Keeping C-Suite Executives Safe

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There have been many reported incidents surrounding violence towards C-suite executives, with the most well-known case, the murder of the tech executive Bob Lee, founder of Cash App in San Francisco, last year and the death of Vivek Taneja, who was assaulted in downtown D.C. on February 2nd and succumbed to his injuries a day later. These incidents, along with many others, bring again to light the ongoing issue with crime rates in specific areas and the potential dangers that corporate leaders may face. We can all agree that in today’s world, the safety and security of high-profile individuals, particularly C-Suite executives, has become paramount. Targeted attacks, opportunistic attacks, kidnappings, thefts, workplace violence, cyber threats, natural disasters, and active shootings are some of the frequent risks that can pose a threat to their safety.

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The Reality for Many Executives

One thing that the public does not know is that, unlike high-profile politicians or celebrities who often have round-the-clock security details, many C-Suite executives operate day-to-day without the constant presence of protective teams. Whether they are traveling for business, attending business meetings and conferences, or simply going about their daily routines, these individuals may find themselves exposed to various threats without the support of a security entourage. Often, the cost of their safety is not considered to be within their company’s budget, and many of them are fairly resistant to having a team of protectors consistently around them.

Opportunistic and Targeted Threats

  • Pava LaPere, a 26-year-old tech entrepreneur, was found dead on the roof of her building, half-naked, strangled, and brutally beaten with a brick. She was killed by Jason Billingsley who, having been under police surveillance for another woman’s sexual abuse, was allowed to enter the building by LaPere herself.
  • 51-year-old Forrest Hayes, the former senior director of Apple’s worldwide operations, was killed by a high-priced prostitute who injected him with a lethal dose of heroin and then left him to die on his luxury yacht.
  • In 2019, Tushar Atre was kidnapped from his own home early in the morning hours and later on found dead. He was stabbed and shot multiple times.
  • In 2022, Artemis Seaford, a high-level executive at Meta and dual US. – Greek national, was found to be surveilled by surveillance-for-hire software for around one year. Seaford was another victim of the “Greek Watergate,” for which the Greek government has been accused of spying on a number of its own citizens, including politicians, journalists, activists, and business owners.

As we know and can clearly see from multiple cases, threats can come from any direction and at any given opportunity. Those of wealth or stature in society find themselves to becoming a target or being “condemned” by groups who feel that they somehow deserve more and that their goal to achieve is best obtained through violence of some sort. We all saw how executives and personnel from pharmaceutical companies were targeted during the Covid lockdowns and how specific minorities (Asian) have been singled out for harassment recently due to the tedious stories surrounding the supposed origins of Covid as well as the tedious political arena of U.S/Chinese relations. Russian businessmen/women have become victims of various crimes against themselves, their families, assets, and companies.

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How many Americans are targeted while overseas during their business or leisure trips, and how many executives are regularly targeted during company layoffs as well? While the first thing that comes to mind is the importance of preserving human lives, organizations have to also realize that any harm done to their executives and employees will have a tremendous impact on their business. The loss of the leaders in their business (the brains behind their products), the loss of their intellectual property, and the disturbance of their daily operations will cause the employees and customers to lose faith in them and they won’t feel safe within their facilities anymore.

Keeping Executives Safe

One may ask, how then can executives be safe and protected against natural disasters or physical and cyber security threats if they cannot be provided with a security team? The different attacks, the threat level, the fast social-political-geopolitical changes, and incidents that have already taken place, underscores the critical need for C-Suite executives to be better prepared and equipped with basic safety procedures and skills to ensure their well-being in the absence of dedicated protection.

Corporations have a responsibility to invest in the education and training of their executives to mitigate risks and safeguard their well-being. By providing specially designed safety training programs, companies can empower their leaders with the tools and knowledge necessary to protect themselves and make informed decisions in challenging circumstances. Not only will a safety training program benefit the individuals and organizations by saving lives, but it will also help with mitigating legal and financial risks, protecting intellectual property, protecting daily operations, improving productivity and morale, demonstrate corporate social responsibility, and enhance company’s reputation. We know that not all organizations have physical security teams for their executives. Some may not have the budget for it, and some, though the evidence is quite clear, do not see the necessity for it. However, there is a way for all businesses, big and small, to make their people safer.

Safety Educational Programs for Executives

Our team at LeMareschal has had the pleasure of conducting private classes for C-Suite executives and tech companies’ employees in the past. From our experience, we found out that many approach the training with an open mind and realize early on how much they need it, and some even say “I wish I would have done this earlier”. When you decide to provide these type of training options to this specific target group, you should consider who these people are and which environments they exist, create, and travel within.  The purpose of these training programs is to provide them with the situational awareness that is required to navigate in the society that we live and travel in, and the knowledge and skills needed to protect themselves and their employees from potential safety risks. In today’s world, personal safety is increasingly important for everyone!

Considering the fact that many of these executives and employees are very busy individuals, there is a time restriction issue that you will always have to compete with. The training has to be long enough to give them a solid understanding of included topics, but also short enough to make it possible for them to attend. Sometimes people and organizations may be interested, but the timeframe required doesn’t allow them to give it any serious consideration.

 

What Topics Should an Executive Be Trained in?

As we’re sure there are quite of number of opinions on this subject, we have listed below some of the topics that we have found to be most helpful.

• Situational Awareness – How to be aware of their surroundings and identify potential threats. This includes identifying dangerous areas, suspicious individuals, and potential safety hazards.

• Body Language and pre-attack indicators – How to identify suspicious individuals according to their body language and facial expressions. This will also teach them how to identify deceit.

• Basic Threat Assessment – How to assess potential threats to their safety, including identifying potential risks in their work environment, while traveling, and even in their homes.

• Cybersecurity Awareness – Executives must be taught the importance of cybersecurity and how to protect their personal and professional devices and their confidential information from online threats.

• Travel Safety – How to stay safe while traveling, including how to navigate unfamiliar locations, how to use public transportation safely, how to avoid common travel scams, how to be safe in regards to hotels, how to identify and estimate risks while travelling, how to plan for a safe trip and what to consider when preparing in advance.

• Cultural Etiquette – How to avoid risk and embarrassment and how to draw less attention by adapting to local cultural behaviors.

• Emergency Preparedness – Executives will gain the knowledge and skills needed to respond to emergencies, including natural disasters, medical emergencies, and active shooter situations.

• Active Shooters – How to respond in the case of an active shooting situation. What steps to take to protect themselves and others.

• Security Measures – How to secure their homes, offices, and personal belongings to reduce the risk of theft and burglary and how to use personal protective equipment and apps.

• Stalking and Harassment – How to identify stalking signs, how to report it, and how to deal with it before it escalates.

• Conflict Management – How to identify different categories of conflict, how to manage it properly, and how to de-escalate situations as they arise.

• First Aid – This will help executives learn the basic first aid skills in case they have to respond to medical emergencies and injuries until professional help arrives.

 

In an era where threats to personal safety are ever-present, investing in the education and training of executives is not just a prudent business decision, but a wise preventative strategy. By equipping the ‘’brains’’ of your organization with the necessary skills and knowledge to protect themselves, your corporation can mitigate risks, protect your most valuable assets, and demonstrate a commitment to the well-being of your leadership team.

LeMareschal’s subject matter instructors are ready to come alongside and instruct your organization on how to be safe, more aware, and thus highly productive.

Any further questions? Give us a call for a free consultation.

Social Media Investigations and Monitoring for Risk Mitigation Purposes

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The use of social media and the way it affects our lives and businesses have brought a new challenge to the security industry and the protective team’s responsibility. It gives the entire world the ability to look into people’s lives with the mere push of a button. Scandals are created, secrets exposed, and lives ruined. In the case of personal security, social media can be used in the advancement of a protective detail; however, one must know how to utilize it properly. Today, we will talk about Social Media Investigations and Monitoring. For those who are not aware of the term, as we utilize it in protection circles, Social Media Investigation and Monitoring is the process by which you can identify what is being said about your clients, a brand they represent, or the corporations with which they are involved and any threats or dangers that may exist in relation to those aspects.

As we sift through different social media platforms and online channels, we must then determine if what is being said has any significance regarding your clients’ reputation, persona, and safety and if there is the need to mitigate any risks. In other words, it’s like setting up an online, social media “net”. This process then helps you discover everything that is being said, written about, or portrayed on social media and determine its relevance to your clients. You can gather information about the ‘’public opinion’’ surrounding your clients, about people or entities who are angry with them for one reason or the other, people who are obsessed with them, or people who are making online threats. SOCMINT or Social Media Intelligence (not to be confused with OSINT) has seen a huge rise in necessity due to the use of social media and a competent protective detail needs to always be informed and social media investigations and monitoring are a huge part of this process. 

Now, let’s see some examples of how social media investigations and monitoring applies in protective services. Let’s say one of the people you are protecting belongs to a large pharmaceutical company and they decided to raise the price of a specific drug, thus affecting the lives and wellbeing of thousands of people. Perhaps another client is involved in a financial institution that quite suddenly makes a significant decision that affects people’s lifetime savings and pensions. You can imagine that there will be a significant number of people who become very angry, and some may want to harm your client. During the recent pandemic, there were a number of “anti-vaxx” groups that were quite vocal and utilized Facebook as one of their many platforms to accomplish their goals. Another example would be the need to discover if there is someone using your client’s name or company to scam others and commit crimes.

We are sure that many of you today are aware of the infamous ‘’Tinder Swindler’’, Shimon Yehuda Hayut, who legally changed his name to Simon Leviev to pretend to be the son of the billionaire Lev Leviev and used his name and company logos to scam people. Although his actions were known since 2017, it was only after the airing of the Netflix documentary in 2022 that the Leviev family found out and filed a lawsuit against Hayut for falsely portraying himself as the son of Lev Leviev, receiving benefits, and committing crimes.

According to Leviev’s family attorney, Guy Ophir, they will now include anyone who has attempted to make a profit from his scam during the next lawsuit. What we can ask is, as security providers, why didn’t someone from the real Leviev family ever discover this scam artist who was extremely public and active on social media as the ‘’son of Lev Leviev’’? Although the real family members were never part of this fraudulent scheme, and it didn’t appear to affect their safety, it did, however, involve their name/brand in a very public and negative way. In other words, it should have definitely been considered as a threat to their reputation. Other people who were harmed by this scam artist were the businesses who did work with them, and their secondary service providers as well. 

Another interesting case to mention is Elon Musk where he, the actual client, took it upon himself to “solve” the issue and directly contacted the person of interest who had begun posting his private flight details and created the security risk for him and was literally blackmailing him unless the POI was paid. According to media reports “Elon Musk states social-media accounts that track his travel movements are ‘becoming a security issue.” Tail numbers and yacht names of billionaires are increasingly being shared on online platforms and one can track them by having the appropriate app unless significant efforts are made to secure them from the reach of those diligent few. These are some unique specific details that the security team needs to pay close attention to at all times.

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Since Social Media platforms are the way people today communicate with each other, we as security providers must keep in mind that this is not always a positive aspect. Perhaps a person or persons will utilize social media to collectively gather people with their same goal or mission, to get together and plan their next move (Example: protesting outside your client’s house or corporation). In this case, you will want to know what is being said online about the person you protect to determine if there is something of extreme necessity to include in your risk and threat assessment and then take protective measures as well as inform their legal department.

As we have all witnessed too many times, it only takes one well-placed picture or story regarding some alleged activity on the part of your client, and it will go viral quickly, truth or not. Staying one step ahead of this type of “attack” has become a crucial necessity in order to protect your client from embarrassment or exposure. One of the most common issues in recent history is when personnel close to the client i.e., family, staff, vendors, and any other secondary customers post pictures, stories, or opinions and subsequently fail to understand the negative effect these types of communications can and will have on the client’s life, business, and the lives of their loved ones.

Why do you need a Social Media Investigations and Monitoring Strategy when you are a security services provider? To summarize we can say:  

1) To identify new threats. 

2) To discover what information about your client is posted online either by himself, the ones close to him, or his employees and evaluate how these affect his safety. 

3) To evaluate a threat (someone is posting online threats directed at your client).

4) To add to your due diligence.

5) To geolocate a picture or a video, sometimes even audio. 

6) To include any findings in your Risk and Threat Assessment (We can never highlight this enough, social media surveys and investigations are now a critical part of your Risk and Threat Assessments).

7) To find people obsessed with or following your clients (stalkers).

8) To identify hate groups or terrorist organizations that may affect your client.

9) To identify people or businesses your client may or may not want to do business with.

10)To mitigate risks from the information found online about the person you protect (How are the pictures of my client used or tampered with and for what purpose?).

11)To identify if someone is impersonating your client or a family member.

12)To find out if your client’s moves/visits/travels are posted online (Exposing them to others who may be in the same hotel, conference room, restaurant). 

13)To identify workplace violence or insider threat indicators.

14)To find out what is the ‘’public opinion’’ regarding your client (Always keep an eye on what is being said about your client and have a strategy to respond). 

15)To determine if a person or persons are utilizing your client’s name or business name in a malicious or unauthorized manner for their own personal gain. (Claiming associations or partnerships, etc.)

How to perform Social Media Monitoring for security purposes? 

First, let’s clarify one important thing. ‘’Googling it’’ is not enough, nor is it the answer. There are a number of search sites that allow for user input thus watering down or contaminating information and it’s accuracy. For those who are not aware, Social Media Investigations and Monitoring is quite a different department of protective services and quite often falls under Intelligence Analysis and Open-Source Intelligence. It requires unique skills and knowledge. One must clearly understand different social media and research platforms and how to use each one of them (and/or in combination) to obtain information. How you will approach each case is different and certainly depends on who your client is, their business, close relations, and/or their public image. This will directly affect the searches and the resources used and for what purpose. It is vital in our current day and age to include SOCMINT (Social Media Intelligence) in your client’s service proposal, no matter how public the person may or may not be. Hiring ten Executive Protection agents and a Residential Security Team is not enough anymore. SOCMINT services are a vital part of your Risk and Threat Assessments (Dynamic Risk Assessments too) and enable your protective detail to function more efficiently. 

For those who can not provide a certified Social Media Investigator for their clients, follow up with these steps:

1)Understand who your client is, his/her background, the threats, where do they stand in political, social, financial sectors.

2)Be aware of any of the latest changes in your clients’ lifestyle, public opinions, and professional decisions. 

3)Be aware of any of their political and social changes. Watch the news from multiple channels. 

4)Familiarize yourself with all close family, friends, staff, and associates and their respective social media footprints.

5)Set up a social media investigation and monitoring strategy. 

6)Have a good understanding of the Intelligence Cycle (How the intel is being collected, analyzed, disseminated, reviewed, etc.).

7)Have a good understanding of the search tools on different platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, Tumblr, Reddit, etc.) 

8)Do research on the available search engines and the strengths and limitations each one may have. 

9)Know how to conduct image, video, and audio research and gather intelligence from them.

10)Invest in appropriate platforms for social media investigations and monitoring (Have in mind, NEVER rely on one platform’s result or just platforms’ results. The user/investigator is the main component of a social media investigation). 

11)Download and use appropriate search engine extensions and apps. 

12)Invest time in creating ‘’sock puppets’’ or fake profiles and maintain their persona. Sometimes you may need a profile to have access to different forums or groups without being discovered.

13)Train yourself in link analysis (How to look for connections between people, events, and organizations).

14)Set keyword alerts (In multiple languages in case your client has ties with more than one country).

15)Gather, analyze, evaluate, and report your findings to the appropriate department or leadership.  

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As the threat landscape changes every day, we as protection providers must be able to adapt and keep ourselves up to date with additional training. Today’s executive protection agent must also be skilled and knowledgeable in investigations, open-source intelligence, protective intelligence, HUMINT, and have an increased understanding of cyber security. Large corporations have already created their own embedded intelligence departments, while others are hiring threat analysts and OSINT investigations from outside security providers. The rise of protective intelligence, and whatever that includes, is here to stay and we are seeing it more and more through the highly increased number of related job postings every day. 

If you are an Executive Protection Agent and want to learn more on how to utilize Social Media Investigations and Monitoring for Risk Mitigation Purposes, reach out to us.

f you are a service provider and want to add Social Media Investigations and Monitoring for Risk Mitigation Purposes on your service list, contact us to learn about our vendor services. 

Chris Grow

AUS Global Special Services Travel Team

Managing Partner LeMareschal LLC

Denida Grow

Founder & CEO

Athena Worldwide 

Nannyguards

Managing Partner LeMareschal LLC

The Importance of Effective Communication Between Protectee and The Executive Protection Team

LeMareschal

The last few days have produced a video of the meeting between Vladimir Putin and Justin Trudeau and has been making the news within the executive protection industry circles as it shows the great communication levels between Putin and his EP agents. This is highlighting once again the importance of communication between the protective team and the principal. Although it is a subject rarely mentioned in EP training schools, communication is vital, especially in an industry where safety is the prime objective and split-second decisions can make all the difference, sometimes even between life and death.

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Long gone are the days of an EP agent being considered just a body or a gun for hire. The industry has changed, and with that has changed what the definition of an EP agent is and what responsibilities fall under their roles. Being able to communicate effectively with your team members, your client, and anyone else around the client is vital for a successful operation. Consider the scenario where you are on a detail and you have to communicate with your client in a covert way, because something changed, and you have to move. Or your client is meeting with fans or has a personal meeting and someone is making him feel threatened, scared, or insulted. You need to be able to know when to act and your client must be able to understand your directions and most importantly be able to follow them up.

Now, the simplest definition of communication is defined as a process that involves sending and receiving messages through the verbal and non-verbal methods. And as with many other forms of communication, it needs two sides to function properly. For the sender, and the receiver, when we talk about communication between an EP agent and the protectee, it is important to have both sides invested in effective communication, otherwise it won’t work effectively. In high-pressure situations, split-second decisions can mean the difference between safety and peril. Effective communication enables the protection team to relay vital information promptly, allowing them  to make informed decisions in the blink of an eye. Whether it’s identifying an exit strategy, assessing the credibility of a potential threat, or removing themselves from a potential dangerous or embarrassing situation, clear and concise communication between EP teams and their clients is paramount.

Mutual Understanding Between Protectee and EP agent

Mutual understanding is important for effective communication and goes beyond mere verbal exchanges; it includes a deep comprehension of the protectee’s habits, preferences, emotional state, body language, current situation/environment, and potential vulnerabilities. It also means that the protectee has a good understanding of what his/her protective team can do and trusts their abilities, judgment, and they themselves as professionals.

Building Effective Communication

Many will tell you that clients have to go through training classes with them. The reality is, it is very rare, if not impossible, for a client to be willing to attend a class with his EP agents, they feel it is our job, they have much more important things to attend to. In our 56 years of combined experience, we only saw one client, ONE, who took a four-day class with his protective team. And the reason he did it was because the client himself was quite interested in anything “tactical”. The majority of your clients either hate guns, value their time more, or do not have the slightest interest to learn anything about safety, “Better things to do”. Don’t forget, that is what they hired YOU for…

However, there are ways to build effective communication with your clients.  

  1. Learn your client well. This is probably one of the most important steps for building effective communication. Take your time to learn about the people you will be protecting, know if they have any physical or psychological issues (it can affect how they express themselves). Learn how to “read” their body language, like when they feel discomfort, are scared, embarrassed, angry, and even what they like or dislike. Although this is hard when you are hired for short gigs, because you don’t have the luxury of time, try to learn some information from their PA’s or previous EP agents who may have worked before you.
  2. Be situationally aware. In our industry, real-time awareness and dynamic risk assessment are non-negotiable. Make sure that you know well what is going around your client and how specific people or behaviors make them feel, as well as be aware of any potential suspicious people or threats toward them.
  3. “Read the room”. ‘Reading the room’ involves grasping the nuances of the environment, the people present, and the emotions prevailing within the space. It requires constant vigilance and adaptability to ensure proper communication, positive cooperation with the client, and everyone else surrounding them, as well as the client’s safety and well-being at all times. “Reading the room” helps executive protection agents detect emotions and adapt their approach, conversational tone, or, in many cases, just remain quiet. By closely observing body language, facial expressions, and interactions among attendees, staff, corporate members, and even family members, agents can identify not only “moods” but also individuals who may pose a risk to the client’s safety.
  4. Act accordingly. Many colleagues fail to act accordingly to the threat/situation/environment because they are so programmed to ‘’impress’’ the protectee, leading them to over abuse their roles and their use of power/authority and ending up either embarrassing the client or disrupting their moment/meeting. If you overreact once or twice the client will stop following your directions when there is actually a need and time to do so. Bottom line: Don’t over react unless there is a reason to.
  5. Keep Protectee Informed.  Consider making sure that the protectee remains informed about any potential threats or changes in the security environment. Whether it’s a BOLO on a specific person, shift in the itinerary, a sudden change in the protectee’s schedule, or an unexpected development, open lines of communication empower both parties to respond proactively, mitigating risks and ensuring a seamless flow of operations. It also helps with building trust with the person you protect. They feel involved, valued and understood, and they are more likely to follow-up with your directions in the case of an emergency. By actively listening to your protectee’s concerns, addressing their needs, and keeping them informed every step of the way, you can create a sense of mutual trust that forms the cornerstone of an effective protective operation. Something to consider though, do not overdo it! Use simple language (avoid professional terminology) and keep it simple and to the point.

Effective communication, as in the example of the video with Putin and his EP agent, may seem impressive. It is, but what you should know is that there is a lot of time invested by both parties to reach that level. As you become able to read your clients, they will also begin to read you as well. If you have a good relationship, they will be able to read into your body language as well and know what is coming so they can prepare themselves and follow your directions quickly. A protective detail is like a good watch mechanism. Everyone involved is a piece of it and plays a big part in making it work…Like a clock…

The Protector’s Resource Hub is here! and, is free!

LeMareschal

Welcome to the official resource hub for Executive Protection Agents, offered by LeMareschal Protection & Intelligence Solutions. Understanding the unique challenges and dynamic environments faced by agents daily, our goal is to equip you with an arsenal of essential tools and links. From links with free educational courses, real-time threat intelligence sources to advanced protection methodologies and free templates, this page is designed to enhance your operational efficiency and situational awareness. As leaders in the protective and intelligence industry, we believe in empowering our community with the best resources, ensuring seamless protection for all.

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Disclaimer: This page serves as a resource of links directing you to external, third-party websites. We are not responsible for the accuracy or content of information presented on these external sites. Please do your due diligence and use these suggestions as you see fit.

FREE Educational Courses

  1. Council of Europe https://help.elearning.ext.coe.int/
  2. FEMA https://training.fema.gov/is/crslist.aspx?page=2&lang=en
  3. TRIPwire https://tripwire.dhs.gov/training-education/counter-ied-training-0#faq-question
  4. Center for Development of Security Excellence- Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency https://www.cdse.edu/Training/eLearning/
  5. ESRI academy https://www.esri.com/training/catalog/search/
  6. MSG https://www.managementstudyguide.com/corporate-etiquettes.htm
  7. NWC https://usnwc.libguides.com/c.php?g=494120&p=3381401
  8. Disaster Ready Org https://www.disasterready.org/
  9. Basel Institute of Governance https://baselgovernance.org/basel-learn
  10. My Languages Org https://mylanguages.org/
  11. UNODC https://www.unodc.org/e4j/en/tertiary/counter-terrorism.html
  12. UNODC Global E-Learning https://www.unodc.org/elearning/en/courses/course-catalogue.html
  13. United States Institute of Peace https://www.usip.org/academy/catalog-global-campus-courses
  14. Counter-Terrorism Training Suite https://ct.protectuk.police.uk/
  15. United Nations Department of Safety & Security https://training.dss.un.org/
  16. UNICEF https://agora.unicef.org/
  17. TEEX https://teex.org/class/AWR375/
  18. Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance https://www.dcaf.ch/resources?type=elearnings
  19. SANS Institute https://www.sans.org/cyberaces/
  20. NIST https://www.nist.gov/itl/applied-cybersecurity/nice/resources/online-learning-content
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FREE Resources/Tools

  1. Counter Terrorism Guide https://www.dni.gov/nctc/index.html
  2. Centre For Research and Evidence on Security Threats https://crestresearch.ac.uk/resources/
  3. Health and Safety Executive https://www.hse.gov.uk/simple-health-safety/risk/risk-assessment-template-and-examples.htm
  4. Human Security Collective https://www.hscollective.org/our-resources/our-resources/?acceptCookies=65c2c526e98d0
  5. National Sex Offenders Public Website (USA) https://www.nsopw.gov/search-public-sex-offender-registries
  6. Counter Extremism Project https://www.counterextremism.com/about
  7. SPLC https://www.splcenter.org/hate-map
  8. Stanford Center for International Security and Cooperation     https://cisac.fsi.stanford.edu/mappingmilitants
  9. Global Network of Extremism and Technology https://gnet-research.org/
  10. Bellingcat https://www.bellingcat.com/category/news/?fwp_categories=news
  11. Media Bias Fact Check https://mediabiasfactcheck.com/center/
  12. 2023 Index of Economic Freedom https://www.heritage.org/index/about
  13. ESRI real-time mapping NYC https://coolmaps.esri.com/#12
  14. FBI Study of Pre-Attack Behaviors of Active Shooters in the United States Between 2000 and 2013 https://www.fbi.gov/file-repository/pre-attack-behaviors-of-active-shooters-in-us-2000-2013.pdf/view

The Role of Counter-Surveillance in Executive Protection Operations

LeMareschal

One of the most underestimated skills of an executive protection agent is counter-surveillance tactics. This specific topic is either being touched on for a brief time during EP courses or not covered at all. Within the functions of protective operations, counter-surveillance plays a pivotal role in mitigating risks and ensuring the effectiveness of protection strategies.

When most people think about bodyguards, they think about the people who are around a celebrity or an important public figure. They do not know that executive protection is more than just protective agents surrounding a VIP. It involves a comprehensive approach to security, involving thorough planning, risk and threat assessments, intelligence gathering, comprehensive advance work, and strategic responses. While visible security measures (such as bodyguards) are important, the covert and preemptive aspects are equally critical to a successful protection operation. Counter-surveillance is the art and science of identifying and countering threats before they manifest, making it an indispensable tool in the executive protection toolbox. It is such an important area that it needs to be properly studied.

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Why are specific people at risk for surveillance? The objective of surveillance is to monitor, record, and analyze the movements and activities of individuals or groups to gather information. Criminals use surveillance to discover what your weaknesses are to do you harm (especially terrorist organizations), and paparazzi use it to find your patterns so they can predict your next move and where to find you next. Some other reasons individuals or entities may be surveilled is to gather business intelligence or other personal motives such as private investigations, often relating to legal matters or personal disputes. An all-new group of people who use surveillance against their victims are sex predators and stalkers. The intention of these individuals is obviously for kidnapping, trafficking, and harm to their victims.

Understandably, there are many risks associated with being followed or monitored, such as:

  • Compromised Personal Safety: Surveillance can be a precursor to more direct threats such as physical attacks, kidnapping, or ambushes.
  • Privacy Invasion: Persistent surveillance can lead to significant invasions of privacy, affecting the mental well-being and sense of security of the clients and their family members.
  • Information Leakage: Surveillance can result in sensitive or confidential information being intercepted, posing risks to both personal and corporate security.
  • Behavioral Alteration: Knowing one is being watched can lead to altered behavior, which can impact the client’s performance and decision-making.

What is Counter-Surveillance? Counter-surveillance is the proactive practice of monitoring and countering potential threats, hostile surveillance, or intelligence-gathering activities aimed at the protected individual or group. It involves the use of advanced techniques, technology, and trained personnel to detect, deter, and neutralize potential threats while avoiding confrontation.

And it can be crucial for the following reasons:

  • Early Threat Detection: One of the primary advantages of counter surveillance is the ability to detect threats in their early stages. Hostile individuals or groups often conduct surveillance to gather information, assess vulnerabilities, and plan attacks. In his book “I was Born on November 17”, Dimitris Koufontinas, one of the most notorious domestic terrorists in Greece and the leader of the infamous November 17 terrorist organization, (responsible for the assassination of CIA Chief of Station Richard Welch and 4 other Americans as well as the killing of at least 19 other individuals), explained in detail the tactics of how the terrorist organization would conduct surveillance on their targets. A very educational read for those interested in learning from the adversary. In such events, effective counter-surveillance can intercept early surveillance attempts by raising awareness and allowing security teams to intervene before a threat materializes.
  • Reducing Vulnerabilities: Counter surveillance helps protect individuals by identifying weaknesses in their security protocols. By pinpointing potential vulnerabilities or patterns that could be exploited by malicious actors, protective measures can be adjusted or strengthened to minimize risk. Weaknesses can be found in the biggest and most sophisticated protective operation, no one is immune.
  • Preventing Ambushes or Attacks: Surveillance is often a precursor to ambushes or attacks. Counter surveillance can identify suspicious individuals or activities that may indicate imminent danger, allowing security teams to take proactive measures to prevent an attack.
  • Enhanced Situational Awareness: Counter surveillance teams provide real-time intelligence, which enhances the situational awareness of executive protection personnel. This enables them to make informed decisions, adjust routes, and respond effectively to changing circumstances.
  • Protecting Privacy: Counter surveillance also plays a role in protecting the privacy of high-profile individuals. By identifying and deterring paparazzi or overzealous fans, it allows clients to maintain a degree of personal space and control over their lives. In one of our previous podcasts with a retired famous paparazzi, he admitted that he knew where to find celebrities because they had a routine life and used the same restaurants or bars over and over again.
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Things to consider during counter-surveillance operations. A good counter-surveillance agent is the one who understands the tactics of surveillance practices. As we mentioned earlier, surveillance and counter-surveillance are a very specialized area within protective operations and one needs to dedicate a good amount of specialized training to it. Something to consider for those EP agents who want to learn more.

Before diving into counter-surveillance, it’s essential to grasp the concept of surveillance itself. Learn from your adversary. In order to be able to counter an act, you must know how to perform the act. Previously, we explained who may be conducting surveillance on you or your client and why. Below, we will analyze the methods of surveillance, the various methods used, different forms a surveillance can take, and commonly used techniques. If you know how your adversary operates, you will be more skilled in anticipating their moves, identifying surveillance, and mitigate risks.

Methods of Surveillance: Surveillance methods vary greatly depending on the objectives and the technology available. Common methods include:

  • Physical Surveillance: Involves the physical observation of a person or place. It can be either stationery (watching from a fixed position) or mobile (following the target).
  • Technical Surveillance: Utilizes electronic devices like cameras, microphones, GPS trackers, and wiretapping equipment to monitor and record activities.
  • Cyber Surveillance: Involves monitoring online activities, including email communications, social media interactions, and browsing history.
  • Aerial Surveillance: Uses drones or other aircraft to observe from above.
  • Agent-Based Surveillance: Involves human intelligence where individuals gather information through personal interaction or infiltration into a group.

Tools Used in Surveillance: Surveillance tools range from simple binoculars to sophisticated electronic equipment:

  • Optical Surveillance Tools: Binoculars, telescopes, and cameras.
  • Audio Surveillance Tools: Listening devices, voice recorders, and wiretaps.
  • Electronic Surveillance Tools: GPS trackers, motion sensors, and digital monitoring software.
  • Data Surveillance Tools: Software for monitoring internet activity, including email interception and network monitoring.

Forms Surveillance Can Take: Surveillance can take several forms, including:

  • Covert Surveillance: Conducted without knowledge of the subject.
  • Overt Surveillance: Visible and obvious monitoring, often used as a deterrent.
  • Personal Surveillance: Focused on individuals or small groups.
  • Mass Surveillance: Broad monitoring, often of large populations or areas.

Common Techniques Used in Surveillance: Surveillance techniques will depend on the purpose and context.

  • Tail Surveillance or “Tailing”: Following a subject discreetly.
  • Stationary Surveillance: Observing from a fixed point.
  • Electronic Eavesdropping: Listening in on conversations or communications.
  • Cyber Monitoring: Tracking online activities and digital footprints.
  • Pattern Analysis: Studying routines and behaviors for anomalies.

Counter-surveillance 101

Counter-surveillance tactics are critical for executive protection teams to ensure the safety and security of high-profile individuals. These tactics help identify and mitigate potential threats and hostile surveillance. One of the most important aspects of counter-surveillance is being able to identify suspicious people/behaviors. For this, we will use the U.S. government acronym TEDD which illustrates the principles one can use to identify surveillance. TEDD stands for Time – Environment – Distance – Demeanor. In other words, if a person sees someone repeatedly over a particular timeframe, in different environments and/or at distances not proximal to each other, or one who displays a poor demeanor, then it can be assumed he or she is under surveillance.

When an individual becomes the specific target of a planned attack, they may find themselves subjected to various elements of surveillance, including time, environment, and distance (TEDD). However, if the focus of the threat is directed towards a location, such as a subway or a government facility where the individual works, the primary element to be aware of is demeanor. Demeanor, in this context, refers to a person’s behavior that appears unusual or unnatural, or his presence is unjustified. This behavior can range from overtly suspicious actions, such as loitering without a clear purpose or reason for being in a particular place, to more subtle signs that are almost undetectable to an observer. Sometimes, it’s a gut feeling or a sense that something isn’t right, rather than something visibly obvious.

Signs of poor demeanor may include:

  • Mirroring: Acting in sync with the target’s movements, indicating a potential attempt to monitor or follow them.
  • Communication: Making efforts to communicate or coordinate with others when the target moves, possibly signaling collaboration within a surveillance team.
  • Avoiding Eye Contact: Refraining from making eye contact with the target, potentially to avoid drawing attention or revealing intent.
  • Unnatural Behavior: Signs of emotional stress, such as nervousness, excessive enthusiasm, or noticeable sweating.
  • Abrupt Movements: Making sudden turns, stops, or changes in direction that seem out of place or unnatural.
  • Extended Presence: A person who remains in a specific area for an unusually long period without an apparent reason.
  • Unjustified Contact: Repeated or unplanned interactions with a specific person without a clear explanation.
  • Unjustified Presence: A person whose presence in a particular location or at a specific time is not easily justified or explained.
  • Pattern Repetition: Multiple individuals displaying similar behaviors or signs.
  • Standing Out: Someone who noticeably differs from the surrounding crowd in some way.
  • Intuition: Trusting your instincts when you get a bad feeling or sense that something is amiss.
  • Observing Hands: Pay attention to whether individuals are holding anything that could be used as a weapon or a tool for kidnapping.
  • Covert Communication: Monitoring for signs of communication, such as texting, hand signals, nods, repeated eye contact, or any unusual interactions when you move.

 

In the context of terrorism, displaying a poor demeanor can also involve:

  • Inappropriate Attire: Wearing clothing that is unsuitable for the weather, like donning heavy coats in the summertime, or exhibiting unusual bulges or wires under clothing that might suggest concealed weapons or devices.
  • Physical Discomfort: Showing signs of nervousness, such as excessive sweating, mumbling, or fidgeting.
  • Avoiding Security: Deliberately attempting to evade security personnel or behaving in a manner that raises suspicions when encountering security measures.
  • Unusual Baggage: A person carrying bags, suitcases, or luggage that appears out of place or disproportionate to the situation.
  • In addition, according to some reports, suicide bombers often exhibit an intense stare as they approach the final stages of their mission. They seem to have tunnel vision, being able to focus only on their intended purpose or target. They may also be under the influence of drugs.

 

We have to highlight that poor demeanor encompasses a wide range of behaviors and signs, from the overtly conspicuous to the subtly unusual. Being vigilant and aware of these indicators can help individuals recognize potential threats and take appropriate actions to ensure their safety in various situations, especially in environments where security risks are a concern.

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Recognizing signs of being followed is critical for executive protection teams. One should be on the lookout for:

  • Repetition in Appearances: Notice repeated appearances of the same vehicle or person(s) in different locations or over time.
  • Unusual Patterns: Highlighting patterns such as a person on foot or in a vehicle making the same turns, stopping when you stop, or lingering in the same areas.

-Using your peripheral vision, mirrors, and other reflective surfaces (like shop windows or parked cars) for better observation.

-Enter buildings or make sudden, unexpected turns to test if a follower is maintaining their pursuit.

-While driving, change speeds, make sudden, unexpected turns to test if a follower is maintaining their pursuit. Make a stop at a safe location to observe if any vehicle stops nearby or behaves suspiciously. When you can, perform a legal and safe U-turn to see if the following vehicle replicates the maneuver. Drive a route in reverse or returning to a previous location to check for surveillance.

 

Counter-surveillance tactics for executive protection teams:

  • Behavior Analysis: EP team members have to learn how to observe the behavior of people in the vicinity of the protected individual. Look for signs of unusual or suspicious conduct, such as individuals who appear to be loitering, repeatedly changing their positions, taking a keen interest in the protected person, or other signs we mentioned earlier.
  • Varying Routes and Schedules: In our world, we say routine can be as deadly as a bullet, and there is a truth to it. EP teams must avoid predictable patterns by varying the routes and schedules of the protected individual. This makes it more challenging for potential threats to plan and execute an attack. And an additional challenge is that many clients become quite used to their patterns and it takes patience and understanding to slowly convince them that the day-to-day changes in routes or patterns are a good thing and not a bother or a hinderance.
  • Discreet and Safe Communication: It is disappointing to say that we have many examples of EP agents who do not practice secure and discreet communication methods, adding more risks to their client’s safety. Always maintain OPSEC, use secure communication apps (Sorry, but WhatsApp is NOT one of them), and be careful what you post on social media.
  • Counter-Observation: The majority of EP operations are done by small teams. Not all clients or teams have those extra bodies to deploy for their own counter-surveillance team. That is why it is important for the team members to be extra vigilant and keep an eye on individuals who may be surveilling the protected individual.
  • Technical Surveillance Detection: Use specialized equipment to detect electronic surveillance devices, such as hidden cameras, bugs, or GPS trackers. In addition, educate yourself and seek extra training in how to sweep vehicles, accommodations, and meeting locations for listening devices or threats.
  • Situational Awareness: Promote constant situational awareness among team members. Encourage them to be vigilant and observant of their surroundings, including people, vehicles, and anomalies.
  • Route Reconnaissance: Conduct advance reconnaissance of routes and locations where the protected individual will visit. Identify potential chokepoints, escape routes, and secure areas.
  • Spotting Surveillance Teams: Train team members to recognize signs of hostile surveillance teams. Look for vehicles or individuals that appear out of place, conduct frequent U-turns, or employ evasive driving tactics.
  • Emergency Response Protocols: Develop and rehearse with your team emergency response protocols to address situations where hostile surveillance is identified. These protocols should include contacting law enforcement, documentation, team briefings, and taking appropriate actions to ensure the principal’s safety.
  • Counter-Intelligence Measures: Be aware of potential leaks of sensitive information within the team, household personnel, or from external sources. Implement counter-intelligence measures to protect operational details.
  • Adaptive Tactics: Be always flexible and adapt tactics based on the specific circumstances and threat environment. Threats may change, so the counter-surveillance approach should evolve accordingly.

Do not forget the Human Element!

The human element is irreplaceable in counter-surveillance operations. Skilled and trained personnel with a deep understanding of human behavior and surveillance techniques are the linchpin of a successful counter-surveillance program. Their ability to blend in, remain discreet, and adapt to evolving threats is invaluable. Nothing can replace real-time-on-the ground intelligence.

For executive protection teams, counter surveillance is not really an option, it is an important component for protecting high-profile individuals, security team members and mitigating potential risks. By providing early threat detection, reducing vulnerabilities, preventing ambushes, enhancing situational awareness, and protecting privacy, counter surveillance serves as a vital pillar of executive protection operations.

#ExecutiveProtection #CounterSurveillance #SecurityTactics #RiskManagement

#ProtectiveOperations #SurveillanceCountermeasures #PersonalSafety #ThreatDetection

#VIPSecurity #ProtectionStrategies

Bodyguards For Kids 2024

LeMareschal

Bodyguards For Kids is back in action! Thanks to your support last year, we raised $22,180 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Our attendees won amazing prizes and gained valuable insights from our 16 international subject matter experts. This year, we have lined up another impressive array of speakers and have set a new fundraising goal of $50,000!

Our donation page is now open and ready to accept your generous contributions. Bodyguards For Kids was created to unite the security industry for a noble cause, give back to our colleagues through virtual educational sessions and raffle prizes, and show the human side of security. 100% of your donations will go directly to the children at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Your donation is your ticket to our two-day virtual educational event and entry into our raffle.

The minimum donation for participating in our educational event is $40.
While we welcome participants and donations of any amount, we offer additional recognition to individuals or corporations who donate at or above the following minimums:

Event Sponsorship Opportunities:
For security companies or individuals: You can make a difference by donating in your or your company’s name. Be publicly recognized as a donor, your name or company name and logo will be featured on our event page.

-Minimum donation for individual event sponsors: $250
-Minimum donation for corporate event sponsors: $500

Do you have products related to the security industry, have you authored a book, or do you own a training company? You can help our cause by donating products, books, or scholarships for our raffle prizes!

Join us in this heartfelt endeavor and make a difference in the lives of children in need.

For more information, please visit www.bodyguardsforkids.com or reach out to us directly.

To donate please visit: https://fundraising.stjude.org/site/TR/DIY/DIY;jsessionid=00000000.app20002c?NONCE_TOKEN=7B3F1ED0C3694C07F84303299D503184&px=7828257&pg=personal&fr_id=134327&copy_link_share&copy_link_share&copy_link_share

Event Security for High Profile Individuals

LeMareschal

In the last months, we have seen many videos from what one may label a ‘failed’ security operation where public figures were attacked or embarrassed during their public appearance at an event. Protecting high-profile individuals during an event or public speech requires very careful and detailed planning. Despite the big challenges for the security team, public events are essential for high-profile individuals, especially for politicians, celebrities, or business leaders who need to engage with their fans, audience, or electorate.

Event Security is a uniquely separate topic, and one needs to spend quite some time studying it and implementing all the necessary steps. Unfortunately, most EP schools do not teach it, and some invest very little time in it considering the fact that the key to Event Security is to manage and mitigate the risks with thorough planning, intelligence, and coordination of multiple parties involved.

The protective measures for any event will depend on the event size (private, public, big, small), event purpose (political, cultural, educational, etc.), threat levels, speakers’ public visibility, and value to their organization. (what is the value of each speaker if they get harmed or embarrassed?)

Understanding the complexities involved in securing high-profile individuals during public events and why such events can pose several inherent risks for high-profile individuals.

Visibility: Public events mean the high-profile person is largely exposed, making it easier for potential attackers to locate, approach, or target them. When your clients are on the platform (Behind the podium) or anywhere on the stage, they are vulnerable targets.

Predictability: Public events are almost always scheduled and provide potential attackers with the time to plan their actions. Even with meticulous security planning, knowing the timing and location of an event in advance gives adversaries a significant advantage.

Crowd Control and Media Challenges: Large gatherings are inherently harder to control. Even with barriers and security personnel, managing a crowd can be unpredictable. Someone with malicious intent could potentially blend in or infiltrate as the event support help or basic crowd control, making detection harder and giving them very proximal access. The media coverage that accompanies many public events involving high-profile individuals can be a double-edged sword. While it spreads the message of the event from a marketing aspect, it also broadcasts the vulnerabilities and security arrangements in real time.

Multiple Access Points: Venues for public events often have multiple entry and exit points, which can be difficult to secure completely.

Multiple Parties Involved: Event organization involves the coordination of multiple parties, vendors, venue management, event organizers, and even different security entities. Your client is not the only one with a security detail, most of the time you will find the presence of law enforcement, uniformed guards, and Executive Protection teams for multiple public figures who are present. More involved parties make the coordination harder as communication or logistical breakdowns among these parties can create security vulnerabilities and confusion.

Sniper and Active Shooter Threats: Open-air events or events with vast, unobscured perimeters can pose sniper threats, especially if there are high vantage points nearby. An active shooter can be another threat for events since one can find many people who share the same ideas, and goals (political, social, etc.) gathered in the same place.

Terrorist Attack and Bomb Threats: Crowded areas are high-impact targets for those wanting to cause mass harm. This makes guests and staff screening, detection of explosives (K9 is best), and managing evacuation protocols critically important.

Public Sentiment: High-profile individuals, especially politicians or controversial figures, can evoke strong emotions. Public events can attract not just fans and supporters, but also protestors or individuals with negative or hostile intentions.

Reliance on Local Infrastructure: High-profile individuals and their security teams often have to rely on local infrastructure, which they might not be familiar with. This includes clearly understanding local threats, coordination and relying on local law enforcement, and navigating unknown, or lesser-known, venues. How many times have you found yourself in an event where if it was for you, you would have never chosen that place from a security standpoint? The thing to always remember is that security teams, for the most part, have very little or no say in the venues and must work with and do their best to function with and plan around, the circumstances, locations, and other plans made by individuals who do not have security protocols in mind.

Basic Considerations for Securing Your Client during Public Events:

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Advance Planning & Risk Assessment: Conduct a thorough risk assessment of the venue, identifying potential threats and vulnerabilities. Scout the location beforehand. Look for multiple entry and exit points, chokepoints, and rooms that can be used as safe rooms. Assess local threat intelligence and political climate.

Physical Security: If you are responsible for the event security, establish a secure perimeter around the venue with barricades or barriers. Control access points with security personnel, metal detectors, and possibly explosive-detection canine units. Inspect the stage/platform and immediate surroundings for potential threats and listening devices. Ensure that there’s an emergency evacuation route and a safe room or fallback position. If you have no control over the event security planning and your client is invited as a speaker/guest then consider gathering as much information you can for the established security measures, evacuation plans, and other speakers/guests (your client may be at risk because he is present in an event where another speaker who is targeted is present). Now is your chance to put your soft skills into action and make friends with event organizers, event security, and law enforcement.

The Podium: In public speeches, when your client is on the podium, he is the perfect target, all lights and attention are on him. The podiums are usually lightweight and small. If the threat level is high, you should consider placing armored plates for better ballistic protection. Consult your client to avoid unnecessary movements from the podium. Consider placing your own protective agents as close as possible to the podium and in crucial spots where they can react if needed be. Establish a plan for reaction and evacuation, rehearse it with your team, and make sure your client is briefed on it as well.

Seating Arrangements: If possible, consider having the client seating in a location that is lower than the security team so that he is less visible. Bear in mind that depending on how many high-profile speakers/guests will be present, the number of seats for the security team will be very limited. On many occasions, you won’t be able to sit next to or close to your client. As all the spots are reserved for guests only. The ideal seating plan would be half-moon (semicircular) shaped with the front row being lower than the back. When the threat level is high, serious consideration should be given to armoring the chair and the speaking podium with armored plates. If possible, arrange to have known personnel, to you and your client, seated next to or close to him.

The Stage: If you are the one responsible for the event security, consider keeping a good distance from the stage to the first row of seats of at least 7-8 meters. In this area, only security personnel or individuals accompanied by security team members should move. The first row of seats should be empty to act as a barrier to anyone from the crowd wanting to approach the stage. The second row should be for individuals who are speakers. When these individuals would need to go on stage, only half of the seats should be reserved so that they approach from one side and return to their row from the other. This way, the front of the stage will never be filled with people which someone could use as cover for an attack. The security team members should be positioned around the guests to have a full visual check of the audience. They should be able to intervene anywhere throughout, and no one should be able to get near the stage unaccompanied.

Personnel: If you are responsible for the event’s security, deploy both uniformed and plainclothes security personnel who can blend in with your guests. Screen all the vendors, catering, and anyone who has access and a presence at the event. Consider having an emergency medical team on standby.

Communication: Establish a clear communication plan among all security teams. Designate codewords for specific emergencies, code names, use encrypted radios, and have a backup communication method.

Surveillance & Counter-surveillance: Use CCTV to monitor the crowd and surroundings. Deploy undercover agents in the crowd for counter-surveillance and to identify suspicious behavior. Each report should be immediately evaluated for relevance and threat level.

Vehicle Security: The driver always stays in the vehicle. Plan multiple egress routes from the location to account for different scenarios.

Screening & Access Control: Ensure that everyone entering the venue undergoes thorough screening. Control VIP areas and ensure only authorized personnel have access. Use a guest list or invitation-only system if possible.

Public Interaction: If your client plans to interact with the audience or media, pre-plan your team’s positions and manage the crowd accordingly. Watch out for anything/anyone that stands out as unusual and always watch the hands of those close to your client. Are they holding something that can harm or embarrass him? Be prepared to extract your client swiftly in the event of a disturbance. Hands, hands, hands…And scan your zone of responsibility and scan again.

Intelligence & Coordination: Do your intelligence gathering and evaluation. Monitor social media for any potential threats or discussions that might indicate planned disruptions. Digital forensics can also play a role in pre-event threat assessment. Liaise with local law enforcement and potentially federal agencies (depending on who your client is, on the country and threat level). Gather intelligence on any known threats or groups that may target your client, or other speakers at the event.

Case Studies: Highlight previous incidents involving security breaches or attacks on high-profile individuals during public events. Discuss what went wrong and the lessons learned from each incident.

Utilize Technology: This includes surveillance drones, facial recognition systems, biometric access controls, and AI-driven threat detection systems.

Liaison with Other Entities: Collaboration with other guests’ security teams, agencies, and private security firms can provide additional resources and intelligence. Highlight the importance of sharing information and working in tandem.

Psychological Profiling: Make sure your team has a good understanding of crowd psychology and potential attacker profiles. This can help in preempting potential threats. Using COVPRO agents in the crowd will always give a significant advantage when providing a proactive response.

After-Action Reviews: After every event, conduct a debriefing session. Discuss what went well, what could be improved, and any potential threats that were identified. This helps in refining strategies for future events.

Legal and Ethical Considerations: Discuss the balance between ensuring security and respecting individual rights. In many jurisdictions, there are legal limitations on what security personnel can do, especially concerning personal searches, data collection, and surveillance.

Remember, during events, the goal is to have multiple layers of security so that if any one layer fails, another can immediately respond. The most effective protection details work quietly in the background, providing a safe environment while being as unobtrusive as possible.

Do you want to learn more about Event Security and our specialized courses? Contact Us Today!

#eventsecurity #EventSecurityTips #HighProfileProtection #PublicAppearanceSafety #CelebritySecurityTips #PublicEventsProtectionStrategies #BusinessLeaderSafety #SecurePublicEngagements #EventRiskManagement #PublicEventsSecurityRisks #ProtectiveLayersForVIPs #LeMareschalSecurity #EventSecurityTraining #SecurityMasterclasses

Conflict Management In Protective Operations

LeMareschal

One of the most underestimated qualifications for executive protection professionals is their ability to deal with #conflict as it pertains to incidents that occur while on duty, as well as off duty. Every #security professional, regardless of their role, will inevitably encounter disagreements and confrontations. These conflicts can arise from differing opinions, expectations, or agendas. However, the way these conflicts are dealt with can be the difference between a safe resolution and a potentially uncontrolled, threatening situation. The ability to manage conflict effectively is, therefore, a non-negotiable skill set for any security professional. How you deal with a tense situation and how fast you resolve it can be crucial for everyone, particularly for the safety of your client, your team’s, and yours.

If conflict remains unsolved or mismanaged, it may lead to a dangerous environment. A disgruntled fan, for instance, who is denied a photo opportunity with their idol, may react unpredictably if their emotions are not appropriately managed. Conflicts, in this context, arise from disagreements or clashes of interest between two or more parties. This could be an irate client, an aggressive member of the paparazzi, a restless fan, or even a stressed family member of the client.

Conflict situations often rise up quickly and can be potentially triggered by strong emotions, such as anger, sadness, insult, or embarrassment. An effective conflict manager must also possess emotional intelligence to control their own emotions, remain calm, use clear and polite language, and maintain a positive attitude. This is as much, or more, about managing yourself as it is about managing the overall conflict.

Understanding Conflict in Protective Operations

Conflict is a natural part of human interaction. It arises when individuals have differing viewpoints or when their expectations aren’t met or are misunderstood. While it’s impossible to agree with everyone on every issue, how one manages these disagreements is crucial, especially in the executive protection sector. For instance, an agitated fan waiting in line for hours might react unpredictably if their emotions, driven by a need to be recognized, aren’t addressed appropriately. The way you approach a conflict situation can change during the course of the situation, but it can also change the result of it.

Why is it important for executive protection agents to be trained in conflict management?

It is important for executive protection agents to be trained in #conflictmanagement for several reasons:

1. Prevention of Violence/De-escalation: EP agents often work in high-stress environments where conflicts can escalate quickly, leading to #violence or other security #risks. By having the skills to manage and resolve conflicts effectively, EP agents can prevent situations from getting out of control and reduce the risk of harm to their clients, themselves, their colleagues, and/or the public.

2. Maintaining Safe and Secure Environments: Conflict can disrupt the normal functioning of an organization or community, and it can have negative impacts on #safety and security. EP agents who are trained in conflict management can help to maintain safe and #secure environments by quickly identifying and resolving conflicts before they escalate.

3. Enhancing Communication Skills: Conflict management training can enhance the communication skills of EP agents, which are essential for effective conflict resolution. Effective communication skills can help to de-escalate conflicts and foster positive relationships with the client, household personnel, the public, colleagues, and other stakeholders.

4. Better Decision-Making: Conflict management training can also improve the decision-making skills of EP agents. When faced with a conflict, these professionals must make quick and effective decisions that are in the best interest of public safety and their client’s safety. Conflict management training can help security professionals to make informed and rational decisions in high-pressure situations.

5. Operational Excellence: Conflicts can also arise in the context of security #operations, such as during #event security or protective operations. Effective conflict management techniques can help ensure that these activities are carried out in a way that minimizes harm to anyone involved and maintains the security of the operation.

Different types of conflict

There are several types of conflict, including Interpersonal conflict, Organizational conflict, Economic conflict, Intergroup conflict, Societal conflict, Internal conflict, External conflict, and Intra-personal conflict. Each type has its own unique characteristics, causes, and potential solutions. Effective conflict resolution strategies often depend on accurately identifying the type of conflict and tailoring the approach to the specific situation.

What kind of conflicts are more common for Executive Protection agents to encounter in their work?

  • Interpersonal Conflicts: EP agents may encounter conflicts between individuals, such as disagreements between co-workers, customers, the public, clients, and their family members.
  • Organizational Conflicts: EP agents may encounter conflicts within their organization, such as disputes between management and employees or conflicts over policies and procedures.
  • Legal Conflicts: EP agents may encounter conflicts related to legal issues, such as disputes over contracts, liability, payment, or work conditions.
  • Cultural Conflicts: EP agents may encounter conflicts related to cultural differences, such as conflicts related to language barriers, customs, or religious practices.
  • Conflict with law enforcement or regulatory authorities: EP agents may need to deal with conflicts that arise between their organization and law enforcement or regulatory authorities, such as disputes over compliance or licensing requirements.
  • Conflict with external groups or individuals: EP agents may need to manage conflicts that arise between their organization and external groups or individuals, such as protesters or activists who disagree with the organization’s policies or actions.
  • Conflict related to security risks: EP agents may need to manage conflicts related to security risks, such as disagreements over the best approach to mitigating a security threat or managing the consequences of a security breach.
  • Conflict related to resource allocation: EP agents may need to manage conflicts related to resource allocation, such as disputes over budget allocations or competing priorities for security resources.

What causes conflict?

It is important to understand the underlying causes of conflict to effectively manage and resolve conflicts. As we will see there are many causes and sources of conflict, which can vary depending on the context and the parties involved.

Most common causes and sources of conflict:

  • Bad Communication
  • Differences in values and beliefs
  • Competition for resources
  • Power imbalances.
  • Personality clashes
  • External factors
  • Historical Grievances

What are the consequences of conflict mismanagement in protective operations?

Mismanaging conflict in protective operations can have serious consequences, including:

  • Escalation of violence: If conflicts are not managed effectively, they can quickly escalate and turn violent, posing a risk to the safety of the EP agent, the client, and the public.
  • Compromised security: Conflict can distract the EP agents from their primary duties, leaving vulnerabilities that can be exploited by #criminals or other #hostile actors.
  • Damage to reputation: Mismanagement of conflict can damage the #reputation of security organizations and reduce public trust in their ability to maintain safety and security.
  • Legal consequences: If conflicts are mishandled, EP agents and their organizations may face legal action or #liability, which can be costly and damaging to their reputation.
  • Employee turnover: Unresolved conflicts can lead to high levels of #stress and dissatisfaction among executive protection personnel, leading to higher turnover rates and reduced productivity.
  • Reduced effectiveness: Mismanaged conflicts can reduce the effectiveness of protective operations, as personnel may be distracted by ongoing conflicts and unable to focus on their primary responsibilities.

Managing Conflict Situations

***Conflict resolution starts with understanding what is happening and why is happening***

Effective conflict management in executive protection settings involves several key principles, including active listening, clear communication, respect for different perspectives, and a focus on finding mutually beneficial solutions. By using these principles to manage conflicts, EP agents can build trust and maintain positive relationships with the public, while also preventing or de-escalating potential security threats.

The key to successful conflict management lies in communication. A good understanding of both verbal and non-verbal communication can help defuse tensions, as can empathizing with the aggrieved party and acknowledging the problem. Overarching all of these is the respect we must have for differences, be it cultural, professional, religious, or economically driven.

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels.com

Essential Conflict Management Skills

  • Professionalism and Positivity: Always maintain a professional demeanor. Use clear, polite language and remain calm. Having a positive and peaceful approach will begin to lower any tension.
  • Effective Communication: Vital for defusing potential conflicts. Listening actively and speaking clearly can prevent misunderstandings.
  • Stress Management: Stay alert and calm, even under pressure. A calm demeanor aids in understanding both verbal and non-verbal cues. Be able to manage your own stress levels, when you are calm, you can have a better understanding of both verbal and nonverbal communication.
  • Emotional Regulation: Emotions can be contagious, especially emotions like fear, anger, and anxiety. Another person’s emotion may affect your actions, thoughts, feelings, and vice versa. By controlling your own, you can prevent escalating the situation. Remember that in most cases you may be called names, be insulted, or accused of things that are not true. If you can control your own emotions, you will be able to use a calmer voice, proper words, and use positive body language therefore the other person won’t feel, threatened, insulted, challenged, or frightened of you.
  • Empathy and Respect: Recognize the importance of others’ feelings and always be respectful of differences, whether cultural, religious, or otherwise. No matter how unimportant to you a matter may seem, to that person, it is very important and apparently has made them feel that way (angry, sad, disappointed, insulted, etc.). Always be mindful and respect the diversity of cultural, professional, religious, economical, etc. backgrounds. Avoid any word or gesture that may be disrespectful or be seen, or misunderstood, as a slur or stereotypical judgment.

Identify, Assess, and Mitigate Risks in Conflict Situations

Recognizing potential #threats, assessing the situation and the people involved, and adjusting responses accordingly, are essential steps in conflict #mitigation. It may also be necessary to take a step back and/or call for help or assign someone else to deal with the situation. If you have gotten too close to the situation, having someone new handle the de-escalation can bring about a more peaceful conclusion to the conflict. In many cases, adopting an assertive behavior rather than an aggressive one, maintaining personal space, and calmly building rapport with the aggrieved party can also significantly decrease the tempo and reduce risks associated with the conflict.

Risk Mitigation in Conflict Situations:

  • Understand the Individual: Listen honestly and actively to their concerns and emotions.
  • Empathy and Apology: Even if not directly at fault, acknowledging their feelings can de-escalate tensions.
  • Acknowledge the Problem: Reassure them of your intent to help and provide solutions.

Conflict Management Strategies to Reduce Risk

  • Recognize potential threats.
  • Assess the situation and environment.
  • Adjust your response based on the assessment.
  • Maintain personal space and adopt a non-aggressive stance.
  • Remain calm, remember that your demeanor can influence the other person’s behavior.
  • Avoid physical contact.
  • If necessary, relocate the conversation to a more suitable location.
  • Listen actively and be aware of your own biases and assumptions.
  • Clearly communicate your role and intent.
  • Adopt assertive, not aggressive, behavior.
  • Try to view the situation from their perspective.
  • Show empathy.
  • Explore options.
  • Be respectful and avoid blaming or shaming.
  • Ask open-ended questions.
  • Be proactive.
  • Avoid arguing, being defensive, making threats and ultimatums.
  • Use “I” statements.
  • Be firm but fair.
  • Know your limits. If the situation doesn’t improve, consider switching with a colleague for improved communication.
  • Document the incident.

Never forget that conflict management in security operations is not about winning or losing, it’s about #mitigating #risks, maintaining #safety, ensuring respect, and fostering understanding. With the right approach, conflict can transform from a potentially explosive threat into an opportunity for growth, understanding, and learning.

If this interests you, or you would like to have your employees trained in Conflict Management please reach out to us!

#ExecutiveProtection #ConflictManagement #SecurityProfessionals #Bodyguards

#FemaleBodyguards #DeescalationTechniques #ProtectiveOperations #RiskMitigation

#EPTraining #SecurityRisks #EffectiveCommunication #EmotionalIntelligence

#SafetyFirst #ProfessionalConflictResolution #SecurityOperations #AggressionManagement

#CrisisManagement #ProtectiveAgents #ConflictResolutionSkills #SecurityThreats

#SecurityBestPractices #CorporateSecurity #EventSecurity

Intelligence On the Go for All-Anytime You Need It

LeMareschal

In today’s fast-paced world, intelligence is not just a luxury — it’s a necessity. But who said it has to be unattainable or break the bank? At LeMareschal, we believe that every business, regardless of its size, deserves access to top-notch intelligence services.

We provide Customized Intelligence Reports:

  • Up-to-date information on security threats.
  • Risk management strategies.
  • Insights into global events.
  • Social Media Monitoring.

✔ Tailored for Every Business: Whether you’re a budding startup or an established enterprise, LeMareschal is here to ensure you’re always informed. Our dedicated team of intel analysts is committed to providing bespoke Intelligence Reports tailored just for you.

✔ Global Reach, Local Impact: Leveraging our global network, we offer real-time, relevant intelligence that empowers you to stay ahead of the curve. Our easy-to-read reports are designed to equip you with the information you need to make confident and secure decisions.

✔ Expertise You Can Trust: Our diverse team comprises seasoned security and intelligence professionals. Trained to the highest standards and with the latest intelligence platforms and tools, they are adept at delivering exceptional report products that stand out in clarity and precision.

✔ Comprehensive Intelligence Reports: Stay updated with our easy-to-read reports that cover a wide spectrum—from security threats and risk management strategies to global events. Our global network ensures you receive timely, accurate, and detailed insights, empowering you to stay a step ahead.

Intelligence isn’t just data – it’s a tool. A tool that equips you to make confident, secure decisions. With our risk briefings, you’re not just informed, you’re prepared. In a world where information is power, don’t let your business be left in the dark. Intelligence reporting isn’t just an add-on, it’s an integral component of a robust security plan.

What Makes Our Intelligence Division Unique? It’s not just about intelligence— it’s about understanding its application. Our analysts are not only skilled in intelligence analysis but also have hands-on experience in protective operations and security services. They know what’s crucial for protective and security teams, ensuring you get actionable insights.

Partnering with LeMareschal for your Intelligence needs you receive:

✔ Dedicated Intel Analysts: A team of intel analysts assigned just for you.

✔ Multi-Disciplinary Expertise: Our analysts are trained in both intelligence and protective services.

✔ Affordable Packages: Intelligence shouldn’t be a luxury, it’s a necessity we make affordable for all security companies.

Intelligence is The Cornerstone of Your Security Plan. Reach out to us to discover how LeMareschal can elevate your security and intelligence game.

Intelligence is valuable, and with LeMareschal, it’s within your reach!

#IntelligenceForAll #GlobalIntelligenceReports #SecurityThreatsInsights

#BespokeIntelligence #RiskManagementStrategies #SocialMediaMonitoring

#LeMareschalIntel #IntelAnalystsExpertise #ProtectiveServicesInsights

#AffordableIntelligence #ProtectiveIntelligence #ThreatIntelligence

How prepared and trained are you to deal with a “crisis situation” as an executive protection agent? Erdogan’s case

LeMareschal

We have always supported the need for a continuum of training, qualification, and evaluation for people who work throughout the security industry. Our type of profession requires operatives to perform, at the top of their skill set and ability, in any number of situations that may require hard physical activities, training in various disciplines, possession of comprehensive knowledge when it comes to security measures, and, most crucially, a sharp mind and the ability to take actions and react fast in a crisis situation. It is we who are required to act calmly and with steadfast resolve when all others have lost all sense of control. But bear in mind, while we all strive to train in some of the “sexier” skills in EP, sometimes the very basic abilities and adherence to fundamental policies will make all the difference in the world.

        For example, we would like to bring to your attention an incident that took place in Turkey some years ago involving Turkey’s Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, an incident that was riddled with many mistakes made, one after another, by his Executive Protection Team. It was this particular security failure that was one of the primary reasons that lead to major changes in the security detail protocols in Turkey.

Photo by geralt via Pixabay

According to sources, Mr. Erdogan, a few minutes after leaving the Turkish Parliament and entering his vehicle, started feeling unwell and lost consciousness. His chauffeur and his executive protection agent panicked. And from that moment forward, a series of significant errors began to unfold.

Neither the chauffeur nor the executive protection agent seemed to have any background or training in First Aid. When they saw their client in the back of the car lose consciousness, they immediately drove the car, in a reckless manner and at excessive speeds, to get to the hospital which was on the other side of town. In hindsight, they should have driven to the Parliament Health Center, which was quite close to them. And, while speeding enroute to the hospital, they managed to lose the rest of their security convoy and found themselves all alone racing through the streets.

When they finally arrived at the hospital, both driver and executive protection agent got out of the vehicle at the same time, thus putting themselves in yet another embarrassing circumstance and their client in a potentially dangerous situation, according to the Hurriyet Press.

     “Erdogan’s chauffeur, found himself in a panic as he rushed from the Mercedes Tuesday morning in front of Ankara’s Guven Hospital, inadvertently leaving the keys to the car in the ignition, which meant the locks on all of the doors, which had proceeded to shut automatically, could not be opened. It took security detail members 10 minutes to break open the window of the armored Mercedes. Critically valuable time, added doctors, who note that had Erdogan experienced any health problems more serious than a hypoglycemic faint, he could have died during that period.”

Although this specific incident might serve well as a valuable advertisement for Mercedes armored cars in regard to how difficult it is to break their windows, it certainly placed Mr. Erdogan in a precarious situation and his security team in an even more awkward and quite embarrassing position. As their client lay unconscious inside the car, his security team struggled for about 10 minutes to break the thick window of the armored car, aided by workers at a construction site near the hospital who brought a sledgehammer and a chisel. 

According to the New York Times, the newspaper Hurriyet called it “a security scandal,” while another paper, Sabah, asked, “What if the prime minister was having a heart attack?” 

While we all may offer up a number of solutions for this incident, there are a couple of basic truths that, if followed, would have alleviated most of these issues. One, possessing a second set of keys for our client’s sedans is a godsend in a moment like this. We all have seen several incidents recently where the security team couldn’t seem to locate the keys for the limo, leaving the client standing exposed to the crowds nearby, the paparazzi, and who knows what other risks or threats. In this particular circumstance, the result could have been fatal. Secondly, as we are all clearly aware, the driver should NEVER leave the vehicle. If this basic truth had been adhered to, there would not have been the excruciatingly long moments trying to break into the sedan. There are a number of reasons that the security driver stays behind the wheel at all times and while this is not the first example that comes to mind, this certainly made the point quite clear. And lastly, had the driver kept the convoy together as a unit, there is a good chance that several of the mishaps could have been minimized or avoided altogether. This event exemplifies the prime reason for SOP’s that would address many of these issues, and with continued training, could eradicate mistakes that have potentially serious consequences.

Photo by Joel Gundi on Pexels.com

Following that incident, some of the crucial changes to Erdogan’s security detail were that a doctor will accompany the Prime Minister on both domestic and international trips, an ambulance will also be included as a part of Erdogan’s normal convoy package, and last, but very importantly, all security Ankara officials agreed that chauffeurs, driving the official vehicles used by the Prime Minister, must go through special “crisis situation” training.

A real-life incident such as this combined with circumstances that anyone of us could be called to deal with illustrates the imperative need to make certain you are properly prepared and thoroughly trained to respond in a professional and effective manner to whatever life may throw in your path. It is always wisest to have skills and training and not need it than to need a particular skill(s) or skillset and not have it or be trained properly in it. We in our Craft always make the humorous comment that your client will, most likely, never suffer an ill moment or awkward circumstance unless you are unprepared for it. We have no idea what the future holds. Plan as though everything is real…Train as though the weight of the entire issue rests in your hands… It’s all up to you.

#SecurityTraining #ExecutiveProtection #CrisisResponse #ErdoganSecurityIncident

#ProtectionProtocols #SecurityMishaps #ProfessionalSecurity #EventSafety

#SecurityPreparedness #CrisisManagement #SecurityDetailFailures

#ArmoredVehicleSafety #SecurityBestPractices #ProtectionStandards

#SecurityIndustryInsights #bodyguards #femalebodyguards #SecurityIncident #TravelSafety

The Rise of Boutique Security

LeMareschal

A New Era of Personalized Protective Solutions for Individuals, Families and C-Suite Executives

In the glossy pages of lifestyle magazines, we often read about the latest trends in fashion, travel, and luxury. However, there’s a new trend that’s quietly making waves among the elite, and it’s all about security. Not just any #security, but boutique security companies. Companies that provide security for the families of the rich and famous are not something new, however, what is new is the rise we see in Boutique Security Companies.

Photo by RDNE Stock project on Pexels.com

As the world becomes increasingly complex and threat actors evolve, the demand for specialized, personalized security solutions is on the rise, especially among #celebrities, top corporations, and high-net-worth (HNW) and ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) individuals.

Why Boutique Security?

The term ’boutique’ often brings to mind images of #exclusive, high-end shops offering unique, tailor-made products. In the realm of security, the concept is no different. Boutique security companies are not the average security providers, they are a class apart, offering a level of service that is both exquisite and unparalleled but also specialized in tailored made #concierge type of security solutions. These companies can see the needs of their customers and create unique solutions. In 2002, when we saw the need for female executive protection agents, and we created Athena Worldwide, and in 2008 we created Nannyguards, a hybrid service combining #childcare and #security. Today through our main company LeMareschal LLC, not only can we provide a variety of specialized security solutions to our customers, but we can also create unique services based on their needs.

What makes a Boutique Security Company Special?

  • Customization: Unlike larger security firms that offer one-size-fits-all solutions, or do not have the time and personnel dedicated to each one of their clients, boutique security companies can not only be more flexible in their approach, but they do care for client’s satisfaction. They understand that every client is unique, with specific needs and desires, and they put a lot of emphasis on customer service. This allows them to craft individualized security solutions, ensuring that clients receive the utmost care and protection.
  • Exclusivity: With premium services and dedicated attention, come premium prices. This often results in a select and high #standards clientele, allowing boutique security firms to dedicate more resources and attention to each client. Something to highlight is that the smaller size of these firms doesn’t diminish their value, on the contrary, it ensures that every client is treated with the importance they deserve and that the solutions they receive are tailor-made for them.
  • Expertise: The majority of boutique security firms are owned by #seasoned security professionals who know the importance of such services and are deeply invested not only in their business’s success but their clients’ safety and #satisfaction. Their reputation is on the line, ensuring a high level of #accountability, commitment, and unparalleled service.
  • Lifestyle Integration: In the world of opulence and grandeur, where every experience is curated to exude #luxury, boutique security firms effortlessly blend into this high-end #lifestyle. Their specialized security teams are not just trained to protect you but are also skilled in the art of discretion. Whether it’s a star-studded gala, an exclusive art auction, or a private island getaway, boutique security personnel are virtually invisible, ensuring a seamless experience. They are attuned to the nuances of high society, understanding when to fade into the background and when to step in, all without disrupting the event’s ambiance or the guests’ enjoyment. Imagine having a #bodyguard who not only protects you but also knows the perfect moment to step aside so you can enjoy a private conversation or a breathtaking view. It’s this harmonious integration that makes boutique security not just a service, but an essential component of the luxury lifestyle narrative.
  • Global Perspective: As elite customers travel around the world, the nuances of boutique security shift, reflecting the unique #cultural, #political, and #social landscapes of each region. In the opulent cities of the Middle East, boutique security often intertwines with royal protocols, ensuring that protection aligns with age-old traditions and customs. Meanwhile, in the bustling metropolises of Asia, the emphasis might lean towards technological integration, harnessing the latest technological and counter-surveillance innovations. Europe, with its rich tapestry of history and aristocracy, sees boutique security firms offering services that respect and preserve the sanctity of historic events and venues. Over in the Americas, the focus often pivots to #personalization, with security details tailored to the individual lifestyles of Hollywood celebrities, tech moguls, and other high-profile personalities. This ability to shift approaches across continents not only underscores the #adaptability and #versatility of boutique security but also highlights its universal appeal and relevance in today’s interconnected world.
Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko on Pexels.com

LeMareschal, is a boutique security company that was created to stand out for its commitment to #excellence. Offering tailor-made #security, #travel, and #transportation solutions, LeMareschal is not just about security, it’s about offering a complete package service for #HNW, #UHNW, #celebrities, and C-Suite Executives who value #concierge type services and their peace of mind. Whether you are looking for protective teams (bodyguards), residential security, luxury and secure transportation, female executive agents, or child protection specialists, LeMareschal can provide the best for the best in your life.

In today’s world, the need for personalized security solutions has never been more critical. Boutique security firms, with their focus on customization, exclusivity, and expertise, are leading the way in providing the elite with the protection they deserve.

#BoutiqueSecurityServices #BoutiqueSecurityFirm #EliteProtection #HNWProtection

#UHNWSecurity #ConciergeSecurity #LuxuryProtection #TailoredSecurity

#ExclusiveSafety #HighEndSecurity #BoutiqueProtection #CustomizedSecurity

#EliteSafetySolutions #PremiumProtection #LeMareschalSecurity #Nannguards

#AthenaWorldwide #FemaleBodyguards #Bodyguards #CelebrityProtection #RoyalFamilyProtection #SecuritySolutions #SecureTransportation #SafeTravels #TravelSecurity #ExecutiveProtection