquiries are just looking to build a database of resumes/
CV’s or wanting to promote themselves. I also hear stories of people claiming to work armed in Mexico, claiming to run hostage rescue missions etc. Well, just recently a U.S. Marine, Sgt. Andrew Tahmooressi, was released from 8 months in a Mexican jail for accidently driving down a wrong border road and in to a Mexican police check point, with legal firearms (in the U.S.) in his vehicle. So, how do you think the Mexican Authorities would react to someone dressed in tactical gear with an AR-15 claiming to be there to do a hostage rescue mission? If they do not get shot right on the spot then they will be going straight to jail before being paraded for all the international news channels to see! Reality check: In Mexico if you caught carrying a gun without the right paperwork, which is impossible to get for foreigners, non-Mexican military or police personnel you will have problems. If you are caught by the police or involved in a shooting then you’re going to jail. And you better have plenty of $$ available if you
Working Armed By: Orlando Wilson
want to get out! If you’re caught at a cartel road block and they find a gun… The best hope for you is that they kill you quickly! You may feel like a tough guy with a 9mm but up against half a dozen shooters with AK’s and AR’s you’re going to have issues.
When considering traveling with weapons you need to ask yourself some simple questions; as usual you’re doing a threat assessment. You need to consider the following:
1) What are the Legalities of carrying weapons and use of force? Firstly, you need to know if it is legal to import or carry firearms or other Another recent example was of the crew of the weapons. This is where you need to do your U.S. Salvage Vessel the “Aqua Quest” who were research, contact the countries embassies arrested in Honduras and held for two months or ask contacts within the country what the in Jail. Honduras is one of the most dangerous regulations are. You will also need to know countries going but they still strictly enforce what the laws are on the use of force as these gun laws. In this case it seem the crew took vary greatly. In U.S. states such as Florida weapons, that were not legal, into the country; if someone threatens you with a knife and combine this with entrepreneurial police and you you are in fear for your safety you can shoot have a big problem. Both the crew of the “Aqua and kill them, no problems. In some South Quest” and “Sgt. Andrew Tahmooressi” were American countries a knife is not seen as very lucky to get released but they had family being the same level of threat as a gun, so you and supporters who pushed the case for their would need to initially use impact weapons innocence. As a security contractor don’t expect etc. to counter a knife attack! This may not such niceties, you will be guilty until proven seem logical to some but it’s the law and you innocent. A good example of this is the four need to know it, especially if you have to deal Blackwater guards that were recently convicted with the police. on multiple charges in the case of the Baghdad shooting in 2007. 2) Do you actually need to be armed? The answer to this question most of the time in reality will Most international protection jobs are unarmed; be no! I have encountered numerous people Iraq and Afghanistan are unique situations that I over the years that consider anything outside doubt we’ll see again. Close protection operators of Western Europe or the U.S. as a war zone. must know how to avoid problems, which is I hear of people claiming to have turned where the skill lies. I can teach someone to shoot down work in Africa and in places that are in in a day, to teach someone to be street wise and relatively safe because they could not carry able to operate takes a lot longer.
In Mexico if you caught carrying a gun without the right paperwork, which is impossible to get for foreigners, non-Mexican military or police personnel you will have problems.
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a gun. I even had one wealthy student and new resident of Miami Beach wanting to buy a .50 sniper rifle to shoot anyone stealing his motor yacht from the bottom of his garden, I presume he watched “Scarface” a few to many times. Thankfully, he changed his mind upon realizing there was a very good chance of him doing life in prison if he ever tried sniping a Miami Beach pirate; better just to insure the boat! So, what if your assessment says yes, there is a requirement to be armed but it’s not legal to do so? Are you going to risk it or turn the job down; that is something only you can answer! 3) What weapons are available? After deciding that it’s necessary to be armed where will you get the weapons from and what will be available? As mentioned, in a lot of countries only citizens of that country can buy firearms and that itself can be a lengthy process. So, if you cannot take a firearm with you, can you borrow one from a local contact and will it be legal? Can you buy weapons on the street or through the black market and once again, is it legal? If you cannot get ahold of firearms then what other options are available to you? If you are properly trained you can turn most things into some sort of impact or edged weapon. Next question; if you can get firearms what are the best to have? My advice would be to
go with what is reliable and what has a good supply of ammo and parts. I was working in South Africa in 1994 and was initially given a 4 inch .357 Taurus revolver that was rusted and as dry as a nun’s crotch. Don’t expect people to give you their best weapons, you have to learn to use whatever you’re given and to complain enough to ensure you get what you want. .357 revolvers are still a favored weapon of mine BTW! 4) What are the consequences if stopped by police or criminals? Now consider what the issues might be if you are stopped by the police and you have a pistol on you or your carrying a shotgun in the trunk of the car? Is your paperwork good, really good? Will it help if you pay a bribe or will that cause you more problems? Even in Florida, U.S. where you can legally carry pistols etc. I regularly hear of people getting a hard time from the police because they are armed. One guard that was working for me was stopped by the police when going home from a detail one morning. The cops had him sat on the sidewalk as they searched his truck, he knew he had nothing to hide and it was quicker to consent to a search than wait for a K-9 to be called out. The guard had 3 State licenses so, why do the police do this; why not? I expect they were bored, saw the Blackwater sticker on his truck and
Working Armed By: Orlando Wilson
wanted to mess with him. So, what if he was with a client… the same thing can happen. If the cops see there is an opportunity to drop a business card to the client they will mess with the guard; run a check on the serial number of the gun, unload and strip it before returning it etc. And this is in a supposed first world country. Now, imagine being stopped by a Cartel in Central America, would you want to be carrying the Glock 17 which is an excellent weapon but screams Government issued or a small nickel plated snub revolver which just says you’re a bit wise and careful… Consider all angles, the bad guys do!
the businessman $20,000.00 to avoid going to jail for an unspecified length of time. The police and the judge knew he had money and now had an opportunity to extort him, this is how things work; $20K was a far better deal than going to a 3rd world jail! Another issue with killing people is that in a lot of places their families or fellow gang members will be coming after you or your family. I know of several cases where ex-pats had to leave Latin American/Caribbean countries because of personal safety reasons after they justifiably killed ‘a bad guy’.
I always stress to my students and clients that ‘guns can get you out of trouble, but they can get 5) What are the consequences for the use of you into a lot more trouble also! If you’re working force? Without question, the biggest issue armed you need to have done your homework when carrying weapons is ‘what will the and know how you’re going to deal with all the ramifications be if I have to use them?’. Even potential problems that can occur from carrying if the use of force is justified you can initially a weapon and using force etc. For example, if you be arrested and go to jail until the facts are ‘drop’ someone are you going to hang around and sorted out. In countries where the police are entrepreneurial, foreigners killing locals means possibly end up in a 3rd world jail or will you go opportunity for a bonus pay day! One incident straight to plan “Foxtrot Oscar”? Most people in the close protection business see themselves as from South America, a businessman with a pistol carry permit was attack by a robber with reactionary; if they are attacked they’ll save their client but there is a bit more to it than that! Here’s a knife. The businessman flashed his gun and a warning; if you are low profile and it gets to the the criminal backed off, only to attack again stage where you’re being attacked then you’ve as the businessman was entering his car. End result was that the criminal got killed; a 100% already missed something and will most likely be justified defensive shooting. That shooting cost the first to die, hopefully quickly!
COUGAR TEAM RADIO REVIEW By: Andy Clark
COUGAR TEAM RADIO REVIEW Recently launched onto the UK market is the Thales Cougar Team Radio (CTR). Those of you with a military background will recognise the name Thales and may well have experience of using other Thales radios such as the MBITR and Cougar2000. This radio is small, compact and light in weight but not in features. It runs at low power, only 25mW radiated RF power, and operates in the 868MHz band. Both of these figures are significant, as it means that, in Europe at least, it can operate without the need for a licence. Whilst 25mW is very low power, the CTR has a feature that no other commercially available radio in this price band has; it is a meshing radio. In effect this means that each radio acts as a node on the mesh network, allowing voice and data traffic to be routed via multiple radios from source to destination, even when the source and destination radios can not communicate directly over the air. In addition the radios are also GPS capable. By pairing a radio with a smartphone or tablet using
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Bluetooth, you can see the location of the rest of your team on a map. When paired, you can also control the radio from the smart device, activating the PTT, altering the volume level and changing channel. But that isn’t all it has to offer; when linked to a smart device, you can also activate the web bridge capability. This allows all voice and GPS traffic from one network, let’s say in London, to be bridged over a secure IP (Internet) link to another smart device, paired with another radio in, for example Paris. This now enables all members of each respective team to operate as a single entity with both voice and situational
awareness shared end to end. In trials we have witnessed good coverage of a large shopping mall with just three radios in the system, end-to-end coverage of a Type 23 Frigate with just a single hop, and street to underground platform level comms again, with just a single hop. Like any meshing network, its integrity is based on the number of users or nodes within the network, and this needs to be taken into consideration when planning an operation. This radio will not necessarily replace your existing analogue or digital capability, but it is a useful addition. And, with the inclusion of an audio bridge, you can join a Cougar Team
COUGAR TEAM RADIO REVIEW By: Andy Clark network to any other radio network, giving interoperability between the two, which is a powerful feature. Finally, all traffic is encrypted with a dual 56bit encryption key making it end to end secure. There is also a 250mW version of the radio available to Government, Military and Institutional users. As the 250mW power level puts it outside of the ‘licence free’ parameters, Thales requires a waiver before they will supply this variant. The 25mW version is priced at £649.00 per radio, which includes the radio, antenna, a basic ‘Walkman’ style audio headset and plug in USB charger. Battery life is in excess of 16 hours from a single charge. The 250mW version is £699.00.
In addition the radios are also GPS capable. By pairing a radio with a smartphone or tablet using Bluetooth, you can see the location of the rest of your team on a map.
If you want more information about this or for a demonstration, give us a call on 01454 610050 or email andrew@g6-global.com
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Who’s watching your back?
Since records began, warriors have shared their experiences “around the camp fire” as a way of moving on from the impact of battle. Often it’s only your peers who truly understand the challenges of being a bodyguard. Many bodyguards don’t want to, or can’t, talk about the job outside their peer group. There may be good reasons for this:
• Confidentiality or security issues • Not wanting to “contaminate” home life with trauma • Avoiding upsetting or worrying loved ones
Nobody wants to risk spoiling precious home time with difficult thoughts and emotions so these can get suppressed and often never dealt with so that they build up eventually causing problems.
By: Dr Liz Royle & Cath Kerr KR Trauma Support Ltd
When (the traumatic event) happened, I just wanted to speak to somebody who understood, who’d been through a similar sort of trauma so they could relate to it. With your workmates you know they’ve been through the same stuff and they’ve earned the right to say I know how you’re feeling mate … because they really do. I was lucky – all the support I needed to get it out of my system and bounce back was around me. I got huge support from the people who were doing what I was doing, who understood what I was feeling. But as I say, I was lucky, not everyone has that … (Harry, Bodyguard 6 years). However, human beings are social animals and our mental health improves when we have a supportive network of family, friends and colleagues. At work, the relationships you have with your peers can be protective and build resilience. Many military and police studies have shown how peer support and unit bonds are protective against developing mental health problems and helps individuals recover where they have been affected by an incident.
The Social Support Audit considers different aspects of social support and the roles they play in your mental body armour.
Building good social support is an important part of your mental body armour but is often neglected and may not be fit for purpose.
Be honest though – it’s better to acknowledge a gap in your social support than surround yourself with fake friends.
So, let’s take a look at what shape yours is in.
Social support audit
In column 2, write the name of the person who best meets the description for you in column 1. Column 3 explains exactly how they improve your mental body armour. These are often subtle ways and impact in a sub-conscious way on our over resilience.
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Mental body armour role
This person is protective because …
Who can I rely on in a crisis?
Knowing, without a doubt, that there is someone who we can rely on without fail gives a sense of stability. Just like knowing your equipment is sturdy and won’t let you down, it gives an implicit sense of security
Who can I be totally myself with?
Life encourages us to portray different personas – the strong one, the organiser, the rescuer. There can be a subtle strain that arises from keeping the façade in place. When we are totally and fully ourselves, we drop any façade and relax into a balanced state
Who can I talk to if I am worried?
When our resilience dips, our confidence and self-esteem often follow suit This person sees our strengths and values us, rebuilding our self-esteem
Who will give me honest feedback on how well or how badly I am doing?
We all have blind spots and getting honest feedback enables us to develop. Many people are good at telling us what we want to hear but that’s not really helpful. They may collude with us in ignoring a problem until things have escalated It takes a true friend (and often a degree of courage!) to tell us what we don’t want to hear
Who is fun to be with?
Stress and trauma make our brains focus on the negative and numbs positive feelings. This person will help balance that out – encouraging us to do the feel good activities even when we feel we don’t want to. This can guard against low mood, negativity and depression
Who introduces me to new people and new ideas?
Constantly learning and challenging our thinking prevents us from developing rigid, black and white thought processes That kind of thinking leads to negative patterns and behaviours which in turn can lead to poor mental health
Who can offer me advice?
None of us have all the answers to life. A solid dependable mentor whose opinion we respect can be a useful sounding board when we encounter new challenges
Now consider There is no doubting the value of a good social support system but most people take it for granted or surround themselves with superficial relationships. Out of all those hundreds of Facebook friends or names on your mobile, how many actually made it to the list? How much time do you spend on the people who really matter compared to the masses who make more noise? Was there just 1 name dominating the table? Do you rely on the same person for your social support? What would happen if they were suddenly unavailable? Or what if they became the problem?
Did you have 7 - 8 different names? If they are indeed good friends then you are very lucky! Quality is more important than quantity and 3 or 4 really good friends is a good range. Consider whether you could improve your support network by taking proactive steps to build or maintain existing relationships. Like plants, all relationships need nurturing – how often do we let a good friendship shrivel up because we’re so busy? Look at the names on your audit and commit to taking one step in the next 7 days to do some “feeding, weeding and watering” – whatever shape that takes!
We are always happy to answer your questions about resilience, mental health and traumatic stress on our blog www.powertorecover.co.uk/blog You can get in touch via Facebook: KRTS Power to Recover, Twitter: @KRTraumaSupport Or email: office@krtraumasupport.co.uk
By: Tom Davies Senior Instructor
Tom Davies is one of Prometheus’ Senior Instructors and is a full-time Paramedic working with West Midlands Ambulance Service and Midland Air Ambulance.
Hypothermia
Y
Sub-Zero Emergency – the Management of Hypothermia
ou are on a ski trip with a VIP, a 45 year old male, when he falls and breaks his leg. He is unable to walk, let alone ski. He is diabetic and not particularly fit. You have been skiing in the backcountry all day and are tired and hungry. The weather is poor and night is closing in fast. You are informed that helicopter rescue is impossible due to the white-out conditions. The principle is shivering uncontrollably and complaining
of being extremely cold. In this situation hypothermia is a very real risk that, unless recognised and managed effectively, can easily lead to serious injury and death. What is hypothermia? Our bodies work within a very tight core temperature range. Within this range we are happy; chemical processes in our body work efficiently and our vital organs function effectively. The body works hard to maintain
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this stable core temperature; a process called thermoregulation. Thermoregulation can be summed up in a simple equation: Core Temperature = metabolic heat +/environmental heat
thought of as a continuum; a downward slope towards death. As the core temperature drops, the body’s thermoregulatory mechanisms begin to conserve and produce heat:
• Blood is drawn away from the limbs and This means core temperature is a balance the peripheries towards the core, between the heat we produce ourselves increasing the insulation properties of the through metabolic processes and the heat muscles and so conserving core we gain or lose to the environment. In temperature response to changes in the environment and • Metabolism is increased and combined the heat we produce, the body has different with shivering increases the body’s own mechanisms with which to either conserve production of heat or shed heat. Hypothermia occurs when the • Conscious and sub-conscious behavioural body starts losing the battle to conserve heat. responses, such as putting on clothes and Hypothermia is defined as a core body seeking shelter, mean we can also conserve temperature of 35⁰C or less and can be and create heat
Swiss Staging of hypothermia (fig 1) Mental Status alert alert drowsy unconscious unconscious
Core Body Temperature >35°C (>95°F) 32−35°C (89.6−95°F) 28−31.9°C (82.4−89.5°F) 24−27.9°C (75.2−82.3°F) <24°C (<75.2°F)
Recognition Classically, hypothermia has been classified by core body temperature level. This is useless in a pre- hospital environment, as measuring accurate core body temperature is extremely difficult and needs invasive temperature probes placed in the bladder, rectum or gullet. The Swiss Stages of Hypothermia (fig 1) is particularly useful as it describes the downward spiral of hypothermia and helps with the early recognition. Recognising the early stages is far more important than classification, especially in hostile environments. Part of
Shivering? yes yes no no no
Breathing? yes yes yes yes no
Stage 0 I II III IV
this recognition is not just being able to recite the classic signs and symptoms but to have an understanding of how hypothermia takes hold and who is susceptible. Hypothermia can be acute, sub-acute or chronic - the terms are not important but the mechanisms are. Acute hypothermia affects those who are suddenly immersed in cold water or fall down a crevasse. In these situations, the cold rapidly takes grip and the patient progresses through the Swiss categories with little chance of effective management or survival. Sub-acute would be those who are in the great outdoors but who
By: Tom Davies Senior Instructor have inappropriate clothing on or who are injured and unable to find adequate shelter they are losing heat to the environment but are unable to conserve or produce enough heat. They will move more slowly through the Swiss stages but with early recognition and good management the hypothermia process can be reversed. Chronic hypothermia occurs when body temperature falls slowly over time and is most common in older people living in poorly heated houses. Combined with the mechanism, being able to identify those who are at risk is vital to early recognition.
If we now know which patients are going to be susceptible to hypothermia, we can start to look for the signs and symptoms. There is a long list of classic signs and symptoms that are not particularly useful in stressful or time pressured environments. What works are the ‘umbles’
Those with impaired thermoregulation: • Nervous system disorders • Diabetes • Metabolic failure (e.g. infection) • Toxicological effects (e.g. alcohol, cocaine use)
Management Looking at our VIP, we can quickly see that he is at stage I of the Swiss Staging model he is beginning to grumble and is shivering. More importantly he has a number of risk factors that make him more susceptible to heat loss: • He has been skiing all day and isn’t particularly fit – he has probably depleted his energy supplies and now is running out of fuel to create heat • He is diabetic – not only does this prevent glucose in the body being used as fuel but also affects how the body moves blood to the core • He is injured – A fractured femur can cause shock, will reduce shivering due to the pain and render the VIP immobile
Does the patient • Grumble – the cold affects peoples’ personality; those who were the light of the group become reclusive and begin to complain about their situation • Mumble – the cold affects how we speak and the fine motor control muscles of We need to be alert to those who are not speech producing heat: • Fumble – fine motor control is lost as our • Diabetics peripheries are starved of heat and blood; • Patients in clinical shock e.g. from bleeding tying shoelaces, doing up zips, delicate • Malnourished tasks normally easily achievable become • Performing extreme physical exertion impossible. (extreme is relative to fitness) • Stumble – proprioception is affected, as is • Extremes of age the central nervous system, which means • Inactivity and impaired shivering balance is also affected.
Those with increased heat loss due to: • Immersion • Shock (importantly hypovolemic shock secondary to trauma) • Pharmacological effects (beta blockers and other medications effecting thermoregulation) • Burns • Psoriasis • Cold fluid therapy • Recurrent hypothermia • Infections and infestations
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Medical: Issue 27
We need to move quickly to prevent our VIP losing more heat to the environment. Having already applied a traction splint to the femur, shelter then becomes the next priority. A bothy bag provides instant shelter, is lightweight and bright orange, making the team highly visible for rescue. Removing wet clothing and replacing with dry clothes is important but may not be an option and certainly removing your own clothing to keep the VIP warm is not a good idea. There are several options for keeping the patient warm - from survival bags and blizzard blankets through to sleeping bags and specialised thermal bags with their own heat source. In this situation the blizzard blanket would be the most useful as it is lightweight, relatively cheap and very effective. Since movement and exercise to create heat is now impossible, it is important to provide the body with the fuel to create its own heat. Hot SWEET drinks are ideal but in this situation it is unlikely that you have the kit to make hot drinks. At this point any food is important as is the management of the VIPs diabetes. This is where good planning is worth its weight in gold. Making the VIP aware of the risks, having a basic understanding of diabetes and ensuring that Key Points Avoidance • Recognise those who might be susceptible to hypothermia and manage the risk • Identify the risk and have a med plan in place • Ensure equipment and clothing is up to the job Early Recognition • Look for the ‘umbles’ • Recognise changes in behaviour
the VIP is carrying his medication may avert disaster. If patients do not recover rapidly, consideration needs to be given to extrication as their management becomes more complex. It is likely that they will need to be carried during evacuation, which is time and resource intensive. They will need to be treated gently and most likely managed lying down thus reducing the risk of cardiac arrest and death. Advanced management such as warm humid air, warmed fluids, external heat sources and, as a last resort, heart-lung bypass machines may be required in highly advanced medical care facilities. If a patient appears dead then the old adage ‘they are not dead until they are not warm and dead’ still applies. However, the decision to begin and sustain CPR until the patient is able to be rewarmed at a hospital is a difficult one and will depend greatly on resources available and the environment. There is no right or wrong answer but the knowledge that you did all you could for the patient at the time or had the ability to make a phone call to a doctor, to help that decision making process, will lighten the moral and ethical load. • Look for shivering and uncontrolled shivering Effective management • Warm dry clothing • Seek shelter • Insulate from the ground • Ensure adequate replenishment of energy (hot, sweet drinks) • Manage gently and in the horizontal position if condition does not improve • Evacuate early if possible
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A Short History By: Dale L. June
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 did nothing to cause King James to break with the normal procedure of always keeping his bodyguards close at hand. In sharing his bed with royal bodyguards, King James was only following the normal practice of the royalty of his time...” 1
W
hen early pioneers of professional close personal protection entered the “bodyguard” business in the late 1970’s it was met with skepticism, cynicism and wonder; wonder why and where the clients would come from. There were terrorist activities in places like Northern Ireland and the Mid East but in the United States there appeared to be little need for professional protectors. There were the occasional business leaders, government officials and Middle Eastern expatriates and royal family members but overall business was very sporadic. During the 1980’s and early 1990’s, the executive protection business grew slowly but the education, training and professionalism still lagged. It was the same pioneers who grew
the business who saw the potential growth of private security and a need to bring high level education and training, professionalism and credentialed licensing to the embryonic field. It was our philosophy that from communication of knowledge, experience, new ideas, procedures, training, raising the bar of personal and professional qualifications and required licensing would be born the necessary recognition of a respected and increasingly necessary profession. In the early-to-mid 1970’s, after several corporate executive kidnappings and terrorist acts which included assassinations and general threats against the corporate world, major companies (especially
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Feature: Issue 27
international companies at first) began looking seriously at providing bodyguards for vital and vulnerable executives. Celebrities and public persons soon saw a need for a personal security position to protect them from the very public they wanted to recognize and idolize them. The police could not provide this function because of their limitations of manpower, money and jurisdiction and authority restricted by legal boundaries. For a company to provide private security to its personnel, the company had to either establish an “in-house” position or contract to a private entity. The best most private security companies could offer were security guards who were trained to sit or stand at a particular post, sometimes to patrol a specific route checking locks and doors and to report any unusual activity they happened to discover or observe. A company representative, often a personal secretary or human resources person, most usually filled the position by looking in the telephone book yellow pages under “private investigator” and locating one who also did “body guarding”. That probably meant a former policeman who was licensed to carry a firearm. There were limited choices.
The private-eye/bodyguard usually had no specialized training in the complex factors of executive protection. The “bodyguard” might be armed and maybe trained in some method of martial arts but a large number of guards received all their training and experience as “bouncers” in nightclubs, playing college or professional football, weight lifting or body building or were just big, mean and tough. With the onset of the Iranian Revolution (1978-1979), a small but very significant change began happening in the security business. Notice was made of the increasing numbers of Iranian expatriates immigrating, or escaping, to the United States. Many of these immigrants were wealthy and influential people back in their own country. Out of fear they created a niche for professional executive protection specialists. Well trained and experienced protective personnel of agencies
A Short History By: Dale L. June such as the Secret Service, the FBI, the Naval Investigative Service, The U.S. Marshall’s Office and other agencies left their government jobs and founded businesses whose specialty was executive protection. Many of the businesses found success.
hundreds of practicing operatives and training schools.
It is now very rare, if indeed it is ever practiced, for a “bodyguard” to share a bed with the person he is assigned to protect as a matter of standard professional performance. In the present day, executive protection But “keeping ‘bodyguards’ close at hand” has gained its place in the corporate and is surely a very much accepted practice for business worlds, as well as the entertainment those who cannot defend themselves yet industry, private individuals and professional lead lives conducive to becoming a victim occupations. A new title, Executive of stalkers, molesters, rogues, robbers, Protection Specialist, and then Close kidnappers and terrorists. There have been Personal Protection Agent replaced the term many changes in the role of the “protector” bodyguard with a new image as it connotes through the years and these changes can be professionalism, training, and integrity. The expected to continue into the future. “private eye/bodyguard” has given way to highly-trained and educated specialists who The terminology used to describe the are as comfortable in a corporate boardroom discipline of “Protection” has also undergone or mingling with presidents and kings as significant changes in recent years. Today they are in the violent world of the streets. the term “Bodyguard” is still used, but very A quick check for executive protection on infrequently except by those who, like the the internet today reveals North American Bodyguard Association, intentionally use the moniker as a means to professionalize the concept by raising standards and awareness through training. This has come about: 1) To try to increase the professional stature of the protection agent
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Feature: Issue 27
A “bodyguard” and a “close personal protection specialist” are continuing to evolve. A “bodyguard” relies more on size, combative skills and intimidation rather than on planning, anticipation, and preparedness. 2) To try to distance today’s protectors from the hired thug image that many people have of bodyguards. 3) To remind people that “Body” takes away the living human image of the person being protected and he is being protected not “guarded” 4) To bring the image of the protector more in line with his responsibilities 5) To illustrate a movement toward a more realistic description of the full range of services provided by a person designated to neutralize danger 6) To show that providing a full protective service is “More Than Standing and Waiting” The bodyguard stereotype has evolved these days. A female protector is a more natural fit with a female client, being less obtrusive and in keeping with gender roles. She can be a protector, acting as a friend, housekeeper or babysitter. If you’re working with children, for example, a female can take them to the park or pick them up from school and no one’s sure if she’s the nanny or the mother. A woman can sit in a restaurant or go shopping with a client without drawing attention Summary In the last thirty five years the “bodyguard” profession has evolved into higher
stages including education, training, and experience. The differences between a “bodyguard” and a “close personal protection specialist” are continuing to evolve. A “bodyguard” relies more on size, combative skills and intimidation rather than on planning, anticipation, and preparedness. The North American Bodyguard Association is working toward changing the stereotypes by requiring everyone working in the private personal protection business to meet specific requirements. Many still cling to the word “bodyguard” but have surpassed that stereotype in their rise to professionalism embracing all that that implies and have become personal protection specialists. There also are those who have not evolved to the highest standard and will take any assignment if it pays them, even a very low wage. There is always plenty of work for these individuals because many clients “shop” for security based only on fees. The adage of ”You get what you pay for” could never be truer. But what they are doing is betting their life on the lowest bidder. Excerpted and edited from Introduction to Executive Protection by Dale L. June to be published in early 2015 by CRC Press
American Institute of Executive Protection Condensed History of Close Protection; www.angelfire.com/extreme/ lawenforcement/execprotection/hx.html; retrieved 01/10/06 2 www.priavosecurity.com/blog/the-rise-of-the-women-in-black/ Posted July 29, 2014; Retrieved October 6, 2014 1
Revision and Exam Tips By: Dr Amy Burrell
Revision and Exam Tips Many people – both lecturers/teachers and students – prefer coursework as the core means of assessment on accredited courses.
H
owever, it is not always feasible to assess all aspects of learning via coursework. Thus, exams remain a staple in educational assessment. Of course, many students find exams nerve-wrecking and struggle to overcome their fears, which can significantly impact on exam performance. This article aims to provide you with some practical revision tips to help you to prepare for your exam. It will also outline some tips to help you in the exam itself. Before I start, I just wanted to outline that, as a lecturer, I am not expecting my students to achieve perfection in exams. This is a hard challenge, even for the brightest students. However, I do expect my students to take the time to revise what I have taught them & ensure they understand core themes and ideas. My exam questions are designed to test their knowledge and their understanding, and I am keen to see a good grade for each and every student. However, I cannot award marks where they are undeserved & so I strive to ensure my students are as prepared as possible for their
exams. The advice I am sharing with you in this article is exactly the same as the advice I provide to my undergraduate and Masters students. Top tips for revision • Identify what type of exam you have – i.e. is it open or closed book? This will help you decide what and how to revise. • What type of questions will the exam include? – e.g. multiple choice, short answer questions, essay questions, a combination. • Find out how much of your grade is dependent on the exam and what the pass mark is – knowing this simple information can reduce anxiety. • Create a study schedule to ensure you have time to cover all the material you need to in preparation for the exam. However, don’t spend weeks making your study schedule leaving no time to actually revise. • Take time to work through mock exams/ past papers. • Begin revising early – remember exams focus on details but it is difficult to retain all the information you might need in your
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Editorial: Issue 27
short-term memory. Revising early helps to ensure information is transferred to your long term memory, increasing your chances of remembering it in the exam. • Pay attention to fundamental terms & concepts when revising as these are topics which are likely to come up in exam questions. • Short answer questions (i.e. those that a few sentences or paragraphs to answer) typically ask you to “explain”, “define”, or “list” something. Think about what the question is asking for and answer accordingly. For example, if the question asks you to list four methods for effective networking, I recommend writing down four bullet points first then populating the list. This will ensure you remember to list four methods in your answer. This is especially useful when you are checking through your answers at the end of an exam as you may have only thought of three answers & decided to move onto another question. Seeing the blank bullet point will remind you to look again at answering the question fully. • Get used to explaining key ideas & terms and practice writing succinct answers. • A shorter amount of time spent on effective revision is better than hour after hour of poor revision. I have lost count of the number of students I have seen in different University libraries so-called “revising” – this seems to include checking social media updates, reading the news, organising revision folders without actually writing any notes to put in them, checking watches and writing down the amount of time they have spent in the library, and other such meaningless tasks. This is not effective revision! They might have spent 8 hours in the library “revising” but this is not a valuable use of their time if they have not actually learned anything. We should not
measure how much we have learnt by the time spent staring at textbooks but instead use tasks (e.g. completing a mock exam paper to a high grade) to assess how much our knowledge base has increased. • Remember to take regular breaks when revising – we can only concentrate on learning effectively for a short period of time so breaks are essential to recharge. • Build in time off & do something you love in that time – e.g. walk the dogs, catch up with your friends. This will make sure you are more effective when you actually sit down to concentrate on revising. • Build in a regular time to revise & ensure loved ones know you are revising in this time & that they should not disturb you. If they object, build in dedicated time with them as part of one of your breaks. • Give yourself goals – e.g. getting the questions right at the end of the book chapter you have just revised – and reward yourself for reaching them. This could be as simple as a cup of tea for managing to revise a section/topic. • Eat healthily – this boosts our brain power. • Make sure you get enough sleep – if you stay up late revising the night before, you will not get enough sleep, and lack of sleep affects your ability to effectively retrieve information from your long term/short term memory. Also, it is unlikely you will remember things you have revised when you are tired. • Don’t use stimulants (e.g. caffeine) to stay awake – if you are tired, go to sleep. Reliance on stimulants interrupts our sleep rhythms & sleep is very important for effective revision. Top tips for exams • Make sure you are prepared – where is your exam? What time does it start? What do you need to take in with you? Remember some exams are open book so
Revision and Exam Tips By: Dr Amy Burrell you might be able to take a textbook or your lectures notes in with you. • Ensure you know your student number as this is likely to be needed for exam papers which are blind marked (i.e. where the marker doesn’t know which paper relates to which student). • When you get into the exam, read any instructions you are given very carefully. General instructions are likely to include how to complete your details on the answer booklet and what to hand in at the end of the exam. • Ensure you are clear how many questions you need to answer. It is common in exams which use essay questions to offer a range of questions and ask you to answer a subset of these. If you don’t read the instructions properly & try to answer them all, it is likely you will do none of them justice. Also, you may find you would only be graded on the first few questions (however many you were meant to answer) so you risk failing. • Start with the questions you know the answer to as this helps build your confidence. • Pace yourself – don’t spend all your time on one set of questions & leave no time for other questions. • For multiple choice questions, try covering up the answer options & think of an answer on your own then uncover the answers. This prevents you getting distracted by all the answer options. However, make sure you read all the possible options before selecting a final answer. • For multiple choice questions, make sure you know how many answer options are required for you to select (e.g. one, all that apply). • Many exams will include details of how many marks are awarded for each question. For short answer questions, use the number of marks associated with the
question as a guide for how much to write. For example, one mark may indicate just a one word answer or short phrase is needed. • Remember the marker wants to award you marks so make it easy for them to do so by writing neatly /clearly and ensuring answers are succinct and well structured. • Make sure your writing is legible. If you find it difficult to write neatly (which many people do, especially in a stressful situation such as an exam), try writing in CAPITAL LETTERS as these are easier to read when handwriting is scruffy. • Think about your answer before you write it down. This allows you to organise your thoughts in a logical way before actually writing down you answer to the question. • For essay questions, I recommend writing an essay plan. This helps you arrange your thoughts & structure your answer. Spider diagrams (see Fig 1) can be a useful method of achieving this. Figure 1: (shown overleaf) Spider diagram of an essay plan for the question “Define effective networking in a close protection environment, explain why it is important, and outline some examples of how effective networks could be built and maintained” Spider diagrams allow you to lay out the different sections of the essay ensuring you answer all parts of the question. Note that I have highlighted key terms in red to ensure I remember to address them. Also, note that I have included an arrow pointing to a statement of “???” – I do this when I know there are other answers but I can’t remember them. I often find I can populate gaps in my spider diagram once I have started writing the first part of the essay. • If you can’t answer a question, skip it & return to it later.
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Editorial: Issue 27
Figure 1: Please note the example essay question was generated based upon Robin Barrett’s excellent articles on effective networking for the close protection specialist (parts one and two) published in issues 25 and 26 of The Circuit Magazine.
• Take time to check your work before you hand your exam paper in. • If you feel yourself panicking, stop & take a few deep breaths. Remember it is more difficult to remember things when you are panicking so “losing” a few minutes to calm yourself down is a much better option Conclusion Exams may not be popular but they are here
to stay. It is therefore important that we try to tackle them in a practical way. Rather than work ourselves up in to a frenzy about how terrible exams are & how much we hate them, it is far more useful to accept our fate & plan for it appropriately. Good preparation & effective revision are key to success. And remember, if you find yourself panicking in the exam, close your eyes & take a few deep breaths – it will help you re-focus.
Amy holds a BSc in Applied Psychology, an MSc in Forensic Behavioural Science, and a PhD in Psychology. Amy is a Lecturer in Forensic Psychology at Birmingham City University and can be contacted on amy.burrell@bcu.ac.uk. Amy previously worked for Perpetuity Training who specialise in security training (see www.perpetuitytraining.com) and is also involved in the Crime Linkage International NetworK (C-LINK) (seewww.crimelinkage.org).
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Editorial Issue 27
Keeping Your Edge
Recently an incident occurred in the US in which a highly visible musician performed at a nightclub in Southern California.
O
n the night in question a fight broke out in the audience and several gunshots erupted, apparently aimed at combatants in the melee. At the moment of this incident the performer was on the stage surrounded by a dozen or more VIP’s which it would be safe to assume were members of his entourage as well as invited guest. Also within arm’s reach were two members of his security team. As the event unfolds, one of the agents motions to his partner about the fracas emerging. The musician also comments about it live on the microphone and subsequently flinches at the sound of the initial gunshots. Security then grabs the client and leaves the stage. The incident itself was captured on no less than 4 camera phones from a variety of angles, and as the musician was such a huge star (with a notorious “bad boy” reputation)
It was covered in the mainstream press as well as broadcast all over the tabloids and social media. That social media coverage extended into the Executive Protection forums and I found myself drawn to the discussion taking place on a very highly respected industry board that I follow. The forum moderator posted the video without commentary and as expected began to receive feedback by members posting their observations and opinions on the incident in question. Throughout the day I checked in on that thread (and others) and was a little dismayed to find that many seemed to portray the protectors and their responses to the situation in a negative light. As I read the comments I asked myself were the opinions such because of the analysis of the video? The stigma attached to celebrity protection? The “bad boy” persona of the Protectee? Or perhaps a combination of all
Keeping Your Edge By: Elijah Shaw of these. Of course it could have just been that the Protectors were royally screwing up. I will let the individual reader seek out the video and draw his own conclusion to the incident but below is the comment I posted on that particular thread printed in its entirety:
see, as opposed to being there, regulates us to “Armchair Quarterbacks”.
Now with that said, let me state that I do not think there is anything necessarily wrong with being an Armchair Quarterback, however I do think that we as professionals in the same industry should strive to be fair ones. Incidentally, there was one additional “Food for thought: You can critique the question I had internally asked myself video (we all do in this industry spoken or that I did not list earlier, I wondered if the unspoken) but how can you cast negative negative commentary could be chalked aspirations on the protectors without up to jealously? While that might offend knowing them or their level of training? some, is it that far off track to say that, on They successfully got the P off the X when an even an unconscious level, some might say incident happened. Put a checkmark in the to themselves “I could do a better job” and “win” column. then voice that thought as a negative about the person(s) doing the job. In an industry There’s a tactical analysis to be had, but to characterize the protectors as “unprofessional” that is very competitive to get into, here is a Protector working with a Very Important without knowing them seems off the mark. (to someone) Person and receiving a steady I will also add this, when an incident like paycheck on top of that. Do we look at this happens, a lot of people say what they WOULD HAVE done, but having participated ourselves and say “why them and not me?” and in doing so secretly pray for their in a number of very realistic AOP over the years, I notice people with impressive *online* downfall? resumes react somewhat differently than I know, there is a contingent in our industry what the textbook reads when placed in that that at the drop of the hat will climb the situation. tallest mountain and loudly proclaim that *Disclaimer, I don’t know the above Protectors they have no interest in Celebrity Protection and that Corporate or PSD is the only REAL but have encountered them operationally type of protection work. As if by saying several times in passing.” it, that then makes it so. To paraphrase Shakespeare, “methinks thou protest too While I was not the only one to have that opinion, I did feel it necessary to verbalize it much”. if for no other reason than to shift the tone To the armchair quarterback’s of the world, of the discussion that seemed to be heading everyone is entitled to an opinion, but when into increasingly negative territory. I felt that my usage of the words “tactical analysis” the game is us against the bad guys, lets try was chose in order to help spark a reminder and support the team, even if it’s from the sidelines. that just like in football, simply watching a video and voicing an opinion on what we Elijah Shaw is the CEO of Icon Services Corporation and The National Director of the North American Bodyguard Association
The (BS) numbers game By: Mike Dowd www.equas.co.uk
The (BS) numbers game
Another day and yet another set of seemingly randomly generated numbers to which we must conform. The security industry, like many other sectors, is heavily regulated with an ever-increasing volume of new requirements coming into force. Depending on the nature of your operation, UK security companies will potentially be required to achieve the following British Standards should Business Licensing come into play : - BS 7858: Security screening of all individuals that are employed in a security environment where the security and/or safety of people, goods and services, personal data or property is a requirement of the employerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s operation and/or where such security is in the public interest and/or corporate interest - BS 8507-1: Recommendations for the management, staffing and operational accountability for the provision of all aspects of Close Protection services within the UK, Northern Ireland and Crown Dependencies The list goes on and on; for instance if you are in the business of providing Investigative Services, the number you need is BS 102000. For Door Supervisors itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s BS 7960, Event Stewarding is BS 8406, and so on. Where do they get these numbers from? The task of complying with the various Standards may appear to be an onerous one. However, there is one further number that
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Feature Issue 27
vastly simplifies the process and that number various British Standards (BS) that apply to is 9001. your business. ISO 9001 is the most widely adopted Quality Management Standard (QMS) in the world. The maxim is that your QMS should be build around the business and not around the Standard itself. It should be easy to maintain and set up in such a manner that staff will comply with it just by doing their job. This ensures that you remain focused on the needs of your business rather than compliance itself. ISO 9001 provides a robust framework for improving every organisation’s performance by adopting the 8 Quality Management Principles: • Customer focus • Leadership • Involvement of people • Documented processes • Integrated systems • Continual improvement • A factual approach to decision making • Mutually beneficial supplier relationships Having an ISO 9001-certified QMS in place delivers massive business benefits, not least that it enables organisations to keep abreast of their legal requirements and implement effective measures to minimize the risk of business interruption or loss of reputation.
In addition to ensuring compliance, achieving and maintaining the ISO 9001 Standard can lead to reduced insurance costs as these businesses are recognized as having appropriate processes and controls in place that reduce risk. The updated version of the ISO 9001 Standard is due to come into force by the end of 2015. Although organisations will have a transition period of three years after 2015 to update their systems, the BBA’s compliance partner, Equas Ltd, is working hard to ensure they are market-ready with the new versions that will be fully compliant with the update. One of the obvious changes that users will see is that there will now be greatly simplified language that makes is easier to understand the requirements of the updated Standard. That in itself is pretty impressive, given that 60 countries are collaborating of the project.
After 2008 and the financial meltdown, it became apparent that many businesses only paid lip service to risk management and that it didn’t feature highly on the Boardroom agenda. The new ISO 9001:2015 version addresses this by forcing organisations to identify and effectively manage risk – a Organisations with the certification are far beneficial outcome of which is greater more likely to win new business than nonvisibility of opportunity. There is a strong certified competitors as it sends a very strong correlation between risk and responsibility signal that the business is well managed and and there is a new emphasis on having credible. the senior management team far more involved in identifying risk and proactively Most importantly, a tailored ISO 9001 contributing to the Quality Management system will ensure compliance with all the System.
The (BS) numbers game By: Mike Dowd www.equas.co.uk
Having ISO 9001 certification delivers many benefits to your business – and it says a lot about you. For the security industry, it also ticks the required boxes for you to meet the new Security Industry British Standards requirements.
accredited ISO 9001 certification and full ongoing compliance support, including:
• Quality Management System-building support • Your own secure area in the BBA Working with its expert partner company, ProActiv™ Online Management System the BBA is developing a tailor-made • Internal Audits on a required basis version of an ISO 9001-compliant Quality • The External (UKAS-accredited) Management System where the scope of Certification Audit for ISO 9001 the certification describes and encompasses • Annual UKAS Surveillance Audits all relevant British Standards required by • A world-class document storage and individual BBA member companies. retrieval system, hosted by one of the most secure server farms in the UK The BBA ‘ProActiv™’ system, supported by • Automatic data back-up and document compliance-industry experts Equas Ltd, will version control to all authorised users. provide a web-hosted, personally tailored ….. and it supports access to information Quality Management System that is built to for the entire workforce, customers be an exact working replica of your business. and suppliers, no matter where they are This tailor-made system will ensure UKASlocated. For more information about the BBA ProActiv™ Quality Management System contact – admin@the-bba.org.uk
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Editorial: Issue 27
Do you know what you are? Who are you? Or more specifically; What are you? Are you an employee, an independent contractor, a parttime employee, sole proprietorship, limited liability corporation or S or C corporation? You may not personally care about the exact verbiage, but I can assure you prospective clients will. More importantly, your state Worker’s Compensation Board and the IRS, I can assure you are extremely interested. While the insurance aspect of our industry is definitely not as sexy as talking about guns, ninja moves or the latest and greatest electronics, I can assure you that insurance or more specifically the lack of proper insurance, bankrupts more independent contractors then just about any other source of outside influence. Specifically, I would like to take a moment to speak to you about workers compensation. For the sake of this article, I will only be speaking to the requirements for working within the United States and its boundaries, working overseas, especially working for government entities and high-risk areas is a completely separate discussion, as the Defense base act is a whole separate animal onto itself. Who should pay the medical bills if I get hurt while I am out with a client? There has been a lot
of talk on social media as well as some questions and concerns from people/entities who I look to do business with in reference to this very subject. It never ceases to amaze me that if you are asking that question, then you really don’t know who you are and what you are in this relationship. Most people who have been in business for several years know the answers to these questions because they know that it will either be the employer’s workers compensation insurance policy or their own Worker’s Compensation policy if they are truly an independent contractor and a licensed business entity. But it seems that the answer is never that simple. Workers’ compensation requirements in the United States began early in the 20th century, back in 1911. In the old days, it used to be easy to distinguish an employee from an independent contractor; the employee had withholdings taken out of their check, the independent contractor didn’t. Then the IRS realized they were losing $30 billion
Do you know what you are? By: Raffaele Di Giorgio
dollars (estimated) a year in tax revenue where employees were misclassified as independent contractors. Now every IRS audit looks into whether workers are being classified correctly. What is the difference between an employee and an independent contractor? Many factors are considered when determining whether someone is an employee or independent contractor. Some of those factors are: Independent contractors set their own hours, use their own tools, work when and for whom they
choose, and are responsible for paying their own State and Federal withholdings. Who is an independent contractor? An independent contractor is someone who maintains an independent business and is available for hire to provide service to the public. Generally, a person cannot become an independent contractor just because he or she wants to be or because an employer prefers them to be. It is not enough that the employee and the employer agree. If a person only works for one
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Editorial: Issue 27
compensation insurance on himself and gets hurt business and is directed and controlled by that business, the person probably is an employee and working on your premises, he may well be able to make a claim against you. I hope this gives not an independent contractor. you some pause in response to the never-ending rebuttal by some providers that state, “ I am Workers’ Comp, do you need it? covered under my retired (LEO, military or any That may be the first important question that other) health benefits.” That’s why many larger a business needs to address, because not every companies will contractually require anyone business is required to purchase workers’ doing work for them to show proof of workers’ compensation insurance. Generally speaking, sole proprietors and partnerships aren’t required compensation insurance. to purchase workers’ compensation insurance unless and until they have employees who aren’t One of the key advantages of workers’ compensation laws for an employer is the owners. Though-these rules vary from state to limitation on the right of the injured employee state and can change over time. So it’s always a to sue the employer. In effect, the employer good idea to check with your particular state’s makes a trade with the employee. The employee regulatory agency to make sure what the rules automatically receives benefits for being injured are for your state jurisdiction. A few states on the job, even if the injury was partially or even give employers the option to not purchase entirely the employee’s fault, and the employee workers’ compensation insurance at all. Just gives up the right to sue to recover damages because the state may allow an employer to go for those injuries in court, even if the employer without workers’ compensation insurance, the was at fault. In today’s litigious society any employer is still liable under the state’s workers’ protection against the open-ended damages that compensation laws for injured workers. Not having workers’ compensation insurance, even if a court might award is a valuable benefit. As allowed by a particular state, does not relieve the Mr. Franklin stated, “A penny saved is a penny earned.” employer of financial responsibility for injured workers. Yet, if the injured person is an independent contractor, no workers’ compensation benefits Let’s say you’re operating as a sole proprietor are received, which means that there’s no and your state doesn’t require you to purchase limitation on their ability to sue the business for workers’ compensation insurance on whatever damages the court will award. In effect, yourself. Then you hire a protection agent. If when you elect to use an independent contractor that protection agent doesn’t have workers’
“The IRS realized they were losing $30 billion dollars (estimated) a year in tax revenue where employees were misclassified as independent contractors.”
Do you know what you are? By: Raffaele Di Giorgio
instead of an employee, you might be trading immediate and limited savings on your workers’ compensation premium for exposure to legal damages that could easily exceed the normal general liability policy limit of $1,000,000. Obviously, this is a short summary of the subject and not to be construed as a cookie-cutter solution to the problem. As the problem itself is multifaceted, but hopefully it will serve as a productive template and base foundation for your future endeavors. Suggestions to give you some peace of mind: 1. Buy a workers’ compensation policy - even if you think you don’t have any employees. Whether you have employees or not, buy a workers’ compensation policy. Then, along with your general liability policy, you will have protection from either employee or independent contractor injuries. Don’t wait until an injury to find out who you thought was an independent contractor has been determined to be an employee and you didn’t buy workers’ compensation insurance. Many insurance companies will sell you a workers’ compensation policy, even with no employees, and only charge you their minimum policy premium. 2. Make certain the independent contractors you do hire have their own workers’ compensation insurance. Have them furnish you with evidence of coverage with a Certificate of Insurance. And mark their policy expiration down on your calendar to remind yourself to request a renewal Certificate before their policy expires. (While you’re at it, make sure their general liability coverage is also listed
As Mr. Franklin stated, “A penny saved is a penny earned.” on the Certificate and that you’re named as an Additional Insured) Your workers’ compensation insurance company will want to see copies of your independent contractor’s workers’ compensation Certificates. Without the Certificates, your carrier may consider the independent contractors your employee and charge you an additional workers’ compensation premium. An Employee Has a continuing relationship with an employer. Normally is furnished significant tools, materials, etc. by the employer. Can quit at any time without incurring liability. Must comply with instructions about when, where and how to work. Is trained by the employer.
An Independent Contractor Does the same work for others that is done for you. Has own tools and equipment and can hire, supervise and pay assistants. Can make a profit or suffer a loss. Sets own hours and work schedule. Has a business license.
Raffaele Di Giorgio is the CEO of Global Options & Solutions and an active Operator within the circuit. For more information visit www.GOS911.com
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Regular Issue 27
Working Girl After the shock of the latest terrorist atrocities in Paris, how many of us are waiting and prepared for the next one. I for one will never forget the picture of the unarmed Police officer near the Charlie Hebdo offices in Paris laying on the ground with his hands up showing he was unarmed then being shot by the terrorist. Being a CPO or surveillance operative should give us an advantage of being aware of what is happening around us, but are we looking or are we blase in attitude sometimes?
Jacquie Davis Optimal Risk
I have sat on many surveillance jobs and seen crimes committed, not wanting to show out we dial 999 anonymously and tell the operator the where and what is happening and then hang up. The reason for this is many times I have said we are a surveillance team and donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to show out but I am watching a man climb into a window at 3pm in the afternoon and I can see another guy who I think is a look out. When the police arrive they always arrive in uniform, come over to the vehicle Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m sitting in and say was it you who called it in, yes it was but as stated please go away and I will come and make a statement later. Hard lessons have now taught me to dial anonymously.
By: Jacquie Davis www.optimalrisk.com We donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to ignore crime but sometimes the Police can make it difficult for us and yet in an article I read recently in the Daily Mail the chief constable of Surrey said she wishes hospitals and shops would do more about there own security before ringing the Police about a crime. Maybe she has a point but maybe she also should encourage partnership between the Police and the private Security Industry. It would also be good if the Police and our British Security Services would get on the same page, after the Paris massacre the head of MI5 said Britain can expect a terrorist attack yet two days later the Commissioner of the Met Police said that we wont get one any time soon. Who is to be believed when there is no unity in the message being put out?
for 4 months. I gave them a risk assessment and suggested another Middle East country that could pass as Yemen in their blockbuster production but which was also known as a safer alternative, happily they agreed with me and my team shall accompany them later in the year. My attitude has always been that you employ me as a professional and for the expertise and experience that I offer, once this advice has been given it is best to listen to it, however we all know that not all advice is adhered to and some individuals or businesses continue to put themselves at risk even after the advice that has been given, it leads to the question, if you are going to do what you want any way then why pay for professional advice that you are asking for?
When an attack happens it makes it more likely that private security personnel will be employed by businesses and high-networth individuals. Our job is of course to advise them on security controls and safety measures, in the case of CPOâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s we advise on safe places to go then provide the necessary protection as and when required.
When you are reading this the season is about to come to an end in the ski resorts and the London season will start. I wish all of you a great 2015 and hopefully many of you will find meaningful employment throughout the year. For those of you starting at the bottom, ensure that you go to networking events and get your CV professionally written and that your main skill set is on the front page and easy for an employer to see.
I recently had a film company ask me for advice as they wanted to film in the Yemen
Stay safe Je Suis Charlie
When an attack happens it makes it more likely that private security personnel will be employed by businesses and high-networth individuals.
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Regular Issue 27
Personal Protection Specialist Code of Ethics As a Personal Protection Specialist, I am charged with the responsibility for the Security, Safety, Health, and Well-being of another human being. In keeping with these obligations, I pledge my honor, reputation and, if necessary, my life.
I swear to hold to the highest standards of Honesty, Courtesy, Integrity, and Moral Character in performance of my duties. I will stay physically fit and mentally strong. I will conduct myself in a manner commensurate with the expectations of my position of Confidence and Trust. I will exhibit patience, understanding, compassion, loyalty and courage. I shall always maintain a professional employee/ employer relationship between myself and those I am assigned to protect. I will treat all persons with dignity and respect. I will treat the property of those I am assigned to protect with care and to hold as confidential and private all personal and professional information I am privileged to hear and see.
Staff, and Acquaintances. I will establish procedures that will only minimally disrupt the clientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lifestyle and personal routine while maintaining a posture that does not draw attention to myself or my Charge. I will be diligent and dependable, observing truth, accuracy, and discretion while discharging my responsibilities without permitting my personal feelings, prejudices, attitudes, animosities, or friendships to influence my judgment. I will remain aware of my personal and professional responsibilities and will use my special knowledge, training and skills for the security, safety, health and well-being of those I am charged with protecting
I will not engage in unnecessary conversation nor will I ever discuss prior assignments, other clients I swear to high ethical and moral convictions and will perform my obligations with truthfulness, or their business. respect, integrity, and trustworthiness. I hold these virtues as self-evident for I am a Personal I will deport myself in a manner that will gain the respect and good will of my client, his family, Protection Specialist. Dale June is a former U.S. Secret Service Agent assigned to the Presidential Protective Division at the White House plus serving in the Sacramento and San Diego field Offices and holds a Masterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Degree in Criminal Justice is from George Washington University. He currently teaches at National University, Los Angeles and is the author/co-author of nine books about protection and Homeland Security/Terrorism.
10-11 June 2015
a two-day conference addressing body concealment techniques, threat resolution technologies and processes, and the use of the human body as a weapon
Infiltration Techniques Concealment Methodologies Body Cavity IEDs Detection Technologies Physical Search Protocols
Animal Olfaction
Suicidal Terrorism
Drug Trafficking
Mining Theft
Prison Crime
Discrimination & Ethical Issues Register at: www.bodysearchworld.com
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Classifieds United Kingdom 3D Security Ltd Taunton, Somerset, TA1 1TG Based in Taunton 3D Security provides security services for a wide range of clients. Whether you need a security guard in Somerset, event security in Leeds or Close Protection in London we will provide a solution for your needs. T: +44 (0)1823 253 001 W - www.3dsecurity.org E - enquiries@3dsecurity.org.uk A.B.I. Solutions A.B.I Solutions is a dynamic, forward thinking company, specialising in surveillance, security and investigations with local, national and internationalexperience. A.B.I provides a wide range of services to the corporate sector and individuals alike. W - www.abisolutions.co.uk Amanda Campbell A highly motivated and experienced female operative both CP and Surveillence training T – 07596542249 W - www.amandacampbell.org.uk E - ac@amandacampbell.org.uk Ambassador Security Management ASM MK Lions Arena, Grafton Court, Snowden Drive, Winterhill, Milton Keynes, MK6 1AJ, GBR. After successfully gaining ACS (Door Supervision and Manned Guarding) along with ISO 9000, we here at ASM have a dedicated management team with hundreds of years combined experience in the security industry. W: www.asmsecurity.co.uk E: scott@asmsecurity.com T: 08458335750 Ark Personal and Asset Protection Ark, 2b Crow Lane, Rochester, Kent, ME11RF, GBR A small, efficient, highly descrete company employing ex special forces and detectives for all civil and corporate covert needs. E: Office@arkprotect.com T: +0044 01634 845526 Argus Europe County Durham Argus Europe has been providing specialist training for high-net worth clients and their families for close to 20 years, worldwide. Argus Europe now offer accredited training for CPO’s, Surveillance Operators and Private detectives. Argus Europe is an operational company working globally with an extensive variety of contracts. W: www.arguseurope.co.uk T: +44 (0) 8456 123 843 Atlantian Business Solutions Group Rutland, LE15 6SD, GBR Atlantian Business Solutions has been designed to help both individuals and New Companies build for the future as well as support others with training needs. T: 07725970954 W: www.atlantianbsgroup.com E: info@atlantianbsgroup.com Briareus Security Our aim is to give a complete, discreet and professional service to all of our clients, be they large corporations, small businesses, local authorities or private individuals, all tailored to meet their individual needs. W: www.briareussecurity.com E: info@briareussecurity.com Mark Corder - Chief Executive of Carmdale Ltd Suite 3 219 Bow Road London E3 2SJ Mark is a former Senior Police Officer specialising in counter-terrorism; firearms; public order; training and also physical, Critical National Infrastructure and nuclear security, having had responsibility for the security of the UK’s nuclear deterrent. A former Head of Operations, Operational Support and Training, Mark has been involved in a number large-scale incidents (including 7/7) and has also worked at the Office for Security and Counter Terrorism (OSCT) at the Home Office as part of a review
into Critical National Infrastructure security. Mark has an MBA via the OU. E: mark.corder@carmdale.co.uk T: +44 (0)844 995 9900 W: www.carmdale.co.uk Alastair Christie Advice on site security, perimeter fencing, lighting, CCTV and manning requirements. Monitor and advise on guard force setting up site procedures and guard SOP’s. T : +44 (0)7736 328112 E : ally.c9496@yahoo.co.uk Control Risk Management Solutions - CRMS - Ireland Executive Close Protection Operations & Training (B Tec Level 3 Diploma Edexcel) Threat & Risk Assessments, Consultancy Services. W: www.crmsinternational.com E: martin@crmsinternational.com Crest Security & Surveillance Ltd 51 The Crest, West Heath, Birmingham, West Mids, B31 3QA, GBR Highly experienced Security Consultant with a proven record of accomplishment in the field of protective security. Skilled in all phases of risk assessment, operational planning, logistical organisation, implementation of security measures, security team leadership, project coordination, and delivery of security advice to a high profile clientele. E: info@stephencahill.co.uk T: 447977071427 CSI Protection Ltd International, GBR A well established security consultant and personal protection operative providing high or low Key protection to high risk and prestigious clientele. Specialising in the maritime industry as a consultant for private vessel protection on super yachts world wide. W: www.csi-protection.co.uk E: gary@csi-protection.co.uk Custodia Custodia is an independent client focused Specialist Security & Risk Management Company, specialising in Risk consultancy and Security project management. Providing a comprehensive portfolio of Risk mitigation solutions to assist Businesses and individuals to plan for, manage and mitigate risk. T: 01432 277693 W: www.custodia.co.uk DF Risk Management Solutions DF Risk Management Solutions N.I. is a modern, professional risk management company, with a diverse range of global strategic experiences and a team of executives who possess dynamic but complementary backgrounds. T: +44 (0)7837642686 +44 (0)7758743918 W: www.dfriskmanagementsolutionsni.com Executive Protection Officer Worldwide CP services W: www.executiveprotectionofficer.com First Class Executive Security Nottingham, UK, Nottingham based, full-service company specializing in Bodyguards and Security Consulting services. Extensive experience in VIP security, also caters for public and private sectors. W: www.firstclasssecurity.co.uk T: 0115 9266466 G6 Global G6 are specialists in all types of radio, telephony and satellite communications for both voice and data with particular emphasis on covert communications installations in both vehicles and fixed locations. In addition, our range of personal covert radios and bespoke accessories is extensive. W: info@g6-global.com T: +44 (0)1454 610050 Gordon Russell Highly trained frontline Close Protection Operatives
available for UK and International contracts. Our experienced CPO’s can offer bespoke packages to meet all clients needs, including a variety of language skills. All SIA licenced, BBA member E: Bodyguard-cpo@Email.cz T: +44 (0)7917 281 004 Gareth Evans - CPO, MSO Reliable dedicated hard-working security professional, with outstanding communication skills. Strategic approach to problem solving combined with exceptional interpersonal skills, quick to grasp new concepts and information. Highly motivated, results-driven and thrives under pressure. Strong leadership and management skills with proven experience committed to continuous personal and professional development. E : evansgareth1979@yahoo.co.uk T : +44 (0)7900058603 James Izett All close protection task undertaken, including training tasks. Medic (Registered with the HPCSA, Registered FAAW instructor and Assessor E : J.Izett@gmail.com T : +971 (0)505 574 350 Janice Gurney Proficient and diligent Security Professional gaining extensive knowledge and experience within the security sector. Proactive individual who has a logical, flexible and conscientious approach to all challenges undertaken, ability to work as a member of a team or as an individual willing to work anywhere. T : +44 (0)7885 793061 E : janice382006@gmail.com International Centre of Special Training International Centre of Special Training is an international training and security company based in the United Kingdom. Its priority objective is to provide services to the highest level. W: www.icost-team.com T: +44 796 736 55 65 IPSS Security Northfield, Aberdeen, AB16 7EX Security and protection services - UK and overseas. BBA Member. T: + 44 (0) 1224 69455 W: www.ippssecurity.co.uk ISS Training Ltd Riverside Cottages, Nidd Walk, Pateley Bridge, Harrogate, HG3 5NA ISS Training Limited are providers of specialist covert surveillance training courses and publications to the security and investigative industries, enforcement agencies and specialist military units. Formed in 1990, we are the longest established surveillance training company in the United Kingdom. Our credibility and reputation is widespread and we offer nationally recognised qualifications. BBA Member. T: + 44 (0) 1423 712265 W: www.intelsecurity.co.uk Jason Morris Security Hertfordshire, UK Providing a wide range of Door supervision/security for V.I.P and prestige venues, Concerts, Functions, Corporate and Personal Security, Weddings, Private Parties, Gala Dinners, Business Awards & School Proms, Close Protection and Body Guarding Static Guarding and Stewards. T: 01462 478900 W: www.jasonmorrissecurity.co.uk E: agosselin@jasonmorrissecurity.co.uk John Featherstone Security professional with operational experience gained in a variety of theatres. Main specialities close protection and surveillance. T: 24hrs : +44 (0)7702 740722 E: john@johnfeatherstone.co.uk W: www.johnfeatherstone.co.uk
K9 Support Services Ltd K9 Support Services UK Ltd is a supplier of specialist drugs and explosives dog/ handler detection service (which includes arms & ammunition) to individuals, businesses, and the public sector. T: 0845 643 6393 E: info@k9support.org.uk Logas International Tyne & Wear, SR1, GBR Front line SIA, International CPO. Private Investigation and Surveillance operator. E: wscarr@logasinternational.com MLK Security and Protection Services Swindon, UK Close Protection Officer and Door Supervisor E: mattleekane@hotmail.com T: 07917654978 LJE Security Services North Yorkshire, HG1, GBR Close Protection, Residential Security, Asset Protection, VIP red carpet Security and Private Investigation. E: leanneedmondson@yahoo.co.uk One Events Grantham One Events offers you a stress free solution in the organisation, putting together and running of an event. Thisis accomplished by having a group of specialised companies from different industries working together for a more complete service for you. TEL: 0870 974 6779 W: www.oneevents.info Paul Lovatt – CPO After serving 15 year in the Army a move to the Security Industry was a natural step, during the last 10 years I have worked in almost every role in the industry from Door Supervisor and loss prevention to Operations Manager and Director. I have been responsible for the creation and implementation of highly successful crime reduction schemes across Yorkshire working closely with other agencies in the areas of responsibility. Currently I am responsible for the overall running of large events security teams from stewards to Close Protection Officers. Operational planning, contingency planning and flexibility are I feel among my key strengths. E : paul@deltasecurity-eventmanagement.co.uk T : +44 (0)7506726336 Paul Tyler – VIP Protection & Concierge Specialist in discreet personal protection & surveillance. A good current working knowledge of London & its challenges gained through ongoing high risk security operations. Experienced in dealing with high net worth clients with all matters security & concierge striving go the extra mile to exceed expectations through thorough planning & interaction with all involved parties. A strong communicator with a smart appearance who remains synonymous with the principals lifestyle, whilst discretely ensuring a safe environment is maintained at all times, physically capable of adopting a higher profile when required to do so. Demonstrates sound judgement and capability to operate with great levels of autonomy. Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to understand, interact & connect with a diverse range of people. E : paul@apparitio.co.uk T : +44 (0)7552515604 W : www.apparitio.co.uk Plymouth Close Protection Highly versatile, physically fit and accomplished security professional with cumulative experience in the areas of security management, close protection, crisis management, risk assessment, emergency management, asset protection and security training. E : chris@plymouthcp.co.uk W : www.plymouthcp.co.uk T : +44 (0)1752 500807 PPSS Group Body armour and stab vests provide a functional solution to individuals who require extra protection in their chosen vocation. All PPSS (formerly ASEO) body armour and stab vests are certified by the UK’s Home Office (HOSDB) and offer unrivalled protection from blunt trauma caused by a punch, blow or kick. Based on our professional frontline experience and extensive research we can confirm that an impact based assault is a more likely event than an attack involving an edged weapon or firearm. T: +44 (0) 845 5193 953 F: +44 (0) 1765 603 512 E: info@ppss-group.com W: www.ppss-group.com Presence Security Presence Security (“ PS ”) is a bespoke security company providing protection for private individuals and VIPs, as well as security services for businesses and organizations.
T: 0800 002 9734 E: info@presencesecurity.co.uk Prestige Risks LTD 27 Old Gloucester Street, London, WC1N, 3AX, GBR. Close Protection Secure Chauffeurs Surveillance Residential Security Executive Protection Security Guards Asset Protection T : +44 (0)207 5588182 E : info@prestigerisks.com W : www.prestigerisks.com Prometheus Medical Ltd Prometheus deliver unrivalled bespoke emergency medical support in the form of specialist equipment, training, strategic advice and deployed clinical care. T: (+44) 1568 613942 W: www.prometheusmedical.co.uk Prosec Consultancy Ltd 10 Oakfield business park Westbury, BA13 4WF. Prosec Consultancy Limited are dedicated in providing a professional service, which covers a whole range of security services throughout the security industry. T: 01373 228055 W: www.prosec-ltd.co E: info@prosec-ltd.com ProTouch Security ProTouch Security is one of the UK’s key providers of event safety, event security, crowd management, door supervisors, stewards, event management and health and safety. T: 01724 279 522 W: www.protouchsecurity.co.uk Python Security and Protection Ltd Providing Close Protection Officers and Door Supervisors for Events and Venue Security. E : mattleekane@hotmail.com Radoslav Savkov - CPO / Security Consultant Oxford - United Kingdom Bio: I would introduce myself as a high calibre Security professional with strong customer oriented skills and managerial experience in the Security Industry, interested in a challenging position, which would fully utilize competences gained and provides opportunities for professional and personal development. With 15 + years of international experience in the sector at all levels and a military background (National Service) as well as a practical Close Protection experience in an executive environment, corporate intelligence and investigations. As a Security professional, I never consider my training and development as a complete, therefore I always look to update further my skills and knowledge. In personal plan I am very loyal, discreet , independent and willing to embrace challenges. E: r.savkov@gmail.com T: +44 (0)7886591525 RSM Security UK Ltd London, UK RSM Security UK Ltd offers the experience and expertise necessary to provide security personnel of the highest calibre when you need them. T: 07850091979 or 07792948523 W: www.rsmsecurity.co.uk E: info@rsmsecurity.co.uk RWSSI Rob W is a professional security consultant with world wide experience and capabilities in Security, Surveillance and Investigation; I can support you to overcome any problems and enable you to achieve your goals E: rob@rwssi.co.uk T: +44 (0)7818 220985 SDS Solutions SDS solutions provide our clients with protective solutions that are second to none, our consultants will discuss every aspect of the problems that you are facing that dictate the need for a protective solution, we promise our clients a tailor made service to meet individual requirements. Whether based in the UK or abroad our protective service T: 01453 887815 E: info@sds-solutions.org Shadow Close Protection A leading company specializing in Executive Protection as a professional sector, with participation in high and low risk missions, providing global security solutions and consultancy to individuals, corporations and national agencies worldwide. W: www.shadowcp.gr E: info@shadowcp.gr T: + 30 6948539664 Shaun West United Kingdom
SIA licensed, Highly Experienced Frontline CPO. Ronin SA trained. Providing security for both corporate and hostile environments. E: sw@shaunwest.co.uk T: +44 (0)7830 109 601 W: www.shaunwest.co.uk Mark Claydon-Smith – CP Team Leader and Medic I have spent 13 years in the Royal Navy Culminating in the rank of SNCO Petty Officer. In 2004 I started my security career and have worked in Hostile environments. I have held several positions including Operations Manager, Team Leader and Rig Site Manager. I have worked in Kurdistan, Afghanistan and Iraq as well as the UK and Europe. E : mark@claydon-smith.com T : +964 (0)7815 970433 Philip Shearman MSyl – CPO, Risk Manager A professionally Qualified Close Protection and Surveillance Operator and Team Leader with over twenty two years of experience gained in the Military Police, the last fifteen of which were spent with the Military Police Close Protection Unit, working in various hostile countries throughout the world. Since leaving the Army in Nov 06 I have worked in the Private Security sector. I have gained valuable experience in demanding and challenging operational environments, where I have proved to be a self motivated and resourceful individual, performing well under pressure, communicating effectively at all levels whilst exercising tact, diplomacy and integrity. E : benshearman10@hotmail.com T : +44 (0)7930 277586 Spotllght Protection Services Essex based business which provides a broad and growing range of security services to businesses and organisations large and small. T: 07870560208 E: info@spotlightprotectionservices.co.uk W: www.spotlightprotectionservices.co.uk VIPA Tactical Training A specialist training academy dealing with four specific areas of combat: VIPA Civilian Self Protection Program, VIPA Close Protection Combat System, VIPA Police Defence Tactics and VIPA Military Close Quarter Combat. BBA Member. W: www.VIPAtacticaltraining.com Yoji Security We established Yoji Security in response to our perception of declining professional standards across the security industry. We strive to provide first class customer service in everything we do, drawing on our extensive experience in the fields of special operations, intelligence, counter terrorism and close protection. T : +44 7903231076 E : enquries@yojisecurity.com Europe & Africa International Security Academy P.O.Box 5833, Herzeliya, 46000, ISRAEL. Our graduates are more recognized, respected and sought after by Distinguish Protection service “consumers” and by most of the “Providers” of Protection services worldwide. Organisers of the 2008 International Summit of Protection Officers. BBA Member. T: + 972 9 950 0969 W: www.SecurityAcademy.org.il Javier Galan Spain Security specialist available for operations around the world. E: oejju@hotmail.com T: 34.637080771 Military Grade Encryption Phones PO Box 52310, Limassol, CYPRUS Built-in encryption software which converts your voice to encrypted data using a constantly changing mathematical formula. It uses a dual layered RSA/AES combination and a changing session key which modifies the encryption algorithm every second. € 1,398.00 + VAT. All prices include new Nokia N73 phone. BBA Member. T: + 357 7777 7276 W: www.protechcy.com/new TPT Firearms Training Bratislava , Slovakia and Rome , Italy We know from our extensive experience within the industry that it can be daunting when initially carrying a firearm and being responsible for protecting a clients life, but learning the proper techniques and having the ability to understand the weapon will make the job a lot easier and more enjoyable. Hopefully you will never have to use the weapons you carry, but should this prove necessary you will be confident and knowledgeable enough to handle the situation professionally and effectively. T : +44 (0) 7734101910 E : info@tacticalprotectionteam.co.uk W : www.tacticalprotectionteam.co.uk
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To place a classified lineage or box advertisement telephone our sales team on: +44 (0) 191 6450 865
t Security Concierge Group SCG Special Projects Ltd, Avenida, Bartolome Vicente Ramon No 10, B16, Ibiza, 07800, ESP Security Concierge Group is a privately owned and fully independent provider of exceptional security services to an interesting and varied range of clients. T: 00 34 600 665 275 W: www.securityconciergegroup.com E: joe.buckle@securityconciergegroup.com Americas Bodyguard Careers Bodyguard Careers is an informational site with the purpose of providing bodyguards with all the information and tools necessary to succeed in the Close Protection Industry Info@BodyguardCareers.com www.BodyguardCareers.com Canadian Use of Force Systems 7975 Yonge St. # 7124, Innisfil, ON, L9S 1L0, CANADA A professional Use of Force and Defensive. Tactics organization teaching a full range of controlled response options for Self-Protection and Use of Force considerations in public and professional environments. BBA Associate Member. T: + 1 705 456 4333 W: www.canadianuseofforce.com Contact Front Photography Contact Front Photography is the world’s 1st photography studio dedicated to the Close Protection Professional. Stop putting generic or pirated photos on your website; instead commission custom shots to best represent you or your agency. T: +1 (612) 369-6134 E: Info@ContractFrontPhotography.com W: www.ContactFrontPhotography.com Decisiones Estratégicas Buenos Aires – Argentina Executive protection specialists we have experienced in all Latin America, for multinationals companies, also providing support in project throughout Latin America to consulting first the US. and UK. We have a team of specialists and psychologists in assistance and crisis negotiation. T: +54(911) 6415 1941 E: jbenitez@d–estrategicas.com W: www.d–estrategicas.com Detective Lacerda P.O.BOX 25996, São Paulo, 05513-970, BRAZIL Providing the full range of security and investigation services throughout Latin America. BBA Member. T: + 55 (11) 3452 4388 W: www.detectivelacerda.cjb.net Giovanni Rossi South Africa Doctorates in Criminology, Vessel Security Officer, ASP Instructor, ISSPC Member, BBA Member, IAPPA Member, American Bodyguard and Protection Instructors Association - Lifetime Member E: rossi1@mweb.co.za T: +2783 415 9205 USA Global Bear Protection PO Box 11488, Jackson, Wyoming, 83002, USA Provision of British and US Ex Special forces security/ medical specialists. T: 307 413 3619 W: www.globalbearprotection.com E: bear@globalbearprotection.com Icon Services Corporation 1043 Grand Ave. #312, St. Paul, MN 55105, USA A full service security and investigative agency specializing in providing high-level security and bodyguards to international celebrities, public figures and corporations. Licensed, bonded and insured, our diverse roster of clients reads as a virtual who’s who in the corporate, motion picture, fashion and recording industry. Entering into our 10th year, Icon has been the hand picked choice to provide Executive Protection to everyone from Superintendents to Supermodels. BBA Member. T: + 1 651 695 8778 W: www.Industry-Icon.com Imperial Protective Service, LLC 15849 N. 71st Street, Suite 100, Scottsdale ,
Arizona, 85254, USA Imperial Protective Service’ (IPS) is a security consulting and services firm founded in 1978. IPS provides both national and international corporate, executive and celebrity protective services. BBA Member. T: + 1 480 281 1588 W: www.executiveprotect.com Panther Protection Services 3695F Cascade Road, Suite 2207, Atlanta, GA 30331 Panther Protection Services is a full service protection agency offering such services as threat assessment, executive protection, self-defense training, firearms instruction, and high risk tactical protection. Our executive protection specialists have over 75 years of experience. Panther can handle your protection needs whether around the corner or around the world. Member: BBA and NABA T: (404) 349-9117 W: www.pantherprotectionservices.com Rouven Rohler - Security Consultant / HSE liaison Romania I am a very fit and mentally robust Security Specialist with quality experience gained in the security (Military, Maritime and Commercial Operational Security (Oil& Gas). I have improved the effectiveness of protection teams and significantly enhanced clients’ awareness. My career commenced in the Australian Army, which included hostile environment deployments to Iraq and the Solomon Islands and I have since been operating on various contracts throughout Afghanistan and Iraq. I am now looking to make a continued significant contribution within similar High Risk contracts. E: rouven@y7mail.com T: +40 (0)746 642 739 SILVER STAR PROTECTION Executive protection, site and event security with global experience. Serving southern Minnesota with integrity and professionalism. Former USSS, ICON Alumni. available for domestic and international travel. Robert E. Jones Manager/CEO W: www.silver-star-protection.com E: rejones@silver-star-protection.com TSICS (T6) Miami, Florida, USA TSICS (T6) provides the following services in Central America: Executive Protection, Individual Bodyguard, Close Protection Training, Corporate Invest. W: www.security-professionals.org/members/saldrix E: tsics.t6@gmail.com T: +502 6645 6822 Tony Scotti’s Vehicle Dynamics Institute 1162 St. Georges Ave, Suite 277 , Avenel, NJ 07001, USA The first name in advanced driver training, offering our highly acclaimed Protective/Evasive Driving Programs. Designed specifically for today’s executive chauffeurs, executive protection professionals and others who are responsible for providing safe and secure transportation services. BBA Member. T: + 1 732 738 5221 W: www.vehicledynamics.net Vindex Personal Protection & Investigation Inc. 497 Hooksett Rd #365 Manchester NH 03104 603.289.3161 / Full service Private Investigations & Executive Protection. 10 years combined Law Enforcement, Private security, close protection work, & security contracting. NY Mayors, U.S. President’s, NFL owners, and VIP’s are some of the protection work I’ve gained experience with. ICON alumni, NABA member. T: + 1 732 738 5221 E: vindexinc@aol.com W: www.vindexinc.com Asia Pacific Asia Protective Group Ltd Asia Protective Group (APG) is a Hong Kong based risk management company, specializing in executive protection, overseas travel security and security consultancy services. APG has an extensive network of security specialists operating throughout the Asia Pacific region. W: www.asia-pg.com E: jim@asia-pg.com E: yvonne@asia-pg.com
The Team: Editor Managing Editor International Editor Art Direction
Shaun West Jon Moss Elijah Shaw Peter Falkous
Contributors: Mark “Six” James Miguel DeCosta Andy Clark Dr Liz Royle Cath Kerr Dale L. June Mark Roche Tom Davies
Shaun West Jon Moss Elijah Shaw Orlando Wilson Dr Amy Burrell Jacquie Davis Raffaele Di Giorgio
Our Sincere Thanks to all those that continue to contribute their wisdom and experience for the enjoyment of others The Circuit is compiled, edited and published in the UK and US quarterly. W: www.circuit-magazine.com E: info@circuit-magazine.com T: +44 845 519 2538
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