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Personal Protection Companies: How They Create Peace of Mind

By
EP Wired Desk
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personal protection companies

Personal protection companies and their services have become more necessary than ever before. In this challenging and volatile world, the need for top-notch security is increasingly important, requiring adept individuals who take protection seriously.  

What’s more, the threat spectrum encompasses various dimensions, including:    

  • Cyber,
  • Physical, and
  • Psychological.  

Some examples of these risks relate to stalkers, unwanted attention, protests, domestic and environmental threats, and more. 

Now, mitigating such threats means drawing on all of the protective team’s security and intelligence resources. However, this yields little results without properly trained agents. In other words, security personnel who are not easily bested in the game of wits and wiles. 

Ultimately, the personal protection of such individuals counts now more than ever. 

Changing Nature of the Industry   

The security industry has grown by leaps and bounds over the past decade. Part of the reason for this is that both the number and severity of high-risk environments that expose prominent individuals have increased dramatically as of recent. 

Undoubtedly, the most documented risks coincide with physical failures associated with an increase in the frequency and severity of violent behavior. An unprecedented spike in murders in 2020 — up nearly 30%, marks the largest single-year increase ever recorded in the U.S. Also, recent shootings spotlight a troubling rise in gun violence and homicide across the whole country. 

Furthermore, our growing dependence on digital systems only exacerbates the risks posed by digital and cybersecurity threats. The year 2021 saw the highest average cost of data breaches in almost two decades. Thus, the reality of cyber risks reached a new milestone. So too did the need for counterespionage to be incorporated into executive protection programs. 

Now, let’s assume we couple all this with the fact that many cities worldwide are cutting back on the provision of law enforcement personnel. The result is a booming industry subsector. According to CQ Roll Call, a letter from the Capitol Police Board to lawmakers and staff informs of the employment of contract security officers.  

As part of a new program, contract security personnel will help alleviate staffing shortages of United States Capitol Police (USCP) officers. Similar to industries across the board, businesses are hampered by the ongoing problem of staff deficiency.  

With regards to the USCP, officers have been required to work mandatory overtime. And by using security contractors, Capitol police personnel have more free time to focus on their critical mission to protect the Capitol complex. 

Personal Protection Companies and Their Services 

Persons of social importance such as entertainers, politicians, business executives, religious leaders, and other highly public and visible individual personalities rely heavily on the expertise of the security industry.  

Executive protection takes on many forms, some more apparent than others. The elimination of known threats or exposure, especially when working in high-risk areas, can be problematic. Similarly, simply getting from one place to another could prove risky.  

For instance, attending meetings and going out to conduct business exposes the client to potential threats.  

Therefore, a personal security detail must understand the specific demands and requirements of a variety of specialized fields. But still, enable the client to have the freedom and flexibility to facilitate their activities.  

personal protection companies

A typical personal security detail includes an experienced driver and an armed or unarmed personal protection officer. Generally speaking, security services may entail: 

  • Security drivers and vehicles,  
  • Crisis response teams worldwide, 
  • Logistics and travel assistance, 
  • Security clearances and consulting, 
  • Electronic debugging of hotels/locations (TSCM inspections),
  • International specialists for offshore assignments,
  • Nightlife security protocols and resources,
  • Local security coordination,
  • Local body co-operation/liaison, and
  • Media liaison. 

Although not an exhaustive list, this rundown encompasses some of the most frequent requirements by clients. 

The Best in the Business 

No matter the scope of the risk, proficient personal protection companies can quickly adapt to the changing security demands of the principal. More importantly, the agents they employ are highly trained, trustworthy, and reliable.  

Why? Well, trustworthiness and reliability are everything in this industry. The nature of the job requires a tight relationship with the principal.  

As such, the criteria for hiring security personnel must be of a high standard. And justifiably so as responsibilities vary based on the position and the person receiving protection. Moreover, training security personnel for executive protection duties is a critically important task.  

Inadequately trained agents make themselves vulnerable to encountering malicious individuals – whether in transit, in certain social settings, or in business situations – who will get the upper hand. Laptops, cell phones, PDAs, and flash sticks are brimming with access and proprietary information. In other words, items that could become a weapon in the wrong hands.  

For example, inexperienced team members won’t understand that the principal’s hotel room they leave behind when they go downstairs for dinner is like an open door into the inner sanctum of an enterprise. In this case, the agent should have known to closely inspect the area before leaving and establish manned control posts at access points to the executive’s private premises.  

If the threat level rises, an increase in protection is necessary. CPOs need to ensure venues are inspected, routes are assessed and reconnoitered, eventualities are considered and options are prepared for. 

Furthermore, the provision of communication devices and pre-selected meeting areas is helpful to prevent covert listening and protect sensitive information from compromise. A major vulnerability in some executive protection approaches. 

In Conclusion 

To sum up, consider the possibility of someone infiltrating an executive’s social media account. The threat actor may pretend to be the CEO of a company and subsequently advertise it for sale on Twitter or LinkedIn.  

Or, perhaps they supply a malicious link. In this case, followers would assume the post to be genuine. After all, it’s from a verified account of the organization’s CEO.  

In any case, such malicious acts may generate significant damage to the company’s reputation and finances. That’s the sort of thing personal protection companies work to prevent.  

No matter the situation, protective agents and the team are there to maintain a watchful eye and ensure the principal’s safety at all times.  

Security Guard Hospitalized in North Austin Shooting

By
EP Wired Desk
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north austin shooting

Early Saturday morning saw an altercation between a visitor of the nightclub Lobos and a security guard, leading to another North Austin shooting. During the incident, the protection officer asked a man causing disturbance to leave the club. After exiting, the individual returned with a firearm, shooting the security guard and accidentally wounding himself in the leg.

As he was unable to leave the crime scene, the police arrived and apprehended the man. In fact, they arranged for both the security guard and the shooter to go to the nearest hospital. Fortunately, neither of the two sustained life-threatening injuries during the North Austin shooting. Hence, the police say they will take the perpetrator to jail as soon as the hospital staff releases him from care.

What the perpetrator actually did to be thrown out of the nightclub remains unclear.

Note: Texas no longer requires people who can legally possess and hold a firearm — under state and federal law — to have a License to Carry (LTC) to be able to carry a handgun in a public place. This change went into effect on September 1, 2021, after adopting the House Bill 1927.

The Second North Austin Shooting in 10 Days

On May 21, less than ten days before the non-life-threatening incident, the Club Lobos witnessed another event involving firearms. However, this time around, the victim suffered obvious trauma. Despite the best efforts of the police, who found him in the parking lot, and EMS arriving shortly, he died soon after being admitted to the hospital.

On this occasion, the victim was reportedly not a security guard. Instead, the police mention a Hispanic man who partook in a verbal altercation with another male. The authorities state they have a person of interest in custody. What’s more, they added that this “appears to be an isolated incident with no threat to the public.”

The Austin Police Department urges citizens to provide information on either North Austing shooting. They can do so by reaching out to APD CrimeStoppers at 512-472-TIPS (8477).

Robb Elementary School Shooting: The Aftermath

By
EP Wired Desk
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robb elementary school shooting

Uvalde, Texas, witnessed a horrific event this Tuesday. During the crime, 18-year-old shooter Salvador Rolando Ramos killed 19 children and two teachers in the Robb Elementary School shooting. Further, he injured many more who are now receiving treatment in the nearby hospital.

Governor Greg Abbott told media that the authorities established the shooter carried a handgun and a riffle during the attack. The police arrived quickly at the scene and eliminated the attacker.

The Robb Elementary School shooting is only one in a series of events of the kind that targeted educators and children in the US. Others include two mass shootings from 2018:

  • Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, and
  • Santa Fe High School in Santa Fe, Texas.

The most recent killing spree has again raised the question of gun laws in the United States. In fact, many citizens, politicians, and public figures are calling for an immediate reevaluation of the country’s — as some would put it — lenient regulations on firearms.

As a matter of fact, US president Joe Biden condemned the killings. Moreover, he opened a debate on gun control and urged voters to turn their pain into action.

But others, such as the Republican senator for Texas, Ted Cruz, repeated that the restriction of constitutional rights of law-abiding citizens to prevent mass shootings doesn’t work. Instead, he pointed to placing armed officers on school campuses as a viable solution.

robb elementary school shooting

Events Leading to the Robb Elementary School Shooting

According to a Texas Department of Public Safety representative, lieutenant Chris Oliver, the suspect shot his grandmother before arriving to resume the bloodshed in what is now known as the Robb Elementary School shooting. In fact, the institution’s delegate said that the suspect “started shooting every single person that was in front of him.”

The indiscriminate nature of the attack on innocents has allegedly deep roots in the shooter’s frustrations. In fact, some connoisseurs told the media that Salvador Rolando Ramos was a victim of bullying for his lisp and wearing eyeliner. Reportedly, he shot his grandmother after an argument about his failure to graduate even though he had just turned 18.

Additionally, authorities stated that Ramos purchased a pair of rifles for his coming of age. Apart from buying firearms, he also posed with them on social media. However, it remains unclear if these are the same weapons he used during the shooting.

As an advocate for well-trained people legally carrying firearms, I believe access should be more regulated in a way that would have stopped someone who just turned 18 from buying two semi-automatic weapons within one week.

There needs to be a nationwide database that connects people who purchase more than one assault-style firearm in a short amount of time and with no flags for any history of mental illness or violence.

98% of active shooter events come after extensive telegraphing of the actual event or acts that should raise red flags in the minds of people that know them. It will take training for people to understand the signs of recognizing this type of violence and then what to do once they realize it.

– Michael Julian, Creator & Lead Instructor, ALIVE Active Shooter Survival Training

Flashback

As soon as students and school staff heard gunshots, the Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District sounded alarms in the form of a Facebook post. Anne Marie Espinoza, the Executive Director of Communications and Marketing at Uvalde CISD, said that “all campuses are under a Lockdown Status due to gunshots in the area. The students and staff are safe in the buildings. Your cooperation is needed at this time by not visiting the campus.”

Unfortunately, no one could do much beyond this point, as the shooter had already started carrying out the massacre. So what remains are the terrified families of the deceased. They mourn for 19 pupils aged between seven and 11 years and two teachers.

If the Robb Elementary School shooting teaches us anything, then it’s that the unrestricted purchase of firearms needs to be urgently addressed.

Where do you stand on this issue, EP Wired readers? How could we avert future tragedies of this kind?

Are You a Soft Target? Here’s How to Find Out 

By
Hector Robles
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soft target

Whether at home, work, or play, it’s easy for a busy executive to remain blind to all manner of risks and threats. Yet, just because you don’t see a threat doesn’t mean it’s not there. Security professionals refer to such individuals as soft targets. As the name suggests, a soft target in this context is a person who lacks the appropriate layers of security to mitigate the risks they face.  

Being a soft target doesn’t mean that any particular threat or risk will automatically result in a problem. Still, it does mean that the potential for severe injury or death goes up significantly when an event happens. 

So, how can you tell if you’re a soft target? 

You Assume Bad Things Happen to Other People

Through no fault of their own, business people — especially those in high-profile, senior executive roles — sometimes face severe threats. And yes, it is normal to want to see the best in everyone. Yet, in reality, some people have the potential to act in violent ways.  

Additionally, threats don’t come solely from individuals with a grievance or criminal intent. In fact, senior executives also run the risk of experiencing a significant medical event, such as a heart attack or stroke. In either event, the existence of a robust security program can mitigate threats and deliver critical help when an executive needs it the most. 

You Don’t Understand How Your Behaviors May Raise Your Risk

Business executives spend most of their time at the office or on the road. But, threats don’t disappear when an executive isn’t working. As a matter of fact, certain risks may increase when an executive is outside the confines of their office.  

Therefore, a predictable routine allows a would-be assailant to develop a well-thought-out plan of attack. For example, suppose an executive regularly plays golf or tennis at a particular time. In that case, a disgruntled employee may choose to confront them during that planned activity, potentially resulting in a physical encounter. 

You Overshare on Social Media

When an executive posts the details of an upcoming business trip on a social media platform such as Facebook or LinkedIn, anyone accessing their profile knows their intended destination — and, depending on how much detail they share, how long they will be away from home.  

Thus, it’s entirely possible to share too much on social media. For an individual who plans to harm an executive or their family, social media provides an unparalleled view of their intended target’s activities. 

You View Security as a Barrier to Productivity

There’s a widely held belief that mitigating risk comes with rules and restrictions designed to make an executive’s life difficult. But that is far from the truth. Instead, hardening a soft target often requires minimal changes to an executive’s lifestyle.  

Even in extreme circumstances when the risk justifies the use of protective detail, the impact on the executive is minimal. In fact, many executives find that a protective detail helps improve their productivity. For instance, it does so by ensuring they arrive on time for every appointment in their packed schedule. 

In Conclusion

Keep in mind that if you are currently a soft target, solving this problem is not as simple as hardening your defenses. Instead, an effective security program requires a detailed assessment of the potential for a risk or threat that could impact an individual or their family.  

Finally, a Personal Security Vulnerability Assessment (PSVA) aims to provide a comprehensive risk assessment of an executive’s lifestyle. It helps determine the need for and potential elements of an executive security program. 

Schedule a complimentary security conversation to determine whether you or your peers could benefit from a PSVA. 

Why is Executive Protection Important to an Organization

By
EP Wired Desk
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why is executive protection important to an organization 

Let’s break it down and dive deep into what concerns those receiving protective services, i.e., principals. In other words, why is executive protection important to an organization?    

The reasons why these services ring vital are many and increasing in number. Most importantly, they provide two crucial elements: the safeguarding of the most prominent members of the corporation and, in the case of the highest-level executive protection, providing companies with strategic competitive advantages. 

People at the CEO level make up less than one percent of the global population. But the reason these individuals require maximum protection is their importance to the economy. High-ranking corporate elites account for at least forty percent of the world’s wealth. 

In the worldwide business community, the role of corporate protection and the EP industry is held in high regard. High yearly turnovers and the jobs of thousands of security professionals are credited to the necessity of corporate protection.  

This article explains why close protection of the C-Suite is imperative to the organization and its survival. 

Interestingly though, the art of close protection is not limited to the C-Suite as far as a location goes. Executive protection begins upon arrival at a facility. Frontline security officers act as the first layer of executive protection concurrent with the overall concentric circles of protection (i.e., the building entrance is the first layer, the organization reception area is the second layer, etc.). 

Furthermore, executive protection is not limited to that of the physical body of the principal(s) but also the data and information that he/she/they possess for the organization. 

This article states, “after all, executive protection is not all about avoiding physical harm, but protection from all potentially harmful acts that involve the executive and their organization.” Therefore, cyber executive protection needs to continue to develop in order to counter existing and evolving digital theft and extortion. 

— Matthew Porcelli, Safety and Security Management Specialist

Why is Executive Protection Important to an Organization 

For many in the corporate world, personalized protection is a necessity — either on an ongoing basis or during certain trips or events. By the nature of their role, senior executives attract physical harm and potentially hostile acts. In fact, they are in charge of protecting sensitive information from compromise by entities proficient in business espionage. 

Simply put, opponents often want to get their hands on the company’s confidential data to disrupt the entire enterprise. 

Executive offices, homes, private aircraft, vehicles, or hotel rooms are gateway opportunities to spy on company executives and gain knowledge of sensitive information. For this reason, we suggest incorporating counterespionage measures into executive protection programs to get out of harm’s way. 

After all, executive protection is not all about avoiding physical harm, but protection from all potentially harmful acts that involve the executive and their organization. However, the extent of protection typically varies, relative to the value of the person to the company, and their exposure to personal danger.  

Who Needs Executive Protection 

Boards of directors typically stipulate protection according to rank or status. In some businesses, only CEO-level individuals and above warrant receiving protective services. Reasons for this vary, but might include the following:  

  • The board of directors sees no need for it. 
  • They consider the threat not to be at a high enough level to merit a security program.   
  • The high-ranking executive refuses to accept it (a rare occurrence).  
  • The cost of a program is not competitive enough.   

why is executive protection important to an organization

In addition, we provide you with a few important questions to ask when assessing which persons necessitate a protection program and at what level: 

  • Who is entitled to receive protection?  
  • Who will provide the protection? 
  • What circumstances merit who should be protected, the extent of protection, the composition of the security party, etc.? 

It’s not uncommon for an executive ranking third or fourth from the top of the organizational chart to receive greater protection than the CEO of the company. Why is that? It all comes back to the value of the person to their organization and their exposure to danger.  

Take, for example, the CEO of an oil company who spends most of their time sitting at the office headquarters in California and is provided basic protection except when traveling on location in Nigeria. On the other hand, the company’s field manager who is based in Nigeria will require greater protection. So, it may be due to geographical reasons, risk of kidnap-and-ransom scenarios, and because without them, the facility might have to be shut down.  

All Things Considered  

We hope to have so far scratched the surface of why is executive protection important to an organization. For one thing, persons providing EP services understand the protocol and level of requirements needed to defend from any potentially adverse acts or outcomes involving the executive and the company.  

In the case of a senior executive traveling abroad overtly to a conference that is well known to the public, protection will be provided with a greater number of EPAs. In fact, a local security firm may be brought in as a supplemental element. 

The team leader of the protected executive’s party must ensure that the security company is reliable, fully vetted, and has a history of successfully performing executive protection duties. They will deliver proper measures while remaining flexible and maintaining professional standards that align with the organization. 

Remember: The extent of protection will vary relative to the value of the person to their organization and exposure to personal danger. 

Expectation of Services  

It takes a collaboration of different units to ensure the successful protection of an organization. Rarely is there a single point of contact, but rather, multiple individuals work together to see the mission accomplished. This can refer to security drivers, a motorcade, a security operations center, and other considerations. 

Likewise, some of the most common threats protective agents face when safeguarding organizations and their executives have to do with business continuity and competitors. As such, perhaps the most important security measures revolve around elevated levels of planning, coordination, and management for optimal defense.  

Executives and security personnel equal top priorities. However, many other people can be brought into the education and training phase. Office workers, maintenance staff, chauffeurs, etc., may receive training on matters involving security measures including:   

  • Awareness,  
  • Prevention strategies,  
  • Personal security,  
  • Recognizing and reporting suspicious occurrences,
  • Response to bomb threats or postal bombs, and
  • Skills such as defensive driving.  

executive protection in an organization 

Furthermore, it helps to focus on access control and office security. More specifically, the placing of physical barriers – CCTV cameras and identification equipment – to promote the safety of the company environment. 

The Takeaway 

In conclusion, let’s provide a definitive response to the question of why is executive protection important to an organization. The simplest answer is that it’s always better to be safe than sorry. 

With that in mind, here are some of the benefits that executives and their companies reap when hiring EP teams: 

  • Assessing threats on an ongoing basis.  
  • Providing special protection of communication devices and selected meeting areas to prevent covert listening.  
  • In-house and external event organizers engaging in matters related to the executive and the family are aware of all security issues.
  • Vetting all persons with special or unlimited access.
  • Keeping a database of “persons of interest.” These are people with a history of trying to reach executives either in person or via different forms of communication.   

Faced with these advantages, most high-ranking individuals will think twice before forgetting to select proficient agents to maintain a safe environment. 

Traverse City Carnival Ride Malfunctions – Bystanders Quickly Act

By
EP Wired Desk
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Just as a Traverse City Carnival ride malfunctioned, one man didn’t hesitate to rush over and help, preparing to hold it down on his own. Other bystanders quickly act and lend a hand.

What Happened at Traverse City Carnival

Eyewitnesses were quick to speak out after a ride at Michigan City Cherry Festival started to tip over and onlookers rushed to save the day. The incredible incident that occurred in Michigan was caught on camera.

From the footage, it’s evident the ride made a noise as something snapped and then started to go full throttle. Next, the ride quickly increased to three times the speed it normally goes and starts to tip back and forth. We can only imagine how frightened the passengers on board were.

traverse city carnival

At this point, the operator of the ride immediately jumped off to shut down the main switch. Bystanders quickly acted and ran toward the broken Magic Carpet Ride to hold the machine down from flipping over.

Thankfully, in the end, there were no injuries and no one was hurt.

Buffalo Security Guard Killed in Mass Shooting Hailed as Hero

By
EP Wired Desk
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A Buffalo security guard working at the supermarket where a gunman opened fire Saturday, people are hailing a hero for confronting and firing upon the suspect. That is before being fatally shot.

The retired police officer, Aaron Salter Jr., is among the 10 people killed in the attack, along with three others who were severely injured.

According to police reports, the Buffalo security guard fired his gun multiple times at the attacker. Salter even struck the man’s body armor at least once. A gunman who looked to be dressed for the army.

Unfortunately, the attacker remained unharmed and quickly returned fire, killing Salter.

buffalo security guard

On Sunday, Buffalo Police Commissioner Joseph Gramaglia hailed Aaron Salter Jr. as a “true hero.” No doubt had it not been for the actions of the security guard, many more people would be dead.

Along with the Commissioner, President Biden praised Salter’s bravery. The retired police officer “gave his life trying to save others,” Biden said.

Moreover, the reason Salter was so quick to protect the physical well-being of others was likely due to having been in law enforcement for a long time. In most cases, having former police training as a security guard will help in difficult situations.

Violent Livestream Taken Down Quickly?

Furthermore, Livestream footage appears to display a first-person view of the gunman moving through the supermarket and firing at people. Such footage was posted on the Twitch platform. But, in under two minutes, the platform took it down.

Some 22 viewers watched the video stream live. But clips have been slow to disappear online. A copy on another platform was viewed more than three million times before its removal, reports the Washington Post.

buffalo security guard
Tops Supermarket, Buffalo, New York

What’s more, people had the time to proliferate clips and images of the attack to even more media sites. For example, on Twitter, video footage was easily viewable, and for more than four hours.

As media reports, perhaps social media companies should be more vigilant when monitoring their platforms. This racially motivated hate crime and the racist ideals of the attacker may have spread like a virus on the internet for far too long.

 

The Importance of Using Executive Protection Services

By
EP Wired Desk
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executive protection services

Executive protection services ensure the safety of individuals in need in a world where nothing is secure. Threats will materialize from virtually anywhere, in different forms, and in varying directions.

However, there are additional considerations for VIPs, company execs, and other high-net-worth individuals. The types of risks they face are often tied to their professional status, wealth, and geographical location.

And while risk exposure may vary, implementing executive protection services allows clients to continue their everyday routine – safely and with minimal disruption. The reality for many clients in the spotlight is that executive protection is a necessity.

Take, for instance, political leaders who aim to travel safely and seamlessly while maintaining privacy and discretion. An elite security team is there to facilitate everything necessary that avoids placing the principal in a vulnerable or life-threatening situation.

According to Adam Taylor, Managing Partner at Kinetic Intelligence, a close protection agent will employ methods and actions that add to or take away from the efficiency of the business they protect. “Even if your principal is an individual and does not associate with a known company, they are still in effect a ‘brand’ and one that is likely worth preserving,” states Taylor.

The Need to Provide Good Continuity  

Organizations employ executive protection services for the sole reason of mitigating any probable risks. However, the nature of these risks and the approach service providers take to achieve mitigation look different for every client.    

The risk of an adverse event may be at an all-time high for a specific client. For example, ongoing threats from a highly suspect individual. In such a case, security personnel will consider extra precautions to anticipate, prepare, and plan for the type of contingency that threatens the client.   

Consequently, a successful adversary threat on the exec and their company immediately impacts that individual and their family. Secondly, the interests of the company and its shareholders may be severely hit, creating a ripple effect.   

Moreover, a company’s perceived value – its reputation and competitive edge – is often tied to its high-profile members. Therefore, the sudden incapacitation or the untimely death of an organization’s CEO is an interruption that few businesses can afford. For one thing, share prices and employee productivity can plummet, leaving a state of disorder.    

And while such events are likely to cause knee-jerk reactions from disruptions, it calls for the absolute need for brands or organizations to utilize executive protective services and provide good continuity for themselves.   

Of course, the use of such protection assistance doesn’t guarantee that similar circumstances won’t occur. Yet, the combination of intelligence gathering, protective planning, armed drivers, and medically trained security personnel on the scene greatly reduces this likelihood.  

Many C-Suite officials push back, stating “they” are comfortable with reduced EP details or none at all sometimes. This article calls out continuity and reputation, which are not the individual’s to manage but ultimately the board of directors for publicly traded companies. It’s their risk tolerance, not the individual’s, that matters. 

We often make the mistake of stating that C-Suite lives are more valuable. It’s a flawed position because ALL lives matter. The difference is that the threat level is different because of who the C-Suite person represents and the business continuity jeopardy, NOT the value of the life.

— Robert Currie, Owner & Founder, RC Advisory Services

Considering Probable Risks and Type of Protection   

A security risk assessment is a critical first step in designing any security program. Likewise, an organization will consider several factors before settling on and exerting special forms of protection. Likewise, these factors can affect the assessment of risk probability. 

Not to mention, assessing risk probability is more complex than one would expect, having to comply with demanding standards. At times, it involves intelligence to identify possible persons and groups of interest. 

executive protection services risk management

When it comes to identifying risks and assessment planning, it’s vital to logically and methodically consider risk prominence and the factors relating to the type of service provision, including: 

  • Threat origin (local, regional, or international), 
  • Person and groups of interest, 
  • Access control, 
  • Site security (perimeters, vehicle controls, etc.), and 
  • Resources and budget. 

For example, a prominent risk for an executive abroad is getting hurt in a road accident. The risk is greater in some cities and countries than in others, making incident reporting, checklists, and secure transportation a vital part of executive protection services when traveling.  

Travel: A Smooth Experience or Physical Nightmare 

For most C-suites, travel takes up a large proportion of their time. Now, depending on the level of planning and risk assessment executed, the experience will either be a smooth assignment or a horrendous ordeal.  

Should a crisis arise — especially in countries with disproportionate income, high crime rates, and hostile environments — a well-trained team equipped with the necessary skills and armaments will safely remove the client from the situation.  

Having armed protection while traveling usually includes a team focused on preparation and prevention measures. The EP crew may include: 

  • Specialist agents, 
  • Armed/unarmed drivers, 
  • Guide and/or translator,  
  • Armored vehicles, and more.  

The number of agents a client needs varies and depends on the level of exposure to danger, the number of sites to secure, and the number of individuals necessary to execute the job.  

From a practical perspective, a trip to the Northeastern part of Nigeria for a client at risk of kidnapping calls for at least five specially trained agents, an advanced driver, and a local guide to accompany the client.   

The team will plan for multiple routes to destinations, create backup plans, and prepare for medical emergencies. Moreover, during outings, several officers can be stationed to border the perimeter of the crowd, while the rest remain near the principal to shield them. 

Remember: The safety and well-being of the individual are first and foremost.  

Executive Protection Services – More Than Physical Prowess 

A common misconception out there is that by hiring protective services you receive large, bulky bodyguards that exude nothing more than physical prowess. Yes, associates that have the relevant training and experience in high-threat situations are a big asset to the team.  

But, maintaining physical readiness is one aspect that helps EP agents perform their duties at the highest level. 

executive protection services

Additionally, the expectation for agents today is to operate like chameleons with increased training and knowledge of IT, cyber, and now also medical protocols and procedures.  

The highly sought-after and valued traits of a close protection officer include: 

Believe it or not, an operative’s best weapons include the list above, not just their sheer physical strength. Furthermore, discretion is an ideal quality that makes for an effective executive protection detail.

And why does this matter so much? Well, providing top-notch executive protective services relies on capable and active members of a team. And that team is only as capable as its weakest member.  

The Takeaway 

Protective services are imperative in today’s world – an unfortunate but harsh reality of living and working in the 21st century. All the more so for people in high power positions.   

When it comes to protecting VIPs, executives, and high-net-worth individuals is not something to be taken lightly. The services implemented should complement and enable the business of the principal to grow while ensuring the security of assets at all times.  

The best executive protection teams have a solid security strategy in place and remain unobtrusive to help reduce the risk of any unwanted events. That way, the C-suite can concentrate on their work and not worry about what happens next around them. 

Watch: Russian Ambassador Attacked With Red Paint by Protesters

By
EP Wired Desk
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It’s a shocking moment to watch the Russian ambassador attacked with red paint while trying to lay a wreath at an event that honors Soviet World War II soldiers in Warsaw, Poland.

On Monday, demonstrators in Poland’s capital doused Mr. Sergei Andreev with red paint, intending to prevent him from laying flowers at a cemetery.

As the delegation – led by the Russian ambassador appeared at Warsaw’s Mausoleum Cemetery – they were met with the shouting of: “murderers” and “fascists” from hundreds of protesters. Other people at the scene held flowers and the Ukrainian flag.

Victory Day is a holiday commemorating Soviet soldiers for the victory over Nazi Germany.

Russain ambassador escorted by police
Police escort the Russian ambassador away

The police accompanied Mr. Andreev out of the cemetery and to his car. According to news reports, the ambassador was not injured.

Russian ambassador attacked with red paint

Furthermore, video footage posted by various news agencies shows the ambassador’s face dripping with red liquid. Two bags of red paint hit Mr. Andreev in the head, first from behind, then directly in his face.

The demonstrators continued to shout and prevent the ambassador from laying down the wreath in his hands. Despite the protests and the ambush, Mr. Andreev managed to lay the wreath.

Russian ambassador attacked with red paint

The Russian Embassy curtailed its plans for a march to mark this year’s day of victory. Instead, the delegation resolved to an organized wreath-laying ceremony at the Mausoleum Cemetery. Poland’s government had advised against the ambassador and his team laying flowers.

As it now stands, the Russian Embassy in Poland is due to file a formal protest. Moreover, the Polish Foreign Ministry describes the incident – the Russian ambassador attacked with red paint – as “highly deplorable.”

“Diplomats receive special protection, regardless of the policies pursued by the governments they represent,” commented the Foreign Minister of Poland, Zbigniew Rau.

Atlanta Shooting: Gunfire Erupts on Mother’s Day Killing Three

By
EP Wired Desk
-
0
Atlanta shooting

An investigation is underway into a deadly Atlanta shooting with multiple victims in DeKalb County. However, no suspect is in custody at this time. And certain news agencies report the perpetrator as being on the run. 

Three people died at the scene, and three others have been wounded following the Mother’s Day incident. Yesterday, at 7:39 p.m., police responded to a report of a gunfire eruption at the Brannon Hills condominium complex in suburban Atlanta.   

As the media reported, officers quickly arrived to discover five shooting victims, three with fatal outcomes. Two others were seriously injured and taken to hospital by the ambulance, with a sixth victim showing up soon after at a hospital, also in serious condition.  

Atlanta shooting
Old Hampton Drive, Streetview

The police did not immediately release the names of any victims or other details of what had occurred.   

Lt. Shane Smith, a county police spokesman, stated about the Atlanta shooting: “We have detectives on scene interviewing witnesses and collecting evidence.”  

In an emailed statement, Smith confirmed the location is now secure. The DKPD believes there is no active threat to the public.  

Officer Involved in Atlanta Shooting 

This morning, Atlanta police are at the scene of an officer-involved shooting in northwest Atlanta. The incident took place in the Collier Heights neighborhood, police officials said.  

As the media reports, police confirm the shooting involves an officer. However, they have not released any other details. Likewise, they have not reported any injuries.  

police sirens

Additionally, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation has been called to the scene.  

In less than 24 hours, two separate shootings occurred in the city of Atlanta. Perhaps this proves that gun violence in Atlanta, like in many cities across the States, has been rising. Whether this trend continues in the months to come remains to be seen. 

Regardless, it’s a sad day for the communities of Atlanta and the families of victims of the DeKalb County shooting.  

Note: Both of these are developing stories. EP Wired will update as more information becomes available. 

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