Covered topics include:
• What is Protective Intelligence
• Information Sources
• ‘How to’ Steps for Providing PI
• Analytic Processes (Our methods)
• How to Apply to Principal & Locations
• Report Development
• And more, based on interest and questions

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This seminar is expected to last 1 -2 hours. This webinar is $200.

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See our Training Schedule and Locations here: /training-schedule-registration/

See our Training Courses here: /training-courses/

Register Here: https://forms.gle/X4djdjytYpVhwHa9A

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If presented on Facebook Live, here is the link to the Protective Security Group Facebook Group

Let me know if you have any questions – jml@lasorsa.com

Criticality is the measurement of the degree to which an organization or individual depends on a person, system, or information for what they have defined as success. Some examples of critical individuals include but are not limited to C-suite employees, politicians, professional athletes, artists, and celebrities. These high performers are typically high net worth individuals and are at an increased risk for death threats, assassination attempts, kidnappings, and extortion. However, many people that occupy these positions understand their criticality and have hired security professionals to protect them and their assets.

Most entities recognize the criticality of these high performing individuals but many individuals and organizations overlook the need of security for their family members. This has been a well- documented issue for a century and was most recently highlighted in December of 2021 in the attempted kidnapping of NHL legend Patrick Marleau’s son at a hotel pool. Patrick did not have a personal security team and the kidnapping would have likely been a success if not for a random hotel guest intervening on the child’s behalf.

Tushar Atre, the CEO of Atrenet, a digital marketing firm, was kidnapped while sleeping in his bed and later killed in October of 2019. The assailants were disgruntled employees that collected a ransom and then decided to kill him anyway. He was found in his BMW parked on a property that he owned. Besides the horrific effect that his death had on his family, Atrenet suffered as well and is now attempting to revitalize the company. It is also relevant to acknowledge that this story indicates that people do not have to be instantly recognizable to the public to be targeted by criminals.

The budget and personnel required for effective security may look different for different people and organizations based on the CARVER measurements and the Executive Security Risk Assessment. Higher risk requires additional resources to preserve the safety, security, and reputation of the client. For example, in 2020, Facebook spent 23.4 million dollars for personal security for Mark Zuckerberg and his family. An additional consideration for publicly traded companies, is the effect that a security related incident may have on the share price. If an incident affects the share price, it will likely increase the volatility of the stock and deter large investors. This can result in short term financial damage for the company.

Accessibility is the measurement of how likely a person or group can exploit a system or entity. This measurement has proven to be one of the most relevant and one of the most overlooked by individuals and organizations. Individuals that have been chosen as targets are usually chosen because they are deemed to be more accessible than other potential targets. Criminals generally weigh the probability of success with what is to be gained from their criminal activities. If a politician has a Secret Service detail with them around the clock, they are not as accessible as a person who has a no security or a limited security presence. A common mistake is to assume that assailants are not interested in targeting people that are not easily recognizable to the public. It is improper to assume that these people do not need protection.

A good example of this mistake is the kidnapping of Kevyn Wynn the daughter of casino operations manager Steve Wynn. Steve had overseen the construction and operation of several Las Vegas casinos including the The Mirage. Two men broke into Kevyn’s condo and forced her to call her father on his car phone. When Steve received this call, he thought that it was a joke
because he had assumed that his status was not high enough to attract this kind of behavior towards his family. The men demanded that he consolidate and deliver bags of cash from The Mirage as a ransom for his daughter. The ransom was paid and they recovered Kevyn around midnight in an airport parking lot. Steve later learned that the assailants forced Kevyn into an
inappropriate photo shoot which they threatened to release publicly if there was an investigation into the crime. Steve was not a celebrity or even a CEO but he was critical enough to serve the purpose of the assailants.

Criticality and accessibility are not restricted to the physical security of people. They also apply to critical infrastructure and cyber security as well. Hiring a trained security professional to analyze and optimize the information that can be found on the open web is a necessity because the internet is the primary source of general information for criminals. For example, the children’s sports teams, game schedules, locations, and times can usually be found online. This information cannot always be restricted but having the awareness of its existence allows security teams to accurately assess the risk and reduce the impact of vulnerabilities. When analyzing the relationship between the two, it is important to recognize that risk lies where criticality and accessibility intersect. Although these two are truly relevant factors in assessing risk, they are not enough by themselves to properly identify and understand entire picture. The other elements of the CARVER model are also important for creating a comprehensive risk profile. I would recommend hiring an experienced, licensed, and reputable security company to perform an Executive Security Risk Assessment and explain the details of their findings.

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David Hobson, MBA is a project manager for LaSorsa and Associates, and former US Army Airborne Infantryman.

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1: Security personnel always want to be paid more but often don’t deserve the money they are being paid. They have no training, education or experience that would warrant additional compensation. They show up late, dressed inappropriately, can’t stay on post, can’t follow simple directions, complain, and genuinely do absolutely nothing and wonder why they aren’t making more money.

2: If you are so lazy that you can’t stay awake, alert and attentive to a small area for a 12 hour shift, you should look elsewhere for employment. This field simply isn’t for you. The bad news is if you can’t do something this simple, you probably can’t do much else either.

3: Your food/water/coffee and weather appropriate clothing are your responsibility. No one else’s. Come prepared or don’t come at all

4: Always have a flashlight. Period. Day or night. If you work in security you should have a flashlight with you.

5: Each job or detail is an interview for the next. Put your best foot forward, show up early, be dressed and ready to go and do what is asked of you. Failure to do any of that will likely result in your termination or you not being given more work in the future.

6: Sleeping while you are being paid to secure something or someone is never acceptable. If you can’t stay awake, why should you be paid?
For Training Courses see here: /training-courses/
7: If you can’t protect yourself, what makes you think you can protect others? Physical fitness and self protection training are minimum requirements for anyone working in security. If you don’t have either, you should reconsider your chosen profession.

8: Not every assignment is sexy. Not every assignment is fun. Being well rounded and able to handle various types of security assignments will only help you secure additional work and keep food on your table. Leave your ego at home. I’ve managed multi million $ security projects and I’ve stood guard in a parking lot. It’s all $ and it helps me pay my bills. No shame in working for less when the alternative is staying home and making nothing.

If you are new to the industry read and take note. If you are not new but think you know it all because you’ve been around 20+ years, read it twice.

Stay safe.

Adam Scholl is a former Law Enforcement Officer and Instructor with the United States Department of Defense. Adam has also worked extensively in the private security and close protection field for many years.
https://www.schollsecuritygroup.com/

Job Title: Residential Security Agent – Executive Protection – Full time – North Carolina

LaSorsa & Associates is pre-screening candidates for full time Residential Security Agents for a client in the Charlotte, NC area who will ensure the safety, security and reputation integrity of the client, client’s family, other designated individuals and company assets.

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CORE COMPETENCIES:

-Proficient in protective measures, surveillance, counter-surveillance & protective intelligence.
-Support the execution of proactive measures to ensure the security and safety of the client.
-Proactively prevent events that may have an impact on operations.
-Monitor, note, report, and investigate suspicious persons and situations, safety hazards, and
unusual activity.
-Competent and confident in dealing with Government and world leaders.
-Setup and execute basic security functions, i.e. perimeter and access control, identification
procedures, command post operations, secure assets/property and post standing duties.
-Prepare reports that detail incident findings.
-Collaborate with other agents and coordinate activities.
-Maintain relationships with local, state and federal law enforcement and other related
government agencies.
-Develop emergency procedures and incident responses.
-Follow Company, Contractor and Client SOP’s and directed orders.
-Proficient using, working with and researching open source and social media applications, platforms and technologies.
-Perform basic trend and pattern analysis and identify significant intelligence trends.
-Able to multitask, problem solve and respond effectively in dynamic situations.
-Computer skills including Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.
-Operational understanding of today’s technology across all platforms.
-Professional appearance with professional written and verbal communication skills.
-Customer service oriented.

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REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

-At least one year prior experience in HNW or executive security.
-Must have a high school diploma or GED.
-Must be at least 21 years of age.
-Must possess and maintain a valid U.S. driver’s license.
-Must have a reliable means of communication (i.e. smart phone w/ internet, email, etc.)
-Must have a reliable means of private transportation.
-No felony conviction; no misdemeanor convictions involving moral turpitude.
-Must maintain 100% compliance with all local laws and state licensing requirements.
-Must have the legal right to work in the United States and fluently speak, read, and write English. (ILR Level 4+ Full professional proficiency)

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PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

-2+ years experience in HNW/executive security.
-Training in executive protection, security driving and medical response. (training will also be provided)
-Law enforcement/military/EMS background.
-BS/BA or equivalent relevant experience in military or law enforcement.
-Foreign language skills.
-Already possess appropriate security licensing.
-Already possess CPR/FirstAid/AED Adult and Pediatric certification or above.
-ASIS CPP, PSP, PCI certifications.

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WORKING CONDITIONS:

-Working with or without reasonable accommodations.
-Requires the physical and mental capacity to perform effectively in all essential functions.
-Maintaining composure in dealing with authorities, executives, clients, staff, and the public occasionally under conditions of urgency and in pressure situations.
-Frequent sitting, standing and walking, which may be required for long periods of time, and may involve climbing stairs and walking up inclines and on uneven terrain.
-Occasional walking and reaching with hands and arms, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and crawling.
-Occasional lifting and moving approximately 10 pounds and occasionally up to 50+ pounds.
-Effective close and distance vision and ability to adjust focus.
-Computer usage and operating electronics.
-Rapid and effective decision-making during unusual or emergency situations.
-On occasion, may be required to perform stressful and physical activity.
-Work varied shifts, including weekends and holidays.
-Maintain flexible schedule and on-call hours as needed.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

——————————————

TERMS:
-Full time
-Compensation: $30/hr DOE
-Applicant must be willing to participate in a pre-employment screening process, including drug screening, background investigation, psychological evaluation, reference checks and signing of non-disclosure/confidentiality agreements.
-Relocation assistance/allowance will be offered for preferred candidates. Temporary local lodging will also be considered/offered to preferred candidates.

——————————————

HOW TO APPLY:

-ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS may email application form OR resume’ / CV with all applicable licenses/certifications and a full photo in professional attire to admin@Lasorsa.com addressed in reference to this posting.

*Position closes October 15th, 2020

Competitive candidates will be selected for interviews. Selections are based on a candidate’s academic achievement, relevant area of study, other applicable experiences, availability, and the needs of the organization.

LaSorsa & Associates is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy, age, disability, veteran status or any other protected factor under federal, state or local law.

Job Title: Protective Services Advisor – Executive Protection – Full time – North Carolina

LaSorsa & Associates is pre-screening candidates for a full time Protective Services Advisor position for a client in the Asheville, NC area who will ensure the safety, security and reputation integrity of the client, client’s family, other designated individuals and company assets.

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CORE COMPETENCIES:

-Proficient in advance operations, protective measures & protective intelligence.
-Coordinate movement and logistics to support the client’s itinerary.
-Support the execution of proactive measures to ensure the security and safety of the client.
-Proactively prevent events that may have an impact on operations.
-Monitor, note, report, and investigate suspicious persons and situations, safety hazards, and
unusual activity.
-Familiar with private aviation and airport security.
-Comfortable traveling and with a flexible schedule.
-Competent and confident in dealing with Government and world leaders.
-Setup and execute basic security functions, i.e. perimeter and access control, identification
procedures, command post operations, secure assets/property and post standing duties.
-Prepare reports that detail incident findings.
-Collaborate with other agents and coordinate activities.
-Maintain relationships with local, state and federal law enforcement and other related
government agencies.
-Develop emergency procedures and incident responses.
-Follow Company, Contractor and Client SOP’s and directed orders.
-Proficient using, working with and researching open source and social media applications, platforms and technologies.
-Perform basic trend and pattern analysis and identify significant intelligence trends.
-Able to multitask, problem solve and respond effectively in dynamic situations.
-Computer skills including Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.
-Operational understanding of today’s technology across all platforms.
-Professional appearance with professional written and verbal communication skills.
-Customer service oriented.

——————————————

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

-At least one year prior experience in HNW or executive security.
-Must have a high school diploma or GED.
-Must be at least 21 years of age.
-Must possess and maintain a valid U.S. driver’s license.
-Must have a reliable means of communication (i.e. smart phone w/ internet, email, etc.)
-Must have a reliable means of private transportation.
-No felony conviction; no misdemeanor convictions involving moral turpitude.
-Must maintain 100% compliance with all local laws and state licensing requirements.
-Must have the legal right to work in the United States and fluently speak, read, and write English. (ILR Level 4+ Full professional proficiency)

——————————————

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

-3+ years experience in HNW/executive security.
-Training in executive protection, security driving and medical response. (training will also be provided)
-Law enforcement/military/EMS background.
-BS/BA or equivalent relevant experience in military or law enforcement.
-Foreign language skills.
-Already possess appropriate security licensing.
-Already possess CPR/FirstAid/AED Adult and Pediatric certification or above.
-ASIS CPP, PSP, PCI certifications.

——————————————

WORKING CONDITIONS:

-Working with or without reasonable accommodations.
-Requires the physical and mental capacity to perform effectively in all essential functions.
-Maintaining composure in dealing with authorities, executives, clients, staff, and the public occasionally under conditions of urgency and in pressure situations.
-Frequent sitting, standing and walking, which may be required for long periods of time, and may involve climbing stairs and walking up inclines and on uneven terrain.
-Occasional walking and reaching with hands and arms, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and crawling.
-Occasional lifting and moving approximately 10 pounds and occasionally up to 50+ pounds.
-Effective close and distance vision and ability to adjust focus.
-Computer usage and operating electronics.
-Rapid and effective decision-making during unusual or emergency situations.
-On occasion, may be required to perform stressful and physical activity.
-Work varied shifts, including weekends and holidays.
-Maintain flexible schedule and on-call hours as needed.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

——————————————

TERMS:
-Full time
-Compensation: $30-35/hr – DOE
-Applicant must be willing to participate in a pre-employment screening process, including drug screening, background investigation, psychological evaluation, reference checks and signing of non-disclosure/confidentiality agreements.
-Relocation assistance/allowance will be offered for preferred candidates. Temporary local lodging will also be considered/offered to preferred candidates.

——————————————

HOW TO APPLY:

-ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS may email application form OR resume’ / CV with all applicable licenses/certifications and a full photo in professional attire to admin@Lasorsa.com addressed in reference to this posting.

*Position closes December 15th, 2018

Competitive candidates will be selected for interviews. Selections are based on a candidate’s academic achievement, relevant area of study, other applicable experiences, availability, and the needs of the organization.

LaSorsa & Associates is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy, age, disability, veteran status or any other protected factor under federal, state or local law.

On March 30, 1981 President Ronald Reagan delivered a luncheon address at the Washington Hilton Hotel. Reagan had entered the building through the secure, enclosed passageway called “President’s Walk” which was built after the JFK assassination. Later, Reagan exited the hotel through at the T Street exit toward his limo as Hinckley waited within the crowd of admirers. In contrast to the extensively screened attendees of the President’s speech, there was this unscreened group gathered behind makeshift rope line. Unknowingly, Reagan passed in front of Hinckley who had motivations to kill the President and in that moment believed he would never get a better chance. Hinckley fired and hit the president in the left underarm, the bullet lodging in his lung and stopping less than an inch from his heart.

Executive Protection Training

On the morning of September 5, 1975, Lynette Fromme put on a red dress covering a Colt .45 pistol in a leg holster and went to the California state capitol grounds where she could not get in because of the security measures in place, and instead waiting on the side walk as she had nothing better to do having been barred from the building, crushing her original plan. Unfortunately,  Ford crossed L Street into Capital Park and began shaking hands with people who had gathered in a crowd on the park’s pathway, including a woman in red. Once he approached, she drew her pistol, but lucky for Ford, she was unable to fire the weapon and was subsequently detained.

On a May 15, 1972, George Wallace was speaking before a friendly crowd of about 1,000 at a shopping center in Laurel, Md. Accustomed to hecklers and less-than friendly crowds, Wallace took advantage of this and left the podium behind a bulletproof shield, was greeted with cheers and enthusiastic clapping, rolled up his sleeves and began to shake hands with people. In that crowd was Arther Bremmer, who waited until Wallace got close, pulled a .38 revolver out of his pocket and fired five times, paralyzing Wallace and ending his career.

Not only does this exist with political figures or with intentional attacks, but embarrassing incidents, such as the Channel 4 entertainment show reporters who played a “light-hearted comedy prank” on whichever on celebrity would walk up to them to give an interview. In 2005, at the screening of War of the Worlds, it happened to be Tom Cruise who was squirted in the face with a water pistol. His reaction created a YouTube sensation.

Defensive & Evasive Driving Course

Perhaps one of the most rippling effects of chance was on June 28, 1914 in Sarajevo when six assassins had their plans foiled for various reasons, however the driver of Ferdinand’s vehicle was not informed about a route change, drastically changing the course of history. In this instance, once the driver was made aware of the change, it was only by chance that the efforts to push the vehicle backwards (the car lacked a reverse gear) and back onto the correct course would all take place just feet away from the corner where the failed assassin just happened to be at a delicatessen. Princip, in his undoubted astonishment, was then able to fatally wounded both the Archduke and his wife.

As we can see from these instances, based on our very existence and efforts to prevent mishaps and attacks, we will more likely be fighting out of an ambush if/when an attack does occur. Essentially it is the only option we leave ourselves as if any validated indication of an attack existed the only logical, professional recourse is to avoid the situation entirely. We leave the only option to be caught on the ‘X.’ Get trained, get equipped, have a plan.

Stay gray. – JML

Joseph M. LaSorsa, CPP® is currently a senior partner managing and conducting: Protective Operations Training Courses, Executive Protection & Bodyguard Services, Risk Management Consultations & Seminars, Security Expert Witness Testimony, Workplace Violence Prevention Seminars & Intervention Services, Security Consultations & Seminars, Private Investigations and Technical Surveillance Counter-Measures with LaSorsa & Associates – an International Protection, Investigations & Consulting Firm.

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If you’ve been following my articles, posts, or been to a course with me you’ve undoubtedly heard me reference ‘adapt it to your task, threat and environment.’ This is a mindset that goes beyond situational awareness, knowledge, or even foresight but rather a collection of them all into a cycle which must be constantly in rotation. The items listed are the most paramount on the task list of a security professional engaged in protective services. Of course, this is not an exhaustive list and must constantly be added to or modified based on circumstance. However, I would offer the opinion that the framework presented in this cycle will be the most effective given the core objectives of a security professional.

Similar to an OODA loop (Observe, Orient, Decide, Act) this cycle must be an ongoing mental process and is designed to keep your mind sharp with your head on a swivel, able to proactively decipher your task, threat and environment.

Task

The questions that must be answered here are rather simple, but the resultant decisions and activities derived from it are anything but easy. Here you must develop a mission statement for your assignment. The method I use is to create a modular mission statement by filling in the W’s:

‘when’ ‘what’ ‘who’ ‘where’ in order to ‘why’

For example: ‘From 1600-TBD transit Mr. Smith and entourage from LAX to HQ in order to provide secure transportation and close personal protection.‘ This is an crucial step as it defines your purpose and provides the base for all of your follow on decisions. *The order of first 4 W’s is not important and add details as required, such as # of people, vehicles, etc.

Threat

This part of the cycle has its own sub-cycle which includes “Intentional, Unintentional, Embarrassing.” Constantly cycle through the intentional attack vectors which may present themselves based on your threat profiles and region, the unintentional occurrences that may result in harm or other detrimental impact, and any embarrassing incidents that may potentially occur based on the profile of your principal, event, etc.

Environment

This step in the cycle also has its own sub-cycle which includes “Inner, Middle, Outer.” Constantly assess and maintain awareness of your environment, establishing perimeters which have escalating interventions and responses.

Understand the purpose of this mindset; that it should be a constant cycle and continuously adapting to your specific circumstances and requirements. This is the basic model that I use, based on my experiences, anyone else’s may differ based on their experiences. Use it as a framework or adjust it to a model that works for you. As always, this is just my opinion, which is hopefully worth more to you than what you’ve paid for it. Thanks for reading.

Stay calm, stay smart, stay safe. – JML

Photo Cred: Andrew Van Dyke – Protective Services Provider – New York, NY

Training Schedule & Registration

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Joseph M. LaSorsa, CPP® is currently employed as a senior partner managing and conducting: Protective Operations Training Courses, Executive Protection & Bodyguard Services, Risk Management Consultations & Seminars, Workplace Violence Prevention Seminars & Intervention Services, Security Consultations & Seminars, Private Investigations and Technical Surveillance Counter-Measures with LaSorsa & Associates – an International Protection, Investigations & Consulting Firm.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/josephmlasorsa

“Global Customized Private Security & Investigative Solutions”

Internationally providing executive protection, security driving services, private investigations, security consulting and technical surveillance counter measures to corporate executives, dignitaries, law firms, the public and VIP/celebrity clientele, LaSorsa & Associates develops a relationship throughout the organization to create a safe, secure and successful atmosphere to support the lifestyle of the client and enable the organization to accomplish their goals.

We accomplish this by providing world-class consulting, protective and investigative services that are dependable and customized to the needs of the client.

Click here or the image above for our
Protective Services Brochure

Internationally providing executive protection, bodyguards, security driving services, private investigations, security consulting & business intelligence and technical surveillance counter measures to corporate executives, dignitaries, law firms, law enforcement, the public, and VIP/celebrity clientele. Mr. LaSorsa, Sr. personally provides negligent security expert witness testimony and litigation support as it relates to security negligence and foreseeability issues. Operating out of our New York, Los Angeles, North Carolina and South Florida offices, services are provided on a national scale with international capability. LaSorsa & Associates also specializes in training and provides world class executive protection training programs, security consulting and maritime security training in open enrollment programs and privately scheduled courses – read our reviews and see why we are the most realistic, relevant and valuable training provider in the US.

Protective Services Packet

For Executive Protection Training see here

“Some insight as to working as a solo agent would be helpful.” – Art Dorst

Flow of Information One of the most important considerations in working ANY detail is the flow of information from client to agent. Especially situations while working alone, the most effective way of staying informed on the day to day schedule is to be added (as a read-only) to the client’s schedule, particularly the schedule his/her personal assistant (PA) manages for him/her. I have found this to be most effective as it does not require constant direct communication, such as text or calls with the PA, you are simply alerted to any changes. If the schedule is modified with location detail, a tap could even begin turn-by-turn directions, for example.

“Not sure if you have written about this in the past but I have been giving some thought to the importance of EP agents forming relationships with the personal assistant of the principal. They are generally a wealth of knowledge and can give clear insight into the likes and more importantly dislikes of the person being protected. Relationships and learning how to navigate them is critically important and perhaps a topic worth talking about on one of the many forums.” – Shawn Chuipek

Regardless of who you have to talk to for information, establish a seamless, effortless and preferably redundant method of getting the information you need in order to enable your functions, such as advance coordination and route planning, etc.

Use of Technology Whenever Possible

Technology must be utilized in order to fill the gaps in the functions you cannot perform while working alone. The most common use of technology I find myself relying on is the use of Google Maps. For example, if the client’s schedule changes abruptly…or the client wants a coffee all of the sudden…I can quickly and easily obtain situational awareness of the site through my mobile device. Below are some images of a location I briefed in a similar discussion in our recent 7 Day Executive Protection Training Program in Miami. In this discussion during our practical application exercise, I (as the principal) became compulsive and wanted a Dunkin Donuts coffee. The students were left scrambling to find a location and perform their subsequent functions and gather site intel. As I demonstrated in the class, this can quickly be done through apps such as Google Maps and Sygic GPS Navigation (which uses Google Maps imagery in addition to their proprietary maps) – you can dictate in what you are looking for and you get a street-view, aerial map view and directions (with multiple options in most cases.)

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The street-view is very effective when determining suitability (if it is a nice enough place where your client would want to go) and also considerations for drop-off/pick-up and parking.

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Additionally, you can consider secondary drop-off/pick-up points, etc.

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The aerial map view offers surrounding situational awareness, which enables multiple ingress/egress avenues, delay routes, easy access from a side street versus main street access, as well as catching features and guiding features to ensure your guidance. The additional information you get from searching a location on Google Maps is also useful – such as a contact phone number (to see if they have your principal’s favorite coffee available or to make a connection with on-site security, etc.), store hours, sharing capability, etc.

Mindset The mindset of a solo protector is probably one of the most important factors which enables effective protection. Especially when working alone, the protector must stay two steps ahead mentally, anticipating events and prioritizing tasks by importance and their potentiality of occurrence. The solo protector accomplishes this task by leveraging technology as discussed but also on site personnel. One of the largest learning points for our students is this – in most locations, there are responsible individuals who have a vested interest in the security and safety of your principal, and this can be leveraged.

“I am responsible for all coordination and advance work and as a law enforcement officer I have little to no issues at all when it comes to getting support and coordinating with local police departments, event managers, hotel managers and etc. In the private industry does it get more complicated when it comes to conducting the advance and setting up arrivals and departures, securing vehicle staging areas, and getting “special” treatment from hotels and event venues, or does it all depend on the client?” – Michael Scott Romney

Leverage Motivations to Elicit Support

For example, a security director at a hotel must ensure the safety and security of his patrons, so how can you utilize or leverage this? Individuals are either risk or reward motivated. Contact the security manager/director and have a brief discussion, identifying early on if they are mature and competent enough to handle the information and tasks you are about to present as well as get a feel for his motivation – does he want to help to be potentially rewarded (a tip or perhaps a good word into his boss, etc.) or is he motivated by risk (he wants to help so he doesn’t get in trouble or perhaps his hotel gets a bad reputation for celebrities being glitter bombed, etc.) Figure out their motivation and leverage it with your request, wording your tasking statement in a way that will invoke the most participation possible.

For those interested in training opportunities specialized for solo practitioners, consider VDI’s Best Practices for the Solo Practitioner

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Joseph M. LaSorsa, CPP® is currently employed as a senior partner managing and conducting: Protective Operations Training Courses, Executive Protection & Bodyguard Services, Risk Management Consultations & Seminars, Workplace Violence Prevention Seminars & Intervention Services, Security Consultations & Seminars, Private Investigations and Technical Surveillance Counter-Measures with LaSorsa & Associates – an International Protection, Investigations & Consulting Firm.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/josephmlasorsa

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