Protective Services

Part I

Chapter 11 Prominent Points:

The main points of understanding ambushes are as following: recognizing the elements of an ambush, which factors affect perception, preparation for an attack, and how an ambusher will attack. It is important to know, not only how to prepare yourself, but how an enemy is going to prepare as well. An ambush is a “violent and sudden attack” (June, p. 218, 2008) and there can be a verbal as well as a physical confrontation. It is noted that one potential setback is the body’s natural freeze response, but even though, professionals are prepared to deal with these sudden attacks. Protective agents will meet the attack “in the earliest steps and implement plans to get its principal (victim) and to harden the target against attack” (June, p. 221, 2008). Because of how quick these attacks can be tuning perception is very important. These factors are experience, education and training, bias and prejudice, pain or the physical state of the observer. Lastly, know the enemy: the indicators of a pending ambush attack. Knowledge of the signs of an attack, as well as those skills necessary to combat the attack, are a part of the framework that comes together to create experience in the situation. A protective agent should be prepared for any sudden violent attack on those whom they are protecting. Defensive driving and actions, though not minutely detailed, can be ramming (driving around or ramming), turning (so the attacker cannot follow), and positioning (blocking the car) are only a few suggestions from Dale June (p. 227, 2008). The protective agent must be ready for anything as far as an attack, and they will be trained annually on how well to deal with such attacks as an ambush.

Chapter 18 (329): Terrorism – Main Points:

Terrorism can be defined as “a violent (criminal) act usually committed for political or religious purposes with the intent to spread fear and intimidation to the noninvolved citizenry” (June, p. 333, 2008). It has been around for a long time, although one does not have to look back too far in order to see an example of Terrorism. A powerful example is the Klu Klux Klan, and the burning of the cross and committing murder in the name of racial segregation is a dark part of the very recent past. Another example is the religious suicide bomber that has appeared since 9/11. Suicide bombers are a new form of stealth weapon that has been introduced in recent years. In general, bombs, guns, and assassinations are the biggest telling of a terrorist attack but the bomb is popular because it is cheapest. Terrorism is meant to be very dramatic, and is meant to send a message to citizens and politicians; there are three characteristics: a violent act that is performed without remorse with the intention to spread fear. In studying what terrorism is, it is vital to know who a terrorist may be: “socially aloof… radical essence… the individual feels obligated to participate in terrorist activity out of loyalty to the group” (June, p. 338, 2008). It is almost as if this person is in a cult, and the individual is convinced to commit violent acts in the name of a cause that they may or may not truly believe in. It is also important to monitor how these acts are committed: bombs, guns, kidnappings, assassinations.

Part II

Chapter 15 (282): Codes to Live By – Main Points:

There is a code of ethics to live by within the field of Executive Protection. Ethics can be defined as the “moral expression of integrity, trustworthiness, empathy, and understanding,” and means “decision-making for the greater good of the individual, society, and mankind” (June, p. 283, 2008). These codes help us continue to strive for what we want to be and should play along with the flow of our conscience. Protection agents should all adhere to a strict code of ethics, as well as the codes and laws that are set down by the government and law enforcement. Included is the Personal Protection Specialist’s Code of Ethics, and these are all very important. Courage, honor, compassion, sincerity, duty, and loyalty are all a part of this code. Most of these traits are simple because they are things that a person should have: honesty, a dedication to duty, and the constant need to do the right thing for those who may need it. It is also important to remember the Law Enforcement Code of Ethics. “This code, while directed to the law enforcement officer, is also highly relevant to the modern protection agent who embodies traits of honesty, trustworthiness, integrity, fairness, tolerance, empathy, respect, responsibility, loyalty, accountability, and self-control (self-discipline)” (June, p. 292, 2008). Both codes are relevant to the profession, and all traits included are a second-nature for the protection agent. The code of ethics that this professional swears by affecting how they live, and how they handle their job and duties.

Chapter 19 (354): Kidnapping and Bombs – Main Points:

Primarily, bombs and kidnapping are two aspects of protection that are of particular and necessary importance. Both of these threats can pass through unnoticed and the procedures to be made against these threats are vital to the experience of a protection agent. Kidnapping is the “physical taking of a person by force, fear, or fraud to a hidden place” (June, p. 354, 2008) and they are typically done to incur a large amount of money or a powerful decision. “Most kidnappings have occurred on public streets within 3.5 miles of the victim’s home” (June, p. 354, 2008). If the protectee is young, wealthy, or of some importance to a company or in politics, the agent must be continually weary because these people are at a higher risk. The establishment of a kidnapping and extortion policy is very important for someone who may be in danger of this event. Kidnappers may be criminals, politically driven, or simply mentally ill. The protective agent may also be involved in hostage or kidnapping negotiations, and this is often the case if there is a criminal kidnapper. Many of them simply want money. Bombs are also a major issue, and they can be disguised as anything: a pack of cigarettes, a bottle of soda. Homemade bombs are dangerous, like any other bomb, but it is the bomb delivery that can really cause harm. “Most commonly. One or more perpetrators gain access to the area by posing as maintenance personnel, vendors, clients…. hand delivered by the bomber” (June, p. 358, 2008). Bombs are also delivered by vehicle, and for the protection agent, it is crucial that, in this situation, they remember exact details about said vehicle. Crisis management means the agent, the protectee, and all employees being educated on the procedure, and “a planned, efficient respond to any event that may significantly disrupt corporate operations” (June, p. 368. 2008). The agent is not necessarily the crisis management team but should be educated as such. He is not just a prevention tool, but a protective tool when these dangerous events take place.

Reference

June, D. (2008). Introduction to Executive Protection, 2nd Ed. CRC Press.