Executive Protection

static security
January 4, 2021
Corporate SecurityResidential SecurityPrivate SecurityExecutive Protection

Duties of a Static Security Detail

Static Security Detail

“Static security detail” is exactly what it sounds like – security personnel stationed at one point. This may involve manning the access points to a residential or business premise, guarding valuables and equipment against theft or loss, providing security at an event, or even personal protection. The bottom line is – it requires the security operative to be onsite.

The main thing you need to consider when it comes to choosing the best static security services is that the personnel you get are appropriate for the situation. This may involve ensuring that they have the right personality, skillset, or level of training required for your specific needs.

So, what can a static security operator do for you? Here’s everything you need to know about this capability and when you may need it.

High Threat Static Security

There are generally two kinds of static security officers: Unarmed security personnel vs. armed security operatives. The latter are generally deployed to man the homes and business premises of Ultra High Net-Worth Individuals (UHNWI), as well as high-profile persons like senior corporate executives, celebrities, politicians, judges, etc.

They are also deployed in high-threat regions and hostile locations and usually have extensive military experience. Some of their attributes include:

  • Alertness – They are extremely observant, highly vigilant, always aware of their surroundings, and generally avoid distractions
  • Excellent communication skills – They express themselves in a clear, courteous way and can accurately document any security incidents
  • Exceptional physical fitness – They usually exercise regularly to remain in a healthy weight range to be able to perform their duties optimally
  • High integrity – They don’t engage in dishonest activities that may put the security of the premises where they are stationed at risk
  • Outstanding weapon qualifications – They maintain a high level of dynamic marksmanship capabilities
  • Professional – They exhibit high standards of professionalism both on and off-duty

Roles of a Static Security Detail

Although the term “static” security implies that the operator should be rooted to one point, that’s not exactly the case. Among their primary roles is to conduct frequent and thorough patrols of the area they are manning to check for suspicious activity and signs of a breach.

This means actively looking for burglars, intruders, thieves, and any sign of forced entry. Anything that looks out of place should immediately be flagged as a cause for concern. Most people aren’t aware of all the other aspects of a static security operator’s job. Some of these include:

  • Identifying offenses and taking the necessary steps to prevent them or minimize their impact
  • Keeping your property safe from damage stemming from fires, floods, or any other catastrophe
  • Minimizing or preventing wastage of resources
  • Preventing accidents from happening

As they conduct their regular patrols, static security guards don’t typically stick to a schedule. They may also switch up their routes to add an element of surprise if an incident was to happen.

If something out of the ordinary occurs, they ensure that they log it in their incident book designated for recording such events.

Duties of a Static Security Detail

The specific duties of a static security operator vary depending on the size of the site, what it is used for, the number of people present, whether they’re operating in a hostile or non-hostile environment, among others.

That being said, here’s a list of the duties a static security operator is expected to perform:

  • Maintain facility or residential security by conducting routine checks on the property from time to time
  • Provide protection of personnel within the residence or facility
  • Prevent the entry of unauthorized people into restricted areas
  • Prevent the theft of property
  • Ensure that the site is secure by checking that all entry and exit points, including windows, are locked, that the alarm system is enabled, and that safety equipment like fire extinguishers are in good working order
  • Monitor the premises using closed-circuit TV (CCTV) cameras and look out for any unusual or suspicious activity
  • Open the main gate to allow authorized vehicles to enter and exit the premises
  • Maintain building security by checking visitors’ ID and logging them into the visitor’s database
  • Include details like their name, the entry and exit time of each individual, and the purpose of their visit
  • Ensure that the person the visitors have come to see confirms that they were expecting them before authorizing their entry into the building

Protect Your Assets

Although static security officers are supposed to protect a property from intruders, they do so much more than that. They are a great asset to have to ensure that your assets, valuables and person remain protected at all times.

For more information on overt or covert protection at your residence or business premises, with a Hyperion Security Advisor for a free consultation.

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advance operations
December 7, 2020
Private SecurityCorporate SecurityTransport SecurityExecutive Protection

Duties of an Advance Team / Operator

Anytime you have a high-profile executive or Ultra-High Net-Worth Individual (UHNWI) venturing into dangerous or foreign territory, a team of security professionals needs to scout and secure the area in advance. This security advance team precedes the principal to all the locations and venues listed on their itinerary.

Although this is done as-needed, it is not unusual for some executives to have advance operations done daily, both when they’re in and out of the country. This is especially true for those that face a higher-than-average level of risk exposure.

What exactly is an advance team, and what are their specific duties? Here’s everything you need to know.

What is an Advance Team

An advance team is a group of security personnel who operate on an as-needed basis to precede the principal to all venues and locations on their itinerary. It doesn’t matter if the principal is on a multi-nation tour, going for a weekend hike in the mountains, or simply going to the office in the morning.

An advance operator is responsible for going ahead of them, making the necessary arrangements for when they arrive, and establishing all the required security cordons. The work that goes into preceding the principal while on a multi-nation tour versus what when they’re going to work every morning is worlds apart.

As a rule of thumb, advance agents should visit the sites on the itinerary at least twice before the principal’s arrival. The first time is to survey the site to determine the conditions they’ll be working in and develop plans and procedures to be used during the principal’s visit. The second visit is to set up the necessary security cordons, as well as execute any other security-related tasks that may be required.

The advance team needs to remain on-site for the duration of the principal’s visit until the Detail Leader releases them once certain predetermined conditions have been met.

Presidential Advance Team

This is made up of the secret service and is by far the most expensive, complex, and thorough advance team in the world. The secret service advance team takes care of all aspects of the presidential movement, including security and logistics for his motorcade, and protecting him from the 500+ death threats he receives every month.

Duties of an Advance Team

This section explores the key duties and responsibilities of advance agents.

Conduct All Security Liaison and Coordination

An advance team operator is responsible for getting in touch with all the pertinent points-of-contact (POC) listed on the itinerary or as indicated by the principal’s staff. They have to get in touch with all the required security liaisons and coordinating staff for the respective agencies.

POCs may include civilian agencies directly involved in the security function, intelligence agencies, or various law enforcement entities. They provide valuable information on specific itinerary sites.

Additionally, advance team operators also liaise with the host of the event, the staff, and other POCs that will interact directly with the principal at the location. This is important to gather all the necessary information about the visit.

Conduct Site Surveys at All the Locations

Advance agents usually carry out site surveys to analyze the venue. They check for things like:

  • Potential safe havens
  • The existing security measures
  • The location of the bathrooms
  • The physical layout of the premises
  • The presence and location of phone lines that can be used by both the principal, as well as protective agents
  • The resources required to establish sufficient levels of security during the visit
  • Location of entrances and exits

This information allows the advance team operator to come with an implementable plan.

Assess the Man-Power Requirements

The duration of the visit and its complexity will determine how the advance team will be constituted. A low-profile event in an environment with little to no threat can operate effectively with a two-person advance team, which happens to be the absolute minimum number of agents any advance team can have.

This allows the workload to be shared, and the overall functions of the team can be expedited. If a high-profile individual is venturing into a high-risk area, they will need a bigger team.

If the mission is a complex one, multiple two-person advance teams may need to be deployed. If a principal’s resources allow, you can never have too many advance team operators.

Identify Threats and Countermeasures

Advance agents thoroughly scout a location and identify potential ambush locations, chokepoints, approach routes, and any other problem areas. They also identify and execute the most appropriate countermeasures to deter those threats.

If an itinerary has several sites to cover within a short period, multiple advance teams can be deployed to conduct a site survey, risk assessment and come up with a series of countermeasures for each location. The same applies to a multi-nation trip.

Develop a Comprehensive Checklist of Things the Principal Will Need

Checklists ensure that advance operators don’t forget pertinent information they gathered during the advance visit. This is especially important for missions where the principal plans to stay overnight, has a public speaking engagement, needs to coordinate flight arrival and departure, or takes part in any other activity.

An advance agent also has to make sure they have all the necessary information on the principal’s preferences and any special requirements they may have. For instance, do they need to avoid microwave ovens because of their pacemaker? Do they need specialized equipment like a heart defibrillator or oxygen tank? This information would need to be on the checklist.

Get a Security Assessment

Operating without an advance team means leaving everything to fate, hoping that everything pans out as it should. An advance agent is the “insurance” and “assurance” you need to rest easy knowing that the location you visit will be safe, secure, and tailored to your needs long before you get there.

to evaluate your advance team needs or help you determine your overall security requirements.

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kidnap prevention
December 7, 2020
Executive ProtectionCorporate SecurityPrivate Security

What Are Kidnap Prevention Security Operations?

What are Kidnap Prevention Security Operations

On January 10, 2003, Eddie Lampert, the Sears CEO at the time, was seized by four young men in his Connecticut office garage and held over a long weekend. After negotiating and agreeing to pay a $5 million ransom, Lampert was somehow able to convince his captors to set him free after promising to send them the money. He then went to a nearby police station to file a report, and the criminals were arrested shortly after.

However, not all kidnap-for-ransom stories have a happy ending, like in Lampert’s case. On the morning of April 29, 1992, top Exxon International executive Sidney Reso was driving to his mailbox to grab his newspaper like he did every morning. However, on this particular day, he was ambushed by a husband and wife criminal team and bundled into a waiting van.

When he tried to resist, they shot him in the arm. The kidnappers then proceeded to tie him up before leaving him gagged in a box located inside a self-storage facility, where he died four days later. They had initially demanded $18.5 million in ransom money but never showed up to pick up the cash.

These are just two examples of why executive protection services have become a must-have for both high-profile individuals and Ultra High Net-Worth Individuals (UHNWI). Here’s everything you need to know about kidnap prevention operations.

Types of Kidnapping

Kidnapping methods have evolved beyond the traditional “snatch and demand” technique. Kidnappers would take custody of the victim, hold them hostage, and proceed to demand a ransom from their employer or family members in exchange for their release.

Although the method is still largely in use today, the kidnapping techniques adopted by kidnappers vary depending on their motivation. Below are examples of other forms of kidnapping commonly seen in different parts of the world.

Proxy Bombings / Tiger Kidnapping

Unlike kidnapping for ransom, the criminals coerce the hostage or, in some instances, their close associates into performing a specific action for them. It could range from unlocking the office after hours so that the kidnappers can gain access into the office, opening the vault of the bank where the victim works, stealing money and other valuables, or even planting and/or detonating a bomb.

Express Kidnapping

This is typically a short-term ordeal where the criminal threatens the victim, takes them to an ATM, and forces them to withdraw the maximum allowed amount before setting them free. Occasionally, they may hold the victim until past midnight for them to withdraw a second day’s worth of cash before releasing them.

Political / Ideological Kidnapping

This is arguably the most dangerous form of kidnapping due to the wide range of groups and motives involved. Criminals target victims based on the political or ideological impact they have.

For instance, it could be to negotiate the withdrawal of security forces from an area or swap them for prisoners they want to be released. Ultimately, the fate of the hostage rests on the ability of the negotiators, mediators, and the hostage’s government to reach an amicable agreement.

This form of kidnapping is common in regions where insurgents hostile to the victim’s government have influence. Examples include some regions in the Middle East, East and Central Asia, and parts of Latin America.

Virtual Kidnapping

This type of crime is different from the rest in that it doesn’t involve taking physical custody of the victim. Instead, it has all the makings of a scam. Here’s how it works.

The criminal calls the target’s family members, employer, or close associates, claiming to have the target in their custody. They may even have an accomplice pretending to be the hostage crying for help in the background.

The criminals then demand a “reasonable” amount of money in exchange for the victim’s release once they confirm receipt. They keep the amount small to increase the chances of getting a quick payout.

Virtual kidnappers often gather information on the target through covert surveillance or social media. They tend to target individuals who are usually away for long periods working, studying, or traveling abroad.

Ways to Prevent Kidnapping

There are several preventative measures companies can take to reduce the kidnapping risk of their executives. Here are the top ones.

Establish a Solid Counter Surveillance Program

While kidnappings may look random, they are anything but. They are always preceded by a planning stage.

A counter-surveillance program may involve a covert team that conducts regular surveillance of the business premises, residence, or any other location, to keep tabs on any individual watching the target. That way, security operatives have a better shot at detecting, intervening, and neutralizing a threat before it materializes.

Install a GPS Tracker

Companies need to make use of technology that’s capable of transmitting and receiving GPS signals from emergency transmitters or cell phones. Even if the device is taken from the victim, it will still go a long way in helping security agencies track down the victims.

This is especially important for executives working in regions that have reported a high kidnapping risk for foreigners. The US State Department introduced a K risk indicator to allow individuals to assess the kidnapping risk by country, to take the necessary precautions when traveling to those regions.

Train Employees

As pointed out before, kidnappings are not random. They are usually planned. What kidnappers often fail to take into account is any drastic action taken by the victim to thwart the abduction attempt.

For instance, when a kidnap occurs, the criminals often threaten the victims to force them into a nearby car. Terrifying as this may be, it is more beneficial to train employees on how to escape a kidnapping attempt while it is happening than to show them how to escape once they’re incarcerated.

Consider Families Too

Potential threats and vulnerabilities don’t stop at the executives. Their families are prime targets as well. Get kidnapping prevention devices for kids like silicone wristbands with a panic button to communicate in emergencies.

You can also get them pull-pin alarms that can set off a 130dB siren, which can be heard up to 1,000 feet away. It also helps to train the household staff on basic counter-surveillance skills.

Better Safe Than Sorry

While assessing an organization’s risk for a potential executive kidnapping involves many moving parts, several preventative measures can be taken to minimize the risk. One foolproof way would be to retain a private security firm that offers highly-specialized executive kidnap prevention services.

If you have any questions about the kidnapping threat in your organization, with a Hyperion Security Advisor and request a free consultation.

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executive protection agent
December 7, 2020
Corporate SecurityResidential SecurityTransport SecurityPrivate SecurityExecutive Protection

Duties of an Executive Protection Agent

Duties of Executive Protection Agents

Executive protection services refer to the series of security measures taken to protect executives, celebrities, politicians, and any other high-profile VIPs. More and more Fortune 500 firms are enlisting the help of executive protection companies and taking proactive steps to protect their top executives and staff from the full spectrum of vulnerabilities and threat exposure they face daily.

They do this to mitigate the potential losses and damages the corporation would suffer if these threats breached those vulnerabilities. The duties of an executive protection agent aren’t just limited to protecting those at the top of the food chain.

A pipeline technician traveling to the insurgent-riddled Middle East is just as exposed as a high-profile CEO speaking at a public event in LA. Executive protection agent duties extend to both these company employees. Here’s a breakdown of their responsibilities.

Surveillance

Protective surveillance is usually part of every executive protection package. It involves providing protection, continuous risk assessment, and on-going intelligence through physical and electronic means. It is preferred where normal executive protection might be seen as intrusive, sensitive, or inappropriate.

Executive protection agents offer protective surveillance to high net-worth individuals, their children, and their families, as well as in stalking cases. It allows the target to go about their daily routine without obstructive protection, but with the peace of mind that there’s a team of highly-trained security personnel watching over them, ready to provide an immediate response if anything threatens their safety.

Executive protection agents deploy military-grade satellite tracking equipment alongside covert video and audio surveillance to ensure the individual is safe at all times.

Counter Surveillance

Business executives of medium to large-scale companies across several different industries now face a higher risk of becoming victims of targeted attacks. An executive protection agent is trained to purposefully detect and identify any hostile surveillance on them or their family in public places, their residence, and their business premises.

If they find that there is indeed hostile surveillance on the person, a covert surveillance team is deployed to investigate the malicious element. The purpose of this is to gather intelligence on who is watching you, find out what their motives could be, and thwart a possible attack.

Kidnap Prevention

Executive protection agents offer close protection services to Ultra-High Net-Worth Individuals (UHNWI) exposed to kidnapping threats. UHNWI security is ideal for both the principal and their family members.

This security detail is well-versed in the local cultures of kidnapping hotspots like the Middle East, Asia, Africa, Eastern Europe, and South America. They are also fluent in the relevant languages to guarantee fluid communication when dealing with any incident.

They don’t just know how to prevent a kidnap from happening, but also have hands-on experience with hostage rescue operations in hostile environments.

Security Transport Services

One of the biggest challenges executives face when traveling abroad is finding a reliable chauffeur and a safe vehicle. Most EP packages come with a security driver that is highly skilled in defensive driving tactics to ensure that you are safe on the road during your travels.

They are trained in surveillance detection, medical trauma, and close protection to enhance your safety on the road and keep you secure while in transit. This is especially important for employees working in high-threat areas. Some additional duties of an executive driver include meticulous planning and conducting regular risk assessments of routes they frequently use.

FBO Services

Fixed-Base Operators (FBOs) are the on-ground liaison for transient aircraft. They act as short-term “landlords” for planes that don’t have their own hangers to operate in.

Executive protection companies offer FBO security services to business aircraft. They ensure that the gates to the FBOs are manned at all times and that the lobbies are monitored by surveillance cameras 24/7.

An executive protection agent at an FBO is charged with enforcing a host of security measures to ensure that:

  • Passengers and their personal effects are safe
  • Unusual and suspicious individuals lurking in the premises are identified
  • Emergency procedures to handle the media, threats, and any security-related incidents are dealt with appropriately

They also control access to the facility by keeping a log of people who access the hanger and ensuring that all visitors or passengers pass through the FBO terminal.

Advance Operations

Advance work plays a major role in conducting effective executive protection. Advance team agents precede the principal to all the locations listed on their itinerary. This allows them to make the necessary arrangements and set up security cordons to safeguard their safety.

Their duties may range from preceding them on a multi-nation or international trip to getting to their business premises every morning before they do. An advance team agent is also responsible for getting in touch with all the points-of-contact listed on the itinerary, which may include various security, intelligence, and law enforcement agencies. They check for:

  • Locations that can be used as safe havens
  • The state of the current security measures
  • The physical layout of the venue
  • The location of the entrances and exits
  • The resources required to establish adequate security levels

Female Executive Protection

Although executive protection is predominantly a male-dominated profession, some individuals prefer to have female protection agents instead. For starters, they attract less attention since they very rarely match their male counterparts’ size and physique.

They also offer a different approach to the demands of the profession. A female agent may not pose an immediate physical threat to an attacker. Therefore, they are more likely to convince the assailants not to use the same level of force as they would when faced with a male agent.

There’s also the fact that certain cultures and religions prefer that women and children don’t spend time with men outside their family. Nonetheless, female agents are just as qualified and capable as their male counterparts to keep you and your family safe from malicious threats.

Your Wellbeing Is Your Greatest Asset

Although the specific duties of executive protection agents are diverse, they all share a common denominator – protecting you and your loved ones. They provide full-spectrum security both when you’re in the country and when you venture to high-threat zones outside the US borders.

All agents have a military or law enforcement background, so they know to respond to any threat or security incident that arises.

with a Hyperion security advisor for more information on Executive Protection services.

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