Executive Protection Beyond 2023

I entered the security industry in 2007 as a police officer. Over the last few years I have noticed some positive changes. Not everything will change, there are a lot of basics that don’t need change, a few things that can’t be replaced. One of the areas the industry has made a lot of improvements in, is online study and increased availability of quality courses by reputable providers. I have made some comments below in my article about recommendations for technology products, training schools and equipment. These are my picks. They are not the go-to for everyone, but based on my experiences, these are my recommendations and thoughts on executive protection beyond 2023.

Technology

I’ve started with technology because I am a sucker for new and shiny things in our industry. IF it looks cool and Gucci, I must try it. Some items are clever but still land up in that bottom draw labelled, “just in case”, but there are some things that I have picked up over the last year or two that are my go-to for every day carry or must have for the job ahead.

What do I look for in technology? Improved quality, lighter and smaller to carry and if it can save you time or help you work smarter, it is always worth a try.

My top 5 items I carry are the following:

1. The newly launched CellAED defibrillator out of Australia. This is a single use device that’s weighs less than 500 grams slides easily into any laptop bag or backpack.
2. Good, quality, clear communications. That’s why when I work in a team, I always have my N-ear 360 ear pieces on me.  They provide clear comms via a micro speaker, and I don’t get any ear fatigue after hours of use.
3. Compact battery phone charger. As we work long days and often don’t have time to plug your phone into a wall charger, it is always important to have that compact charger to boost your phone life on a busy day.
4. A quality flashlight, and yes, size does matter. There are size restrictions going through aviation security. TSA require flashlights to be less than 7 inches (17.78 cm) and they must be non-tactical (no sharp edges).
5. Electronic counter surveillance tools. Again, this technology has become more affordable, more accessible and is great for basic searches and unplanned movements.

There is also great communication technology that’s being released. One of the devices I am excited about, is the iPhone 14 and its ability to send an SOS message via satellite. This technology will continue to develop, and I wouldn’t be surprised in the next 2 years if we see a mobile phone that works on multiple networks including satellite communications.

Protective Intelligence

Executive Protection operators continue to focus on lone attackers, fixated individuals or groups threatening violence or protest. Post Covid lockdowns we have seen an explosion in small anti-government groups, anti-capitalism movements, new right-wing groups and people claiming to be sovereign citizens. Between 2021 and 2023 we have seen the outbreak of war in Ukraine and increased tensions in the Pacific with China. There is great technology available to mass monitor multiple people and groups. Geofencing is also a great way to monitor peoples online behaviour towards your clients or locations of interest.

I don’t see things settling down. My prediction for executive protection beyond 2023 is that we will see the following:

1. Increased violent and aggressive behaviour across all types of crime.
2. Continued decline in police numbers in some major cities.
3. Increase on public relying on private security across various levels.
4. Larger security teams looking after high net people/families.
5. Private security to be provided more powers to fill the void of low police numbers in some city centres.

Protective intelligence is a leading part of any Executive Protection team. There are some great people or companies out there offering quality intelligence or social media monitoring services. This saves you having to employ a full-time person or take time away from other team members. Reports produced by experienced people in the intelligence community can help create a realistic and targeted risk/threat assessment.

Travel and Logistics

With global borders open again, we have seen a quick return to travel. Here in Auckland, New Zealand we have had weekly arrivals of new cruise ships and the airports across the country are seeing large numbers returning. People want to travel and the people we look after want to get back to business. There seems to be a growing number of climate action groups targeting air travel. There have been disruptions around private jets and recently climate groups have discussed targeting companies that provide air points to customers as a reward.

I believe we will continue to see major disruption to airports as climate action groups continue to target air travel. There is also a big push for companies to use electric vehicles. There are some great EV vehicles that are available to the market but I would still recommend using a petrol/diesel SUV with 4×4 capability. With recent weather events, the unreliability of electric cars and a poor charging network, there is a lot of risk in using an EV for transport. I don’t see this changing anytime soon in the future. The demand for electric cars and lack of resources to build and maintain them means we will be relying on petrol/diesel vehicles for a few more years.

I would recommend purchasing the ISO 31030:2021 Travel Risk Management – Guidance for organisations. This is a up to date standard that covers all travel risks in detail. (ISO – ISO 31030:2021 – Travel risk management — Guidance for organizations)

Training and skill development

The best thing to come out of covid lockdowns are all the great online schools which became available. Some well-respected organisations started online classes and courses because of the travel restrictions. I did a few courses and for someone who lives outside the USA, it was great to access to the online classes.

Don’t get me wrong, there is no replacement for in person training, shaking hands and meeting people in person. It is great though to now have the option of renewing certificates, refreshing the basics, and developing new skills without the cost of international travel and cost of accommodations.

The other great opportunities that have recently sprung out of the executive protection community are the number of informative Podcasts, chat groups, websites, and magazines. Sharing new ideas, information, talking about lessons learnt and discussing current industry topics.

We are a part of an international industry which has opened itself up and sharing experiences that took years to learn through mistakes. I think with professionals continuing to share their experiences on social media and executive protection online schools continuing to grow, it will help develop the industry by working towards improving our global standards and certifications.

Final Remarks and Recommendations

My personal recommendations for training schools, podcasts, and online reading are:

1. Enablement Advisors – Ivor Terret brings global security experience from the ground to the Board room. I would recommend listening to any podcast/interview with Ivor Terret available online.
2. SECFOR International – Rick Sweeney, great online courses and great in person courses in the USA.
3. The Institute of Strategic Risk Management – Great online courses and lectures by Dr David Rubens
4. Conversations in Close Protection is a great podcast with Chris Story and Chuck Randolph.
5. The Circuit Podcast with Phelim Rowe, Elijah Shaw, Jon Ross and Shaun West.
6. Great reading with EP Wired Magazine, great articles via LinkedIn or website.

We don’t know exactly what lies in the future for executive protection beyond 2023 but the global demand for our services continue to grow.  We have great people sharing tons of knowledge and letting us learn from their experiences. EP is a great industry with a fantastic future!