Month: August 2023

Training Security Professionals in Combating Human Trafficking

LeMareschal

In the last few months, we have heard a lot of talk about the plague of human trafficking due to the release of the “Sound of Freedom” movie which is bringing a new level of awareness about the issue to the general public. Although many of us in the security industry have been aware of this horrible crime for quite some time and some of us have even been involved in one way or another combating human trafficking and assisting its victims, it brings a spark of hope to see that people outside the security industry, LE, and other similar organizations are finally recognizing that this type of crime not only exists but is affecting the lives of millions of people (and so many of them are underage children).

Human trafficking is a heinous crime that involves the exploitation and enslavement of millions of people worldwide. It is a multi-billion-dollar industry that thrives on the vulnerability of its victims to include adults, teenagers, and even extremely young children. There are many myths surrounding this issue and many organizations have been working to educate people about the truths regarding it and how they can help. Although the main public opinion is that victims are pressured into forced labor or sexual exploitation, human trafficking can take different forms aside from that, such as organ trafficking, illegal adoptions, trafficking for exploitative begging, forced marriage, and forced criminal activity.

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Here are some important findings to consider:

·        According to UNODC, Global Report on Tracking in Persons 2022, between 2017 and 2020 there were 187,915 victims reported.

·        The Global Estimates of Modern Slavery: Forced Labour and Forced Marriage report, 2022 by the International Labour Organization (ILO), shows that there are 27.6 million people in situations of forced labour and an estimated 22 million people living in situations of forced marriage on any given day in 2021.

·        According to the U.S. Department of Justice and the data published by the Bureau of Justice Statistics on the Human Trafficking Data Collection Activities, 2022 report, for the year 2020, we had 2,198 people referred to U.S. Attorneys for human trafficking offenses. Of which 1,343 got prosecuted.

·        In its 2023 Trafficking in Persons Report: United States, the U.S. Department of State, mentions that ‘’human trafficking cases have been reported in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. insular areas’’ and that ‘’Victims originate from almost every region of the world; the top three countries of origin of victims identified by federally funded providers in FY 2022 were the United States, Mexico, and Honduras.’’  

    But what is the real number of human trafficking victims, one may ask? While it is estimated to be a multi-billion-dollar industry with millions of victims worldwide, we cannot know the exact numbers because of the underreporting, logistical difficulties, and reporting complexities associated with this crime. Due to the fact that human traffickers operate clandestinely and go to great lengths to conceal their activities, their victims are often kept in isolated locations, subjected to coercion, threats, and physical violence, which makes it challenging to locate them or even for them to come forward themselves and seek help. Many of these victims distrust authorities, cannot speak the language to ask for help, and fear deportation or that they may be charged with a crime (according to UNODC, Global Report on Tracking in Persons 2022, victims rely mostly on ‘’self-rescue’’). This along with the fact that identifying trafficking victims is a complex process, especially when victims may not self-identify as such, contributes to underreporting.

Another important issue is that human trafficking often intersects with other criminal activities, such as migrant smuggling and forced labor. For authorities to be able to distinguish between these crimes and accurately attribute cases solely to human trafficking, the separation between them can be tedious and accurate reporting can be difficult. The fact that trafficking is a transnational crime, there are no real boundaries and it involves movement across borders and victims are often moved through numerous countries. Coordinating efforts and information-sharing between countries can be very challenging (especially between countries who do not have the education and resources on the subject or ones where politics can be strained) making it difficult to track and quantify the global scope of the issue.

Why should security professionals get involved in fighting this crime? Because this issue concerns everyone, it can affect all of us and it can happen to anyone. As frontline defenders, our expertise, unique positions within our societal structure, our training, and not to mention our excessive amounts of travel, positions us to play a crucial role in identifying, preventing, and assisting victims. Having already been trained to identify patterns, criminal activity, and threats/risks, we have the unique skills to identify the signs and indicators of unusual behavior, physical abuse, restricted movement, and fear exhibited by potential victims.

At Blue Raven Inc, we have always been interested in helping those in need and bringing all of our expertise together to do something positive and effectual and give back to our communities. That is why through our Blue Raven Criminal Justice training Academy, we implemented additional training in combating human trafficking to our accredited Personal Protection Specialist and Security Officer courses. All our employees are not only trained and licensed to provide protective services in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington DC area, but are also trained in identifying and helping human trafficking victims. We believe that all of us should be helping to fight this crime, and this type of training, specifically aimed at security professionals to combat human trafficking, is paramount for several reasons:

·        Enhanced Awareness: Specialized training raises awareness among security professionals about the signs and indicators of trafficking. Protection personnel are taught the places where victims are commonly trafficked, enabling them to identify victims and trafficking operations more effectively. Trained personnel are then better equipped to recognize signs of trafficking victims, such as physical abuse, restricted movement, fear, and lack of personal identification. Once identified, they can inform authorities and provide initial assistance, and link victims to the proper agencies/organizations that will assist them best.

·        Improved Victim-Centered Approach: Training empowers security professionals to handle victims with sensitivity and empathy, understanding the trauma they may have endured, and providing appropriate support and care until authorities arrive.

·        Efficient Reporting: Specialized training equips security professionals with the necessary skills and knowledge to gather evidence, and report through the proper channels. They will know how to collaborate better with law enforcement agencies, NGOs, and other international organizations to share intelligence and resources, strengthening the overall response to human trafficking.

·        Prevention and Disruption: Trained security professionals can act as a deterrent, and implement proactive measures to prevent human trafficking activities, disrupting trafficking networks and protecting potential victims.

When it comes to training, it is important to make sure your security personnel receive comprehensive training that, at the very least, covers the following:

a. Understanding Human Trafficking: Educating professionals about the different forms of trafficking, its root causes, and the global and local impact of this crime. You cannot fight something you know nothing about. Learning the methodology that these traffickers utilize is critical to accurately recognize signs. Ignorance is particularly why it is such a profitable crime and that it has been easily able to create a global presence with transnational movements.

b. Victim Identification and Protection: Training on recognizing physical signs of trafficking, specific venues and other locations that have a tendency for victims to be present, and how to establish a victim-centered approach, and ensure their safety and confidentiality. If the victims are not handled properly and with empathy and care, they will not be apt to come forward or give information that will assist your efforts.

c. Interagency Cooperation: Promotion of collaboration between security agencies, law enforcement, NGOs, and other stakeholders will foster a coordinated response to trafficking cases. This is not a fight that any one of us can fight by ourselves. The nature of the crime requires a good understanding of how to cooperate with different agencies, vendors, or other professionals. Only through cooperation and coordination can this be overcome.

e. Cultural Sensitivity: Cultivating an understanding of diverse cultural norms and practices to effectively interact with potential victims from various backgrounds. Because human trafficking is a transnational crime, you will most likely have to deal with victims brought in from other countries. Being able to understand cultural differences will help your approach in assisting them.

f. Dealing with Emotional Burn Out: The emotional toll of confronting the horrors of human trafficking, witnessing victims’ suffering, engaging with traumatic circumstances, and sometimes failing to be able to help the victims, can lead to severe psychological and emotional strain for security professionals who are supporting anti-trafficking operations.

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At Blue Raven Inc, we strongly advocate for the mandatory training of all security professionals to combat human trafficking. We are proud to claim our employees receive additional training to this end, and we firmly believe that this crucial topic should be incorporated into the educational curriculum of the DCJS Private Security Services training program and across the entire security industry. While serving on the DCJS Private Security Services Advisory Board as the Personal Protection Specialist Representative, Blue Raven CEO, Michael J. Niner developed and spearheaded a Human Trafficking training report recommending these training additions be a requirement of all registrants and it was unanimously approved by their board. We believe that the role of trained security professionals in the fight against human trafficking cannot be emphasized enough. Their expertise, competencies, and unwavering commitment are pivotal in identifying and assisting victims, apprehending traffickers, and dismantling trafficking networks. By investing in proper training programs, we aim to empower security professionals to actively combat this heinous crime and make a significant contribution to the global efforts aimed at eradicating human trafficking.

For more information about our Human Trafficking Training for Security Professionals please contact:

703-722-8677 or e-mail: director@blueravenintelligence.com

Article by Michael J. Niner, CEO, Blue Raven Inc

#HumanTraffickingAwareness #EndHumanTrafficking #CombatTrafficking #SecurityProfessionals #StopModernSlavery #TraffickingPrevention #BlueRavenInc #SecurityTraining #HumanTraffickingSolutions #GlobalAntiTrafficking #securityprofessionalsagainsthumantrafficking #savethekids

Reading the Room

LeMareschal

Can you read the room? One of the most critical skills for executive protection professionals is the ability to ‘’read the room’‘. This skill goes beyond traditional security protocols and involves a keen understanding of human behavior, emotions, and the ability to anticipate potential #risks before they materialize. Being able not only to read your client, but also your teammates, the general public, and any other person you come in contact with during your daily operations, is valuable beyond measure.

A room, in the context of #executiveprotection, refers to any environment or space in which a protected individual operates. It can range from your client’s vehicle, a small meeting room to a large conference hall, a corporate boardroom, or a public event venue. 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 the client’s safety and well-being at all times.

“Reading the room” enables executive protection agents to detect emotions and adapt their approach, conversational tone, or in most 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.

A protector’s presence alone can influence the room’s atmosphere. By maintaining a calm and composed demeanor, these professionals can create a sense of security among anyone near or involved with their client. This feeling of #safety is essential for a productive and focused environment, especially during events like high-stakes meetings or public appearances.

We all know that events and situations can change rapidly, especially in the world of executive protection. Agents must be adaptable and quick-thinking, able to adjust their strategies, personalities, and conversational tones on the fly. By reading the room, they can gauge shifts in emotions or intentions, allowing them to respond appropriately and ensure safety remains a top priority.

Reading the room also involves understanding the unspoken cues and dynamics among people in the environment. This understanding can help executive protection agents facilitate effective communication between the client, themselves, and others. By being attuned to the mood and emotions of the room, agents can identify when, or when not, to interject or offer support discreetly, creating a seamless and professional interaction.

In high-pressure situations, emotions can run high, potentially leading to conflict or crisis. Agents who can read the room have a better chance of de-escalating tense situations before they escalate into something more significant. Their ability to identify the triggers of potential conflicts and address them promptly can prevent violence and ensure a safe resolution.

The role of an executive protection agent is far more complex than just providing #physicalsecurity. It demands a holistic approach that includes the ability to “read the room” effectively. By understanding the environment, emotions, and potential threats within a space, #protectors can create a #secure and productive atmosphere for their clients. This skill is paramount in ensuring the safety and well-being of those under their care, making it an indispensable aspect of the executive protection profession.

#ExecutiveProtectionInsights #ReadTheRoom #BehavioralAwareness #SecurityBeyondProtocols #EmotionalIntelligence #AnticipateRisks #BodyLanguageMastery #DeescalationSkills #HolisticProtection #SafetyFirstAlways #EmotionDetection #ProtectionBeyondSecurity #ExecutiveProtection #Bodyguards #FemaleBodyguards #ExecutiveProtectionCompany #SecurityServices #CorporateSecurity #FamilyProtection #CelebrityBodyguards

Why do you need a Privacy Policy for your Website?

LeMareschal

Do you have a website privacy policy in place and included in your website? If not, you need one asap!
If you are collecting personal information through your website such as e-mail addresses or even tracking cookies, then you must have a website privacy policy that outlines the types of data you collect (e.g., email addresses, cookies, IP addresses), how you collect it (e.g., through forms, analytics tools), and the purposes for which you use it (e.g., personalization, marketing). A #websiteprivacypolicy is a crucial document that informs #users about your data practices, ensures legal compliance, builds trust, and establishes a clear framework for how you handle personal information. It’s not only an essential component of any reputable and responsible online presence, but also it is required by the law depending on the country/State you operate from. For companies based in the U.S., the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) requires that they inform their website visitors about how they collect, use, share, and protect personally identifiable information. If a business doesn’t have a privacy policy, they may be fined by government agencies. Customers who feel their privacy rights have been violated may also sue the company. In five states, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Utah, and Virginia, have enacted comprehensive consumer data privacy laws. These laws include provisions such as the right to access and delete personal information and to opt out of the sale of personal information, even if you are a company based in the U.S but you work with clients in EU countries and collect their information, according to the General Data Protection Regulation (#GDPR) (the European law that makes the inclusion of a privacy policy mandatory for websites and online services that collect personal data which entered into effect on May 25, 2018, across the European Union (EU) member states). Under the GDPR, organizations that process personal data of EU residents are required to provide clear and transparent information to individuals about how their personal data is collected, used, processed, and protected. Non-compliance with the GDPR can lead to significant fines and legal consequences. Therefore, having a clear and comprehensive privacy policy that addresses these requirements is essential for organizations that process the personal data of EU residents, regardless of where the organization is based.
Do you want to protect your organization and build trust with your customers? Find a lawyer to draft your website privacy policy today OR reach out to us and we will direct you to the right one!

Visit www.mellon360.com

#WebsitePrivacyPolicy#DataProtection#OnlinePrivacy
#LegalCompliance#PrivacyFramework#GDPRCompliance
#DataPrivacyLaws#TrustBuilding#PrivacyRights#OnlineSecurity
#securitycompany#securityservices#mellon360#marketingagency#brandingagency#marketingtips#brandingtips#marketingforsecuritycompanies#marketingforsmallbusiness

5 Common Marketing Mistakes Security Companies Make Every Day

LeMareschal

Effective marketing is paramount for security companies seeking to thrive in a competitive industry. Unfortunately, many of them struggle to effectively reach their target audience and convey their expertise. Let’s see the five common mistakes that security companies often make when marketing their services.

    1) Overusing Technical Terms: A significant mistake made by security companies is flooding their marketing efforts with complex technical terms. While expertise is vital, potential clients may not comprehend the intricacies of the security industry. To overcome this, companies should adopt clear and concise communication that emphasizes the benefits of their services to end-users. Simplifying language and utilizing relatable examples can facilitate better understanding among the target audience. Use of acronyms, abbreviations, and polynomials that only those in the industry would readily use and recognize can quickly alienate your potential clients.

2) Neglecting Online Presence and Social Media:  In today’s digital age, a robust online presence can be valuable and offer free advertising for any business. Regrettably, many security companies overlook the potential of social media and online platforms (or, more problematic, they use the wrong social media platforms). Establishing a compelling website, creating engaging and educational content, and maintaining an active and targeted social media presence can significantly enhance brand visibility and broaden their audience reach. Strategic use of specific social media platforms suitable for marketing security services is essential for maximizing the impact of digital efforts.

    3) Lack of Targeted Marketing Strategies: A common pitfall for security companies lies in either inadequate knowledge of marketing practices or hiring marketing agencies unfamiliar with the security industry. At Mellon360, we possess both security expertise and marketing expertise, offering clients the best of both worlds. Tailoring marketing strategies to specific target audiences and speaking the industry’s language are critical in addressing varying marketing needs. Precise identification of the target audience enables effective communication and establishes credibility within the security industry. Presenting the wrong picture or the use/overuse of the wrong terms or language is just as damaging as nothing said or done at all-Perhaps even more!

   4) Failing to Demonstrate Thought Leadership: In the security industry, trust and credibility hold utmost importance. However, some companies and professionals fail in establishing themselves as thought leaders and industry experts. Providing valuable and educational content through blog posts, whitepapers, webinars, or podcasts, positions security companies and individuals as authoritative sources of information, thus fostering trust among potential clients and bolstering brand reputation.

   5) Neglecting Industry Partnerships and Collaborations: A common oversight among security companies is operating in isolation, solely focused on their own services without exploring collaborative opportunities with industry peers. By neglecting to form strategic alliances with complementary businesses, these companies miss out on valuable prospects for expansion and offering comprehensive solutions to clients. Embracing partnerships with reputable IT service providers, insurance companies, family offices, or property management firms can tap into new client bases and provide access to additional resources. Such collaborative efforts drive innovation and exhibit the company’s commitment to holistic security solutions. Where one can do well, two or even more, when carefully aligned, have the potential to accomplish so much more as a collaborative effort!

Do you need marketing and branding experts specialized in the security industry? Reach out today to Mellon360. We will help you boost your brand and effectively convey your expertise, build brand trust, and expand your market presence!