4 things you must know to prevail:
Dave Spaulding | From the January 2011 Issue | Wednesday, January 12, 2011
I’ve discussed the combative mind and how to achieve it in columns past. This
topic usually generates positive comments from the readers of Law Officer, and
it should. After all, the history of armed conflict has proved prevailing in a
gun fight is 10% technique and 90% attitude. The truth is, no matter how
prepared you may be physically, if you’re not prepared mentally and are unaware
of an attack before it happens, then you probably won’t be an active participant
in your own rescue.
This is never more apparent than when an officer is off-duty. It’s important to
think about off-duty confrontations and consider several important points before
something happens. Why? To answer this question, consider the dynamics of the
off-duty confrontation. You’re all alone with no available back-up, no radio
communication, no “batman belt” filled with gear, no shotgun or carbine, no
support equipment—at all.
Expect the unexpected! Select off-duty gear carefully and then carry it in the
same place all the time. Photos Dave Spaulding
You can never get enough trigger time. Practice as if your life depends on it
because it does. Also, practice in a manner that is as realistic as possible.
Photos Dave Spaulding
Many officers don’t carry a gun off-duty. One young officer told me that not
only did he not carry an off-duty gun, he didn’t even own one. “When I’m off,
I’m off. I’m not a cop on my own time,” he said. Many officers misunderstand the
primary reason for an off-duty weapon: It’s to protect you and yours from the
type of offenders you deal with while on the job.
FEATURED IN TACTICS AND WEAPONS
Off-Duty Considerations
Cover Officer Tactics
Improving the Concealed Carry Law
Concealed Carry
Ready & Willing
How many people have you arrested during your police career? Hundreds?
Thousands? You have no idea? OK, how many of them do you remember? Do you think
they might remember you? What about the circumstances of the arrest? Did you
embarrass them in front of their family, friends or peers on the street? Do you
think that such a situation could create a bit of animosity toward you? Let me
give you a bit of harsh reality: You can count on it!
Specialty Vehicles
The Off-Duty Triad
Let’s ponder a few important points and give them due consideration.
Have You Prepped Your Family?
Years ago, I took my young family on vacation in North Carolina. The Community
Protection Act (House Bill 218) didn’t exist then so I was carrying my concealed
handgun illegally in the state at the time. I’m not proud of it, and it caused
me some personal angst. But I also realized that bad things happen to good
people in nice places, so I chose to carry while I was there. In the end, I was
glad I went “healed” because I ran into a felon from my area.
While in a roadside store, I was approached by a subject who remembered me from
my time at the jail. He said he’d “been in county when you were working there”
and made a comment about it being a “small world.” He then said, “You know
you’re in North Carolina. You’re not a cop down here—no gun or badge. If I want
to take you on, I could.”
I turned, moved my hand near my holstered sidearm and said, “I might not be a
cop down here, but who says I don’t have a gun!” He paused and looked at me for
a few seconds before walking away without further comment. The rest of my
vacation I was looking over my shoulder whenever I took my family out anywhere.
The truth is, you can run into these types of people wherever you go. What will
you do if you’re not armed? Who’s likely to be with you when such a
confrontation starts? In my case, I was fortunate that my family was safe inside
the car. Will your wife and children be standing between you and the threat when
it unexpectedly comes your way? Using cover is the primary tactic when rounds
are inbound. Can you quickly find cover and get you and your family behind it?
Talk to your family about this beforehand and instruct them about what to do.
Bottom line: You’ll be at a serious tactical disadvantage if you don’t.
To Engage or Disengage?
At what point do you draw your gun and take action or just get away? To me, the
hierarchy of threat management is avoid, evade and counter—in that order.
Anytime you can get away—even if it threatens your “take action” cop image—you
should do so. Your family is too important to gamble their lives. There have
been instances where innocent people, including children, have been killed
because off-duty cops have taken action when it might not have been necessary.
“But I could stop a crime,” you might protest.
Crimes occur all the time and are usually solved because someone was a good
witness. If lives aren’t directly threatened, being a trained witness and not
drawing attention to yourself and your family is wise. Engagement should be
reserved for those situations in which you’ve decided ahead of time are worth
the risk of injury or death, and these should be few. Your own safety and the
safety of your family and the general public should be your primary
consideration, not stopping a crime in progress.
In addition, consider whether your agency will back your actions. I think it’s
safe to say that a lawsuit will accompany almost any gunfight. Will your agency
represent you or throw you under the bus? There are things worth fighting, dying
and being sued over. You just need to consider what these are beforehand.
When Carrying Off-Duty
1. Talk to your family beforehand and instruct them what to do.
2. Know the hierarchy of threat management: avoid, evade and counter—in that
order.
3. Understand that trouble can come your way anytime, at any place.
4. Carry your gun in the same place—at all times. Also, carry back-up ammo and a
compact
white light.
Do You Have the Necessary Mindset?
The word mindset is defined as a set path based on a previous decision, a
previous decision based on reason and intellect. A previous decision is
something you have thought about and acted on beforehand. Working to deal with
something before it happens is the secret to preparing for the off-duty
confrontation. It starts with an understanding that trouble can come your way
anytime, at any place. It’s the same as the armed citizen who chooses to get a
CCW permit because they want to be prepared if trouble arrives. Do you carry a
spare tire in your car? Do you have health insurance? How about a first-aid kit
and fire extinguisher in your home? An alarm system? You buy these things hoping
you will never need them, but if you do, they’re there. The off-duty gun and
mindset that must accompany it is the same thing—but with even greater
importance. Your ability to see and act will be divided between the threat and
those whom you’re protecting (i.e., your family).
If you think engaging in gunplay is tough, divide your ability to concentrate
between the threat and the people you love. With all due respect to those who
think the OODA Loop means you will smoothly go from Observation to Orientation
to Decision to Action—think again. Orientation is a complicated process that
includes personal biases, cultural heritage, constant incoming information and a
continually unfolding situation—all of which can create serious confusion and
hesitation. If you must take time to orient yourself to what’s happening, you
might not end up being a participant in the fight. You’ll be the victim of a
crime instead.
Do You Have the Gear You Need to Prevail?
What gun should I carry? How about your service pistol? This is the gun you’ve
trained with most. You’ve probably trained with it in reduced light and bad
weather. It will likely be the gun you’ll shoot best. Getting a quality
concealment holster isn’t the problem. The problem will be choosing the one that
will serve you best. I would suggest you mount the gun/holster on the strong
side at belt level similar to duty carry. If that gun is just too big, how about
a compact version of the same gun? (See Chris Boyd’s take on this topic on p.
40.)
When I was carrying a Smith & Wesson, my off-duty gun was the trimmer 3913. It
had the manual of arms but was trimmer, lighter and easier to carry. I felt very
confident in my ability to use it. Remember: Confidence in one’s skill is the
biggest factor in overcoming fear. How about spare ammunition and a compact
flashlight? No one ever wants to think they’ll miss, but history has shown that,
in the pandemonium of a fight, we miss more than we hit. You can never have too
much ammo. How about your ability to find and identify a threat in reduced
light? Is there really any less concern with this just because you’re off-duty?
Compact but powerful white lights are easy to find and purchase.
Once you select the gun and related concealment gear, carry it all the time in
the same place. When the time comes that you need it to save your life or the
lives of those you love, you’ll be glad you did.
Developing the Combative Mind
Hear Dave Spaulding talk about this topic Jan. 17 at the SHOT Show in Las Vegas.
For more information, visit www.shotshow.org/leep.
Providing Personal Protection to South Florida’s Executives, Athletes, and Socialites:
By: Lou Maroto,CEO of Palm Beach Personal Protection Group and Investigations Agency,LLC.
I founded Palm Beach Personal Protection Group and Investigations Agency, LLC in 2008. After years of planning and coming up with the perfect business plan, I decided it was time to put all the training I gained from the Unites States Marine Corps (1990-1994) and 15 years of Law Enforcement together to form a company that provided Personal Protection to South Florida’s elite and at the same time provided Private Investigations to the community.
It’s been a long journey, but the satisfaction I get from conducting such work is amazing. I spent many years in Organized Crime investigating illegal narcotics trafficking and conducting undercover investigations. I spent many years on SWAT and gained the knowledge and experience to conduct Personal Security Details to clients that were in need of their privacy when in public view. All of my employees are all ex-Military or Law Enforcement SWAT trained. I use the best of the best. I employee men and women that have tact, discipline, courage, motivation and the willingness to learn.
My clients come from all walks of Life. I treat all my clients the same way I would want to be treated. My company is not too big or too small for any job opportunity. “I always remember where I come from and where I started from” and I don’t forget those that have helped me along the way! Unfortunately some companies forget and treat people unfairly.
I’ve done a lot of volunteer work for organizations that needed my services but did not have the funds to pay for such services. One example is The Palm Beach Lady Makos Cheerleaders which are directed by DeShon Allen and Jessica Mitten. I saw an opportunity where we could all help each other and help us reach our goals and dreams. In this case The Palm Beach Lady Makos Cheerleaders along with DeShon Allan assisted me and getting my company name out to main stream society and in return my company provided all of their security details for free.
We also assisted them on meet and greets in the downtown area of West Palm Beach during their calendar shoots and Christmas tree lighting in Palm Beach Gardens. We also traveled with them to the Westin Resort in Fort Lauderdale, where they hosted Monday night football events. It’s a win- win situation. They get the exposure they need as Professional Cheerleaders and my company gets recognized for assisting with the security. People get to see what Palm Beach Personal Protection Group is all about.
We train continuously to stay physically fit to be ready for any violent encounter when in the presence of a client. We are not bullies in suits that have no disregard for local ordinances, and State statues. We are professionals that know the law and the statute that regulates my profession (Fl State statute 493).
People are getting to a point where they are afraid to come out of their residences to enjoy all the beautiful things South Florida has to offer. My Personal Protection Details instill confidence in the client that where ever he or she goes with their Families, they have “A Peace of Mind”. I especially suggest my services to clients that are into the transportation of valuable jewelry.
Many jewelry store owners and wholesalers sometimes take their own lives into their own hands because they don’t assess the possibilities of being overtaken by thieves. It’s happen so many times in South Florida within the past few years. Isn’t your life too valuable to be taken by a thief that wants your property? Hire our services and we can guarantee your safety and the safety of your property. Palm Beach Personal Protection Group is licensed and insured. Many companies claim to be the best in this profession with advertisements and marketing schemes. I don’t. I let the client evaluate me and my employees, and that’s what makes them come back again and again for my services.
I have to thank my good friend John Riddle from Progressive Self Defense Systems in Boca for always willing to help me train and stay on top of the game. Also a special thank you to my good friend Robert Perez for always answering my calls when in need..
For more information on retaining Palm Beach Personal Protection Group, call Lou Maroto at 561-308-9653 or contact me through our website http://www.palmbeachpersonalprotectiongroup.com
Whats the difference between a “Gun Show” conceal weapons class and a NRA Certified Instructor course?
I’ll tell you from my point of view and I hope others will chime in and give me some input. In my NRA Certified class I teach basic principles of gun safety and gun handling techniques. I take the time to teach my students double feeds, stoppages,misfeeds, and other vidal circumstances that can happen on the firing line or in real life. I use dummy rounds , purchased through the NRA to see how they react to a non operaable firearm. I’ve never seen that at a gun show. Its more line a cat
I demonstrate different types of weapons and allow them to feel what best fits them. I only use the “blue guns’ in class for demonstration purposes only. I show my students how to take their guns apart, and clean them. I basically teach them everything I’ve been taught by GREAT instructors, thorugh my 15 years in Law Enforcement and the Military.
By Doc Rogers
This checklist is designed to cover procedures required for EP details and provide fundamental knowledge in a checklist form to organize, manage and direct EP assignments in the field for timely and effective planning.
Advance Planning
- Budget (nothing starts without a budget, its first order of business).
- Responsible hospital (positive contact to be made). Obtain hospital contact information (name, phone #, cell phone and email).
- Law enforcement agency (positive contact to be made). Obtain LEO contact information (name, phone #, cell phone and email).
- Hotel security director a critical relationship to develop (positive contact to be made). Obtain Hotel security director contact information (name, phone #, cell phone and email).
- Security planning and management for venues and meeting with senior security personnel at each location. Obtain contact information (name, phone #, cell phone and email).
Comprehensive threat assessments of known and potential threats (country, city, airport, hotel, venue, etc.). This is your pre-assignment intelligence. - Motorcade requirements (number of vehicles, type, etc.). Find and ensure limo drivers are trained and professional.
- Ensure adequate motorcade route plans and contingency route plans are in place. Main and alternate routes (must be run multiple times).
- Special parking set-up in advance at airport, venues, hotels, etc.
- Development of briefing booklets for EP agents.
- Plan for worst-case scenarios and conduct walk throughs of evacuation routes (evacuation procedures and assigned safe havens).
During the Detail
- Brief EP agents and distribute briefing booklets.
- Final security briefing to security drivers and hall and wall agents on detail.
- If armed the Detail Leader goes over the rules of engagement (ROE) with EP agents.
- A well-designed and intimately known evacuation plan is in place at all venues your client will visit.
- Ensure that your evacuation plan up-to-date at each area.
- Conduct a mandatory equipment check with all EP agents.
- Apply fundamental measures and approaches at all times during EP assignment.
- Never letting your EP guard down.
- All EP agents working as a team, to include security drivers and hall and wall agents assigned to the detail.
- Have a safe and uneventful EP assignment.
Post-Assignment
- EP assignment is completed – Detail Leader to oversee the process of finalizing the logistics conclusion and prepares an after-action report.
After-Action Report
- The EP critique includes; what went right, what went wrong and the lessons learned on each specific part of the EP operation for improvement on future EP assignments. Keep Safe and God Speed.
Doc Rogers is the author of Corporate Executive Protection – A Manual for Inspiring Corporate Bodyguards and president and CEO of International Corporate Executive Protection Ltd. Doc has earned a Ph.D. in Security Administration from Southwest University and he is SE Asia’s leading expert on executive protection and corporate security. To learn how to make a full time living as a corporate bodyguard visit the websites below for more information.
http://www.trafford.com/Bookstore/BookDetail.aspx?Book=182707
http://www.amazon.com/Corporate-Executive-Protection-Inspiring-Bodyguards/dp/1425135927
http://international-corporate-executive-protection.com/order.asp
The rise in crime has caused main stream America (us the tax payers) to become more aware of the trends and the realities of crime occurring to them because of so many different situations.
We can’t always blame the poor innocent young man or woman for growing up without a complete household. We can’t always blame the unfortunate situations people have to grow up in. So many have been in those situations and survived their environments and became leaders of Society. From NFL stars to big time movie stars. For example, Denzel Washington grew up next to my hometown in Yonkers, New York…..Mt Vernon, New York.
Recently on a local TV show he explained how he was a garbage man cleaning the streets of Mt. Vernon. He strived to stay alive and had the willingness and courage to get out of his environment. He stated his friends that he grew up with are either dead or spent time in prisons.
With that said Society is tired of having to hear everyday on the news how people get gunned down for “Chump Change.” Society is willing to pay for ARMED security details to assure the safety of the safety of their Families and valuables. I’ve been in Law Enforcement for 15 years and prior to just recently I never really carried my off duty weapon. It was a hassle to tuck away and especially if I planned on entering establishments where firearms were not allowed.
Here is an article posted by the media and FBI reference the rise in crime: Washington 2007 (AP) Violent crime rose nearly 2 percent last year, the FBI reported Monday in nationwide data that show a slightly higher increase than expected.
The number of big-city murders also increased, by 1.8 percent — the same rate as homicides nationwide. Robberies and arson also rose in large population centers, but the number of rapes and car thefts dropped, FBI data show.
The new numbers confirm that crime rates continued on a two-year upward trend after a relative lull in violence between 2002 and 2004.
Justice Department spokesman Brian Roehrkasse cast the report as good news in the effort to combat gangs, guns and violence, pointing out that the rate of crimes per 100,000 people had declined to its lowest level in 30 years.
“While there’s encouraging news in the latest crime rates from the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting Program, violent crime remains a challenge for some communities,” Roehrkasse said in a statement.
The Bush administration has pledged to spend $50 million this year to combat gangs and guns, and is pushing Congress for new laws to let the federal government better investigate and prosecute violent crime.
Overall, violent crime rose by 1.9 percent in 2006 — slightly higher than the 1.3 percent increase reflected earlier this summer in preliminary FBI data.
A five-year look at crime rates show that the number of murders, robberies, rapes and other violent offenses committed in 2006 is returning to the peak reached in 2002. Crime dropped dramatically after that, the FBI data show.
In 2006, for example, an estimated 1,417,000 violent crimes were committed across the country. That was a sharp rise from the 1,360,000 crimes reported in 2004 and approaches the estimated 1,425,000-mark reached in 2002.
If you are a person that can afford the services I provide than take advantage of hiring such a service to prevent yourself from getting in trouble. Don’t carry a firearm if you don’t have the proper license. Don’t hire a Security Detail if they don’t have their proper licenses and insurance. Hire Palm Beach Personal Protection Group and let us give you that “Peace of Mind” you deserve. Verify our training and education in this field.
It’s time to wake up America! Crime, VIOLENT Crimes can happen to the best of us if you drop your guard. Why should an NFL player carry his own gun , insecurely , when he has the capability to hire a professional. Its insane. Call PALM BEACH PERSONAL PROTECTION GROUP AND INVESTIGATIONS AGENCY,LLC and allow us to show you how professionals work. 561-308-9653 http://www.palmbeachpersonalprotectiongroup.com
Here are some other related articles I found : Tampa Bay 3 Oct 2010:
Teen charged after gunman shoots up Vancouver jewelry store
Montecristo Jewellers’ outlet at Oakridge Centre was held up at gunpoint Thursday night. Photograph by: Online, File Vancouver A 15-year-old Surrey youth has been charged with three offences after gunshots were fired Thursday night during a jewelry-store Robbery in Vancouver’s Oakridge Centre mall. The youth, who cannot be named, has been charged with assault with a weapon, possession of stolen property of more than $5,000, and three other weapons-related offences. The youth is…
FUGITIVE FILES UPDATE Suspect arrested
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VPD locate getaway van used in armed heist of Vancouver jewelry store
UPDATE: Vancouver police have located the stolen van used as a getaway vehicle in a brazen armed Robbery at Oakridge Centre mall on Thursday. VPD spokesman Const. Lindsey Houghton said early Saturday that the red 1993 Plymouth Grand Voyager was spotted in southwest Vancouver and has been turned over to forensic investigators. Meanwhile, a 15-year-old Surrey youth has been charged with three offences after gunshots were fired Thursday night during the Robbery at Montecristo Jewellers’ Oakridge…
Suspects sought in slaying at NE Harris County bar
Authorities are asking the public to help them identify a man and woman suspected in a fatal shooting during a Robbery at bar in northeast Harris County earlier this year. The shooting occurred at the La Bella Bar in the 14100 block of Old Humble Road about 1:30 a.m. April 29. Officials said Luis Garza died in the shooting. The woman walked into the bar, followed shortly afterwards by the man. The man wielded a gun and demanded money from the bar patrons. Officials said several customers…
Elderly couple robbed, assaulted by crooks in Meals On Wheels van
An elderly Detroit couple was approached in front of their home and offered free meals by two men in a Meals on Wheels truck earlier this week. The supposed free meal quickly turned into a Robbery and assault. A Meals on Wheels truck was stolen on the East side of Detroit early Thursday morning while the driver was inside a building delivering food. The thieves then took the truck to a more affluent neighborhood on Detroit’s West side, looking to make another Robbery. Harris and Laverne Blow,…
Thieves steal 600 pounds of fish from US trout farm
Thieves took about 600 pounds of fish from a trout farm in North Carolina and the owners are puzzled over how the Robbery took place. Sally Eason, owner of Sunburst Trout Farm, said that when they went to harvest the pond on Thursday most of the fish were missing. There should have been around 600 pounds in the (pond), and there was virtually none, the Citizen-Times quoted her as saying. How they got them out is beyond us. She thinks the theft took place on Tuesday, and that a…
Freehold man charged in July 10 borough robbery
A local man was arrested on Robbery and weapons charges this week, accused of robbing a couple at gunpoint in July, police said.
Barbecue Interrupted by Robbery, Gunfire
Houston – Police say a suspect opened fire, wounding two men during a Robbery attempt in northeast Houston. Around 11 p.m. Friday, a family was enjoying a barbecue at their home on Lucille and Wipprecht when an unidentified suspect dressed in black, armed with a pistol, attempted to rob them. After demanding money, the suspect opened fire, shooting one man in the leg and another in the knee. Both Victims were transported to Ben Taub Hospital in stable condition and are expected to survive their…
Gunman sought in Fort Myers Wendy’s robbery
Police are looking for a gunman who robbed a Wendy’s restaurant in Fort Myers Saturday. Shortly before 7 a.m., the Fort Myers Police Department responded to the restaurant located at 3900 Palm Beach Boulevard in reference to the Robbery. Police say an employee was opening a door to the business when a black male approached him from behind and placed a Handgun to his head. The gunman forced the employee into The Office and told him to open a safe, according to a Police Report. Click here for…
Police Find Robbery Suspect Hiding In Own Trunk
Police Find Robbery Suspect Hiding In Own Trunk Embed this Video x Link BROOKLINE, Mass. — It wasn’t much of a getaway. Brookline Police said they arrested a Bank Robbery suspect Friday afternoon after towing his vehicle and finding him hiding in the trunk. “I don’t know what he was thinking. It’s not the best place to hide. You have to know the car is going to the Police Station,” said officer Tim Stephenson, who had chased the suspect. Michael Lenane,…
1976 Nobel Peace Prize laureate to speak in SF
Police catch Rape suspect with citizen tip Police have tracked down a tattooed man suspected of Rape and Robbery with the help of anonymous tipster. Damir Shalako was taken into Custody Friday about 1 p.m. by Mission…
Cancer Treatment Money Stolen From Restaurant
A Robbery at a local restaurant has taken away more than just money as it’s robbing a Chinese woman of a chance at potential life-saving treatment.
Suspect Wanted for Multiple Robberies
Memphis, Tenn. – Memphis Police are searching for a suspect responsible for several business robberies over the past few days. On Friday, September 24, officers received a Robbery call to the Payless Shoe Store on the 2100-block of Frayser Blvd around 1:00pm. When officers arrived, the store clerk told them that an unknown armed suspect entered the business posing as a customer. The suspect approached the counter acting as if he was going to make a purchase, then pulled out a Handgun and robbed…
Police investigate Mayors jewelry store robbery
Police Saturday were looking for a trio of men who robbed a Mayors jewelry store in Weston while a getaway driver waited outside in a stolen silver BMW. There were no customers in the store at 4471 Weston Road, when the men rushed in about 10:30 a.m. Friday. One robber used Pepper Spray to attack a guard. Another ordered all of the employees to drop to the ground. Then the three quickly began to break the store’s glass cases to take the jewelry. The robbers ran out with the pricey jewels,…
Keeping it Clean: Ariz. Thieves Take Shower, Too
The Pinal County Sheriff’s Office says in two recent burglaries, the intruders entered homes in Eloy, made a mess, stole things and even took showers. The first Robbery on Sept. 20 occurred late at night when a homeowner confronted two men trying to steal food and water about 65 miles south of Phoenix. The burglars got away but scattered food and water around the house along with backpacks. The homeowner also discovered they had showered and used the toilet. Tuesday morning, Sept. 28, deputies…
Fleet Week preparations begin today
Police catch Rape suspect with citizen tip Police have tracked down a tattooed man suspected of Rape and Robbery with the help of anonymous tipster. Damir Shalako was taken into Custody Friday about 1 p.m. by Mission…
NJ Couple Stabbed During Robbery
NJ Couple Stabbed During Robbery « CBS New York- News, Sports, Weather, Traffic and the Best of NY You are using Internet Explorer 6. Internet Explorer 6 is unsupported by this site and you may experience layout and functionality issues. It is recommended that you upgrade to a newer version of Internet Explorer or switch to another browser. | Download Internet Explorer
Scott Sisters Get Life Sentences for An $11.00 Robbery
In this video, HLN’s Richelle Carey talks to the head of the NAACP about the Scott Sisters Get Life Sentences for An $11.00 Robbery, that happened in 1993.
Queens Woman Sentenced In Deadly NJ Robbery
Queens Woman Sentenced In Deadly NJ Robbery « CBS New York- News, Sports, Weather, Traffic and the Best of NY You are using Internet Explorer 6. Internet Explorer 6 is unsupported by this site and you may experience layout and functionality issues. It is recommended that you upgrade to a newer version of Internet Explorer or switch to another browser. | Download Internet Explorer
South Florida man guilty of tourist robbery
Miami (AP) — A South Florida man has been convicted of fatally shooting an Illinois tourist who stopped to ask directions in Coconut Grove. A Miami-Dade jury found 26-year-old Brandon Antron Rolle guilty Thursday night of first-degree Murder and Robbery with a firearm. The same jury will reconvene Dec. 6 to recommend either life in Prison or the death penalty. Authorities say Ronald Gentile had pulled over to ask for directions in 2006 when a man dressed in black approached the car, robbed and…
Robber plants suspicious device at Vancouver bank
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Brinks robbery victim named, no break in case
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Police catch rape suspect with citizen tip
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Seton Hall’s Mitchell Pleads Guilty to Armed Robbery
FREE THROWS Findlay Prep wing Amir Garrett will NOT visit Oregon this weekend, per Findlay coaches. He lists St. John’s and Oregon as his final two… Quincy Miller & Deuce Bello ’11 have arrived at Baylor for their official, per Alex Kline… St. Benedict’s Prep guard Vaughn Gray takes an unofficial today to George Mason, per Billy Diamond of SBP… David “Pepe” Joseph 6’0 2011 PG has transferred from Westlake Florida to NIA Prep…
Suspect Sought In Shaler Armed Bank Robbery
Police are looking for a man who allegedly robbed a Bank in Shaler Saturday morning. According to emergency dispatchers, an armed Robbery took place at the Eureka Bank in the 1600-block of Babcock Boulevard around 11 a.m.
Are you ready to make that phone call? Protect yourself and your Family with Palm Beach Personal Protection Group and Investigations Agency,LLC.
By Bruce Alexander
New Trends in Executive Protection: Does Size Matter?
By Bruce Alexander
Brains over brawn is how Michael McCann, former Director of Security for the U.N. and now CEO of McCann Protective Services (MPS) describes the new trend for Executive Protection in his March 1st article “Brains vs. Brawn – Determining New Trends in VIP Security” (www.securitymagazine.com) McCann stresses “professionalism, experience and discretion” as the defining trends for Executive Protection.
In his article, McCann emphasizes that selecting an EP specialist on size at the expense of professionalism, may create more problems. According to McCann, good EP practices such as a threat assessment and advance work can mitigate potential problems. However that’s assuming the EP specialist has the proper training and experience to begin.
Too often celebrities pay for protection by the pound and risk hiring someone who’s first instinct is to resort to force when confronted with a potential problem because they lack the requisite training and professional expertise to consider and employ other options. McCann does caution that physical fitness is still a prerequisite but physical stature alone should not be the defining criteria.
I couldn’t agree more with Mr. McCann if I wrote the article myself. I still am amazed that celebrities would rather surround themselves by look-alikes from the WWF than professional EP specialists who have the brains, demeanor and expertise that really matters to keep someone safe.
Having physical presence helps, but all the size in the world won’t make a difference against a determined adversary who has already figured out how to defeat any advantage that size might create. Using size to confront an adversary is a reactionary response. When celebrities finally figure out that by avoiding situations where their security doesn’t depend on the size of their protector perhaps then they’ll opt for protection that doesn’t put them in that position to begin with.
I don’t want to give Mr. McCann’s article short shrift here so I encourage you to read the rest of his article. His other points are definitely worth reading.
9 Responses to “New Trends in Executive Protection: Does Size Matter?”
- Jeff Morelock Says:
November 26th, 2010 at 11:24 am I agree with you and Mr. McCann, I think executive protection professionals need to be in great shape as far as their cardio, being able to carry or run with an injured person, and stand for long periods of time at a post without falling asleep. This leave most smokers out, and I won’t even hire someone who smokes. - Alonzo Gomez Says:
November 26th, 2010 at 11:39 am Definitely a point worth making, Hucky. Not being a big guy myself, I try not to go there too often, lest people accuse me of preaching for my own choir, but private security, especially at the level of EP, is about being proactive instead of reactive, as you stated. Attitude, skill, and dedication carry the day much more often than muscles, IME.And some bodyguards make things worse by creating bulk out of fat, not muscle, as though they were supposed to nothing more than human bullet backstops… There IS a market for that type in the celeb crowd, though, if I believe my eyes in LA.
In the end and to me, discussions about physical size are similar to those about caliber stopping power. Placement is king, but once you have that down, a bigger “rock” doesn’t hurt, and if it’s well designed you have a winner. So in a perfect world, EP guys would be larger people with smarts and skills. Not such an easy balance to strike.
- Hucky Says:
November 26th, 2010 at 1:37 pm Alonzo, I agree 100% with what Michael is saying.Research and preparation aimed at identifying potential threats and contingency plans supersedes the need for big bouncer like bodyguards. Executive protection professionals receive training in skills such as defensive driving, emergency medical response and physical fitness. They know how to prepare for important events ahead of time and counter threats. Overall, what’s expected is everything it takes to make the life of your client safer. Anticipating needs is a big one— being able to look at a situation and determine what can go wrong and make sure it doesn’t; or knowing how to fix a problem once it occurs is what’s essential to our business.
- Alonzo Gomez Says:
November 26th, 2010 at 2:14 pm With you on all counts, Hucky. To be the devil’s advocate, though, size can also be part of the proactive arsenal if you look at the deterrence factor; it’s not just something useful once things have gone wrong. Big protectors can be a reassuring presence for some clients, too. It’s “big and dumb” that’s a problem (and an image nightmare for us), but brains should definitely come before brawn, I agree. - Six Says:
November 28th, 2010 at 10:30 am Big guys create space when moving through crowds. However when your protection team is 6’8″ 400 pounds you create a situation which makes any potential adversary come with a higher level of force (usually lethal) because most people are fearful of big grabbed by a large person. Size only seems to matter in Hollywood as most seem to want the allure of protection and not actual trained protectors. Most people in Hollywood treat bodyguards like accessories anyway. Always looking for the next shinny thing.Size doesn’t matter training and preparation do. Staying aware and focused will get you out of more situations than muscles will. I am 5’10 195 lbs and have a pretty successful clientele. I built my agency on the secret service model not the Gold’s Gym model. We consistently do advanced work, are constantly researching the laws in the states we are traveling to, regularly in the dojo and shoot 12 – 20,000 rounds per year and practice tactical medicine ongoing. Look at the people who protect the most important man in world the President. The Secret Service guys are all 5’9 – 6’2 175 to approximately 210 lbs. I think that puts perspective on the size issue.
- Samuel R Hayes III Says:
November 30th, 2010 at 1:38 am Having some experience with celebrities, I often found myself surrounded by these mountains of mindless muscle. As the saying goes “When you have lemons make lemonade” I would take the negative out of working with these untrained personnel …and put them to good use as crowd control, where their size was best utilized. That gave me the freedom to focus on my principal. Plus, think about it, if there is a legitimate high threat risk against your principal by a trained and dangerous threat, the big guys who are OBVIOUSLY security getting shot first serves as an early warning for those of us of more normal stature to react and get the client to safety. - Jon Pryor Says:
November 30th, 2010 at 1:46 am All other skills being EQUAL… the individual with a better level of physical fitness will have an advantage in endurance, strength, mental acquity and self-confidence. It’s equalizing these other required skill sets that make the differen…ce. Remember that individuals with a genetic capacity to gain abnormal levels of muscular mass are anamolies within the whole. Just as armed and unarmed combative skills, play a part, so does that of fitness. Though it’s a small percentage… when it’s really needed it becomes critical. - James G – Death Valley Mag Says:
November 30th, 2010 at 7:28 am The “Big Dude” VS the “Highly Trained Average Looking Dude” debate has been going on in EP/CP/PSD circles as far back as I can remember.The cold hard fact is guys with “The Look” will be chosen for gigs over guys with 10X more training and experience – especially for low threat domestic work.
And this will NEVER change.
If you think a guy who is a grad from ESI , has 10 years EP experience, is under 5’8”, weighs 160lbs and is average looking will be on equal recruiting ground with a 6’4” 240 pound guy with a jaw-line like a cereal box who has no formal training – then you are living in a fantasy land.
For overseas gigs your resume will count for more – but you still see PMC’s only hiring guys with “The Look” – I see this everyday
Some good examples [in the case of high risk gigs in places like Iraq] are Aegis, all of the PSD guys who work for them are all over 6 foot tall and look like male models and PSD Guys on the State Department contract also have “the Look”
~James G
- Alonzo Gomez Says:
November 30th, 2010 at 5:15 pm James G speaks the truth…
