In your view, what is the fundamental mission of frontline security within a layered executive protection strategy?
The men and women who make up frontline security teams (i.e., security officers) are, whether they know it are not, instrumental in ensuring that the principal(s) and their accompaniments are safe not only in fixed asset operations, but also in special assignments.
For instance, in a building lobby, you might see security officers at a concierge desk or posted at turnstiles; as the C-Suite or principal(s) enter, they pass from a non-sterile (lobby) to a sterile area (through turnstiles), and then ultimately into a secure location (tenant space). Prior to/during/after their arrival, these men and women act as the outer layer of the executive protection framework to assist in observing and reporting suspicious or unsafe behavior that might be a threat to the C-Suite or principal(s).
Furthermore, executive protection operations are dependent on intelligence gathering, and what better source of intelligence is from those who protect a facility or know a route to locations the principal(s) are visiting.
How do you balance deterrence, detection, and response in frontline security operations?
It is important that frontline security personnel ensure a balance between deterrence, detection, and response, as most are unarmed and have the same rights and privileges as private citizens. Each of these concepts can be overloaded; however, it is critical that initial and recurrent training is held and maintained throughout the career of the officer.
Moreover, communication and meeting with the internal security of the principal and internal/external jurisdictions prior to any detail is imperative. Tabletop exercises are not just reserved for management and above. Involvement of all those who will be participating in an executive protection detail or security operations framework can be the difference between failure and success.
Can you describe a time when your planned frontline security approach had to be rapidly adjusted due to evolving threats or unexpected conditions?
As a private security manager for the past 20 years, I have had the privilege of partnering with many clients and their internal security teams for both C-Suite and VIP arrivals and transport. One of the most unexpected conditions, however, would have to be while working in the aviation/airline security operations industry 10 years ago.
Back then, my security agents and I used to assist with some ad hoc assignments, but one of the most unexpected conditions when you are dealing with airlines is the weather. Granted, these unexpected conditions did not occur all the time; however, delays in air travel will create a domino effect that not only inconveniences the principal(s) but also puts added stress on the executive protection team leaders/managers.
How do you train frontline teams differently (if at all) for fixed vs ad hoc roles?
Before the training begins, the security officer(s) must be selected and possess the proper aptitude. Someone working as a security officer cannot just be assigned to an executive protection assignment. At times, there exists a “pulse at a post” mentality to staff with quantity rather than quality just to satisfy a client or secure a contract, which can lead to dangerous consequences.
Furthermore, the frontline and executive protection sectors are evolving exponentially; bodybuilders in dark sunglasses and earpieces are no longer the standard. Safety, customer service, and a technological acumen, to name a few, are just some of the skill sets of the modern-day executive protection agent, both as a frontline security officer, in a support role, or in close-quarter details, can be used as a force multiplier.
Training does not just end with the assignment. In frontline security, if you are protecting a fixed asset with one or multiple tenants, there is a chance that there are numerous C-Suites with VIPs and their impending visitors. Briefing security officers and training them at a desirable interval on topical and organizational threats not only molds a well-rounded security professional but also hardens the facility.
In ad hoc settings, how do you balance the use of technology vs human judgment under constrained logistics?
This is done by proper advanced intelligence and planning prior to the event. There will always be instances of changes that are made during the operation, but the key is to make sure that the changes are not large enough to compromise the principal(s)’ safety and security.
For example, working two-way radios might seem simple; however, many do not carry them due to how bulky they can be, and in addition to everyone having a cell phone. This is why whenever I have/will be called upon to assist in an executive protection detail, each security officer must be self-reliant in the event communications are interrupted and quick decisions need to be made.
In evac, lockdown, or medical emergencies, what role should frontline security play, especially before the close protection team can reach the principal?
During these types of events, frontline security officers must ensure that the following occur:
- Evacuation – All entry/egress points are free of obstruction, and those exiting their jurisdiction proceed to their designated muster points.
- Lockdown – Each security officer assigned to a post must know how to lockdown the entry point they are assigned to (i.e., parking deck, loading dock), and coordinate with the security manager, client, and building management, while concurrently keeping those that are still on-site calm and remaining in place until the lockdown has been lifted.
- Medical Emergencies – Frontline security officers provide crucial information for first responders such as police, fire, and emergency medical services. Once on site, medical personnel are escorted to those in need and must secure the scene until the patient(s) are transported (if applicable).
When pertaining to executive protection, the details for response are normally worked out in advance between the security detail’s leader and the frontline security manager prior to the event or transport. Since the internal security detail’s leader is not that far from the principal(s), the process will mirror that which was explained above unless there have been prearranged instructions.
What is a “lesson learned” you carry with you regarding frontline security—one that dramatically changed your perspective or methods?
Communication is usually not something that is proactively initiated. I now and will always advocate for our frontline security heroes as critical pieces of the security framework, regardless of what the operation is. Unfortunately, during some executive protection details (or even during some fixed operations), frontline security is not always kept in the communication chain as much as they should.
In essence, the biggest lesson learned that I carry and keep with me is that no matter what security operation you are involved in, you must be proactively involved in as much as you can to best prepare for what lies ahead and to mitigate risk. To quote author Mark Sanborn, “In teamwork, silence isn’t golden, it’s deadly.”
