Circuit Magazine #12

Q2

TWENTY ELEVEN £4.50/$8

Circuit The

The Magazine for Security Professionals

Cover:

HOSTAGE KIDNAP AND RANSOM the risks of being taken as a hostage have increased enormously STAYING FIGHT FOCUSED Enhancing your firearms training BE PREPARED! We review ICON’s Advanced Executive Protection course and the Viper First Person on Scene course offered by Prometheus Medical HYPOTHERMIA IN TRAUMA How to keep your casualty warm COMMUNICATIONS PLANNING BODYGUARDS AND ASSASSINS

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Books to read on those long summer evenings Boys toys and more Go Bags

Elijah Shaw tells us why working with a VIP doesn’t make you one and Jacquie Davis has been travelling around the UK A Quarterly publication from the British and North American Bodyguard Association

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Foreword

by Shaun West & Elijah Shaw

� ReadersWrites 5]

Your Comms to HQ

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Medical Training Hypothermia In Trauma

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� OnTheJob 6]

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Staying Fight Focused

10] Physical Training

12] Pro Athletes & Pro Security

14] Hostage Kidnap and Ransom

18] Communications Planning

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� HardTalk

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Contents

20] Q&A Derrick “Bear” Collins speaks with Tom Taylor author of “Armored Men” 24] Q&A Nick McCarthy speaks with Linda Eastwood, founder of ‘The Secret Service’

28] The Close Protection Ground Fighting System

� Course Reviews

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30] ICON Advance Executive Protection

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32] Prometheus First Person on Scene Viper Course

� ShopTalk

34] How Burning the Quaran can be Prosecuted in the US 36] 2011 Counter Terror Expo Review

37] Bodyguards and Assassins

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38] Cuthys200

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40] The Importance of Assessment

41] Security Management

42] Specialist Interviewing

� BoyZone

54] Get Your Kit On

55] What’s in your Go-Bag? - Pt4

� Features

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21] Working Girl with Jacquie Davis

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23] Keeping Your Edge with Elijah Shaw - Working with a VIP doesn’t make you one 26] BooKlub

27] Where Do You Read Yours?

Members pics from around the globe reading our favourite magazine 29] Financial Q&A Session with Mitchells

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Foreword

We have also now finally launched the new BBA/NABA websites, which have had great feedback and reviews from those who have signed and taken part in the experience. I am extremely happy with the outcome of the sites, as an awful lot of hard work and man-hours has been put in from all at the BBA! The length of time the project has taken, and hurdles encountered along the way, has left my youthful blond hair in danger of turning grey or indeed falling out! The site will most certainly evolve with time as you should never remain static for too long, however it has definitely brought a much needed facelift to the brand and made it a lot easier and more user friendly for members to stay in contact with each other and expand their networks.

The Circuit Magazine is continuing to go from strength to strength with subscribers from all around the world, it amazes me some of the far flung places where we are attracting subscrib-

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ers from. I think it is great that the word is getting out to these parts of the world so please do send us a pic of you reading your copy and we will endeavour to place it in the “Where do you read yours?” section! I would like to thank all of the readers and contributors to the magazine for making this project a complete success for us, as we could not have done it without you!

I would also like to include a special mention for a charity very close to the BBA’s hearts, namely “Cuthys200”. The charity was started by Tom Cuthbertson whose son Nathan was sadly killed while serving in Afghanistan in 2008. The charity, and its sister organisation Brothers In Arms, aim to raise money for good causes. The BBA has been delighted to help sponsor the recent 200 mile bike ride. The event saw the Parachute Regiments Free-fall Display Team jump in at the event at the conclusion of the ride. It was a great event and one that was very much enjoyed by all.

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Operating on a truly global scale, The Circuit is an outlet for topics of interest affecting all of us. From the agent working “halls & walls” on a corporate EP assignment in Seattle, to the security contractor enjoying some downtime in Kandahar between convoy assignments. Who knows, maybe one day we’ll get to the point where we’re printing in other languages!

In the US market lots of great things have been happening, led in no small part by a resurgence of networking (social and otherwise) and valuable information sharing. By the time you read this, the Protective Security Council would have finished its 3rd Protective Security Conference in which a number of notable figures in the industry were presenting. Those that had a chance to make it had the opportunity to see Tony Scotti (Tony Scotti Assoc.), Bob Duggan (ESI), Robert Oatman (R.L. Oatman & Assc.), Jerry Heying (EPI) and several others under one roof. I also had a chance to say a few words, so hopefully I didn’t screw them up too badly!

While on the subject of conferences, August 2011 brings the International Executive Protection Conference sponsored by the Alumni Association of the very well recognized Executive Security International (ESI). Incidentally, NABA representation will also be there, as I have been invited to host a round table discussion on industry matters.

Those two combined with the online networking from Blogs and

ow what a roller coaster of a quarter for the BBA, which started with the attendance of the Counter Terror Expo in London, Olympia. The event was hugely successful for us and it was great to see so many of you guys come and visit the stand!

I do believe I even spotted Nick McCarthy buying a couple of brews? Believe me this is something that very rarely happens.

ere it is - the Summer 2011 Edition of The Circuit: The Magazine for The Executive Protection Professional. Hot off the presses and into your hands you’ll find page after page of what we hope are both exciting and engaging interviews, articles, and reviews covering a broad section of the Close Protection and related communities.

And all for under the price of a burger at some restaurants.

message boards such as Tactical Forums and Bodyguard Careers, have helped break down what I call the “Iron Curtain” that exist between protection agents when it comes to assisting each other by way of continuing education or just a simple helping hand.

(For more on this, take a look at my column “Keeping Your Edge” in this issue.)

What I’d like to challenge readers to do is keep the momentum going. Be proud of your industry, and if you see someone doing something the right way, feel free to let them know. While sometimes it may not look like it, there is enough work out there for all of us. To use a medieval analogy; as opposed to each of us building our own little isolated castles, let’s lower the drawbridges allowing for both increased trade and strength in numbers. That’s one of the reasons I enjoy my participation with The Circuit and the North American Bodyguard Association, it allows me to interact with individuals who I can help and who can help me.

So here’s hoping that this summer you’ll get a couple of moments to find a cool spot in the shade and flip through the pages of this issue, stopping often to read what we hope are the well written articles contained within. You don’t have to agree with all of them, but we do hope you can see the labour of love that went into bringing a magazine like this to print.

Elijah Shaw, Managing Editor

Circuit :: ReadersWrites

Your Comm’s to BBA, great to see the new message board up and the new website live.

I am finding the message board much easier to use with some great features. Are there any more developments coming soon? Another app maybe?

Len, BBA Member

Len, yes, we are always looking at developing what we can offer to the members and subscribers of The Circuit magazine. Next up is an app for the message board, initially an iPhone app but with android version to follow ‘shortly’. Mobile media is an area that we are looking at closely as it is huge and only going to get bigger!

Hi BBA, managed to get a quick word with you at the Counter Terror Expo on day. The stand looked pretty good and you seemed busy. We spoke about the BBA apparel that you had on display that day, is this going to be available to the membership soon?

Jay V, BBA Member

Jay, yes, it was good to see you at the show, we managed to speak with a lot of members over the 2 days, always good to put a face to a name! The BBA clothing is available now but we have not managed to get the online shop up and running as yet, although it is imminent.

We have: • T-shirts • Polo shirts • Fleeces • Micro-fleeces • Ties E-mail us at admin@the-bba.org.uk if interested in purchasing before the shop is live.

What do you think is going to be the next big thing in the security industry? I am looking at completing 2 courses this year and would like to make the most out of my investments.

Sean B, BBA Member

Sean, great question. As you have probably seen, there is a lot of interest in marsec just now. The maritime sector is huge, the amount of goods shifted in this way is simply mind boggling. There seems to be an awful lot of momentum gathering in regard to having security on board each vessel now so this would seem a ‘good bet’. That said, will this attract regulation from within the security industry? If it makes money for HMG then probably! Another area that is seeing quite a lot of deployments is Libya. Do you need a specific course to work in these areas? Some will say yes, others no… sometimes you pay your money and takes your chance, but whatever course you do then carry out your research as thoroughly as possible.

Nice to see some ‘BG’ books being reviewed for a change, I get a little despondent when you have non-relevant books being reviewed.

Steven, CM subscriber

Steven, we very much feel that all of the books that we review are relevant. They may not all be of interest to you but they will be too others. Please remember that we have readers that work across the various sectors within the industry, those looking to progress into management, others wanting to establish their own businesses, and so we must cover all of the bases. Not only this but there are only so many books that have been written on CP/BG work…..that said, we will endeavour to include more in upcoming issues and we do appreciate the feedback.

I would just like to say thanks for the articles that I have read in your publication regarding networking/social sites etc. This is an area that I was a little naive in and did not realise that good networking was so important.

I also did not realise that potential employers used the social networking sites when researching those that have applied for

vacancies.

K. Fuller, BBA Member

Mr Fuller, it is great to see this sort of thing is being taken seriously by our members.

As we often say, we are huge advocates of networking, social or otherwise, but it must be done with the greatest of respect for others, people that you may represent in the future, people that you have represented in the past or it will come back to haunt you.

I notice that you have increased your prices a little? Is there a reason for this?

Kelly, BBA Member….but due to run out!

Kelly, good to see that you have been navigating your way around the new website and have noticed this. We now have a broader range of membership types, these came about due to feedback from members like yourself. Members wanted membership cards so now all new members get one. We had a huge amount of enquiries regarding business/ operator cards so now BBA members can select a membership type that includes these.

We firmly believe that all of our packages are extremely competitive and that there is an option for everyone. We even have an offer to existing members who do not wish to ‘upgrade’. In short, we are increasing our levels of service to the membership and in order to do this we need to put prices up ever so slightly.

I am looking to get in to the security industry after serving 12 years in the British Army. I wish to make the most of my resettlement and have seen massive differences in the prices of CP courses. What or who would you recommend?

Paul D, BBA Member

Paul, I am sure that a lot of other people have been in this very situation. We do not personally endorse the really cheap courses as in our opinion you stand a good chance of getting a PowerPoint driven course delivered by less than competent instructors. That may sound a blanket judgement but that is our stance. Conversely, we are not saying the most expensive necessarily means that it is the best either. There is a balance. Research courses, narrow the choice down, have a range of costing’s, ask them in more detail about course content and the experience of the instructors.

Ask them about practical elements of the course and their post course help. Find out how long they have been in business and what post course help they offer. Weigh this up against the other courses that you would like to do as part of your resettlement and take it from there. Good luck!

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Circuit :: OnTheJob

STAYING FIGHT FOCUSED Enhancing your firearms training by |

MARK “SIX” JAMES

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Today, while at the range, I watched a young man in the lane next to me fire 7 shots in rapid succession at a target 8 yards away and missed with all 7 shots. I asked him what were you focused on, he replied “I don’t know I was just shooting at the target”. He was proof positive, “only hits count, you can’t miss fast enough to catch up!”

As a firearms instructor, this is an all too familiar occurrence. Many people go to the range and just fire, fire, fire with little to no focus on situational replication.

“

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by

MARK “SIX” JAMES

Circuit :: OnTheJob Ask yourself when you go to the range what are you practicing on?

• Close quarter encounter – if so your focus should be on movement and combat accuracy, front sight/press or squeeze and the ability to place multiple hits on an 8.5 x 11 sheet of paper in the high center mass area.

• Hostage Rescue – your focus will require surgical precision as you are attempting to neutralize the threat with a precisely placed shot. Obviously accuracy and marksmanship fundamentals are at a premium. This should be a one shot neutralization or your hostage will probably be killed or severely injured by the perpetrator.

• Longer distance shot – because of the increased distance you may have a hair longer to take the shot and the rear sight should be brought into play to enhance your accuracy.

• Are you practicing on effectively using cover – will your shooting

Basic Weapons Control Basic operating or weapons manipulations should be executed with minimal to no conscious thought process in making your tool fight ready and handling basic weapons operations. You will never be able to transition to threat focused training and fighting if you are not unconsciously competent in your handgun operating basics.

• Safety (manual and/or grip) - this is an operating skill.

• Slide Catch/Stop/Release - this is an operating skill.

• Magazine Release – this is an operating skill.

Trigger – this is a marksmanship skill often developed through proper finger placement and the use of proper trigger reset.

Training Considerations and Time Allocation

Firearms’ training is similar to many other professional sports or occupations except for our stakes are a little higher. On our game day, if you make a mistake someone often gets seriously injured or killed! Most of us have friends who have been playing golf for 10 - 20 years but year after year their handicap hasn’t improved. Why might that be? Most people go to the course and try to play golf 80% of the time and practice 20% of the time, thus they never get better. If you think of

platform match your available cover? Did you transition the weapon into the correct hand, which allowed you to keep the majority of your body behind the cover?

• Are you practicing for low light conditions – are you practicing firing while holding a flashlight. Depending on your flashlight handling techniques can you effectively hold the angle of the light consistent with where you want to break the round? Have you practiced illuminating the ceiling to quickly light the whole room while your eyes and muzzle stayed threat focused? Although you may be one of the lucky ones where all of your fight situations happen under ideal lighting conditions.

• What you often see from firearms novices are lots of shots down range, a lot of dollars spent on ammo and targets that often look like Swiss cheese and no discernible improvement in skill development. For those serious about enhancing their firearm fighting skills most will benefit by modifying their practice routines.

your favourite professional athlete or team they practice 80% of the time and they play 20% of the time, thus you see a very high degree of proficiency displayed. It is that same focus that I would like you to consider as you look to enhance your firearms skills.

In the future consider the below training outline: 20% Marksmanship Focused – grip, stance, breathing, trigger control, sight alignment and picture.

20% Physical Conditioning – a gun fight is nothing more than a fight that involves a gun.

While firearm encounters are typically short, incredibly violent and often over in 2 – 3 seconds; however most handgun altercations take place at close quarters and you may have to physically fight before you can actually get your firearm into play. Therefore enhancing your physical conditioning and cardio is a key component of your survivability.

20% Force on Force – unlike the practice we see at the square range, most firearm encounters, and particularly those who survive gunfights involve movement by the combatants. You need to increase your use of force on force training via simunitions or airsoft to be able to better gauge the actual dynamics of a live encounter. The actual dynamic encounter is often much quicker than most people realize. Most people will also need to unlearn our natural aversion to

pointing a firearm at another human being. In a deadly force encounter time equals life and any delay in bringing your firearm to bear on your adversary may cost you your life.

40% Administrative Weapons Handling (Dry Fire Drills and Weapons Manipulations) – administrative weapons handling are some of the biggest keys to surviving a deadly force encounter.

Weapons manipulations, trigger reset, movement, cornering, effective use of cover, ambidextrous gun handling skills, the presentation etc. are all part of your administrative weapons handling training that does not require live ammunition and can be done with empty weapons, snap caps, simunitions or airsoft firearms. Practicing the above will better prepare you for an actual gunfight and enhance your ability to protect yourself, a loved one, client or the citizens you serve. Stay aware, stay focused and stay safe!

For additional safety tips visit www. pantherprotectionservices.com. Mark “Six” James is Founder and Executive Director of Panther Protection Services, LLC. Panther Protection Services is a full service protection agency performing threat assessments, executive protection, self-defense training, firearm instruction and high risk tactical protection.

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Circuit :: OnTheJob

HYPOTHERMIA IN TRAUMA

KEEP

THE CASUALTY

WARM This article will cover Why casualties need to be kept warm, How we normally keep warm and how casualties lose heat & What can be done to minimise heat loss by |

MALCOLM RUSSELL

Why casualties need to be kept warm

As warm-blooded animals, we keep the core temperature of our bodies remarkably constant at 37.5oC. This so-called “thermoregulation” allows the body to work efficiently and carry out metabolic processes at a controlled rate. Too hot, and the processes accelerate (any chemical reaction will become more vigorous with increased temperature) and we can suffer heat illness – the subject of a future article. If we’re too cold, the heart can develop irregularities of rhythm, the body can increase oxygen demand through shivering, and the blood becomes less able to form clot. This last factor is critically important for the trauma casualty when blood clot is needed to seal the blood vessels where they’ve been damaged.

Less clotting activity means more bleeding,

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which means a poorer outcome for the patient.

How we normally keep warm and how casualties lose heat

The exact relationship between poor clotting and hypothermia is not clear but we know that cold trauma casualties are associated with a worse outcome than those whose core temperatures are near normal. Most medical systems work hard to maintain the core temperatures of trauma casualties. This is challenging in hospital, but even more so in the field, particularly in an operational environment.

We keep warm by several ways, most being impeded by major trauma. Some are behavioural and some are physiological.

Examples include:

• Shivering. Increased muscular activity generates heat. In trauma where the airway or breathing may be compromised, this means muscles compete for now limited oxygen with vital organs such as the brain or kidneys.

• Seeking shelter. Not possible for most serious trauma casualties.

• Putting on warm clothing. Again, may not be possible for the injured.

• Moving around. Heat generated again through muscular work. Many casualties are immobile through injury, shock or pain.

• Limiting contact area with cold surface.

A casualty lying on the ground has much greater contact area with the ground through which to lose heat, compared to someone stood on their feet.

Medical evidence shows that trauma casualties get cold, irrespective of the season and even in hot climates. The deployed medic has to work hard therefore to keep his or her casualty warm.

Heat is lost through a number of ways included convection (passage of cooling air

Circuit :: OnTheJob around the body); evaporation (heat removed from the skin as water or sweat is evaporated from it); conduction (through direct contact with a cold surface); and radiation (energy directly radiated from the body). The smallest component is usually radiation, so reflective foil blankets have a limited action in reducing heat loss by this means. Most foil blankets have a greater effect by reducing heat loss

through evaporation and convection, i.e. by acting as a wind-break, as they tend to be polythene-based.

What can be done to minimise heat loss

When looking after a casualty, consider the different ways that heat can be lost and deal with each as the situation allows. The table shown gives some examples.

blanket as well, such as the North American Rescue ‘Hypothermia Prevention and Management Kit’ – the HPMK); and insulationorientated bags like the Norwegian LESS Thermal Bag and Thermal Hood (essentially made from a ‘bubble-wrap’ material).

Summary Whatever your role in casualty management, remember the key points:

Means of heat loss Control Measure

• Trauma patients get cold.

Conduction

• Hypothermia in trauma occurs even in warm climates.

Put casualty on a stretcher (i.e. off the ground), or onto an insulated sleeping mat.

Ensure the casualty is not lying against a cold surface.

Consider wrapping casualty in insulative material or blanket.

Convection

Move the casualty into shelter.

Minimise air flow over the casualty.

Evaporation

Remove wet clothes, dry casualty, and minimise air flow over their skin.

Radiation

Consider foil blanket against bare dry skin.

Various pieces of equipment are available commercially which have different roles for different environments. Examples include

generic foil blankets (lightweight and compact but of limited value); foil/absorbable casualty bags (some with a separate active heating

• Casualties who are hypothermic bleed more.

Keeping your casualty warm goes way beyond managing their discomfort. It is about trying to optimise their chance of survival, so consider it early and manage it well.

Dr Malcolm Russell MBChB DCH DRCOG MRCGP FIMC RCS(Ed) is Managing Director of Prometheus Medical Ltd, and Clinical Lead for the Kent, Surrey & Sussex Air Ambulance

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HYSICAL FITNES with |

RYAN NAISH

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Just received the obligatory email from the BBA head shed reminding me that the deadline is looming for my next article.

Where does the time go?

For me, the last three months has seen some well earned time off and a chance to get over to the States and train at some of the top fight gyms. It was a pilgrimage of sorts, visiting the stomping ground of great fighters past and present. My aim was to push myself physically, learn new skills, but most importantly, soak up as much knowledge from the world-class trainers as possible.

First stop was the H.I.T. Squad in Granite City, Illinois, home of the 9 times UFC champion Matt Hughes. This gym is renowned for its toughness both in the level of fighters it turns out and the intensity of the daily training sessions. The majority of the fighters live in the dormitory accommodation 100 metres from the gym. It is very much daily routine; fighters rise at around 0800hrs, eat breakfast then head to the gym for the 0930hrs Strength and Conditioning session. These sessions are what the camp is known for, balls to the wall, no holds barred Hybrid circuits combining: Olympic lifts, tyre flips, rock throws and sprints. It’s soul-searching stuff, testing both anaerobic and aerobic conditioning to the max. The technical classes start at 1600hrs with: Wrestling, Boxing, Brazilian Ju-Jitsu and Muay Thai being drilled at different times throughout the remainder of the day. The fighters pick which ones they attend.

Sparring is always hard and I frequently heard one fighter telling another “I was trying to knock you out there!” The phrase ‘Train hard fight easy’ rings true within these walls.

The thing I most took away from my time here that would crossover to our industry is the importance of recovery. With high workloads coupled with extreme stress, it is vital that every step is taken to insure we maintain a healthy immune system. This includes the food choices

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we make, along with the frequency and amount of food consumed. Good preparation is the key, it is far too easy to grab convenience food when out and about, resulting in poor quality nutrient content and the gaining of unwanted fat weight. I appreciate it isn’t easy, but I have been in the situation many times and worked through it. Key points: Source while away or travel with a few good quality supplements: Obviously weight restrictions and operational equipment carried will determine the amount that can be carried: - Multi-Vitamin/Mineral - High-strength Vitamin C - Joint complex (Glucosamine/Chondroitin) - Omega 3,6,9 (fish and flax oils) - Whey Protein (Isolate is the best and purest quality) I will travel with this as standard where possible, if I have extra room/weight I will usually fill it with more dry food options: - Seed mixes (Flax/almond/hemp) - Ground complex Carbohydrate Powders (Milled Oats/Barley) - Nuts (almond/peanut/walnut) Never have I experienced any problems with bringing these foods into another country. I have been stopped once in Florida where the customs tested some of the protein powder I was carrying, when it came back that nothing was untoward it was returned to me. I have carried 20kg of supplements in hold luggage into the Middle East also without incident.

Next gym of note was 5th Street Gym in Miami, Florida. This has

Circuit :: OnTheJob only recently been reopened having previously been the location for the majority of Muhammad Ali’s fight camps. The history is proudly displayed on the walls of the gym showing the great champions that trained there along with signed gloves and championship belts. It was lucky that the time I was here, David Haye the current WBA Heavyweight Champion of the World, had based his training camp in Miami.

I was lucky enough to witness from ringside, George Groves the reigning Commonwealth Super-Middleweight Champion, going toe to toe with former World title contender Andre Dirrell for eight fast paced rounds. The heat that radiated through this gym was immense, the fighters suffered and the aircon was kept to a minimum with the fluid loss extreme. That said, get a set of body armour on, carry a weapon and cut about in Basra during the summer months, it’s all relative!

It does hammer home the importance of proper hydration and that doesn’t just mean numerous bottles of water. Having worked as a Team medic in the Middle East, I did a lot of research on the effects of dehydration and how to combat it. A loss of Electrolytes is a major concern and by just ingesting pure water this can have a more damaging effect. Electrolytes are basically minerals found in blood, urine and body fluids. They are sourced from the food and fluid we ingest. It is important to retain a balance within the body as water levels change, especially in the intense heat. By just taking on pure water you can effectively drive the electrolytes out of the body causing a condition called Hyponatremia. It is a balancing act however; some of the leading brands that offer these sports drinks are far too potent in their consistency so should be diluted before drinking. This is something I used to prepare for my clients every morning. Having said that, giving them bottles of cloudy yellow water did raise a few eyebrows! I suggest you do your own research on Hyponatremia and its effects; it may save somebody’s life one day.

My final stop was Gleasons gym in Brooklyn, New York. This is probably the most famous boxing gym in the world. In its current location under the Brooklyn bridge it has seen such great champions as Mike

Tyson, Riddick Bowe, the late Arturo Gatti, Iran Barkley, the list goes on and on. On entering the gym you are under no illusions as to where you are, it’s a ‘spit and sawdust’ gym that smells how a boxing gym should do. There are a huge amount of trainers who you can work with; some former champions Pro and Amateur, most with a list of champions they have trained as long as their arm. I had a couple of sessions with James ‘Country’ Thornwell, a veteran of the fight game who trained former Light-Heavyweight Champion of the World Eddie Mustafa Muhammad and former Heavyweight Champion of the World Tim Witherspoon. It was a privilege to be taken on the pads by him and soaked up as much knowledge as I could in the short time I was there. On the final day of my trip I entered a 4 mile race in central park; a nice way to finish, with the mandatory all day pub session to follow and an emotional flight home early hours the following morning, (not an advert for good recovery by the way).

The last year has hammered home to me that the training I involve myself with and encourage others to follow, works on all levels. It’s a ‘Jack of all trades’ system that has the flexibility to transfer to many different sports and fitness disciplines. By maintaining an all-round excellent level of general fitness, this allows me to hold my own in most un-skilled physical activities. Training for a specific event that demands certain training qualities, the general strength and conditioning base is always there, which only requires a 3-4 week specific training period to reach a peak. Minimal equipment is needed and time is not an issue, no excuses!

Utrinque Paratus Ryan Naish mma-cscc is a former Physical Training Instructor in The Parachute Regiment and an active Close Protection Operative. He specialises in functional training using improvised equipment and Sports Nutrition. Go to Ryan’s website: fitnesswins.net or email him on: ryan@fitnesswins.net

CIRCUIT CHALLENGE No.

1

A simple challenge requiring no equipment, just a stiff set of lungs and the ability to drive through fatigue.

It is the race to 100 Burpees. Simply start the clock and begin.

A full burpee consisting of the starting position (pic 1), a full body extension and press-up (pic 2) and a jump (the feet must leave the floor to count) (pic 3).....enjoy

No.

No.

3

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Circuit :: OnTheJob

&

PRO ATHLETES PRO SECURITY The Disconnect by |

MICHAEL BROWN

I

n the United States, sports are a way of life with many athletes reaching a level of celebrity status as early as high school, many to the equivalent of famous actors or musicians. In the US, football (the one you throw, not the one you kick) and basketball are breeding grounds for young men who almost overnight go from rags to riches when they sign contracts within the professional leagues. However, with that newfound fame, adoration and riches, trouble also seems to follow close behind.

Looking back to 2005, many of us followed the story of Jerome McDougle of the National Football League (NFL) Philadelphia Eagles who was shot in the abdomen by a group of assailants. Luckily, McDougle recovered… but the incident caused him to miss the entire 2005 season. Another incident found NFL Houston Texans cornerback Phillip Buchanon pistol-whipped, stripped naked and robbed in his own home. These are not random, isolated incidents: • In September 2007, two men broke into the home of NFL Houston Texans cornerback Dunta Robinson and robbed him of several pieces of jewellery. Robinson was held at gunpoint during the robbery, bound with duct tape, before the robbers fled.

•In July, then National Basketball Association (NBA) Miami Heat star Antoine Walker was robbed at gunpoint during a brash home invasion in Chicago. The assailants took thousands in cash and jewellery, as well as Walker’s Mercedes-Benz. During the robbery, three gunmen tied up the NBA star and another individual before making off with his valuables.

• Later that month, NBA New York Knicks center Eddy Curry was tied up, along with his wife and an employee, as his house was looted for cash and jewellery by three armed intruders. The intruders reportedly left with $10,000 and several pieces of jewellery.

• In June, the mother of drowned NFL New England Patriots defensive end Marquise Hill had $16,000 in valuables stolen from her home while she attended her son’s funeral.

• In January of 2005, NBA Los Angeles Clippers guard Cuttino Mobley was robbed of nearly $500,000 in cash, jewellery and other valuables from his Los Angeles home. Mobley wasn’t home when the theft took place.

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• That same month, three burglars were apprehended shortly after they stole over $65,000 in cash, jewellery and other items from the condominium of then NFL Pittsburgh Steelers wideout Plaxico Burress.

These men were targeted because of their high profile status as professional athletes and the problem is only getting worse.

Fast-forward to 2007 and we witnessed the tragic death of Sean Taylor and the drive-by murder of Darrent Williams. Although hindsight is always 20/20… it is my contention that all of the above tragedies and near-tragedies could have been avoided by taking modest pro-active steps to anticipate and guard against the most common type of outside threat. And mark my words… players and team management had better begin to be pro-active very quickly because the threat is only getting more sophisticated and much, much worse. The evidence is very clear when you look at 15 NFL players having been arrested since the Lockout began (March 11, 2011) and two additional players were stabbed in the month of April just 3 days apart (unrelated incidents).

In today’s high speed and total access internet world we often do not stop to think that almost everyone has access to almost everything about us and our lives, more importantly information concerning our principals/clients. Dedicated amateurs with an internet connection can find home addresses, shopping habits, the names of family members, past sweethearts and former school friends. The dedicated stalker or professional thief can find out what kind of car our Principal drives, where they party and where they are scheduled to speak or to appear and even which hotel they will use. The days of personal privacy and guarded anonymity are gone and will not be recovered. For those

Circuit :: OnTheJob who play professional sports, the problem can be even worse than for other high profile and high net worth individuals. One additional problem faced by professional athletes that is not faced by others can come from a fan enraged by a lost sports bet. Another problem unique to the professional sports world can be created by the psychological makeup of those who obsess on the masculine sports prowess of those who have something that they (the thief or stalker) will never be able to attain. The sick desire to humiliate, beat up, rob or in some way compromise someone who the perpetrator sees as superior is deep seated and intense and (worst of all) something that the normal person would not necessarily see coming. This type of ‘act’ also sets the stage for dealing with a very unstable person that could turn out to be dangerous as well.

All across the sports industry, including the high profile college level, people are talking about this problem and looking for positive solutions.

“How do we protect our athletes?” And the real solutions may be easier and more cost-effective to implement than many might imagine. The key is to educate and convince the would-be Principal that you (the close protection specialist) can very clearly and non-passionately identify potential risks and liabilities, then work closely with the individual or team management to evaluate all available information and to suggest the least intrusive, best counter measures to mitigate all concerns. The goal is to create a plan that can be implemented with as little disruption to the Principal’s daily routine as possible.

There are many factors that need to be taken into account when going through a professional risk assessment procedure and this procedure will be very different depending on the unique and special circumstances of each team or each individual professional player. For example, you may ask: Have you or anyone in your family been the target of a recent blackmail scam? Is a persistent stalker or overzealous fan bothering you? Have you been compromised by video stalking? Are you getting a great deal of media coverage? Are there situations in your private personal life that are now drawing public attention? Do you travel overseas? Is anyone “close” to you involved in criminal activity?

How safe is your home? How safe is your family?

We professionals know that just picking up the Yellow Pages to hire some goon with a gun to be a “bodyguard” is not enough in today’s world of more sophisticated personal threats. To be really safe your potential Principal needs ‘smart’ on their side. They need competent, confident and discrete personal protection from an individual or firm that has been battle-tested and experience-seasoned. They need to work with those who personally and directly understand the unique life-style and unique threats faced by the professional athlete. They need someone who can fade into the background and could trust with their or their family’s life.

The only problem with those needs is that the would-be Principal doesn’t know what they need, that is why they continue to hire their friends, cousins, and/or old school mates as security instead professionals. A $60 an hour rent-a-cop is much too likely to be untested, unseasoned, dazzled by the spotlight and too easily approached by the tabloid press, this is also true concerning untrained and inexperienced friends and relatives. As players continue to find themselves in bad situations and under arrest, they will eventually (hopefully) wake up and realize what they need instead of settling for an inexperienced and uneducated ‘hook-up’.

Which brings us to the code of strict professional ethics and guaranteed confidentiality offered by security professionals.

This code is a standard at the

highest levels of executive protection. This is a promise that is given without question to government officials, diplomats and business people when being escorted and guarded overseas and one that the professional athlete should expect absolutely from anyone they chose to protect them, their family and their assets. If you are offering your services to an individual or team and you balk in any way at providing a legal binding non-disclosure agreement, then you should expect the discussion to be terminated immediately and expect them to find someone who will not only guarantee their personal integrity by a handshake but who will also back up that handshake in writing.

Keep in mind that personal protection is just that, the very protection of personal self, personal assets, reputation, career, and sometimes family. When interviewing for a protection specialist position, you should expect the would-be Principal to ask you many questions and you should expect to do the same. Find out right from the get go if this is going to be a trusted, professional match since, literally, their very life, the life of loved ones, career and personal fortune may be at stake.

Be prepared to answer a list of important questions such as: What is your background and qualifications? Do you have overseas experience?

Police training? Military Training? How do we determine the duration of our agreement? How do we terminate this agreement if we decide it is not working for mutual benefit? What are the hourly rates? How do we handle travel and out-of-pocket expenses? What are the duty hours? What are the contingency plans for unexpected situations? Are you willing to execute a legally binding non-disclosure agreement? Will you submit to a background check? Preemployment screening? Having the answers to all of these questions prior to being asked will give your potential client a serious confidence boost in you during the interview.

Write down and ask any questions that you feel are important to you as well. You then have to give the potential Principal time to answer the only question they can quietly in their own heart: Do I trust this person?

Will he (or she) help keep my family and me safe?

The old ego days of the entourage or posse and the big buffed-up “bodyguard” are dead, just as dead (very sad to say) as those who led their lives without serious professional protection and paid the ultimate price for careless inattention. Many players and team front office staff will worry that they cannot afford executive level protection services but the cost of serious security is more easily afforded than many might realize (and certainly cheaper than a lost season and/or lost reputation or career). Even an initial professional security assessment can spot vulnerabilities that may have gone unnoticed by those living their lives each day. We all buy insurance because we know we need it… but really hope to never use it. For the high profile individual, for the high net worth family, for the professional athlete and team owner, quality personal security is one of the most cost-effective “insurance policies” available today. In these troubled times, the professional athlete will soon find that doing “nothing” or waiting too long to implement personal security precautions may prove to be a costly mistake, so be prepared to step up to the plate to sale yourself as a close protection specialist when the call comes.

At the rate of crimes against players and arrests of players, this is an industry that is in dire need of our services and expertise.

Michael D. Brown is the President & CEO of Bishop Innovative Group, LLC www.bishopinnovativegroup.com

Circuit : : 13

Circuit :: OnTheJob

HOSTAGE KIDNAP

AND RANSOM Hostage taking awareness information for the Security Professional travelling abroad (pre and post capture)

the risks of being taken I must state from the outset that the likelihood of being kidnapped or taken hostage is very slim. However, if it does happen, your chances of survival are deemed as very high. Hostage taking or kidnapping is a terrifying experience to go through in anyone’s life, but you probably already possess more personal skills than you ever thought you had, with the training you have endured already within the security world to date.

accurately during the day.

You must always assume your stay will be a lengthy one, in so doing your mental agility will assist your situation. Always try to stay fit and healthy by exercising on a daily basis, and set yourself physical targets, beat your last press-up record and keep your muscles toned It has to be said that with individuals now reaching out to the far flung areas of with isometric and flexing exercises, all the world for security work where the pay is the incentive, especially maritime will assist in relaxation and the relief of stress, that will inevitably develop as duties, the risks of being taken as a hostage have increased enormously. Hopefully time goes on. this article will guide you through what you should remember, and this will assist If you have been taken hostage with you greatly in your thought process in pre operational deployment, and prepare others, normally they will be housed you in some small way for what may lie ahead. together with you, but clearly each country’s hostage takers and objectives and the geographical area could provide them with more accommodaby | GIL BOYD B.E.M tion allowing each hostage to be kept separately.

If this is the case, and you are separated whilst you are being held, try and contact them by various means, coughing loudly or tapping on IF YOU ARE TAKEN HOSTAGE A FEW POINTS TO REMEMBER adjoining walls or pipe- work to draw attention to your location.

As you are being transported in whatever form, stay focused and try If you are co- located with others you know or those who were there before you arrived, watch for signs of “Stockholm Syndrome”. and recall your journey, as these details will become highly important later. The length of time you have been travelling, and turns that are STOCKHOLM SYNDROME is: made, and of course the distance, will all be relevant at a later stage “The behaviour of hostage or kidnap victims who, over time, become to identify the holding area where you were kept. sympathetic to their captors.” The title comes from a 1973 hostage incident in Stockholm, Sweden. At the end of the six days of captivity You will more than likely be moved several times from one building or in a bank, several kidnap victims actually resisted rescue attempts, and holding area to another so be prepared for this eventuality. This will only occur as they fear discovery by those trying to find you and for no afterwards refused to give evidence against their captors as they had befriended them all whilst in custody. other reason.

Once you are placed into a secure area try to remain calm and recount The causes of Stockholm Syndrome? smells and sounds, and use all the senses given to you to be able to Captives begin to identify with their captors initially as a defensive recall the area in which you are being kept for later at a debrief. mechanism, out of fear of violence towards them. Small acts of kindness by the hostage takers are magnified in the mental state and all The most essential person to identify is the leader of the hostage takperspective in the situation is by definition irrational. Rescue attempts ers, there is ALWAYS a leader!! Get to know him, as he is the person who drives the situation and identify his weaknesses or vulnerabilities. are also seen as a threat to health, as it is likely the captive would be injured during such attempts.

THINGS TO ASSIST YOU If you find you are being held in an unlit area either due to being blind- Establish a friendly rapport with your captors, but maintain your personal dignity and do not compromise your integrity as I stated earlier. folded or in a secure area where there is no natural light, remember the time of day you were taken, and listen for street noises such as If you are forced to present the hostage takers demands to any authorcar horns or loud street talk, common in most third world countries. ities, either in writing or on video tape, state clearly that the demands This will help in providing you with a reliable mental time clock. The are from your captors and not from you. Avoid making a plea on your own behalf. religious callings and bird and animal noises also assist in placing time

14 : : Circuit

Circuit :: OnTheJob TRAINED NEGOTIATORS

Whilst in custody, be patient, as negotiations by trained Government or Police negotiators are often difficult and time consuming, but be assured they will be proceeding on your behalf.

Remember, your chances of survival increase with time and your ability to remain confident and mentally strong will see you through the ordeal.

If you are able to escape if the situation presents itself, go first to an Embassy or Consulate to seek their personal protection.

If you cannot reach either, go to the host government or friendly government office, but be surrounded by a lot of people, which would make it more difficult to be recaptured.

RESCUE

If an attempt is made to rescue you, keep a very low profile and always follow instructions clearly given by the rescuers or Rapid Intervention Team leader. There will inevitably be a lot of noise at the initial stages, from distraction devices and the like, but seek out that lone voice of command and do as you are told quickly with open hands!!

fore deployment you will have absorbed yourself in the knowledge of the cultural area anyway that you would be operating in, and become fully conversant in the sensitivities and those to avoid antagonising any likely hostage taker.

CORRUPTION Corruption abounds and exists within many second and third world countries and one must realise that many of the official organisations in these countries, such as the Police and Customs agencies, are institutionally corrupt and allies of the kidnappers.

Avoid the Police in many countries where money speaks louder than any help they will or could provide you.

RESISTANCE

To show aggressive tendencies or the appearance of superiority causes more trouble than it is worth. Resistance in many kidnap cases is absolutely futile. Be a passive prisoner, and only resist the most aggressive physical abuse by protesting clearly and loudly to your abuser.

ESCAPE AND EVASION

as a hostage have increased enormously Rescue from your Government’s Forces or other agencies will generally be attempted only after negotiations have failed and for them to continue would be futile, and your life is in danger.

That means that lives of hostages, hostage takers, and those rescue forces are all at risk during these next vital few minutes.

You don’t want to be shot or injured in the confusion while the rescue team identifies the hostage takers, who may try to disguise themselves as hostages amongst you to evade detection at the crucial time of the strike if there are a number of you in one location.

If your rescuer mishandles you in the early stages of entry into the stronghold do not be alarmed, this will be happening to everybody as the team identify the hostage takers and eliminate the perceived threat.

You will inevitably be cable tied or handcuffed until identification is completed and the area secured internally and externally where a perimeter will have been secured as well. Time will elapse once the hostage takers are identified and dealt with and a resemblance of normality will take over, where upon you will be released into the hands of authority.

YOUR BODY LANGUAGE & TATTOO’S

The way in which you conduct yourself is essential. Do not be unnecessarily obstructive, and do not appear arrogant towards the hostage takers reasons for holding you. The body language you give off says a lot about you as a person. Someone with a well developed body can appear arrogant by their very stance and nature, and it is that air you give off that will antagonise many less mortal men!!.

If you have any identifiable tattoo’s such as your Military Regiment on your arms, ensure you have the answers to what will be certain questioning about them. Family names are also commonplace, just be prepared with a response and have a pre determined answer!!!!

CULTURAL AWARENESS

The region or country that you have been taken in as a hostage will dictate the cultural differences you will experience. Be totally aware of those cultural attitudes by being sympathetic to their beliefs in religion and politics, but take no deliberate line or side. Hopefully be-

The basic requirements you MUST consider if you do escape your captors, is the ability to survive, through assessing your location, availability of water, food, warmth and clothing.

Remember, if you do escape from your captor’s location, it will normally be in either a remote location, or one where the inhabitants around you approve what is happening to you, and know of your presence there.

So treat everybody in the immediate area as hostile, and evade them

until you are well clear of the area, and only if you find yourself in a built up area, try and stay amongst large numbers of differing groups, such as on buses or trains where the likelihood of recapture would be difficult to achieve by your captors.

If you are in a remote location and you have identified it as such by the simple mental tracking tips, and try to remember the way you were brought into the location as described earlier, and retread your steps keeping off roads and paths by remaining parallel to them, as these are the very same paths that will be watched by your captors allies. whilst making your escape, take no risks and avoid injury at all costs at this vital time, as this will inevitably slow you down, resulting in your recapture.

Be aware of plants that can sustain your condition in providing water and food. Learn the simple art of survival techniques before leaving the UK, as many plants contain water and are found in the most desolate of areas such as the Cacti plant for example, and will keep you alive.

Try to avoid moving during daylight especially in those countries that have extreme temperatures, always try and cover your head, as sunstroke is to be avoided at all costs.

MEDICAL & HEALTH ISSUES

I have covered enough about medical issues surrounding your fitness, but the concerns I raise now have to be ones that only you can address. If you are a lazy individual in the ways of administering medicine normally, you will suffer in whatever country you find yourself in the long term.

You may feel low, depressed and despondent as a result of your situation, but take heart from the fact that people will be looking for you on the ground, and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and our specially trained Police Negotiators in the UK will be dispatched to your area to expedite the search. These units operate in many western countries in addition to ours. Many are trained in the UK where we train the methodology and skills needed to remain compatible across the world.

It is important that you keep your physical and mental fitness by ex-

Circuit : : 15

Circuit :: OnTheJob ercising regularly. Simple exercises can keep your mind active as I described earlier. Have a target of sit-ups or press-ups and focus on those achievements each day for example. Increase them as your fitness grows, as it is this fitness that will see you through, when the reverse is experienced. You must always defeat idleness and complacency by keeping fit regardless.

Try to ensure that you keep your hands relatively clean at all times, especially when eating food in dirty rooms or cells where rat infestation is prevalent. Try to avoid eating with your hands in these conditions and ask for a spoon.

Leptospirosis or its common name “Weils Disease” is common in second and third world countries more so than in the UK, and is more prevalent where rats urinate in water sources and ingested by touching or drinking that water.

Always try to capture rain water and collect it in the open, ALWAYS contain it in leaves or vegetation that are off the ground, and drink it sparingly. A full bladder, means at some stage you will have to relieve yourself. It is this relief and emptying of the bladder that will drop your core body temperature by at least 25% or more. Leave urination to the very last minute to retain this body heat in cold climates.

Try to keep warm at all times, by using inner walls to sleep against rather than outer walls, which will be much colder and damp, and they too will affect your core body temperature and lower it quicker than you realise whilst you rest.

Try to insulate the floor from your body with straw or clothing or other insulative material like cardboard or newspapers.

Mosquito infestation in some areas is of great concern and medical advice on Larium or other drugs to defeat Malaria must be sought before leaving the UK, again I reiterate, try and cover open skin at night particularly against this type of parasitic attack.

Many illnesses contracted by hostages, particularly in third world countries can be avoided if they had taken medical advice before leaving the UK. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office provide all the information you need, for the area you will be operating in, and the preventative medicine needed before you leave, so use it. Their website is comprehensive and can be found at: http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travel-and-living-abroad/staying-safe/health/

S SECURITY

KNOWN MEDICAL HISTORY & FACTS OF NATURE If you have a medical problem, make your hostage takers aware of them, as it is in their interests to keep you medically fit and strong. If the food and water is of poor quality, tell them that it is insufficient to sustain your health.

In the interests of hygiene for our female operators in the security field, menstruation must be dealt with effectively, especially in hot climates, and again do not hesitate to ask for assistance, it is in their interests again to keep you well!!

If you notice any symptoms of deterioration in yourself or others that demands fast treatment, assist them with initial first aid and comfort them, and then let the hostage takers know that you need their help.

Don’t forget the overriding message in all first aid where shock may set in if assistance is not given at the early stages is the pneumonic: W.R.A.F - Warmth, Rest, Assurances and Fluids if necessary.

Treat all cuts and abrasions immediately by washing them and covering them in clean dry dressings.

Do not let them get infected; keep insects and flies off the wounds by covering them as soon as they are dressed.

EVERYONE LOOKING FOR YOU HAS YOUR BEST INTERESTS AT HEART, AND THEIR AIM IS TO REUNITE YOU WITH YOUR LOVED ONES. If only some of what I have written is physically retained by anyone unfortunate enough to be held as a hostage, it has been worth sharing with you, every hostage or kidnapping is different, however, the basics will NEVER change.

Stay Safe, and remain alert in ALL surroundings, never be complacent anywhere in the world even the UK!!

Gil Boyd B.E.M formed the Home Office Hostage Seige Technical Requirements Group whilst serving in a UK Police Force where he designed many specialist items still used to counter Hostage/Seige and aircraft hijacking.

He is now the Technical Director of the British Security Association www.britishsecurityassociation.com and advises corporate businesses, blue chip companies and Royal Palaces on specialist personal and physical security measures.

ASIS in the UK offers security professionals the opportunity to meet, network, learn from some of the industry’s leading experts on a wide range of topics and obtain internationally recognised qualifications.

The UK Chapter organises four main conferences per year, usually in London as well as smaller, regional meetings and educational events.

The Certified Protection Professional (CPP) indicates board certification in security management, and is widely recognized as the highest designation accorded a security practitioner, with 6,500 CPPs world-wide. The

Physical Security Professional (PSP) is for those whose primary responsibility is to conduct threat surveys, design integrated security systems that include equipment, procedures and people, or install, operate and maintain those systems.

For more information about ASIS in the UK please contact ASIS Chapter 208 (United Kingdom) PO Box 208, Princes Risborough, HP27 0YR | 01494 488599 | asis@awdry.demon.co.uk www.asis.org.uk www.asisonline.org or contact Vice Chairman—Strategy Mike Hurst: mike@hja.co.uk

16 : : Circuit

B

BUSINESS CONSULTIN

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If you wish to know more about our services or you would like to arrange a meeting to discuss how we can help you in more detail, please contact us Tel : +44(0)1686 610662 Email: info@whittakerandco.com web: www.whittakerandco.com Skype: WHITTAKERANDCO 17 Parkers Lane, Newtown, Powys :: SY16 2LT

Circuit :: OnTheJob

COMMUNICATIONS

PLANNING

C

ommunication is vital to our everyday lives. And there are so many ways in which we do it: voice, text, email, tweets, pokes, VIBER, Tikl, BBM, the list is virtually endless. So much do we take the ability to communicate for granted, that it is often overlooked in the planning phase of operations where, in reality, it should take centre stage. Take the military scenario as an example. When an operation begins, the very first thing that will be established is a communications link between the front line and those directing operations. Without it the commanders can neither issue instructions to their forces, nor receive intelligence feedback; without communications they are deaf, dumb, blind and vulnerable and this is true for every other situation from the Boardroom to the Ops Room.

When planning an operation in a hostile environment communications takes priority because we expect to have to provide it for ourselves, and this mind-set should be extended to any environment friendly or hostile: sadly that doesn’t always happen and many an operation in a sleepy, leafy suburb has floundered for this very reason.

So what are some of the things we should consider from a communications perspective during our operational planning phase?

First there is the nature of the operation itself. A close protection task will necessitate different communications choices to a surveillance task. A quick visit to the shops with your Principal will require a different approach to planning to accompany them on a safari into the African bush.

Second is the type of information you need to convey and the frequency (not radio frequency) with which you need to convey it. Are you giving a running commentary following a target on foot surveillance, or are you just giving regular check-ins with your ops room back at the Principal’s residence to let them know that the shopping trip is proceeding without incident?

Third is the operational environment. Are you in a place where, to use communications devices openly and overtly might cause you problems? Are you likely to find yourself in a situation where you may be searched, perhaps on entering a building with a security scanner, and you then have to explain the presence of your carefully concealed covert radio and accessories.

Fourth is the technology choice. Do you, or indeed should you, rely on third party networks for your communications? Mobile phone use is taken for granted these days. We use them for everything from mak-

18 : : Circuit

by |

ANDREW CLARK

ing ‘old fashioned’ voice calls to poking people and writing on their walls!!

But what happens when the network isn’t there or is congested?: Think London, July 7th 2005 The Metropolitan Police, completely correctly, invoked ACOLC: Access Overload Control which is the means whereby they can restrict access to all cellular networks for all but priority users; a lot of people’s comms plans fell over that day.

That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t use existing third party infrastructure. Sometimes it is the right choice. You just need to be aware of, and make sure you have planned for, as many eventualities as you can.

So what are some of the options and what are their merits?

The first and simplest choice is the one we’ve just discussed: mobile phones. Their conventional use to make voice calls or send text updates is well known and accepted. Some Smartphones allow you to install apps that will turn the phone into a short range ‘walkie-talkie’ using the phones on-board Bluetooth capability.

Less well known is the ability to have true PTT (push to talk) over the cellular network. This has been popular in the USA and some Middle Eastern countries for years but has yet to really take hold in Europe, although it is available. This doesn’t use the conventional ‘voice’ circuits on a mobile network but utilises the ‘data’ channel to convert your speech to IP packets and then route it to other devices within your talkgroup. It really is like having your own private nationwide radio network.

There are some limitations to this and it isn’t the ‘magic-pill’ that will solve all our communications problems. But it also has some advantages. Think back to ACOLC which I mentioned earlier was invoked in the immediate aftermath of the 7/7 bombings. It is a little known fact that ACOLC only affects the voice circuits on the mobile networks.

Because the PTT services run over the data channels they are not affected: food for thought. But you can’t get away from the fact that you are still putting your reliance in a network owned and operated by someone else which, after all is said and done, is outside of your control.

The second, and probably most popular choice, is to have your own radio system in place. This is private, is owned, operated and controlled by you and should not have the same level of vulnerability as a third party operated system.

However, it still presents its choices and challenges. What type of radios to choose? What make and model? Analogue or digital? Clear

Circuit :: OnTheJob throughout the course of an operation, then this becomes less of an issue. But if the operational footprint is large, if you are looking at providing coverage from the Principal’s residence on one side of town to their high rise office block 20 miles away, and at all points in between the two, then the challenges grow!

The thing to remember when it comes to communications is that ‘everything is possible’. This may sound unlikely but I assure you it is true.

With the right combination of equipment, technology and knowledge, there isn’t anywhere we can’t communicate.

But that is the key to the whole communications question: combination. No single system should ever be used in isolation. Sometimes different systems need to be combined to achieve an objective, but even if they don’t there should always be a fall-back, and ideally another one after that.

Whenever possible we will plan double-redundancy into any communications scenario. If your private radio network fails your back up is your mobile phone. But if your backup fails where do you go next? It may be as simple as knowing the locations of the public telephones (does anyone use those anymore?) in your area, or carrying a satellite phone for absolute emergencies. The thing is, you’ve thought about it and factored it into your comms plan.

or encrypted? Overt or covert? UHF or VHF? Trunked or standard?

Licensed or licence free…..the list goes on.

Having worked through all the options above you are now faced with the question of coverage. If you are only going to be working in a relatively confined area and all parties are going to be quite close together

As with any other aspect of operational planning, it’s about knowing what tools you have in your box. You don’t necessarily have to deploy them all every time, but knowing what is available to you is definitely a good place to start.

I hope this has given you some food for thought. Next time we’ll be answering all of the questions raised above when it comes to choosing your own radio network.

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Circuit : : 19

Circuit :: HardTalk

Derrick “Bear” Collins speaks with Tom Taylor author of “Armored Men” The Circuit magazine takes a moment to speak with noted author Tom Taylor regarding his newest book “Armored Men”. Having worked on other titles such as the novel “Mortal Shield” and the excellent work “Just 2 Seconds” (with Gavin de Becker), Mr. Taylor has the distinction of being not just an accomplished writer, but also a seasoned Operator, having spent many years as part of the security detail for a US Governor.

DC: You have had an internationally recognized career protecting the likes of President Ford to Mikhail Gorbachev, what was the motivation behind your career as a Protector?

TT: I saw Steve McQueen in the movie Bullitt in 1968 in which he and his team had to protect a mob witness. It planted a seed in me about doing protection work. In 1973, I began working as a road trooper in Kansas City for the Missouri Highway Patrol. Four months later, the Patrol began the first full-time security detail for a Missouri governor, called the Executive Security Unit (ESU), with a sergeant and six troopers. At that time, most states had a full-time detail for their governors. In 1974, ESU had their first vacancy when one of the members transferred out. They asked my training officer if he wanted the slot since he had assisted the detail several times and done a good job. He declined, but recommended me. Within two weeks -- at 23 and with no protective experience or training – I was protecting the governor. It would be two years before I got any formal training, when I attended the Secret Service’s week-long “Protective Operations Briefing” in Washington, DC. I’ve loved EP work since that first detail.

DC: With such a successful career as a Protection Agent, where did the idea of becoming a novel writer come from?

TT: I’ve always been an avid reader and my favorite authors are Tom Clancy, Vince Flynn, and Alex Berenson. I’ve always had an interest in writing, as well. In 1991, I wrote a series of articles about EP work for the Missouri Trooper magazine. I was commanding the division at that time, protecting my fourth governor, and wrote the series because so many officers had misconceptions about protection work. The series won the Article of the Year Award. I began toying with the idea of writing a novel in the mid-1980s. I had worked around all of the other governor’s details for years and heard many great stories. So in the late 1990s, I began writing my first novel. In Mortal Shield, many of the situations in the book were inspired by true events that happened to some protective detail.

DC: Working as a LEO and in the private sector, which arena influenced your writing more?

TT: I’d have to say the private sector has had more influence, but my LEO experience formed the basis of it. Private sector work is – to me – much more challenging. When I was on the government side, I

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had authority to arrest, carried a weapon everywhere I worked, and support was always a phone call away. I had access to government databases, great intelligence, and usually carried the best gear.

On the private side – especially for agents on their own – you have much less of that. I first met Gavin de Becker in 1994 when he presented at a government conference on threat assessment at the CIA. We’ve been good friends ever since and I knew when I retired from the Patrol in 2002 that I wanted to work for his company. By going to work for a great company with an established client base, it’s been a dream job.

DC: How much of your writing is “loosely” based on past clients?

TT: I began writing Mortal Shield while I was still on the Patrol. As president of the National Governor’s Security Association (NGSA), I knew every NGSA detail leader in the nation personally and had been around all the governors frequently. Ninety percent of the governors in America are perfectly nice people. Then there’s the other ten percent. These are protectees – both male and female – who can be a nightmare to protect. While I’ve drawn inspiration for characters from many sources, the Governor and Mrs. Stovall characters in Mortal Shield were based largely on a governor and first lady from another state. Their abuse of protectors and antics in office were widely known in our protective circles. Those protectees will always exist. I’ve taken inspiration from events, as well. For example, I was with a high level celebrity client several years ago when we were “flashed” by some teenagers in a passing car, just like in the opening chapter of Armored Men. DC: How much of your writing has been based on yourself as a protector?

TT: I think nearly all of it. I’ve been very fortunate to have been in the right place, at the right time, and was asked to handle many interesting assignments in my career. I was involved in the protection of Mikhail Gorbachev, Margaret Thatcher, and the Pope when those people participated in activities with the governor I was protecting.

When I became director of the Governor’s Security Division, I had great commanders who supported my operation and enabled me to seek out the best in the business to improve our operation. So nearly everything that happens to Lt. Armstrong in my novels is based on situations I’ve either experienced or learned about from other details.

DC: A few protectors have attempted to write books about past clients and lost credibility in the industry, how have you maintained your level of professionalism while telling stories that somewhat reflect real people and situations?

Circuit :: HardTalk TT: Anyone who has been doing this work for high profile clients could write about what they saw or heard in private, but that would be a clear betrayal of the client’s confidentiality. In our company, everyone signs a 50-year agreement that we will not betray that confidence for 50-years on penalty of being sued. New clients are provided with copies of their assigned agents’ agreements. Writing fiction is different and you have to be careful that an incident is so thinly veiled that everyone knows who you’re talking about. For example, in Mortal Shield, one of the rawest scenes is when the first lady throws the governor’s belongings onto the Mansion lawn. That was inspired by a similar incident that happened many years ago in another Midwestern state. The troopers involved that day would know the accuracy of my depiction, but it was also a public act that was reported in the press.

Anyone outside the Mansion that day could see what was happening. I wasn’t privy to the private conversations that occurred between those involved, but I had a good idea of what was likely discussed and that’s what I wrote.

DC: What are your thoughts about the growing amount of people who are attempting to start careers in close protection?

TT: I think it’s great that so many young people are interested, not only in the profession, but in learning all they can to be at the top of their game. For those who are new, do your homework, find training from reputable trainers that is appropriate for the job you are pursuing. If you want to do high risk protection overseas, there’s training for that. If you want to get into corporate security in the states, look for trainers who are experts in that. Beware of instructors who have experience in one area, but purport to be experts in others. I’m a huge believer in getting a practical protective driving course under your belt, where you’re actually ramming cars and doing avoidance maneuvers, like with Tony Scotti’s Vehicle Dynamics Institute. The majority of attacks on public figures occur while they are in or around their cars. I lecture on secure transportation, but there’s nothing like actually fighting traffic to get from Point A to B. And I practice all the time. When my wife and I are going across town in separate cars, I always practice my follow-up skills with her vehicle. It makes driving fun and interesting.

DC: I would like to know the characteristics and skills that you think an EP Agent should have or aspire to have in order to obtain some level of credibility and success in this business.

TT: Our company constantly stresses what we call the “10 Invisible Qualities of Protectors”. These are Integrity, Ability, Readiness, Positivism, Preparation, Curiosity, Commitment, Suspicion, Willingness, and Energy. Those qualities cover every aspect of protective operators. Top agents in the company are strong in all those qualities, and everyone from the top down strives to improve each one, and recognize examples set by others. I mentioned the importance of protective driving skills in the previous answer. We’ve recently started a mentoring program where the highest level, most talented agents in the company can get even better. There’s a constant need to improve and stay at the top of your game.

DC: Some guys are great at the advance others are great with weapons and tactics, what aspect of the protection business do you think was your strong point and gave you such a long and successful career?

TT: I’ve worked with many others over the years who could shoot better than I could, run faster or farther than I could, and so on. I think my attitude towards protection has been one of the strongest factors.

I’ve always had a passion for EP work and loved doing thorough advance work on any detail I’ve worked. I study maps before I go on any assignment and when I hit the ground -- whether it’s in New York, L.A., Istanbul, or Hong Kong -- I know the best hospital is over here, the U.S. embassy is over there, and so on. I’ve never believed in burning bridges and that’s paid off many times when I came across

someone I had built a strong relationship with in the past and now they’re in a position to return the favor. On two occasions, I’ve escorted high profile clients up to a Secret Service checkpoint that was being commanded by an old Secret Service friend that I knew and had helped over 10 years before. That relationship helped me get my client through the checkpoint without delay while other VIPs were being more closely screened. I think also I’ve been good at thinking things through ahead of time and being prepared for any changes, so when things go sideways you’re ready to handle that situation.

DC: Looking back on your career as a whole, both in Protection and as an Author, what are you most proud of?

TT: When I look back over my career the high points that jump out are when I was hired by the Missouri Highway Patrol in 1972, when I was promoted to director of the Governor’s Security Division in 1989, when I was first elected president of the NGSA in 1994, when I retired and went to work for Gavin’s company in 2002, when Just 2 Seconds (J2S) and Mortal Shield were published in 2008, and when Armored Men came out last year. I think the publishing of J2S has been my proudest achievement. Roots of that book went back to the 1970’s when I began collecting news stories about public figure incidents and attacks. Gavin, Jeff, and I put 10 hard years of new research into it, and to-date it’s been purchased by protectors in 33 countries. We’ve gotten a flood of emails from people all over the world who use it to train their students in tactical and protective operations. We’ve gotten positive feedback from Secret Service and FBI agents, as well as top people in corporate security. A few of our top clients have read it and said it changed everything they thought they knew about protection.

As I mention in Armored Men, if J2S enables even one detail to provide more effective protection for their clients, then it was all worth the effort.

DC: Armored Men, seems to have made a splash in the EP industry as well as the mainstream public, was it your intent to create these “hero-like” characters who reach all walks of life?

TT: Absolutely. I’ve had many people who know nothing about protection tell me they loved the book and now have more respect for protective agents. Over the years, one question I heard more often than any other from members of the general public was: “What’s your job like?” They watch Hollywood’s portrayal of protectors and use that as their reference. There is plenty of fiction that portrays realistic situations for military or law enforcement figures. But it’s rare to find a novel that accurately captures a story about EP operations. You’ll find protectors accurately mentioned in the storyline of a Clancy or Flynn novel, but the book isn’t about those characters. So I decided to write that book.

DC: I know it’s supposed to be secret but who is the Agent on the cover? If we can’t know who he is, can we know a little more about the man behind this powerful image?

TT: I’ve been very fortunate to have known many world-class protectors in my life. When I was working on my first novel, Mortal Shield, I wanted the cover to portray a top level protector. If you found “the best protector in the world,” what would he or she look like? What would make them the best? I asked two of the best agents I had ever worked with to pose for cover shots. One would get the cover of my first novel, and the other would get the cover of the sequel. The shots would be taken from behind for two reasons, first to protect the identity of the agents since they were and are active protectors for some of our highest profile clients. The second reason was I wanted the picture to portray “giving the reader a look over the shoulder of a world-class protector.” I can’t reveal the names of these guys, but I can tell you one has an elite military background. The other has no law enforcement or military experience. His background was in the music industry and from there he became interested in the protection business. I’d work a detail anywhere in the world with

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Circuit :: HardTalk these guys and have. When I think of “the best”, I picture these guys.

Not just their looks, but their approach, confidence, abilities, fitness, knowledge, and sense of mission they bring to every detail they work.

DC: What has been your reaction to how well this book has been received by protection agents worldwide?

TT: As I say in the Author’s Note, the most meaningful feedback has been from other protectors. Especially from other top experts, like Bob Duggan at ESI, Hans van Beuge at Savior Protective Services, and Elijah Shaw at Icon. When I was a young trooper in ESU, I could only dream of attending ESI. The Patrol’s training budget didn’t allow for much private sector training, so all our officers went through training with Secret Service or DSS instructors, which was provided at little or no cost to the agency. The positive feedback from protectors all over the world shows we all face the same challenges.

DC: It has been documented that you reached out to top notch protection tacticians about the tactics used by the team in your book, how much did their input add to your writing?

TT: I’ve been an instructor in protective and survival tactics for much of my career. But I’ve never served on a SWAT team. I commanded the bomb squad the last five years I was on the Highway Patrol, but I’ve never dismantled an explosive device. Since I wanted the book to be as realistic as possible, I asked several friends who are experts in those areas to review the book and critic the tactics and equipment throughout the story. Firearms expert John Farnam, for example, gave me great feedback on IBD’s and ballistics, which I inserted into the storyline. The reference to Russian Spetsnaz came from John Giduck, who’s an expert in that area. John Rose with HITAC is one of the top experts around on suicide bombers and SWAT tactics. If you think about all the best war movies out there -- like “Black Hawk Down” or “Band of Brothers” -- it was the result of the moviemakers asking technical experts to make it realistic.

DC: Your lead character Lt. David Armstrong is all too real a character, he embodies everything one would want in a team leader while also having his demons that he battles personally. What helped you create this character?

TT: It was very helpful that I had commanded the Governor’s Security Division for eight years. I’ve had many of those discussions and exchanges with governors, their spouses, the governor’s staff, the Patrol’s command staff, Secret Service and FBI agents, and so on. In fact, I’ve never written from an outline like many authors. Instead I envision the scene -- the governor is angry about a security issue -- and I know how that scene would play out. I simply write down what I see in my head. It’s like watching a scene in a movie, and then describing it on paper. I wanted Armstrong to be a great detail leader, who tries to run the most effective detail possible, but also is hampered along the way. Those are the constant challenges every detail leader faces.

DC: The terrorist attack on American soil is a hot button issue; did you have any hesitation writing about such a horrific attack here in the U.S.?

TT: I gave it a lot of thought. While I wanted the book to be realistic, that doesn’t mean every description had to be exact...only believable.

I was concerned about accurately describing key parts of the Arch infrastructure that terrorists would be interested in exploiting, so I invented much of it. If you go on a tour of the Arch and then read the book, it will seem very real, but it’s not. Circuit boxes and levers I describe don’t exist, at least where I say they exist in the book. And there are a few elements of the Arch security operation that were left out, as well, such as their remote command center.

DC: The storyline in Armored Men, as it relates to terrorism although fictional is a legitimate reality to those protecting potential targets all over, how did you decide that those would be the issues for Lt.

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Armstrong’s team to overcome?

TT: Following 9/11, I was named anti-terrorism coordinator for all Patrol operations. I commanded the Organized Crime Unit, Intelligence Unit, and Bomb Squad, so those topics were something I knew a lot about and wanted to tie into the story. Several of my officers were assigned to JTTF’s and did work similar to the Youngblood character in the book. I’ve taught a lot of terrorism courses over the years and I seldom found any students -- including many in corporate security and law enforcement -- who had ever read the al-Qaeda Manual. So I wanted to bring those elements into the story, as well. The bad guys have basically laid out their play book for us to read, and we should take advantage of that. By reading the book, protectors become familiar with the tactics Islamic extremists would use against them.

DC: The “Team” chemistry is clearly strong in Armored Men - any comparisons to teams you’ve worked with in the past?

TT: It is just like details I work now for Gavin de Becker & Associates.

Every year, I’ll be on details that may be anywhere from 2 to 20 agents, and the team chemistry is just like in the book. There is always good-natured give and take, but when it’s game time, they are totally focused on the job. It’s one of the primary reasons I still enjoy doing this work. When team members bring egos and personal grudges into the operation, it can undermine the entire detail and drag the agents out of the NOW. As we say in J2S, if you intend to meet the attack, you must be there mentally, not just physically. An assailant knows exactly what’s happening, and the longer it takes you to know it too, the greater his advantage.

DC: With a project being this successful, how much enjoyment did you have in creating this book?

TT: Armored Men was more fun to write than any of my others. I had a clear idea of the story. Well over a year ago, I had finished the first half and the ending of the book. The attack at the Arch was complex to write and I wanted to think it through and get it right. Plus I was very busy with company business. I see Dave Grossman at least twice a year, and every time we met he asked, “How’s the book going?

Is it done yet?” I’d asked Dave to write the foreword, but he didn’t know the storyline. Last September, work slowed down and I was determined to finish it. I sat at the computer nearly every day for about two weeks. The attack scenes poured out of me, but I wanted to make certain there weren’t any gaping holes in the story. I sent off drafts of the book to my friends and colleagues mentioned in the book. Once I had their feedback, I was ready to publish. The whole process was great fun for me.

DC: There seemed to be some room for further stories at the end of Armored Men, will there be a sequel or continuation of the story of Lieutenant David Armstrong and his team?

TT: I don’t have another book started yet. I’ve considered writing another sequel, using the same characters. I’ve also considered just doing a short story to be available only on electronic format. Since I’ve already put this governor through two terrorist attacks, I’d definitely want to go another way in the storyline. In Mortal Shield, I wanted to explore how a high level protective detail would deal with two new protectees, who don’t like or appreciate security and always interfere with the detail trying to keep them safe. That’s a very difficult situation. And it’s not just a bad detail for a client you won’t see after this week. These are protectees you are assigned to keep safe 24/7 for at least the next four years, possibly eight years. In Armored Men, I wanted the interrelationship between the protectees and the detail not to be an issue -- in fact, now it’s very good -- and they had to deal with a seemingly impossible situation. One that would demand the best the detail had to give. I wanted to end the story where it could be the last or set up another story. Who knows? I may have to bring them back for an encore.

Circuit :: Feature

KeepingYour Edge Working with a VIP doesn’t make you one One of the best things about having the opportunity to write an editorial column in the pages of The Circuit, is the ability to be able to talk about topics that affect a wide range of individuals in our community.

The articles are of course subjective, meaning that they are based on my opinion and not everyone has to agree with them. However with that said, I try and primarily speak about things that I am intimately familiar with, which is why the majority of my articles are focused more on what makes the close protection agent “tick” as oppose to which firearm to buy or how to treat a traumatic head injury. While I think all of those are of interest to our readers, in the current and past issues you’ll find writers that speak on those other topics much more definitively than I can.

One thing I’ve always found fascinating in my observations is that as close protection agents, we have a tendency to define ourselves based on the status of our Principal.

Those of us actively working in the industry for a while have likely experienced, or at least witnessed, the following at one point or another (on either side of the coin). The scenario is often a variation of this: You are a skilled protection agent assigned to escort your client to a public event. Other VIP’s are in attendance, and one is better known than your Principal. You notice that the support staff of host, and event planners, seems to faun over some of the others in attendance to a larger degree. That in itself is not an issue, however you also seem to notice that the other bodyguard, now in a secure environment, seems to be too important to even acknowledge you.

Perhaps the two of you are standing side by side at the perimeter of a large banquet area both with eyes on your perspective clients, and yet any attempts to be social yet still professional, are rebuffed. Of course this

could just be attributed to the agent being focused on the task at hand, perhaps his Principal has a higher degree of potential threats directed at him -- things you of course would not be privy to.

But in some cases the agent simply gives off the aura, intentionally or not, that since he’s with the biggest fish in the room, that means he too has no time for the “little people”. In this case, an Operator with a lesser known client.

Over the years I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to work with some of the biggest and most recognizable stars in the entertainment industry. (As this is the Internet age, a simple Google search will collaborate this claim.) With that said, I know all too well that if you are around a superstar long enough, human nature kicks in and that sense of “importance” or “entitlement” rubs off on the agent. What I think that we as protectors need to be careful of is that we don’t sour relationships with our peers just because Principal X has more clout than Principal Y. At the end of the day, how would the client’s finances or fame affect how we go about the essence of our job? The amount of dollar signs in the Protectee’s bank account or the number of blockbuster films under their belt should not have any effect on how we respond to situations either proactively or reactively. They also shouldn’t isolate us or give us a reason to negatively prejudge other agents.

J

ELI AH SH AW ‘Hubris’ is an ancient Greek world meaning extreme pride or arrogance as it relates to the overestimation of ones own competence, particularly when the person is operating from a position of power. This word I think sums up the condition some of us have at times found ourselves in, myself included. The key to overcoming this is to try and always be mindful that at some point or another we’ve all been the new kid on the block. We should also be mindful of the adage that tomorrow is not promised. Simply put, you might be with the hottest thing since sliced bread today and later calling up your old contacts searching for more work tomorrow.

Call it karma or whatever you like, but as I write this I can think of a laundry list of Operators who at one point or another were with very prestigious VIP’s and while on the assignment they gave off the impression that they thought a bit too highly of themselves or thought less of some of their brothersat-arms, simply because of who they were protecting. Stars don’t burn brightly forever, and when those same individuals found themselves without that client, they also found it much more difficult to interact with people who could have helped them in the Executive Protection community as a result of the feathers they had ruffled.

Again, interpersonal relationships with fellow agents might not be as pressing as how to shoot from the prone position, but heaven forbid you one day find yourself talented, but unemployed. Who wants to be that agent sitting at home waiting for the phone to ring and it doesn’t simply because all your peers thought that YOU thought you were too good for them.

Elijah Shaw is the CEO of Icon Services Corporation and The National Director of the North American Bodyguard Association

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Circuit :: HardTalk

Linda and I became ‘friends’ recently via an online networking portal, exchanged a few messages and then met up at a networking meeting. I was very impressed by her story and her success and thought that Circuit Magazine readers would enjoy that story and the somewhat unusual business that she has.

NM: Linda, can you give us some background about yourself and how you got into Mystery Shopping?

LE: Once my children had started school, I got myself a part time job working for a local department store, which used mystery shoppers. I had never heard of mystery shoppers and wrongly thought what a wonderful job it would be – to get paid to go shopping! I researched mystery shopping and found a few agencies on the web and registered, and soon jobs began to trickle in. I then began carrying out assignments in various locations, mainly for High Street chains. I could see the benefit organisations got from seeing their business through the eyes of the customer, although I became increasingly frustrated at the ‘ticky box’ questionnaires I had to complete, as I wanted to give a real in-depth, fully detailed report on the customers’ buying experience. I was also aware that an awful lot of the Mystery Shopping agencies focused mainly on larger retailers and I felt that surely all organisations no matter how big or how small needed to know what their customer service was like. I discovered there were very few Mystery shopping companies in the North of England, and even less who provided fully detailed reports, so …… The Secret Service was born.

NM: Many of our readers aspire to be business owners themselves, how did you find starting off and what advice could you offer them?

LE: It was quite scary and very daunting to be honest. I spoke with a friend who had their own business and they invited me along to a local Networking group, where I met other local business people who all met on a regular basis offering each other advice and support. Talking and listening to those people gave me the confidence to go with my idea of starting my own ‘Mystery Shopping Company’ which would concentrate on North East businesses – not just retail. As I strongly felt that all businesses that have customers should focus on their own customer service, giving them the edge over their competitors. So basically my advice would be go and chat with people who have been there, go to a Networking event, there are lots to chose from, so find one that will suit you.

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“

Nick McCarthy speaks with Linda Eastwood, founder of ‘The Secret Service’

“

Thinking of a business start up?

Listen in. Interested in a business that could thrive in the new world economy? Want to utilize some of the skills and equipment you already possess? Then this story is for you.

This story also demonstrates the power of effective networking!

NM: Overall, how pleased are you with what you have done and where do you see The Secret Service going over the next 5 - 10 years?

LE: The Secret Service started off small – me! I began with a small restaurant who wanted to use my services, but I couldn’t complete all the visits myself (as the staff would soon start to recognise me) so would ask friends to go instead of me. After a while I managed to secure a contract with a property developer who focused on the student market, so I eventually began to take on ‘contractors’ who could carry out assignments for me, while I went to networking events and basically door knocked. I then quickly discovered I needed someone in the office to look after the admin the contractors created as well as look after the enquiries I got from prospective clients, so Michelle became part of the team, followed soon after by Christine who now looks after all the accounts. So the answer to the question is – I’m very pleased how things have developed. As for the next 5 to 10 years ….. who knows? Hopefully we will be in a bigger office with one or two more office staff with a few more long term contracts!

NM: Can you describe to us what services you offer and how you go about it?

LE: Our clients want to find out more about how their own staff represent their company, and we help them accurately measure, learn, and get feedback insight from real customers, empowering organisations to make a real and positive difference to the person who matters most ... the customer.

All our reports are bespoke and fully detailed, we don’t believe in just ticking boxes. We have recently invested in new technology, which has enabled our clients to log-in to our system and read results of a mystery shopping exercise that happened that day.

Our compact size and friendly approach has always enabled us to be more responsive to client needs and perhaps more than most people we realise how important it is to not only satisfy expectations, but to try to exceed them where possible.

We also provide customer service training. Our customer service/ mystery shopping training can be adapted to suit your needs. No two organisations are alike. Even though they may be engaged in similar tasks, the personalities and challenges vary.

If several people or a team train at the same time, they can exchange notes, and a common body of knowledge is formed.

Our training days combine presentations, practical exercises and discussion. Delegates leave with clear guidance on how to

Circuit :: HardTalk implement what they have learnt.

We also offer an Ad Hoc Sales Prospecting/telemarketing service to Companies that cannot justify a full time sales person. We will do your prospecting and canvassing on an ‘as and when needed’ basis; we don’t bind clients to long-term agreements. A lot of people’s perception of telemarketing is call centres in far off lands with lots of people bothering you at the wrong moment – that is not us.

Based in the North East of England, The Secret Service provides a professional resource to develop new channels of communication with your customers. If you have never had a tele-sales function in your business before, outsourcing allows you to experiment and find out whether this is an effective means of promoting your company and will also support your other marketing strategies.

We specialise in: • Appointment and Lead Generation • List Building, Cleansing and Database Development • Bookings and Event-Building • Follow-up Calls • Mystery Shopping Relationship building is fundamental to the success of any telemarketing campaign. Only by gaining feedback from your prospective customers can you make the strategic decisions needed to develop your business. The Secret Service will work in partnership with clients, passing on any feedback and developing the relationship between prospective customers and client. We will provide your business with a direct channel of communication with prospective clients. The telemarketer will focus on driving new opportunities, developing cold canvass leads and new contacts, building and increasing your contact database and gaining appointments with new prospects NM: Some people may say “what a cow, she is trying to get people in to trouble by doing this!” What would you say to that?

LE: Ha, Ha, Ha, No, we do not only identify where training is needed but we also highlight on what is done well. What better way to improve staff morale than to get a fully detailed report from your supervisor to tell you, that you have delivered exceptional customer service?

NM: In terms of a client base, would you say that you work for small business owners or large businesses’ with 100’s/1000’s of staff? Is there a ‘type’ of business that you target?

LE: We work with a diverse range of clients from Solicitors, Engineering, Hospitality to Retail, some of our clients include – Nexus, Sainsbury, The Black Door Group, Fenwicks, Sinton Solicitors, Soil Machine Dynamics, DM London, Krimo, Bang & Olufsen, Movecorp, to name but a few. We work with sole business owners who want us to find out about their competitors to much larger organisations. There isn’t a specific type of business we target, as long as they value and want to improve their customer service, The Secret Service will help.

NM: Many of us in the industry love our technical kit, what sort of equipment do you use in order to record evidence to present to clients?

LE: I personally strongly recommend the PV-500EVO with the BU18 button camera. If you’re looking to make high quality covert recordings in just about any lighting condition, the BU18 camera coupled with the PV500 eco will give the best quality video without stepping up to high definition levels. You get the BU18 button camera with all the outer lens cover accessories

for disguising the camera as a button or a screw head. This equipment can also be hidden in a handbag or small holdall, although I would probably recommend a pin hole camera for that. PV900 HD Spy Phone, is also ideal, and can be used in most situations where you can have the camera on a table eg a restaurant.

NM: What attributes do you think you need to be successful in your particular business and do you think it is more suited to women than men?

LE: You need to have an eye for detail. You need to value customer service and need to know what to look for; however we will provide you with all the information you need before you carry out your first assignment. Both men and women are needed as we are all ‘customers’. Anyone can be a mystery shopper – It could be the little old lady with a blue rinse, the mother with three children or the man in jeans and T-shirt. You just never know when you’ll be visited and who it will be, and that is why it’s so effective!

NM: Do you get direct feedback from your clients about the impact your visits have had on their business? Have you helped increase people’s bottom line?

LE: Oh yes, our testimonials speak for themselves! We worked with national jeweller DM London and we managed to help raise their weekly turn-over in one store from £800 to £10,000 purely by pointing out weaknesses in customer service. When I visited, all the time I was in there was one of the shop assistants talking to the rest of the colleagues sitting in the back of the office, not paying any attention to me and letting customers come in and leave without offering any help at all. The area manager later told me he had an idea this was happening but couldn’t prove it as all the staff behaved impeccably when he visited. There were a series of changes I recommended which obviously really went on to make a difference. When people want to buy a watch why didn’t the staff ask if they wanted a matching bracelet?

Or if someone comes in for a refund why don’t they see if the customers would like something similar rather than just returning their money. All quite obvious recommendations to make, but when your working within a routine in a business it is not quite as obvious to see where you’re going wrong.

NM: I presume that once you present your evidence you get some pretty shocked clients! What is the general reaction and do you try and present it in such a way as they can see the positives that can emerge from your visits?

LE: Our clients are aware customers can switch suppliers and take their business elsewhere with very little effort. It is less expensive and more profitable to sell to existing customers than it is to go and find new ones. Our clients know that if they can keep their customers happy their business will thrive. Some of our clients do get shocked when they see the reports, but by highlighting their mistakes they are able to do something about it and they are aware of this or they wouldn’t have hired The Secret Service.

For more information go to: www.thesecretservice.co.uk or contact one of THE SECRET SERVICE team on: 0844 414 0904 or: info@thesecretservice.co.uk

Circuit : : 25

Circuit :: BooKlub Here at The Circuit, we know that despite your image, you guys like nothing more than curling up with a good book.....

This months reviews:

so far as to infiltrate the “good guys” to successfully carry out their plan.

While fiction, Armored Men gives the reader a sense of following a real security detail filled with people that you might have worked with in the past (good and bad). I found the book engaging and was surprised that I was unable to put it down after I picked it up. As a person relatively new to the field of Executive Protection the story drew me in to the point where I felt like I was part of the team, no matter the topic, that’s the sign of a good book. I commend Tom Taylor on this, and if there is one small criticism I have it’s that at times it seems to “sell” a certain company that the author is affiliated with a little too blatantly. I look forward to reading Mr. Taylor’s other two books: Mortal Shield and Just 2 Seconds Using Time and Space to Stop Assassins and recommend this book to those inside the protection field or who simply have an interest in a good action/political thriller.

Armoured Men by: Thomas A. Taylor

T

26 : : Circuit

Edward Limoges is the director of operations for Protection Resources International

The Professional Protection Officer published by: A Butterworth-Heinemann

Review by Vincent A. Panell om Taylor’s book, Armored Men, is an engaging novel about a US Governor’s security detail and the challenges, both mundane and extraordinary, they experience while attempting to keep their Protectee safe. The story gives a behind the scenes look at the nitty-gritty of working a government level protection assignment that will be a bit of a treat for those of us in the profession. Just like many of us have, the protagonist sweat it out on how they will best prepare for an upcoming public appearance for their client. In another scene, the author digs into the meat and potatoes of Advance Work as the heroes need to secure the massive security perimeter of the St. Louis Archway. The story progresses at a breakneck speed, filling the reader in on how a terrorist group goes about planning an attack with the “bad guys” even going

mystery-thriller genre. The plot has enough substance to it that the reader stays engaged and it is not overly heavy on action sequences. I liked the author’s creativity in developing the various problems that Corte encounters from not only his opponent but the people that he is supposed to be guarding. Dispelling the perception that the protagonist is all knowing and invincible makes it easier to immerse oneself in the plot. My main criticism of the book is that it does not accurately represent how a real life professional protector operates and is unrealistic as far as the resources that they would have at their disposal. “Edge” would appeal to readers who enjoy a good thriller and who don’t mind suspending disbelief for the purposes of the book.

Edge by: Author Jeffrey Deaver

Review by Tony Ansell, MSyl (Dip)

Review by Edward Limoges

n North America the term ‘Protection Officer’ is applied to all levels of security operative from static guards to security managers and whilst the title of this book could mislead some European readers into thinking it is aimed directly at close protection duties, they will be pleasantly surprised that this informative volume covers the basic knowledge requirements of all security professionals.

Aimed primarily at the North American security industry, this comprehensive manual produced by the International Foundation for Protection Officers, contains many references to the United Kingdom security industry which reinforces its relevance on both sides of the Atlantic. It is the course text for

J

effrey Deaver, author of “The Bone Collector”, has published a new book, “Edge”. In “Edge” the main character, a government agent known only as Corte, is charged with protecting a Washington DC police detective’s family from a cunning torturer-for-hire. As the plot progresses we learn that there are more elements in play with the family and the torturer-for-hire than we are initially led to believe. As the story progresses Corte is put in a conflicted position by the increased scrutiny placed on the family he is charged with protecting and pressure from the government about the situation.

“Edge” is a good book for fans of the

I

Circuit :: BooKlub the North American Certified Protection Officer programme and covers topics ranging from a basic knowledge of security duties to higher considerations of personal and asset protection. Subjects such as communication, crime prevention, surveillance, hostages and physical security measures are included as well as sections on information security and counter intelligence, risk & threat management, investigation principles, fostering professional relationships and the use of reasonable force.

The information provided is factual, clearly laid out, and cross referenced to specific sources in easy to understand chapters written by several qualified contributors.

Each chapter ends with a useful summary and knowledge check exercise.

This heavy paperback book in medium sized format is not ideal for travel.

However, for those requiring an office or home reference manual which covers the structure, aims and activities of the modern security industry, it provides an extremely useful insight. In addition to students of the US Certified Protection Officer programme, this book is of clear value to anyone looking to increase or revise their knowledge of basic security functions from newcomers to seasoned professionals.

WHERE DO

YOU

READ YOURS? 27 : : Circuit

when swatting up prior to attending a CP course or whether it’s being used as an aide memoire to refresh the minds of the old and bold amongst us. Either way it is an invaluable resource.

Kevin comes across extremely knowledgeable in his writing and puts his points across very well speaking with honesty and drawing from experience.

The book flows in a logical sequence starting by describing the role of a CPO as well as listing and explaining the desirable qualities for a CPO before moving on to the nitty gritty and talking about the job at hand, which is broken down into relevant task/role related sections.

The New Bodyguard by: Kevin Horak Review by Shaun West

I

t has been a pleasure to read and review this book, which is a fantastic read, whether it is for newcomers to the industry

It is especially helpful for newbie’s setting out on a new career path, as not only does it teach you about what is expected whilst carrying out the role of a CPO, but it also gives advice on being self-employed, which is something which can come as quite a shock to many as soon as you step away from that regular income and comfort of a regular wage.

The quality and presentation of the book is first class and it has a substantial feel to it. From me the book comes highly recommended as I feel it is an excellent resource for people working within the sector as well as being great value for money.

We asked where you read The Circuit and to send in your pictures from around the world. Thanks go to the globe-trotting contributors below. Send us yours for the next issue!

Pete Jenkins Paragliding in the Andalucian Mountains, Southern Spain!

Scott Biondo on assignment in Sao Paolo, Brazil

A Covert Operator for MAX Security has discovered a new way to avoid detection while in Jerusalem

Circuit : : 27

Circuit :: HardTalk

THE CLOSE PROTECTION GROUND FIGHTING SYSTEM Ask yourself this realistic question and if you can’t answer it honestly then you should continue reading this article.

“

“What do you do when you are dealing with a conflict situation which results with an aggressor taking you to the ground and pinning you to the floor?”

People wanting to pursue careers in the specialist security industry are equipped with the basic tools of the CP trade from the course they choose to complete, these will vary in proficiency dependent upon the course they attend. From initial training most people will then choose to improve their skill sets in these areas through experience and personal development, which normally involves attendance on courses and seminars.

“

C

lose protection (CP) is a unique vocation in which to become proficient, it requires the training and knowledge of a number of specialist skills from a broad spectrum of specialist subjects such as surveillance, first aid, defensive driving, armed and unarmed combat and the intricate mix of foot, mobile and static security drills.

Kodokan Judo in the early 20th century and is more famously recognised today for its use in mixed martial arts (MMA) and the UFC. It promotes the principle that a smaller, weaker person can successfully defend themselves against a bigger, stronger assailant using leverage and proper technique; most notably, by applying jointlocks and chokeholds to defeat them.

The Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu strategy is to avoid punches and kicks, clinch his opponent and take the fight to the ground, where the attacker’s strikes are weak and Jiu-Jitsu techniques will be used to defeat him.

Since its creation the BJJ system has greatly evolved. The efficiency of techniques and their use in the real world have been refined and tested to the extreme limit. Brazilian Jiu-jitsu subsequently has Most people generally opt to enhance their skill set in the areas of become the most comprehensive ground fighting system on the planet. driving, surveillance and trauma care however one skill identified as One of the top Brazilian Jiu-jitsu teams in the world Gracie Barra is found lacking is the area of personal safety and unarmed combat. This home to some of the greatest Jiu-jitsu fighters to have ever lived, which is a skill that at times is taken for granted and deemed a lesser priority to includes the current world absolute champion. keep current which is a surprise when considering the fact that, unless Its founder Carlos Gracie Jr is the son of the pioneer of Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, under specific circumstance, domestic CP in UK is carried out unarmed. Carlos Gracie, who was taught by the Japanese Maeda. Gracie Barra Close Protection and security specialist operators may be of the opinion lineage and pedigree in the art of Brazilian Jiu-jitsu is impeccable and that unarmed combat is the ‘last resort’ and that a potential conflict beyond reproach. situation will be identified before it can become a problem, however, Gracie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) and Close Protection is this a safe and realistic view to adopt. Conflict resolution does not From identifying the lack of this skill in the security industry a new always prove effective, and the resulting situation can become a critical system has been developed to be applied to the role of a CPO. Protective incident in which to deal with and ensure the clients safe passage.

Resources along with a professor in BJJ from the Gracie Barra family

Statistics show that 95% of all unarmed fights will go to the ground, yet have designed a new system from the BJJ discipline. To understand most defence courses cover none, if any aspects of the ground fighting the full dynamics of BJJ would require prolonged continuous training, system, the most important yet overlooked aspect of any fight. subsequently an intense bespoke 4 day course has been built around Krav Maga and similar disciplines are excellent tools for initial reaction the basic principles of BJJ aimed at equipping CPO’s with pertinent to attack however, again ask yourself this question, what would you do ground defence skills. if you end up on the floor in a conflict situation and the aggressor lands The BJJ course, a new concept for CPO’s, will provide skills in the ground defence system, which includes understanding personal on top of you pinning you to the ground?

For those who have been involved in such scenarios they will understand defence positions, aggressor control, compliance and submission. Also the difficulties involved to remain controlled, not panic, understand the included is understanding the human anatomy and how this applies to situation and regain the advantage to save yourself, your client(s), your aggressor control and legislation training in relation to use of force and credibility and inevitably your employment. Due to the close proximity self-defence. of ground positions elbow and palm strikes will not always be available and effective. The answer to dealing with this scenario is through training in a new Close Protection Operator (CPO) Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu ground defence system.

Gracie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ).

Successful completion of this course will provide the opportunity for advanced CPO BJJ continuation training and weapon defence training with B.O.P.E instructors (Brazilian Special Tactical Police Unit).

For more information Contact Protective Re-

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a martial art and combat sport that specializes sources Limited (PRL) on 0207 8732191or visit: in ground fighting. It was derived from the Japanese martial art of www.prl.uk.com

28 : : Circuit

Circuit :: Feature HERE’S SOMETHING YOU DON’T SEE EVERY DAY - A FREE FINANCIAL

SESSION

Q: I eat out a lot whilst carrying out my work, I have never kept receipts for these meals, but someone has told me that I should have kept receipts as I can claim this back. Is this true and as I don’t have these receipts is their an allowance I can claim for eating out whilst working?

A: You are entitled to tax relief on the necessary costs associated with business travel including: • Public transport fares • Hotel accommodation • Meals • Tolls • Congestion charges • Parking fees, and • Business phone calls.

However, appropriate records and receipts for these expenses need to be retained, and the length of time depends upon whether you are an employee or self employed. If you are an employee the general rule is that you are not entitled to tax relief for things that are not directly related to your business journey for example newspapers or private telephone calls, however, if your employer pays you an allowance of not more than, either £5 for every night spent away on business in the UK or £10 for every night spent away on business outside the UK, then you are entitled to tax relief on these payments.

Q: I am a security consultant and am about to create an invoice for work carried out within the UK for an American company. I am VAT registered do I need to include VAT on the invoice? If so is there a way in which the client can claim back this VAT. A: The VAT rules for the supply of services are generally determined by who the service is supplied to and the place that either the customer or supplier belongs.

If your supply of service is made to a business customer, then the place of supply is where the customer belongs, which you indicate

is in America. Under these circumstances your supply is outside the scope of VAT. You should obtain commercial evidence that your supply is not being made for a private purpose and not charge VAT on your invoice.

If your supply of service is to a non business customer, then the place of supply is where the supplier belongs, assuming you belong in the UK, then VAT needs to be charged and accounted for in the normal way.

Q: I have recently been offered a position (1 year contract initially) I can invoice from myself or a company, I will earn between 60-65k a year. Would I benefit more from invoicing from me or from a Ltd company and would the difference be significant from one compared to the other?

A: There are many different factors which need to be considered when deciding the medium through which to trade. An important consideration is which way you’ll pay less tax!

At this level of earnings there would be a tax saving trading as a limited company, the amount of the saving would depend on the amount you physically draw from the company. That’s because if you’re selfemployed as a sole trader, the business is taxed on the business profits regardless of the amount that you withdraw from the business. If your business is a limited company, it is seen as a separate legal entity and taxed on its profits generally at a lower rate than income tax. Also with a limited company, you can set your level of salary and choose when to pay yourself a dividend (deferring it to a later tax year, for instance and reducing your charge to national insurance).

There are additional costs in running a limited company mainly due to the administration and filing requirements but these are generally outweighed by the tax savings. There are other considerations, such as your personal liability for the business’s debts.

Q: Do you recommend the flat rate of VAT? I work as a Bodyguard and have most of my expenses [hotels & travel] paid for me so don’t have many expenses that attract VAT but I do earn over 60k a year

and currently charge VAT at 20%. Any advice appreciated.

A: You can join the Flat Rate Scheme for VAT and so pay VAT as a flat rate percentage of your turnover if your estimated VAT taxable turnover - excluding VAT - in the next year will be £150,000 or less. The ‘flat rate’ percentage is set by HMRC depending on your business activity a full list can be found on their website Benefits of using the Flat Rate Scheme: Using the Flat Rate Scheme can save you time and smooth your cash flow. It offers these benefits: • You don’t have to record the VAT that you charge on every sale and purchase, as you would with standard VAT accounting. This can mean you spending less time on the books, and more time on your business.

You do need to show VAT separately on your invoices, just as you do for normal VAT accounting.

• A first year discount. If you are in your first year of VAT registration you get a one per cent reduction in your flat rate percentage until the day before the first anniversary you became VAT registered.

• Fewer rules to follow. You no longer have to work out what VAT on purchases you can and can’t reclaim.

• Peace of mind. With less chance of mistakes, you have fewer worries about getting your VAT right.

• Certainty. You always know what percentage of your takings you will have to pay to HMRC. Potential disadvantages of using a Flat Rate Scheme: The flat rate percentages are calculated in a way that takes into account zero-rated and exempt sales. They also contain an allowance for the VAT you spend on your purchases. So the VAT Flat Rate Scheme might not be right for your business if: • you buy mostly standard-rated items, as you cannot generally reclaim any VAT on your purchases • you regularly receive a VAT repayment under standard VAT accounting • you make a lot of zero-rated or exempt sales.

Send your finance questions to Jason Cheesman ACA, Partner at Mitchells Chartered Accountants specialising in delivering accountancy services to people working within the security industry 0191 416 4820 JC.mitchells.ca@btconnect.com

Circuit : : 29

Circuit :: Course Review

Executive Protection Course Review by |

J

ust what was their edge in choosing them over some very distinguished competition? Well for starters, the instructors all currently work in the industry on a full time basis as active Operators. Their knowledge and experience in the industry has been vetted by a number of prestigious sources which were made accessible to me, but the proof was in the pudding as they say. I first underwent their 5 day Celebrity & VIP Protection Course which was excellent, so the decision to join their 10 day Advance Executive Protection class seemed like a natural progression.

Being that this is the advanced course with an emphasis on working in a hostile environment, familiarization with the fundamentals of Close Protection is necessary for acceptance. That became evident from day one, as we hit the ground running with weapons drills, close quarters combat/defensive tactics (CQC), and team building. We were told repeatedly to assess your situation, identify your target, move, and engage. Over the next few days, everything we learned became a stepping stone for the next evolution, beginning with the advance plan. While we all understand the importance, it’s easy to underestimate the time and attention to detail that goes into successful planning. Given a name, destination, time, and a few other bits of information, my team who were mostly comprised of strangers, a short time before, were tasked to develop a very detailed and informative plan with a rapidly shrinking window of implementation. This assignment forced us to work as a team, and the old adage of a group being only as strong as its weakest link, will definitely show through.

In addition to the Advance, we spent the next several days “Working the Prin-

30 : : Circuit

MARSHALL BURT

“

iCON

“ Advanced

During my 9 year military career, I have both lead and participated in numerous security details which have spanned across the world in many different theatres of operation. When I made the choice that I was going to make a move into the Executive Protection industry, I started researching the countless different training schools in the marketplace. I was looking for a school that wouldn’t just show me PowerPoint presentations all day or give me 10,000 rounds of ammo and tell me to shoot at a metal target. Days turned into week’s worth of research, and countless hours of phone calls eventually lead me to a company called ICON.

cipal”. Agents perfected cover and evacuation techniques, studied medical applications based on situational factors (from basic first aid to combat medicine) and practiced room clearing. Using teams of multiple sizes, students repeatedly drilled on how to properly breach and enter a room for clearing. As could be expected, team dynamics played a major part at this time and it became evident one could be doing the best job ever, but if a teammate was not covering his sector correctly, the error could be fatal in the real world. ICON’s approach to this portion of the training puts the team into actual room-to-room searches, in an environment the size of a large office complex focusing on speed and violence of action, as well as technique, and safety.

Circuit :: Course Review Before we knew it, the course was nearing its conclusion and if it was not painfully apparent before, it’s evident that everything we studied and drilled from day one had a purpose, and would likely be applied during the final exercise. Our team, already operating on minimal sleep and fatigued muscles, wouldn’t know when the exercise ends. We were dropped in the thick of it and told to respond accordingly. As protectors, our sole purpose is to finish the day with our Principal safe from harm and embarrassment, but let’s face it we’re taking an advanced course with an emphasis on high risk, so we knew something big was coming. Keeping that firmly in the back of our mind, what do you do when all of your “I’s” are dotted and your “T’s” are crossed and your best laid plans still fail you? What would you do if your Principal (heaven forbid) was kidnapped while in a hostile country? You mount a rescue and get him/her back of course. Most classes teach you all the right things to do, but spend little time rehearsing what to do if things go wrong. That is one of the most significant examples of what sets this course apart from the pack. S**T hit the fan. Now what?

This is the moment where it all comes together, and by now we have a good idea of what our team is capable of. Egos were set aside and a plan was drawn up using the accumulated experiences of the group to put together a successful assault and rescue force. Those countless drills of breaching and clearing rooms became a major focus during this stage and with the team now navigating an unfamiliar environment that closely resembled the base camp of a third world dic-

tator, our antenna were definitely up. Add to that the use of nonlethal ammunition (Airsoft) and the force on force piece so closely resembled the real thing that one could easily believe we were transported to another country.

Picture the inventible adrenalin dump of bounding, dodging mobile and foot patrols, shooting, getting shot at, and the countless other variables that accompany the fog-of-war, and mistakes are sure to be made. I learned this the hard way as while my team was entering and clearing a room, the first man in stopped and hesitated for the briefest of moments which lead to jam up in the door way at which point the enemy seized the opportunity to engage.

I was stuck in the proverbial “fatal funnel”, took a round to the chest and was KIA. Now, not only did the rest of my team have to continue to locate the Principal, they were down one member, and the tactical leader at that. We finished the exercise successfully, and yes even though our team did lose a member, we did manage to rescue our Principal and bring him home. There were a few other twist and turns thrown into this exercise, and the days leading to it, but I would not want to spoil the experience for anyone interested in taking the course in the future. I will say that if you are looking for an intense and comprehensive training course with a budget that won’t break your bank, I would highly recommend the Advanced Executive Protection course offered at ICON Services. I walked away with the rust knocked off of my old skills as well as several new tools for my toolbox that will help me continue my focus towards a Close Protection career that has longevity.

Circuit : : 31

Circuit :: Course Review

(FPOS)

PROMETHEUS

VIPER COURSE APPRAISAL As the requirements and conditions of gaining employment on the circuit become greater, one avenue of training which is critical for CPO’s to follow is medical training.

by |

JOHN PLAYER

Many companies operating in hostile environments will now demand a minimum of an FPOS (first person on scene) as opposed to simply the first aid at work qualification which is the requirement for an SIA licence. Besides, as security professionals we should possess a good knowledge of medical skills regardless.

But which course? Two questions spring to mind immediately. One, how good is the course in respect of quality and two, is it a course that appropriate employers are aware of and respect? On completion of the Phoenix

32 : : Circuit

Circuit :: Course Review CP course early this year I was offered the opportunity by a friend to undertake an FPOS run by a training provider for 300 pounds, accommodation was free as I would be staying with my friend. Instead I spent around 800 pounds (including food and accommodation) on the Prometheus VIP emergency responder FPOS course. I am of the opinion that I made a good choice and I think the evidence I show during this report will bear this out.

I selected Prometheus as I had heard excellent comments about them from both experienced professionals on networking forums and also from a leading CP training provider. Firstly I already had some medical training in the form of a first aid at work and Phoenix emergency responder qualifications. It wasn’t just about gaining the FPOS tick in the box, I wanted to be good at the end of it. I made my initial call and found the administrator pleasant and helpful. On securing my place with an initial deposit I promptly received my joining instructions (good, with information on the course, training location, getting there and a map) and pre course manual. The manual immediately made a good impression as it was as thick as my little finger and a lot more detailed than others I had seen. We were asked to complete a minimum of three hours study before we arrived. This suggested an intense workload and a running start. Good.

I arrived the evening before the course at the charming old rectory a few miles from Hereford. I will cover the food and accommodation briefly, excellent. Either shared or single rooms are available and the food was superb.

I dropped a kilo with the healthy eating and banging out a run every evening on the hilly roads around the rectory. Wireless internet is available throughout the location.

Day one saw the introduction to the training team which included a gentleman with many years in a specialised background and another who is employed as an ambulance paramedic.

The students were from various security backgrounds with many already employed on the circuit. It was outlined that the while the

curriculum was set, the lessons would be run in a flexible manner and that while the course was intense we would be built up to the level to pass both the written and more importantly the practical assessments at the course end.

The lessons were split between powerpoint lectures and practical activities both in the classroom and in scenario based activities in the local area. I was impressed with two areas.

One, the theory was interspersed with the practical. This prevented the inevitable “death

by PowerPoint” which occurs with prolonged classroom time. We would study a lesson and before fatigue set in we would stand up and race around outside putting it into practice in interesting and realistic scenarios. To borrow a phrase from English teaching the “engage, study, activate” strategy which was followed on the course ensured far greater absorption and retention of information than slowly slipping into unconsciousness in a stuffy classroom. Secondly, the attention to detail in the scenarios with regard to diagnosing injuries was superior to anything I have done before.

Example “OK John as you are doing your RISEN assessment you observe that one side of the chest is significantly swollen, and along with the mechanism of injury, breathing rate and pulse what does this indicate?” “Tension pneumothorax?” I reply. “Good”.

The lessons covered on the course included all standard FPOS material and included a great deal more in the content of trauma management, tactical medical support, blast and ballistic injuries and haemostatic agents amongst others. It was easy to see that the course was particularly aimed at individuals working in a hostile environment. The instructors were extremely knowledgeable and just as importantly had good communication skills. They were patient and fostered an inquisitive atmosphere where all questions were encouraged and welcomed.

Negatives? Whilst anyone can go on an FPOS I would suggest that to really make the most of VIPER some basic medical training would be an advantage. I was able to consolidate

my medical knowledge and had the time and background to digest the new information. If I had have started from scratch then I would have taken less from the course as it was intense. I feel I needed the time to focus on medical skills and take them to the next level.

On the subject of time, whilst FPOS courses which are attached to CP courses tick the box and are worthwhile activities, I honestly think that with all the other content and pressure on a CP course, that much of the medical knowledge will wash over people’s heads or degrade swiftly afterwards. I finished the course feeling confident in my skills having performed well on the assessment.

In closing I have found VIPER to be a very worthwhile experience which may have had a hand in my recently gaining the type of employment which I was searching for. Time permitting I intend to take things a step further with the VIPER’s big brother STORM later in the year.

As a final thought an extremely surprising yet fortunate incident occurred an hour or so after the course. I had been dropped off at Leominster railway station and was coming down the bridge when I noticed an elderly gent hanging on to the fence with his friend desperately trying to keep him upright. To make a long story short the man was in his eighties and having climbed up one side of the bridge was losing his power to stay upright on the other side. I felt very lucky to be in a confident position after the course to take control of the situation, call the emergency services and administer first aid until they arrived. Thankfully there was nothing seriously wrong but the point was that he could easily have brought a serious condition on himself by continuing to struggle to stay upright on a hot day. He was placed in the shade, made to relax and his condition monitored until the paramedics arrived. An hour or so later they were satisfied enough to let him go home. I hope he has many more days in front of him and thanks to Prometheus for the training!”

Circuit : : 33

Circuit :: OnTheJob

HOW BURNING THE CAN BE PROSECUTED IN THE As the only American attorney to ever practice within the legal system in Afghanistan, I am disgusted that any person would engage or even threaten to engage in such selfOne of the kids asked me, “why do Americans like by | KIM MOTLEY serving, hateful, and irresponsible actions such as burning Holy Qurans?” Like many young people in burning a Quran. The threat of such actions have Afghanistan, he is poor, uneducated and illiterate.

He has no running water or electricity in his home and often goes hun- been used as a tool to ignite deadly violence against innocent people gry. I told him that Americans, by and large, do not like burning Qurans across the world. It has incited numerous demonstrations denouncand that the actions of one selfish and ignorant soul do not represent ing his actions in Afghanistan and throughout the world. Much of the nation-building aid work that is being done in Afghanistan has been who Americans are, or what America is about.

I felt an overwhelming sense of patriotism and shared with the Afghan severely undermined as of late and has come to a screeching halt. Such teenagers what America means to me. While America has its flaws, hateful speech has put Americans and other Internationals in an even it is a land of tolerance and a celebration of diversity of people from more precarious security situation in an already volatile environment. different races and religions. It’s a beautiful place, with beautiful peo- Schools have been burned down, people have been killed, and the anple. Thirty-six years ago it opened its arms and became home to a poor ger has not stopped.

On a recent visit to Mazar-e-Sharif, a northern Afghanistan province where seven U.N. workers were killed by a mob in retaliation for the threat of burning of a Holy Quran in the U.S., I had the opportunity to speak with a group of 30 Afghan teenaged boys.

North Korean immigrant woman who escaped civil war, an arranged marriage, and who is the reason for my existence. America and the ideals it represents are the heart and soul of who I am and what I strive to be. It is a land of greatness and insurmountable opportunities. America is love.

They listened intently and politely as I tried to articulate America the beautiful to them. After what I thought was a very passionate speech a 15 year old boy replied, “when he burned the Quran, he burned me”. I learned that this kid was an illiterate shepherd and the main breadwinner of his family. As a young child he was forced to go out on the streets to beg for money to feed his family. He never went to school and he is currently estranged from his family. His Islamic faith is virtually the only thing that he can unconditionally count on. Islam is a shining light in his life. To him, Islam is love.

Of course, I believe that those who killed in retribution for the Quran burning should be held accountable for their actions. But I also believe that persons who are engaging in such hateful actions such as burning the Quran should be held accountable for breaching the peace.

According to Article 877.03 of Florida law, whoever corrupts public morals or outrages the sense of public decency SHALL BE guilty of a misdemeanour of the second degree.

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Article 877.03 of Florida Law is the legal jurisprudence in Florida by which a person can be prosecuted for engaging in such a corruptible moral outrage such as burning the Quran. I would gladly testify in a court of law that I would be disturbed by such actions. This conduct was a breach of my peace. And I find that engaging in such conduct is an outrage to what is publicly decent. As a defence attorney who has practiced law in the U.S. I have been witness to persons being charged for lesser breaches of the peace including arguing in public, making rude gestures to persons, etc.

Hateful actions are not blindly protected under U.S. Law. In Virginia v.

Black et al. a 2003 decision handed down by the U.S. Supreme Court, it ruled that “cross-burning can be a criminal offence if the intent to intimidate is proven”. Last year a Pastor in Florida was warned by the U.S. government of the negative implications that his actions could place on American civilians and soldiers around the world. Still, he decided to use the Quran as an intimidation tool to effectuate his 60 seconds of fame. Such hateful actions have been condemned by courts for decades and his actions should not be an exception.

To a 15 year old teenage boy, the threat of such actions have been a direct slap in the face to his Islamic faith, which, as for many Afghan children, is the one thing on this earth that keeps him going.

Circuit :: Feature

Working Girl by |

JACQUIE DAVIS

I’ve been travelling around the UK on a CP job for the past few months but was also lucky enough to be part of the security for the royal wedding, it’s not often I say I was glad I did a job but it was nice to see lots of flag waving royalists out on the streets of London wishing Kate and William a happy wedding day.

S

everal days after the wedding I received a call from a reporter from The Times newspaper, he was running an article on female bodyguards as Kate Middleton now had one, I was happy to talk to him and very pleased when the article ran the next day and almost quoted me word for word. He asked what made a good female bodyguard and why it was good for a female client to have one, toilets and changing rooms was one line.

On my way back from a CP job in Scotland I was at Euston station lugging my suitcase down an escalator that wasn’t working. Half way down a male approached me and said can I carry that for you, yes please I said in shock, and at the bottom of the escalator I noticed he had an SIA license around his neck so obviously he was on his way to or from work. Thank you so much I said, my pleasure Jacquie Davis he replied, err how do you know my name I asked, I read the Circuit Magazine he said and then disappeared into the crowd on the platform. So whoever you were, thank you, it is a real pleasure to see chivalry isn’t dead.

At the moment I am writing this in a hotel room in the north of England, gales are blowing at seventy miles an hour and a volcanic ash cloud has stopped my Principal’s plane from taking off.

My Principal is in fact leaning over my shoulder as they are cowering in my room scared of the horrendous noise from the gales blowing outside. The rest of my team is on duty protecting

another Principal and probably me.

Sometimes, although you are off duty you are never really off, this is my time to catch up on paperwork, read my emails and get a bit of “me” time very hard to do with said Principal in the same room insisting I carry on and pretend they are not there. The guy on RST has just put his head around the door asking if everything is all right I’m now laughing as the Principal is flicking through the TV stations saying, “I hope I’m not getting in your way”, I’ll finish this later.

Principal now back in their own room with a cup of hot chocolate and a pep talk from me on how safe they are with the team surrounding their room and me being next door. Even though this is a low risk job, we still have to reassure the Principal that all is well within their world, but again it’s a lesson in CP diplomacy and how we have to drop everything for the client.

Summer may be a bit tough this year CP wise as the goings on in the Middle East are preventing some of our middle eastern clients from traveling at this time, so I wish you all well with work and remember, take what you can whilst you can. Just because you have a CP license it does not mean DS or festival work is beneath you, it’s a challenge and character building and a great way to network.

Until next time Stay safe Jacquie Davis www.optimalrisk.com

Jacquie Davis is Director of Protective Services at Optimal Risk. www.optimalrisk.com Circuit : : 35

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RECORD ATTENDANCE AT COUNTER TERROR EXPO REFLECTS THREAT FROM TERRORISM REMAINS HIGH London, 21 April 2011 – in excess of 6900 visitors passed through Olympia’s National Hall doors for Counter Terror Expo 2011 last week, succinctly demonstrating that the threat from terrorism remains acute and demand for solutions to the issues we face continues to be high

Held against a backdrop of a world beating high level conference programme and multiple specialist workshops, some 327 brand leaders in the counter terrorism sector exhibited the latest techniques and technologies to a global market space fully expected to double in value over the next eight years.

The very high attendence figures indicate, as if such an indication were needed, that the threat from international terrorism has not abated.

The attack on a Detroit bound airliner in December of last year and the more recent bombings on the Moscow metro system are but two examples of this fact. Such continuing attacks worldwide demonstrate that much still needs to be accomplished to protect assets and people from those with the intent to do harm.

“Terrorism clearly remains a top agenda issue for governments the world over. Whereas terrorist attacks were historically seen as attacks against the State and therefore for the State to address, recent years have seen a recognition build within the corporate world globally that it also has a role to play in protecting physical assets, workforce, and customer base. Consequently, the marketplace continues to expand exponentially”, comments a spokesperson for Counter Terror Expo.

Britain itself ranks sixth globally in terms of value of sales in the counter terrorism sector and believes it can expand with what it calls a leading edge in surveillance and bomb detection.

Focused specifically toward the needs of the counter terrorism sector, the event is firmly established as the top global forum in which to debate the threats we face, discuss solutions to them and identify leading providers to do meaningful business with.

Such has been the unprecedented demand from the sector, that Counter Terror Expo will move to the much larger Grand Hall of London’s prestigious Olympia Exhibition and Conference Centre in 2011. The moves provides additional exhibition space, enhanced conference facilities and improved services for this attending or visiting the event.

Counter Terror Expo 2011 is already a near sell out with around 500 of the world’s leading solutions providers expected to attend.

Counter Terror Expo 2012 will be held 18-19 April.

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AND

BODYGUARDS ASSASSINS

NO

this is not a review for the Donnie Yen movie with the same name; this is a serious threat because in today’s world anybody with very little training can be a “would be” assassin. I have watched my little brother play a game called Hitman (which was later made into a movie), and he goes around in missions assassinating people for money. Sometimes the person he goes to assassinate pays him double to assassinate the previous buyer. He also plays others like Splinter Cell, Syphon Filter, Assassins Creed, and Metal Gear Solid.

Can you learn a lot from these games? The answer is yes, and even our military is starting to use this same type of gaming to learn things. That being said, never underestimate your assassin being pro or not, he can even be a 17 year old like my brother. The difference of a pro and the amateur is that the pro´s are doing it for the highest bidder, while the amateur has an emotional reason and doesn’t see past his assassination and is even willing to die, while the pro always has an escape plan, and normally never fails. “The most dangerous aspect of a professional assassin is that he knows how to find and interpret information about the agent’s client.” This is when training in Intelligence can come into play.

Take the case study of the assassination attempt on Bill Clinton during his visit to the Philippines. The plan was to set off explosive under the bridge in Manila when Mr. Clinton passes through. This attack failed due to counter Intel methods using COMINT (communication Intel), when the Intel agent picked up key words during a transmission which were ¨bridge¨ and ¨wedding¨ which is code word for assassination.

Intel saved Mr. Clintons life, however you can’t say the same about Benazir Bhutto, her agents did not take advantage of the Intel they received. She had hundreds of riot police manned security checkpoints.

Everyone who wanted to enter the park had to go through metal detectors. Her guards

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FERNANDO FIGUEROA

were armed with assault rifles, and she had a bulletproof Toyota land cruiser. So what went wrong? You hear many different versions of the events that went down that day, but no matter which one you accept as real, it all ends the same, she dies! So what went wrong?

First off whoever was responsible for her safety wasn’t heeding to the HUMIN (human Intel) intelligence that the U.S. gave them about the threat against Bhutto. “She knew people were trying to assassinate her,” said an intelligence official. “We don’t hold information back on possible attacks on foreign leaders and foreign countries”. The official added, however, that while the U.S. could share the information, “it’s up to (the recipient) how they want to take action.”

(News, 2007) If they had used the Intelligence they received from the U.S. the protection team could have probably prevented the assassination. First off they knew from where the threat came from and knew that the probability was virtually certain.

As stated above they had checkpoints, there were metal detectors, and they were armed, but somehow they neglected other advances.

One of the ways the assassins knew about Bhutto’s movements was by intercepting her cell phone (COMINT).

“A suicide bomber couldn’t have carried out the attack without being forewarned of Bhutto’s movements with a cell phone or other device”. (Jan, 2007) Now if The team that was working with the Principal, which in this case Bhutto, they should have advised her not to stick her body out of the vehicle at the large crowd, especially as the sunroof was unprotected.

Also the assassin, either by foot or Motorcycle, should not have even come close to Bhutto’s vehicle, this is why working the Principal and its different formations is important.

Diamond Formation is when the situations require close in protection of the Principal, such as crowded entrances and congested corridors are best handled with a diamond formation. Using a minimum of four men, preferably five, the Principal is protected on all sides. The positions and methods of walking require each man to be responsible for a position of the overall 360-degree observation of the escort route. Wedge Formation in situations when a less tightly knit formation is deemed necessary, three men can form a wedge formation. Cave in Formation in a cave in formation the team members defend the life of the Principal by covering the body of the Principal with their own bodies. The Principal is crouched down in the formation, ready to be evacuated. As you can see, a little bit of planning, a little bit of Intel, and more protection around the Principal itself, could have saved Bhutto’s life.

As you read in the above case study, the person trying to do your client harm also used Intel to know the movements of their target.

This is when Counter Intel comes to play and what is called Deceptive tactics.

You can use deceptive tactics on a dayto- day basis on a non high risk client, the use of deceptive tactics is limited only by the imagination and experience of those personnel involved in the operation.

Some deceptive tactics include: A) Last minute switches of arrival and departure point. B) False reservations at clubs or restaurants, called prior to time of arrival.

C) False telephone messages to another knowledgeable individual concerning a “planned” visit to another city. D) At the Principal’s residence, study the room lighting pattern at night to determine if an attacker could figure out which room the Principal is using. E) License plate switches are possible at a moment’s notice.

Works Cited: Jan, Zarar Khan and Sadaqat.

“Bhutto Slain”. New York Post, Dec. 28th, 2007.

News, NY Daily. “US gave Bhutto ‘steadystream’ of threat info, security advice before killing .”

Daily News. Dec. 31st, 2007.

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UNTRINQUE PARATUS D

ecember 2008 was the start of our ownership of the British Bodyguard Association. I received a phone call from a fellow former Paratrooper and good friend, Shaun West who explained to me that the BBA was up for sale and would I like to purchase it with him and see if we could make a go of it?

I was interested but concerned at the same time. Shaun and myself met, discussed and decided to purchase the BBA. What now?

The BBA was not in a great state. It had a reasonable membership base but the user experience was not what we desired for our members. One of the main reasons for taking on the BBA was that we had been really disappointed with what else was out there for the guys and girls on The Circuit. We are both serial networkers and were happy to pay for memberships to what we considered worthwhile ‘Associations’ but we had not had the experience that we were looking for thus far, so that was that, the BBA had to work!

by |

NICK McCARTHY

Fast forward to early 2011 and we feel that the BBA has come a long way since we took control in January 2009. We have taken the Circuit Magazine from a PDF e-magazine to a high quality, perfect bound publication, the BBA membership data base has increased in a nice linear fashion, we are offering more and more to the members but have been careful not to run before we can walk. We intend to ensure our services are of a good standard before moving on and offering more. Our desire is to give fellow Security Professionals an Association that they can be proud of, a place that they can visit, ask questions, offer advice, receive reasonable responses, download useful security related documents and HR related items such as example CV’s and advice on interview techniques. We also felt the need to explore the new advances in the technologies that are widely available to todays Security Professional. To this end we launched our 1st iPhone Application in 2010 and have 3 more planned for 2011.

It was co-owner and recent addition to the BBA Jon Moss who came up with the idea of sponsoring a charity event called Cuthys200. Nathan Cuthbertson had been a member of 2 Para who had been killed whilst on Operations in Helmand Province in 2008. His dad Tom, also an ex Paratrooper, had set up the charity to remember his son and other former Airborne Soldiers who have paid the ultimate price for their country. In order to draw attention to the Cuthys200 Jon came up with the idea of sponsoring the Red Devils to jump in at the conclusion of the 2oo mile 24hr bike ride. The Red Devils put on a superb display on the day and helped publicise the event themselves as it is a cause that is dear to all of our hearts. The bike ride was concluded where they had set off on the previous day, Ashbrooke Cricket Ground. The local presses were in attendance and there was significant TV coverage for the event with the local news running a feature on the same evening. There Photograph courtesy of was also additional coverage in the loThe Sunderland Echo cal newspapers.

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Offering a good service and being the ‘best’ is something that is at the forefront of our minds when developing the BBA. We want to give our members help and advice to maybe save them from making the same initial mistakes we did. BBA members get a certificate of membership that they can place in their personal portfolio, something that all Security Professionals should maintain. Nobody told us this and we felt somewhat on the back foot when attending interviews when we first got out. Why should people new to the industry make unnecessary mistakes and risk not landing the job? We have recently re-introduced membership cards for BBA members, something that we had a lot of members asking for. We also intend to do more in the local community and support future events such as Cuthys200.

What does the future hold for the BBA? Hopefully we will continue to move in the right direction, stay ahead of the other online areas that are not professional and do our industry no justice at all whilst embracing partnerships with like-minded companies, individuals and other industry associations. We will continue utilising technology so that our members have fingertip access to their networking area, The Circuit Magazine and industry related apps on a variety of platforms.

Now, you can leave the Reg, but the Reg, never truly leaves you and this is never truer than with the 3 of us. We will continue to support our local PRA’s (Parachute Regiment Association) by attending meetings and promote the younger generation to do so themselves.

If this does not happen then the PRA will suffer in the future and it may well find it difficult to recover. The younger generation needs to be embraced, times change and so must the PRA. We think it is a great organisation and would like the opportunity to work with the PRA to help it progress and modernise. We will continue to support Airborne charities and good causes by creating awareness of them via our online mediums and this Magazine and yes we will continue to hand BBA owners Left to right: Shaun West; Jon over hard cash to help out the causes Moss and Nick McCarthy closest to our hearts.

UNTRINQUE PARATUS Shortly before the charity event, Jon Moss met up with its founder Tom Cuthbertson to offer our support and ask him a few questions.

The BBA will be looking at working locally within the community over the coming years and this felt like a great cause to start with.

“

“Tom, thanks for taking the time to talk to us about the Cuthys200 & the Brothers in Arms Charities”

“

JM: Ok, we know that Nathan’s death must have been a major part in your deciding to start the Cuthys200 but has there been any other factors that contributed to it?

TC: Colin Charlton (ex 3 Para), who runs Ryhope Bike Club, asked me when Nathan died if I would be interested in doing a Charity Bike Ride, so really it was his idea. I thought that with all the grieving and stress that we were going through it may help us to focus on something else and gave us a distraction from this. With the 200 miles being so tough, I thought with our Nathan’s sacrifice, as well as what all the other elements of HMG have given on operations, it is only a small token of repayment in raising funds and keeping our Nathan’s memory alive.

JM: Why did you choose to do a 200-mile bike ride and how easy has it been finding riders to do it with you?

TC: Like I said, it was Colin who suggested the P-Company type event, something tough that you would need endurance and stamina to complete and one that would leave you with a sense of achievement at the end of it. We wanted a typical Para Reg type event and I think we have got one! To be honest though, we have struggled to attract riders because of this, not everyone shares the same mentality and spirit as those of us who have served, do they?

JM: What is the immediate aim for the money you’re raising and do you have a target?

TC: We have not set a target, we just try to raise as much as possible for our chosen charity which this year is the National Arboretum in Staffordshire.

JM: How successful do you feel that it has been, and where do you see it going over the next 5 years or so?

TC: So far, we feel it has been very successful and we have a good showing of support, despite the severity of ride and the distance covered.

Our support of the riders is good though so if you are participating then do not worry!

Hopefully we can keep it growing with the kind support from yourselves and others, and of course we are always open to suggestions on

how to improve what we are doing.

JM: Tom, you are ex Airborne and so am I and that means that we have a natural affiliation, but what has the support been like from those outside of the Airborne brotherhood?

TC: Jon, the other Regiments been absolutely brilliant and they can’t do enough mate, other regiments have also lost a lot of blokes. We have all suffered. As an example though, for the ride this year we have a serving Marine, and some ex light infantry lads, some of which were our Nathan’s good friends. It means a lot.

Our Brothers In Arms campaign is also huge, we have a massive following and a lot of people connect this with Cuthys200 so they know it’s all to do with the armed forces regardless of cap badge!

JM: Nathan followed in your footsteps, which must have made you extremely proud, and now that your youngest son has signed up have your feelings changed at all?

TC: Obviously I’m more and more apprehensive now with what has happened to our Nathan, but as you know yourself it’s a proud moment to pass out of The Depot to become a Paratrooper. The Regiment and Airborne spirit never leaves you and seeing him pass out and go up to the Battalion lines will be another proud moment for us.

My only wish is that we didn’t have to run the Gauntlet over in Afghanistan with AQ! They are cowards, plain and simple. I’ve told Mrs C that our Nathan would be so proud having a younger brother continuing with his ambition and having the balls to join up even after what happened to Nathan. I have never ever asked any of my kids to join the Army, it’s just something they have expressed an interest in and I would back them in whatever they did.

JM: There are a lot of other charities out there, with HFH being the one on the tip of the publics’ tongue. With this in mind has it been difficult to attract interest from corporate sponsors?

TC: We have only asked for small sponsors up to now Jon. We have been fundraising for 2 years now, trying to build our memorial wall, so it has been a busy time. We have had a lot of donators for Brothers In Arms and I’ve found that people are more than happy to donate to Cuthys200. Naturally, we would like to increase participation and awareness across the board, so it will be good to speak more with you and the rest of the BBA guys about your thoughts on this.

Regarding HFH, well that is a multi million pound charity now and we always try to stay clear, we cannot compete on that scale and our raison d’être is to support local causes.

“Tom, it has been great talking with you about this. We hope that our support has helped out even if it is just in a small way and wish you all the success for the future.”

For more details about the Cuthys200 please visit: www.cuthys200.co.uk information on Brothers In Arms can be found at: www.brothers-in-arms-memorial.co.uk

Should anyone wish to become involved with either of these charities as a sponsor, helper or participant, then please get in touch with Tom Cuthbertson via the website address above.

Circuit : : 39

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THE IMPORTANCE

OF

ASSESSMENT by |

PAUL EMERSON

W

e may not know it but assessment is part of our everyday lives and we constantly make assessment decisions and judgements based upon the information we receive from our interactions with others and our surroundings. For example, when we cross the road we will assess the best place to cross, the crossing distance involved, the speed and frequency of traffic and then decide whether or not it is safe to cross. We make this judgement based upon our experience, knowledge, understanding and own physical performance. Get it wrong and it can have dire consequences.

Whilst we are constantly making assessment decisions that does not mean, in reality, we understand the assessment process.

In respect of Close Protection I wish to examine two particular aspects, namely assessment within the training and learning process and assessment of work based competence. Whilst the ultimate aims for undertaking such assessments are different they can both use the same assessment methodology.

One thing must be understood from the start that assessment is not about achieving overall grades or marks or simple evaluation of performance; it is much more involved than that.

Assessment in training

Assessment is a crucial part of the training cycle and to be effective needs to be an ongoing systematic process throughout the learning event. As a trainer you must undertake an initial assessment of your

40 : : Circuit

student’s capabilities and existing knowledge and understanding to enable to start the training process at the correct level; you must continue to assess a student’s performance during a course to ensure they have grasped and understand what is being taught and are ready to move onto the next stage or level. This allows you to manage the learning process more effectively, meeting individual needs as opposed to a “one size fits all” approach. You can identify those students who need that little bit extra time and help to succeed on your course.

This is known as formative assessment.

Assessment at the end of a session or training event is also an essential part of the training cycle; it will establish if your student has achieved the aims and objectives and attained the necessary level of achievement or competence required. This is known as summative assessment. Get this wrong and you will have a student or students who are ill prepared; they may have completed the course but do not have the required level of skill, knowledge or understanding to put it into practice.

Work Based Competence

Assessment is a crucial element of any recruitment process. Before you recruit an applicant you need to be satisfied they have the necessary skills, abilities, knowledge and understanding to perform a role or duties to the required standards. In other words they are occupationally competent. An applicant may have a wealth of experience or qualifications but can they actually perform in the role? Get this wrong and the first you might know your new employee isn’t as good as his or her CV suggests, will be in the field when it all goes wrong. What impact would that have on your company image?

As an employer or supervisor a process of continued regular assessment is essential to ensure your staff maintain their levels of competence and keep their skills, abilities and knowledge up to date. This is done in the workplace and uses similar assessment practices as the training environment.

Training and Qualifications

If you want an effective, robust assessment process then the correct training is essential, as you need to understand how to plan and prepare for assessment; how to assess performance, knowledge and understanding; how to judge and record evidence against standards; how to deliver feedback and review candidate performance. You need to understand the different assessment methods available, how to identify and select the most appropriate to achieve valid and reliable, safe and sufficient judgements of a candidate’s performance, knowledge and understanding. The training is not difficult nor does it require long periods of study or downtime away from the working environment.

Training providers can offer recognised assessor qualifications, accredited with a national awarding organisation, which are easily achieved if you are involved in training or a role where you assess against recognised sector standards such as the close protection SIA award.

The Benefits

As an individual if you receive training and obtain an assessment qualification you will improve your skill set and be able to use it to progress onto higher level awards, certificates or qualifications. It will also present greater employment opportunities across a range of sectors, as trained and qualified assessors are always in demand.

For an employer it will help in recruiting people who are occupationally competent, develop your current staff and improve the delivery and results for your own training courses, which in turn will improve your reputation for producing well trained students. Assessment practices delivered by well trained and qualified staff ensure your assessment processes are robust and defensible to examination and challenge.

As I said at the start, get it wrong and it can have dire consequences.

If you would like further details of the training courses and qualifications offered visit www.petasltd.co.uk or e-mail enquiries@petasltd.co.uk.

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SECURITY MANAGEMENT A professional path to the new competitive advantage?

In his 2009 research, Adendorff studies the relationship between security management and professionalism, with a view to identifying the defined pathway for the security manager to develop a recognised credible professional status in line with that of other professions.

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CHRIS BURMAN-DAY CSC MCMI

H

e concludes that security management is not a profession based, in part on the social science understanding of the term profession. Ongoing research hopes to identify and carve a pathway to enable security managers to more easily access board level positions. But, are Security Managers needed at board level?

Parallel with this research by Adendorff is the well-known 2004 Demos report by Rachel Briggs and Charlie Edwards. Researching global trends in security management and corporate security functions, Briggs and Edwards identified a number of key areas for development within corporate security management. Pivotal to their findings was the increasing tendency for large companies and recruiters to specify commercial acumen and education alongside, and in some cases, ahead of specific security experience.

Briggs and Edwards identify that corporate security management in the 21st century is much more than the dark art many, even today, would lead us to believe. So much so in fact, that commercial skills and experience are beginning to surpass traditional hard security skills, which for the most part must at least be aligned with commercial acumen.

This new breed of security department encompasses so much more than its traditional limitations. For historically the function was viewed as being separate and different from the rest of an organisation, often a limiter restricting freedom of action. For the new departments, and more importantly their Heads, a commercial model based on that of other traditionally ingrained departments must be followed.

Increasingly, in a Global marketplace that is ever changing, the role and remit of “security” has broadened to encompass areas as diverse as business continuity, disaster planning, corporate and social responsibility and brand and reputation risk management.

Such functions are far more commercially

minded than the traditional security tasks.

It is this transformation that is creating the drive for greater alignment between the security department and other departmental bodies, ultimately requiring a greater commercial understanding and awareness by the security head. Research identifies that commercial acumen, chief among which is the ability to communicate. The most rudimentary of commercial skills, communication in the corporate world is critical to understanding and success. By opening up lines of communication the security department is becoming a more commercial entity, better serving its strategic masters.

In so doing, the department instinctively becomes better able to embrace its company’s key operational goals, and it is here in support of these goals that the department will provide a competitive advantage.

Are security managers needed at board level?

Probably not. But what CEO would not want a trusted expert in operational resiliency beside him at the big table?

In moving to align these related disciplines, by accident or by design, many argue that the more appropriate term for the commercial security department is that of “resiliency” department. It is likely that the term resiliency, not only better reflects the increasing range of responsibilities, but also softens the stigmatism tied with security, opening the pathway for a more integrated discipline within business.

This competitive advantage is no longer driven by the traditional guard, a new breed is coming to power, a breed of security and resiliency specialists with generalist commercial skills backed up by credible experience and training. At a time when the security industry is in a time of change, key to maximising that change is exploring and understanding the wider commercial implications, in the commercial world one looks to address the clients requirement to best serve their need; with security we should be asking the same question.

NEWS

Liam Gallagher’s Bodyguard Posted Death Threats

Liam Gallagher’s bodyguard and business partner has been arrested after reportedly sending death threats to a solicitor, with bullets and the warning “Drop the case, or the next case will be yours.”

The solicitor Sam Berry and his wife who received the threats are due to give evidence agains the 41-year-old bodyguard Steve Allen. It is one of several cases he currently faces, and not the first time the parties have seen each other in court - Allen has previously has previously had to pay Berry almost $90,000 over a former dispute.

Pakistan ‘arrests CIA informants in Bin Laden raid’

Pakistan has arrested five alleged informants for the CIA who helped in the US raid that killed al-Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden in northern Pakistan in May, US media report.

Among those held by the intelligence agency, the ISI, was the owner of a safe house rented to the CIA to watch Bin Laden’s compound in Abbottabad, the New York Times reported.

The raid strained US-Pakistan ties.

Concern Mounts Over Mumbai Style Attack

Police personnel will not be able to treat injured civilians if there is a Mumbai-style terrorist attack on targets in the UK, a senior officer has claimed.

Addressing a conference in London, Assistant Commissioner Frank Armstrong of the City of London Police, said that a strike of this type was being taken seriously – and warned there would be deaths.

AC Armstrong told delegates: “Six years after 7/7, we have had the inquests into the deaths of the victims – and we are all very conscious about the threat of a Mumbaistyle attack.

“People will be killed, and if somebody is shot officers will carry on and engage the enemy – they are not going to be able to treat those who have been wounded.

“Officers are training (for this situation) and have bigger guns and bigger bullets.”

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SPECIALIST INTERVIEWING

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VICKY HORN

IT was in the mid 1990’s when I had a ‘road to Damascus moment’ and realised how radical the changes to the criminal justice system were in relation to the support offered to child witnesses.

T

he ‘Memorandum of Good Practice on Video Recorded Interviews with Child Witnesses for Criminal Proceedings’ a joint Home Office/Department of Health document was published in 1992. It provided guidance to police officers and social workers responsible for undertaking video-recorded interviews with child victims or witnesses. The document outlined core principles to be followed when conducting interviews and the videos produced could then be played in court to spare the child the necessity of giving live evidence-in-chief.

No longer were children expected to provide a statement like adults.

Children involved in incidents of violence, abduction, neglect or sexual offences could now be supported in giving their account within a calm and more supportive environment.

On that particular day I had spent the afternoon interviewing two children aged eight and ten years. They had witnessed their father murder their mother that same morning. With careful questioning the children each provided detailed accounts that were totally compelling and obviously true. They also unwittingly, in the midst of all the information they had shared with me, provided the answer to that most tricky question in an investigation - motive.

As for the children themselves - both said they felt better having explained what they had seen. I believe that explaining to someone who took time to listen and who supported them tell it ‘as they remembered it’ helped them make some sort of sense of a terrible and ultimately senseless situation.

Ultimately the video recorded evidence of the children was used in the trial of their father, he was found guilty of murder. The quality of the recorded evidence was commented on by the Judge. I was told that the jury had been in tears whilst watching the children’s account.

It was powerful stuff!

Today the support offered to those children has been extended under the Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999 and is available for all ‘vulnerable witnesses’ in the Crown Court and for ‘intimidated’ complainants in serious sexual offences.

However the advantage of obtaining these recorded accounts is far greater than simply the support it affords the witness and the effectiveness is not limited to criminal proceedings. The strength of it is in the process itself and the quality of the information it produces.

• Enabling of the interviewee • Meets the most stringent of forensic requirements • Transparent and open to scrutiny • Time effective – most interviews are concluded within an hour.

The advantages extend further than the obtaining of the information.

Once the information is captured on DVD it is far easier to assess than the simple written – usually by a third party – word. Being able to see and hear, what and how things are said, allows for a far deeper insight into the quality of the information. And of course once an account is recorded in this way it makes it far harder for an individual to ‘go bandit’.

So having developed a passion for interviewing and retired from the Police I decided to carry on with the work. I invested in portable recording equipment which meets Home Office technical requirements and gives me scope to travel to the client. I carry out interviews away from the established; usually Police or Social Services based facilities and provide an independent service. My aim is to support investigations or enquiries by obtaining detailed accounts across a range of incidents and to provide training in interview skills.

The ABE method of interviewing refined and developed from the basic PEACE model  Planning and preparation  Engage and explain  Account, clarify, challenge  Closure  Evaluation is I believe the gold standard of interviewing. But please don’t think this is just ‘soft’ stuff. I prefer to think of it as an iron fist in a velvet glove, using your head whilst being emotionally aware. It is simply the most effective and forensically acceptable way of obtaining quality information.

Would this be useful in the world of the security industry? My knowledge of your world is gleaned from the television and cinema so I can’t answer that. All I can say is if you don’t know about A.B.E. style interviews, it is probably worth taking a look.

The recording of interviews with vulnerable or intimidated witnesses is now governed by the Home Office publication ‘Achieving Best Evidence in Criminal Proceedings’. It is this process and the techniques advocated as best practice that is the strength of the Achieving Best Evidence (A.B.E.) interview.

Vicky Horn spent 30 years as a Police Officer specialising in child and vulnerable adult abuse investigations and interviewing offenders of serious crime. Since retiring in 2008 she has established Specialist Interviewing Services Ltd to carry out recorded interviews with witnesses and provide training in interview skills.

She is based in the North West and travels the country to carry out her work.

The A.B.E. interview supports the gathering of as much relevant information as possible in a manner which is:-

She can be contacted at: specialistinterview@tiscali.co.uk or speak to her on +44 (0) 7723 456603

42 : : Circuit

Circuit :: BoyZone

GET YOUR

KIT ON

THE DOGCAMSPORT PV500 [evo] DogCamSports have long been a popular choice for those with a dare devil streak within them and also those that wish to capture covert imagery and the PV500 is one of the latest products from LawMate.

This bit of equipment has been evolving for quite some time now with the latest edition being particularly impressive. Increased storage, improved compatibility, reduced size, simpler user interface and the edition of a hi-res camera [full 720p] make the PV500 an essential piece of equipment for those surveillance operators out there. How so much can be fitted into something so small I do not know but the engineering is superb. The PV500 also has the ability to be fitted with a remote commander so there is no fidgeting around while on task. You can also run analogue cameras into the unit, run the footage thru a TV

or view it on the built in navigation screen.

You can set the unit to record on motion, timed or manually. The footage is stored on SD cards [up to 32GB] and it is compatable with PAL & NTSC. Within the package you also get accessories to allow you to conceal the pinhole of the cameras. I love DCS! For more information visit: www.dogcamsport.co.uk

BLACKBERRY PEARL SMART PHONE A mobile phone is an essential piece of equipment for any Security Professional and the choice of ‘most’ is a smart phone.

Debates rage about which is the best but I have not heard many negative stories about Blackberries over years even if it is not your particular choice. I recently purchased the Blackberry Pearl, probably one of the smallest smart phones on the market. I wanted good battery life, a replaceable battery, none touch screen, e-mail and internet with the latter being the ‘least important’ for my particular usage. I also wanted something that did not take 2 people to lug it around so the Pearls diminutive size was perfect for me. The Pearl has lived up to and exceeded my expectations so far. A great little phone that just works! Available cross network from around £150.

SAMSUNG SOLID EXTREME I always have an ‘ops’ phone, a phone that is ‘clean’ i.e. not tied to my business, not for any illegal reasons, just so I can give a number out that is non attributable to my businesses.

It is also good practice to have a phone on another network in case of dead spots. My most recent choice for this was the Samsung Solid Extreme. The Extreme is what is says, SOLID! It feels really robust and would seem ideal for anyone deploying to areas where a Smart Phone is not recommended or necessary. Its weather proofing abilities mean that it could find its place in the kit bag of those who deploy to the four corners of the world. This phone is basic but very user friendly and is available cross network for around £70.

Circuit : : 43

Circuit :: Feature

WHAT’S IN YOUR

“GO BAG” by |

JUSTIN JOHNSON

PT

4

Your Principal has a known stalker that has sent letters and threatening emails. You are at a small venue for a public appearance, and suspect that they might show up. You need to remain with your client in a holding room, but what could make life easier is having your advance man record the crowd with a small digital recording device and place it in your hands for review. Not a problem if your kit contains one in your trusty “Go bag”. Using a digital camera or camcorder is a great way to record faces in a crowd to help identify a would-be person of interest. It’s also a useful tool to document the scene of an accident. In fact, the benefits of a compact recording device to the protection agent are numerous.

Let’s talk digital cameras for a second. I’m by NO means a tech expert so I’m not going to try to hit you over the head with specs and jargon.

I’m not going to talk ISO or refresh rate or get into the in’s and out’s of megapixels, etc., I encourage you to do your own research as it will benefit you in the long run. What I will talk about is what I find that works for me and how it pertains to the close protection industry.

First and foremost, something is better than nothing when it comes to cameras. If my only choice was one of those cheap disposable cameras, I think I would take that over nothing. Think about it, it’s small and lightweight, fits in the Go bag, and if you find yourself in need of photo documentation: Point. Click. Done.

Moving up the ladder we have to remember for the EP agent portability is everything. Yes, a Cannon 5D takes some great pictures, but are you going to lug that thing with you on every assignment?

Technology is always advancing and these days manufacturers make recorders as small as a cell phone, so bigger doesn’t always mean better.

The other major consideration in my mind is battery type. A rechargeable battery would always be my first choice, but Murphy’s Law states when I need to use it, the battery is ALWAYS dead. Sure disposable batteries also have a downside but I know I can at least get away with carrying multiple packs with me. With that in mind, manufacturers like Kodak make some good pocket size digital cameras with the AA battery option along with the recharge option. Best of both worlds.

As with digital cameras, digital camcorders come in many shapes and sizes with an array of features. The main reason for a camcorder is to capture a live action account of the situation. Live video gives a contectual account of what is happening or what is going on, unlike a still picture in which only a single moment in time can be captured.

So if you find yourself in court you can see the benefit of a camcorder, right?

As before, the size of the camcorder will dictate whether it’s a good fit for the mission. As it has to co-exist with the rest of your gear, small and compact, wins the day. Something else to keep in mind is the video format. Digital or memory card camcorders are considerably

44 : : Circuit

easier to deal with than say a Hi-8 or analog recorder (yes, those still exist). A digital format will allow you to download to your laptop, archive and even email if needed, sometimes with little or no conversion tweaking on your part. This lends itself to speed in the field, which makes it a VERY valuable piece of kit. In my personal opinion, the “Flip” brand of camcorders are great for that. They are small and lightweight with internal memory that sustains up to 2 hours of recording. The cameras are relatively inexpensive and are the essence of “plug & play”.

In addition, they come in HD if that’s something you need. All in all a great tool for the toolbox.

With all the manufacturers and feature-packed devices on the market choosing the best one for you can admittedly get a bit overwhelming.

Decide what works best for the majority of assignments that you find yourself working and scale up or down from there. Remember my advice in the beginning of the article; something is better then nothing so if your bag does not contain some type of recording device, grab the cheapest thing you can find and lay your foundation.

Stay tuned for the final instalment in this series when I talk about defensive weapons and their role in the “Go Bag”. Until then...

Stay Safe -

Justin Johnson Check out my new blog at www.FirearmsGuru.com

CLASSIFIED

United Kingdom

A.B.I. Solutions A.B.I Solutions is a dynamic, forward thinking company, specialising in surveillance, security and investigations with local, national and international experience.

A.B.I provides a wide range of services to the corporate sector and individuals alike. www.abisolutions.co.uk Alphyn UK Ltd Alphyn UK Ltd are a UK registered limited company primarily based in North Wales, with the ability to offer our range of services on a global scale. nfo@alphyn-uk.co.u Tel: +44 (0) 1745 538962 Amanda Campbell A highly motivated and experienced female operative both CP and Surveillence trained.

T – 07596542249 www.amandacampbell.org.uk ac@amandacampbell.org.uk Argus Europe County Durham, T:+44 (0) 8456 123 843 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. www.arguseurope.co.uk Broadstone Security Ltd T: +44 (0) 844 474 5001 Broadstone Security is a modern security provider in an increasingly insecure world. The company offers bespoke security services to clients who require everything from discreet close/executive protection to covert long-term surveillance operations enquiries@BroadstoneSecurity. co.uk 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. www.briareussecurity.com info@briareussecurity.com Camberford Law Plc Lygon House, 50 London Road, Bromley, BR1 3RA Tel: + 44 (0) 20 8315 50 We provide bespoke insurance solutions for Bodyguard, Door Supervisor, and Security companies of all sizes. Cover can apply for worldwide services. It is an exclusive arrangement - not available to anyone else.

BBA Associate Member. www.camberfordlaw.com/closeprotection Challenger Chauffeuring and Security Ltd

Eaton Place Business Centre, 114 Washway Road, Sale, M33 7RF Tel: +44 (0) 161 905 1424 Based in South Manchester, we aim to take customer service levels to new heights by providing smart, high calibre drivers and vigilant, professional door supervisors and security staff. Licensed close protection operatives are also available to work both at home and abroad.

BBA Member. www.challengergroup-mcr.co.uk Coopersec Ltd Welwyn Garden City (Hertfordshire, UK) tel: 07969288494 Coopersec offer security to businesses and general public, experienced with 25 years in the industry info@coopersec.co.uk Custodia T - 01432 277693 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. www.custodia.co.uk DF Risk Management Solutions Telephone : +44 (0)7837642686 / +44 (0)7758743918 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. www.dfriskmanagementsolutionsni. com First Class Executive Security Nottingham, UK, Tel: 0115 9266466 Nottingham based, full-service company specializing in Bodyguards and Security Consulting services. Extensive experience in VIP security, also caters for public and private sectors. www.firstclasssecurity.co.uk G6 Global T - +44 (0)1454 610050 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. info@g6-global.com 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 Email - Bodyguard-cpo@Email.cz Tel - +44 (0)7917 281 004 International Centre of Special Training T: +44 796 736 55 65

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 IPSS Security Northfield, Aberdeen, AB16 7EX Tel: + 44 (0) 1224 69455 Security and protection services UK and overseas. BBA Member. www.ippssecurity.co.uk ISS Training Ltd Riverside Cottages, Nidd Walk, Pateley Bridge, Harrogate, HG3 5NA Tel: + 44 (0) 1423 712265 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. www.intelsecurity.co.uk John Featherstone 24hrs : +44 (0)7702 740722, john@ johnfeatherstone.co.uk Security professional with operational experience gained in a variety of theatres. Main specialities close protection and surveillance. www.johnfeatherstone.co.uk K9 Support Services Ltd T: 0845 643 6393 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. info@k9support.org.uk One Events Grantham, UK, Tel – 0870 974 6779 One Events offers you a stress free solution in the organisation, putting together and running of an event.

This is accomplished by having a group of specialised companies from different industries working together for a more complete service for you. www.oneevents.info

To place a classified lineage or box advertisement telephone our sales team on: 0845 519 2538

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.

E: info@ppss-group.com W: www.ppss-group.com Presence Security T: 0800 002 9734 Presence Security (“ PS ”) is a bespoke security company providing protection for private individuals and VIPs, as well as security services for businesses and organizations.

E: info@presencesecurity.co.uk

Prometheus Medical Ltd T - (+44) 1568 613942 Prometheus deliver unrivalled bespoke emergency medical support in the form of specialist equipment, training, strategic advice and deployed clinical care. www.prometheusmedical.co.uk Prosec Consultancy Ltd 10 Oakfield business park Westbury, BA13 4WF, tel: 01373 228055 Prosec Consultancy Limited are dedicated in providing a professional service, which covers a whole range of security services throughout the security industry. www.prosec-ltd.co info@prosec-ltd.com ProTouch Security T - 01724 279 522 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.

W - www.protouchsecurity.co.uk RWSSI E - rob@rwssi.co.uk T - +44 (0)7818 220985 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

Pheon Close Protection T - 0800 975 3038 “We Protect Because We Care” Here at Pheon we understand precisely what is important to our clients requiring Close Protection Services – you want a high quality service that provides protection to the highest standard and gives you the utmost in value for money info@pheoncloseprotection.com

SDS Solutions T: 01453 887815 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 E: info@sds-solutions.org

PPSS Group T: +44 (0) 845 5193 953 F: +44 (0) 1765 603 512 Body armour and stab vests provide a functional solution to individuals who require extra protection in their

SGS Tel: +44 (0)1252 546957 semagurkha is an elite security provider, founded and directed by an ex Royal and Diplomatic Protection Officer and manned by fully trained,

Circuit : : 45

CLASSIFIED SIA licensed, English speaking, ex Gurkha professionals. We offer a flexible, discreet and expert support service to design, deploy and manage security services customised to fit your specific requirements and dynamics. enquire@semagurkha.com Shaun West United Kingdom, E: sw@shaunwest. co.uk T: +44 (0)7830 109 601 SIA licensed, Highly Experienced Frontline CPO. Ronin SA trained.

Providing security for both corporate and hostile environments. www.shaunwest.co.uk UCP Group T: 0700 3496 007 UCP Group provide a range of security services, training programs, security consultancy, security merchandise, VIP/celebrity close protection services including residential security and highly trained rapid response teams for hostile environments.

E: contact@ucpgroup.co.uk Veritas Group Romania, Hungry, UK Head of Security, WS Carr +44 73 50 50 967 Operations, M Gray +40 73 50 50 971 wwwvamsrl.com Viking Security 185 Langworthy Rd, Salford, Manchester, M6 5PW Tel: + 44 (0) 161 745 880 Our aim is to provide first class security solutions. By using the skills of our dedicated team of professionals, we will ensure the very best service and support is offered to all our clients. BBA Member. www.vikingsecurity.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. www.VIPAtacticaltraining.com

Europe & Africa

International Security Academy P.O.Box 5833, Herzeliya, 46000, ISRAEL Tel: + 972 9 950 0969 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

46 : : Circuit

Member. www.SecurityAcademy.org.il Military Grade Encryption Phones PO Box 52310, Limassol, CYPRUS Tel: + 357 7777 7276 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. www.protechcy.com/new Multi Tier Solutions Ltd. Modiin, Israel +972 8 926 5091 secure@multi-tier.com www.Multi-Tier.com A specialist risk management company providing security management software (off the shelf and custom), covert protection services, security auditing, specialized training in the fields of counter terror, covert protection and surveillance detection. Israel Ministry of Defense licensed secure@multi-tier.com www.Multi-Tier.com

Decisiones Estratégicas Buenos Aires – Argentina Tel: +54(911) 6415 1941 E: jbenitez@d–estrategicas.com 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. www.d–estrategicas.com Detective Lacerda P.O.BOX 25996, São Paulo, 05513970 , BRAZIL Tel: + 55 (11) 3452 4388 Providing the full range of security and investigation services throughout Latin America.

BBA Member. www.detectivelacerda.cjb.net

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

Icon Services Corporation 1043 Grand Ave. #312, St. Paul, MN 55105, USA Tel: + 1 651 695 8778 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. www.Industry-Icon.com

Canadian Use of Force Systems 7975 Yonge St. # 7124, Innisfil, ON, L9S 1L0, CANADA Tel: + 1 705 456 4333 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. www.canadianuseofforce.com

Imperial Protective Service, LLC 15849 N. 71st Street, Suite 100, Scottsdale , Arizona, 85254, USA Tel: + 1 480 281 1588 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. www.executiveprotect.com

Contact Front Photography +1 (612) 369-6134 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.

Info@ContractFrontPhotography. com www.ContactFrontPhotography.com

Panther Protection Services 3695F Cascade Road Suite 2207 Atlanta, GA 30331 (404) 349-9117 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

Americas

To place a classified lineage or box advertisement telephone our sales team on: 0845 519 2538

have over 75 years of experience.

Panther can handle your protection needs whether around the corner or around the world. Member: BBA and NABA www.pantherprotectionservices. com

SILVER STAR PROTECTION www.silver-star-protection.com 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 rejones@silver-star-protection.com Tony Scotti’s Vehicle Dynamics Institute 1162 St. Georges Ave, Suite 277 , Avenel, NJ 07001, USA Tel: + 1 732 738 5221 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. 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. vindexinc@aol.com /vindexinc.com

Asia Pacific Saint Security Consultants Pte Ltd 20 Kramat Lane, #03-04 United House, 228733, SINGAPORE Tel: + 65 67373104 Licenced by the Criminal Investigation Department of the Singapore Police Force, Saint Security Consultants Pte Ltd was incorporated by former Police officers from various departments and specialist professionals with decades of expertise in Criminal and Commercial Investigation, Intelligence Operations as well as Security Planning and Management. BBA Member. www.saint-security.com

Circuit The

www.circuit-magazine.com

The Circuit is compiled, edited and published in the UK and US quarterly by: The British Bodyguard Association. www.The-BBA.org.uk Info@The-BBA.org.uk Tel: +44 845 519 2538 Design, Layout and Sub Edited: Kal Wilkins

Additional Photography by: -

The Sunderland Echo; JD Woolsey & Kal Wilkins Proofed: Julie Hunter

Contributors: -

We aim to unite and support both trained and aspiring bodyguards worldwide via a membership information programme and The Circuit magazine Whether you are a seasoned security professional, or just setting out on a new exciting career path, the BBA will provide you with the most up to date information on current training providers, equipment suppliers, employment vacancies, a message forum and the great networking facility BBA Chat. No other close protection organisation offers so much for so little.

Annual individual membership to the BBA includes: • • • • • • • • • • • •

Regular updates on job and contract opportunities worldwide Daily industry news Weekly updates on international terrorism and global hot spots Extensive global networking Exclusive access to various industry experts Special offers and discounts on services and products Use of our logo on your letterheads, business cards and website (conditions apply) Personal one-to-one advice with C.V. and job applications Certificate of membership Subscription to “The Circuit” Magazine BBA Lapel Badge I.D. Card

• Business Cards

Personal, Business and Corporate Packages Available

www.the-bba.org.uk The British Bodyguard Association is proud to be represented globally in more than 30 countries

Tony Ansell

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Derrick ‘Bear’ Collins Jacquie Davis

Peter Jenkins

Justin Johnson

Edward Limoges Nick McCarthy Jon Moss

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John Player

Paul Emerson

Vincent A. Panell

Vicky Horn

Elijah Shaw

Fernando Figueroa Mark “Six” James

Malcolm Russell Shaun West

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No part of this publication can be copied or reproduced in any way whatsoever without permission from the publisher AND the author / contributor.

Circuit : : 47

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