© IBA JIM SHORTT
© LAW ENFORCEMENT PICTURE LIBRARY
THE BODYGUARDS
Part
3 PROTECTIVE DRIVING © IMAGES IBA JIM SHORTT
Jim Shortt continues his in-depth look at professional bodyguards and close protection officers. In this feature, Shortt examines various aspects of protective driving
O
ne of the most interesting comments on the quality of bodyguard driver training was made to me by a former US Government bodyguard. Before embarking for Italy at the height of the Red Brigades’ terror campaign, he and his team took part in a counterterrorist driving course. “The greatest threat came not from terrorists but the drivers who inhabit the highways, making roadcraft a hazardous pursuit by their thoughtless and selfish actions,” he said. “We were taught to perform manoeuvres worthy of Hollywood, in flat pancake Cadillacs on large
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Tarmac surfaces such as racetracks and old airfields. There was not a kerbstone in sight. “After leaving some very satisfied stunt drivers, retired race track drivers and rally champs to savour their loot, we headed for an environment of narrow, twisting cobblestone streets and hairpin turns to be negotiated in small European saloon cars.”
• Offensive Driving (CONFRONT the threat)
the terrain and conditions dictate their use. They have a high centre of gravity and roll over far too easily when attempting most evasive techniques. Lowering the chassis is expensive, and defeats the rationale of having 4WD in the first place. Avoid the current embassy fad for ‘space cruisers’ and the like. They too are unstable in performing the required manoeuvres. If you have to choose a 4WD, you will for the most part be limited to offensive driving techniques in the event of an ambush. Ensure your vehicle is prepared for ramming capability. A feature that must be addressed is the automatic deployment of airbags, and the factory preference for energy absorbing crumple chassis. The vehicles of choice for professionals are saloons such as Jaguars/Daimlers, Lincoln town cars, and 7 or 5 series BMWs and
Before examining the techniques of Protective Driving, we must first turn our attention to vehicle selection.
Protective Driving has three major phases:
A recurrent theme in bodyguard vehicle selection is attitude to equipment. Equipment should always be selected for its function and performance, rather than looks or current fashion.
• Defensive Driving (AVOID the threat) • Evasive Driving (ESCAPE from the threat)
Stay away from all four-wheel-drive (4WD) vehicles or sport utility vehicles (SUV); unless
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Audis. Later model Mercedes 4-door saloons with driver’s side handbrake (rather than forward handbrake) are also acceptable. VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS The trick here is to take a luxury vehicle and avoid turning it into a replica of the flight deck of the Starship Enterprise. There are numerous useless gadgets out there to avoid. In the column (see sidebar right) is a list of some items that can enhance protection for occupants. One noticeable absence from this list is armour. However, at a time when the Russian Mafia have made RPG-7s, and other weapons available at knock-down prices, this is an interesting point to muse on. There is something to be said for the new ‘shoot through’ ballistic glass and for glass laminates applique. But you may feel inclined to stand over the armouring company as they convert your vehicle. More than one surprised client has discovered yellowing wads of newspaper between the sheets of cut steel or ceramic kevlar. You could opt for a reputable armouring company - but be prepared to pay. Vehicles should have a minimum armouring of an explosives-safe fuel tank, puncture-proof tires, a hard-armour boot (trunk) plate shielding the rear seat, and a soft armour cover for the driver’s seat.
REMEMBER • Extra sets of keys for the driver, car commander and base • Two spare tires and jacks • Under-bonnet fire extinguisher and spare extinguisher • Paramedic kit (if you team is not suitably qualified - a standard medic fit) • Intrusion alarm system • VHF/UHF transceiver and CB transceiver as back-up • Mobile telephone system • Roll bar covert insert • Reinforced ram bumpers • Steel belted radials with run-flat inserts and Kevlar sealant • Explosive-safe fuel tank • Kill switch for all rear lightning • Public address system and external microphones • Two 12-volt heavy duty batteries with shielding and cut-off switches • Reinforced radiator • Tracking system • Magnetic polarity sensors and indicators • Cross-bolted exhaust • Anti-siphon insert in conduct to fuel tank • Disc brakes on all wheels • Extra rear view mirror for car commander • Enlarged side mirrors • Dual foot controls (driving instructor style over-drive) • Heavy duty shock absorbers and stainless steel brake lines
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