Protective Security SOP

PROTECTIVE SECURITY STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE

Our Definition of Executive Protection:

Proactive identification and mitigation of risks to the security, safety and reputation of the Principal through protective intelligence, physical and technical measures, advance work, emergency planning and close physical protection.

About Us

LaSorsa & Associates is a full-service security and investigations firm dedicated to delivering exceptional service while helping our clients remain safe, secure, and successful. Our commitment to professionalism, responsiveness, and operational excellence is the foundation of everything we do.

As a member of our team, you can expect to be treated with fairness, respect, and professionalism. We believe that supporting our employees is essential to building a strong organization and delivering outstanding service to our clients. In return, we expect every team member to uphold the highest standards of competence, accountability, diligence, and integrity. These principles define our company, reflect our values, and are the level of service our clients expect and deserve.

We encourage you to review our brochure to learn more about our capabilities, mission, and core values. We look forward to welcoming you to the LaSorsa & Associates team and working together to achieve excellence.

-Joe LaSorsa

Protective Security SOP

General Guidelines

Professionalism and Business Etiquette

Agents are expected to maintain the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, honesty, discretion, and self-discipline at all times, both on and off duty while associated with an assignment. Every interaction reflects on the client, the team, and LaSorsa & Associates.

• Conduct yourself professionally with clients, client staff, vendors, venue personnel, the public, and fellow Agents.
• Treat every person encountered during an assignment with the same professionalism afforded to the client.
• Avoid discussing personal matters, politics, religion, compensation, contracts, or professional agreements while on assignment.
• Do not directly or indirectly solicit business while working.
• Do not contact clients before, during, or after an assignment unless authorized by the Program Manager.
• Maintain strict confidentiality regarding all client, company, and assignment information. Do not post or discuss any aspect of an assignment on social media unless specifically authorized.
• Remain courteous, respectful, and service-oriented throughout the assignment.

Client Service

Every assignment should be approached with a customer service mindset while maintaining security as the primary objective.

• Greet the client professionally and courteously.
• Offer assistance with luggage and personal belongings.
• Open vehicle and building doors whenever appropriate and consistent with the client’s preferences.
• Facilitate smooth client movements, including curbside pickups, VIP access, and other logistical requirements.
• Maintain fresh drinking water and ensure vehicles remain clean and client-ready.
• Anticipate the client’s operational and personal needs while maintaining discretion and professionalism.

Appearance and Readiness

Agents should present a professional appearance that blends naturally into the client’s environment while remaining prepared to perform assigned duties.

• Dress appropriately for the assignment and client environment.
• Wear clean, properly fitted, and pressed clothing free of excessive logos or distracting colors.
• Maintain good personal hygiene and a well-groomed appearance.
• Facial hair must be clean-shaven or professionally maintained.
• Avoid cologne, perfume, or heavily scented products.
• Be physically fit and prepared for the assignment.
• Arrive as directed by the Program Manager and remain available for operational changes or extended hours.
• Consult the Program Manager whenever attire requirements are unclear.

Legal Compliance

Agents are responsible for complying with all applicable federal, state, and local laws.

• Maintain all required licenses, certifications, permits, insurance, and credentials.
• Carry required credentials while on assignment.

Drug, Alcohol, and Smoking

Agents must remain fit for duty at all times.

• Maintain a drug-free workplace in accordance with L&A’s zero-tolerance policy.
• Refrain from alcohol or other intoxicants for at least 48 hours before and throughout an assignment.
• Prescription medications may only be used if they do not impair judgment or performance and have been approved by the prescribing physician.
• Smoking or vaping is prohibited around clients, during assignments, in assignment vehicles, or while wearing clothing intended for an assignment.

Weapons

Weapons may only be carried when specifically authorized.

• Carry firearms only with written authorization for the specific assignment.
• Ensure all weapons are legally carried, properly concealed, and under the Agent’s immediate control.
• Do not unnecessarily expose, display, or handle weapons.

Communications and Equipment

Agents are responsible for maintaining required communications equipment and following established communications procedures.

• Carry a fully charged smartphone with required applications installed.
• Bring charging cables, a vehicle mount, and backup power when appropriate.
• Follow assignment-specific communications procedures.
• Keep phones on silent unless otherwise directed.
• Do not use handheld phones while driving.

Driving and Vehicle Standards

When operating a vehicle on behalf of a client, safety and professionalism are paramount.

• Obey all traffic laws regardless of client requests or schedule pressures.
• Drive professionally and avoid aggressive driving or road rage.
• Keep vehicles clean, organized, odor-free, and client-ready.
• Do not eat, store food, or leave trash in assignment vehicles.
• Utilize GPS navigation when appropriate to monitor routes, traffic, and delays.

Operational Procedures

Agents should remain familiar with assignment-specific procedures and be prepared to respond appropriately to changing circumstances.

• Follow all detail-specific briefings and operational instructions.
• Understand communications plans, emergency procedures, and contingency plans.
• Be familiar with assigned routes, hazards, and crowd or protest response procedures.

Chain of Command

The Program Manager has overall responsibility and authority for the assignment. Operational control may be delegated to the Agent in Charge (AIC) or other designated supervisor.

All personnel shall follow the established chain of command for operational decisions, reporting, and communications. Questions, concerns, and requests should be directed through the appropriate supervisory channels whenever practical.

When immediate action is required to preserve life, prevent serious injury, or address an imminent threat, agents shall take appropriate action consistent with their training and responsibilities, then notify the chain of command as soon as practical.

Incident Management

Agents are responsible for promptly reporting incidents and responding professionally to emergencies in accordance with company policy.

The Program Manager shall be notified as soon as practical of any significant incident, security concern, client-impacting delay, law enforcement contact, vehicle issue, medical emergency, or other event that may affect operations or the client.

Agents shall follow established procedures for incidents including, but not limited to:

• Arrests or detentions
• Any use of force
• Display or use of a weapon
• Threats or suspicious activity
• Medical emergencies or injuries
• Motor vehicle collisions
• Vehicle breakdowns or mechanical failures
• Property damage
• Media inquiries or contact
• Client complaints
• Lost, stolen, or damaged company equipment

All significant incidents shall be documented accurately, factually, and in a timely manner. Appropriate notifications shall be made through the chain of command, and all reports shall be completed in accordance with company policy.

Operational Reporting

Provide timely updates in the designated WhatsApp or Signal group throughout the assignment. Updates should be provided as events occur and in response to any request for a status update. At a minimum, report the following:

• Billing start time.
• Arrival at the contact point.
• Initial contact with the client.
• Arrival at each destination.
• Identification, observation, or contact with any subject, threat, or Person of Interest (POI).
• Significant communications with the client.
• Significant operational events, incidents, or schedule changes.
• Respond to all requests for status updates.
• Any deviation from the OP Order or approved operational plan.
• Client feedback, concerns, or notable requests.
• Daily and cumulative mileage.
• Daily and cumulative expenses.
• Final client drop-off.
• Billing end time.
• Termination of the detail.

Protective Driving

Mission Planning

Prior to any transport assignment, ensure all operational information is current and accurate.

• Review all emails, texts, OP Orders, and directives related to the assignment.
• Confirm schedules, addresses, pickup and drop-off locations, and changes.
• Conduct a virtual and, when appropriate, physical advance of primary and alternate routes.
• Identify local events, road closures, construction, weather, demonstrations, or other factors that may affect movement.
• Identify primary and alternate routes to all destinations.
• Identify hospitals, police stations, fire stations, safe havens, fuel locations, communication checkpoints, and other emergency resources along planned routes.
• Consider choke points, observation points, checkpoints, traffic patterns, and road conditions.

Vehicle Preparation

Ensure the vehicle is clean, mechanically sound, fully fueled, and ready for immediate client use.

Complete a TFOLDE inspection before each assignment:

• Tires – Pressure, tread, and condition.
• Fuel – Full tank and operational range.
• Oil – Level, pressure, and maintenance status.
• Lights – Exterior lights, indicators, and visibility.
• Damage – Inspect for existing or new damage.
• Equipment – Verify required operational and emergency equipment.

Prepare the client compartment by ensuring:

• Clean interior, exterior, and windows.
• Comfortable cabin temperature.
• Water and approved client amenities.
• Phone chargers (avoid direct USB data connections).
• Tissues, sanitizer, umbrellas, and other assignment-specific items.
• Bluetooth disabled unless operationally required.

Arrival Procedures

• Follow directions from the AIC or Lead Agent regarding arrivals.
• Stage the vehicle in the designated location after client drop-off.
• Remain available for immediate movement and maintain communication with the protective team.
• Ensure all agents know the vehicle’s exact location after any repositioning.

Departure Procedures

• Stage the vehicle at least 15 minutes prior to scheduled departure, or as directed.
• Position the vehicle facing the intended direction of travel whenever practical.
• Avoid unnecessary noise or activity that may attract attention.
• Once all occupants are inside and movement is authorized, depart without unnecessary delay.
• During emergency evacuations, depart immediately and proceed to the designated safe location.

Parking

• Park to facilitate rapid departure.
• Avoid becoming blocked in.
• Maintain awareness of the protective team’s location and status.
• Ensure the protective team knows the vehicle’s location at all times.
• When practical, keep a driver or Agent with the vehicle during events and meetings.

Airport Operations

Commercial Airports

• Arrive at least one hour before the scheduled arrival.
• Track incoming flights using reliable flight tracking applications.
• Verify arrival gates and baggage claim information.
• Conduct an advance of the arrivals area and identify pickup locations and exit routes.
• Establish primary and alternate pickup plans.
• Send prearranged arrival notifications only when safe to do so and never while driving.

Private Aviation

• Arrive at least one hour before the scheduled arrival.
• Confirm the aircraft tail number and FBO procedures.
• Track the aircraft using available flight tracking resources.
• Coordinate with the FBO regarding arrival times and pickup procedures.
• When authorized, conduct plane-side pickups.
• Send prearranged arrival notifications only when safe to do so and never while driving.

Vehicle Movement Contingencies

Prepare contingency plans for foreseeable vehicle-related incidents, including:

• Traffic collisions.
• Vehicle breakdowns.
• Flat tires or blowouts.
• Law enforcement traffic stops.
• Police or military checkpoints.
• Separated motorcades.
• Left-behind personnel.
• Emergency vehicle recovery.
• Spare key access.
• Service and maintenance support.

Driving Standards

• Operate the vehicle safely, smoothly, and professionally.
• Obey all traffic laws regardless of schedule pressure.
• Utilize GPS navigation to monitor traffic and alternate routes.
• Maintain situational awareness throughout the movement.
• Prioritize client safety, comfort, discretion, and operational security during all vehicle movements.

Advance

The Advance Agent is responsible for preparing the environment before the Principal’s arrival to ensure safe, efficient, and uninterrupted operations. This includes identifying risks, coordinating with site personnel, confirming logistics, and developing contingency plans.

Responsibilities include:

• Understand the purpose and objectives of the visit.
• Conduct a site survey and identify potential threats, vulnerabilities, and hazards.
• Identify and verify primary and alternate arrival and departure locations.
• Conduct reconnaissance of primary and alternate travel routes, including emergency evacuation routes.
• Coordinate with venue management, security personnel, and other stakeholders.
• Arrange vehicle staging, parking, loading, and unloading locations.
• Identify restrooms, holding rooms, secure rooms, hard rooms, and other key facilities.
• Identify entrances, exits, elevators, stairwells, emergency exits, and restricted areas.
• Become familiar with the site’s layout, amenities, scheduled events, and expected occupancy.
• Confirm emergency procedures and available support resources.

Advance Report

The Advance Report should include, as applicable:

• Site address, phone number, and website.
• Management and security points of contact.
• Reservation, check-in, billing, access, and credentialing procedures.
• Primary and alternate arrival and departure locations.
• Vehicle staging, parking, and loading areas.
• Maps, satellite imagery, floor plans, photographs, and route imagery.
• Primary and alternate travel routes.
• Locations of nearby hospitals, police, fire stations, pharmacies, and other emergency resources.
• Emergency response procedures for security incidents, medical emergencies, fire, utility failures, and evacuations.
• Designated safe havens and emergency rally points.
• Client convenience considerations, including restrooms, food and beverage options, accessibility, and other operational requirements.
• Any identified security concerns, vulnerabilities, or special considerations requiring follow-up prior to the Principal’s arrival.

Emergency Planning

Effective emergency planning requires identifying reasonably foreseeable incidents before they occur and developing practical response plans that can be executed quickly. Planning should be based on the mission, threat assessment, operating environment, and client requirements.

Attack

Develop contingency plans for the most likely and worst-case attack scenarios. Identify the nearest law enforcement agency and emergency contact information, designate primary and alternate safe havens, establish primary and secondary evacuation routes, identify routes to the emergency or stash vehicle, evaluate vehicle positioning for emergency use, and ensure all team members understand their roles and responsibilities during an emergency.

Medical

Identify appropriate hospitals and emergency medical facilities within the operational area. Determine whether EMS personnel are on site and identify the locations of AEDs, first aid equipment, and other available medical resources. Determine primary and alternate routes, estimated travel times, emergency department access, and the capabilities of each facility, including trauma, cardiac, burn, pediatric, and other specialty care as appropriate. Coordinate emergency procedures with on-site medical personnel and receiving medical facilities when required by the assignment.

Fire / Power 

Prepare for fire alarms, power outages, and other facility emergencies by identifying alternate operating locations, emergency exits, fire extinguishers, alarm systems, and the nearest fire station. Ensure evacuation routes are known and readily accessible.

Client Support

Anticipate the client’s operational and personal needs to minimize disruptions and maintain a seamless experience. Consider food and beverage requirements, restroom availability, climate and weather conditions, charging capabilities, internet access, parking and vehicle access, accessibility needs, luggage, schedule changes, privacy requirements, and any known client preferences or special requests. Proactively addressing these needs improves the client experience while allowing the protective team to remain focused on security and operations.

Residential Security

The client’s residence should be considered the most secure environment and serve as the foundation of the overall protective program. Residential security should provide a layered defense that balances effective protection with the client’s privacy, comfort, and daily routine.

Security measures may include trained personnel, physical barriers, access control systems, intrusion detection, CCTV, lighting, perimeter protection, and other appropriate security technologies. These measures should be as unobtrusive as practical while maintaining an effective security posture.

When the Principal is in residence, protective personnel should be positioned to secure all practical avenues of approach and maintain continuous awareness of activity in and around the property.

A Command Post (Residence Watch) should be maintained whenever required by the protective plan. Personnel assigned to this post are responsible for:

• Monitoring alarms, CCTV, and other security systems.
• Controlling and documenting visitor, vendor, and delivery access.
• Preventing unauthorized entry or deliveries.
• Maintaining communications with the protective team.
• Monitoring the property for suspicious activity or security concerns.
• Coordinating emergency response when necessary.

For full-time residential protection programs, the Command Post should be staffed on a 24-hour basis and maintained even when the Principal is away from the residence to preserve security, monitor the property, and respond to incidents as required.

Command Post / Watch Duties

The Command Post serves as the communications, coordination, and operational control center for the protective detail. Personnel assigned to the Command Post or watch position are responsible for maintaining situational awareness, supporting field personnel, and coordinating emergency response.

Responsibilities include:

• Maintain continuous communication with field personnel and log significant events and activities.
• Maintain awareness of the Principal’s current location and operational status.
• Coordinate emergency response by contacting law enforcement, fire, EMS, or other resources as required.
• Serve as the central point for receiving, documenting, and disseminating operational information.
• Monitor radios, telephones, alarms, CCTV, and other security systems.
• Maintain reserve communications and operational equipment in a serviceable condition.
• Monitor the security of the client’s residence or assigned facility.
• Investigate alarms, security breaches, or suspicious activity as appropriate.
• Maintain liaison with on-site security personnel, law enforcement, or client staff.
• Verify, log, and control visitor access in accordance with established procedures.
• Screen deliveries and packages and verify the sender when appropriate.
• Conduct or coordinate periodic perimeter checks using CCTV, physical patrols, or other available resources.

Use of Force Continuum

The use of force is based on the subject’s actions and the totality of the circumstances. Agents will always use the minimum level of force that is reasonable and necessary to gain or maintain control, escalating only when lower levels are ineffective, unsafe, or no longer appropriate. Whenever possible, de-escalation should be the preferred approach.

All force must be objectively reasonable, consistent with applicable laws, company policy, and the circumstances known to the Agent at the time.

Remember:
Stand → Say → Soft → Less → Hard → Dead

Presence – “Stand”

• Maintain a professional, calm, and confident presence.
• A visible, composed presence is often sufficient to deter or de-escalate a situation.
• This should always be the preferred starting point whenever circumstances permit.

Verbal Commands – “Say”

• Use clear, concise, and professional verbal commands.
• Examples include: “Stop,” “Don’t move,” and “Let me see your ID.”
• Commands should begin calm and controlled, becoming more assertive only as necessary.
• Effective communication can often resolve situations without physical intervention.

Soft Control Techniques – “Soft”

• Used when verbal commands are ineffective or insufficient.
• Employ minimal-force, hands-on techniques to gain or maintain control.
• Examples include escort holds, guiding techniques, wrist locks, come-alongs, and approved control holds.
• OC spray may be used when appropriate and authorized.
• The objective is to safely control the subject while minimizing the risk of injury.

Less-Lethal Force – “Less”

• Used when a subject is actively resisting, assaultive, or presents a threat that cannot be controlled through lower levels of force.
• Employ approved less-lethal options to stop or control the threat.
• Examples include conducted electrical weapons (TASER) and pepper spray (OC), where authorized.
• While intended to be non-lethal, these techniques carry a moderate risk of injury.

Hard Control Techniques – “Hard”

• Used when a subject’s actions present an immediate threat or violent resistance that cannot be controlled through lesser means.
• Involves forceful physical techniques intended to quickly stop resistance and regain control.
• These techniques present a higher likelihood of injury and should only be used when objectively reasonable and necessary.

Lethal Force – “Dead”

• Used only when an agent reasonably believes there is an imminent threat of death or serious bodily harm to themselves or another person.
• Lethal force is authorized solely to stop that imminent threat.
• Examples include the use of firearms or other force reasonably expected to cause death or serious bodily injury.
• This is the highest level of force and must always remain the last reasonable option.

Communications

Mobile devices are the primary method of communication during assignments and may include voice calls, text messaging, and approved applications such as WhatsApp, Signal, or Voxer. Standard text messaging is preferred over talk-to-text whenever practical to reduce errors and maintain clarity.

Radios may be issued or utilized when operationally appropriate. Agents are responsible for ensuring all assigned communications equipment is functional prior to the assignment.

Communications should be conducted with operational security (OPSEC) in mind. Sensitive information should be shared only with personnel who have a need to know, and reasonable measures should be taken to prevent unauthorized parties from intercepting or understanding communications.

Code words are encouraged for:

• The Principal or client.
• Frequently referenced locations such as residences, hotels, airports, venues, and government facilities.
• Sensitive operational activities or movements, when appropriate.

Call signs and code words should be distributed on a need-to-know basis, changed periodically, and used consistently throughout the assignment.

Keep radio and voice transmissions brief, clear, and professional. Whenever practical, detailed discussions involving locations, schedules, or other sensitive information should be communicated through more secure methods rather than over open radio channels.

Primary Applications

WhatsApp / Signal

WhatsApp or Signal is the primary communications platform for most assignments. Agents must download the required application, register with their phone number, and ensure they can be added to the designated group chat.

Use the group chat for operational communications, status updates, and coordination. Messages should be timely, clear, concise, and informative. Assume personnel monitoring the chat may not be on scene, and provide enough detail to create an accurate operational picture, including addresses, landmarks, and other relevant information when appropriate. The application may also be used for timekeeping, including clocking in and out, as directed in the OP Order.

Life360

Life360 provides real-time location awareness and team accountability. Agents will be invited to the appropriate circle and must keep location sharing enabled unless otherwise directed.

Messaging within Life360 should not be used unless authorized by the Program Manager. Check-ins, check-outs, or other location-based reporting requirements will be outlined in the OP Order when applicable.

Google Drive

Google Drive is the central repository for the OP Order and all supporting assignment documents, including maps, schedules, contact lists, photographs, spreadsheets, calendars, and other operational resources.

Agents are responsible for reviewing all assigned documents before the assignment and ensuring they are familiar with the contents. Questions or requests for clarification should be directed to the Program Manager. Access will be provided using the Agent’s authorized email address.