September 2004
The Role of the Security Director in Developing and Applying Physical Security for Executives
The roles and responsibilities of senior security professionals has increasingly expanded as the workforce becomes more global and mobile, necessitating the review and application of security measures for home, offices and international travel. This often includes coverage of senior executives' homes and the protection of their families both at home and abroad.
As with any effective security program, the first step is a comprehensive threat assessment for the protectee and a survey of the home and office to understand the unique threats, risks and challenges they face in order to best create a security plan that balances resources and return. For example, risks may stem from working overseas for an American company, being a recognized business leader, working for a controversial organization or simply passing through high crime areas.
While it is imperative that your executives look to you for guidance and judgment, it is equally important that they, and their families, fully understand the potential threats and risks and take steps to anticipate dangerous situations and act to minimize vulnerabilities.
Travel
Basic travel security begins, and ends, with common sense guidelines. Reviewing a checklist before traveling, however, can refresh your memory on key travel tips and heighten awareness of potential threats. The vulnerability of the business traveler increases exponentially when traveling overseas. News reports of assaults, kidnappings and terrorist attacks targeting Americans taking place overseas appear almost daily. Although it is impossible to eliminate the possibility of every threat, one can decrease the number of opportunities for random violence or terrorism.
U.S. Security Care has developed the following checklist for its clients that frequently travel overseas:
1. Be alert; try to get enough rest, especially when dealing with time changes
2. And be aware of your surroundings; travel during the day if possible
3. Maintain a sense of confidence and be cognizant of the people and the area around you
4. Keep a low profile; don’t wear or carry bags with corporate logos or wear flashy jewelry or clothes
5. Avoid the back of the bus or empty cars on subways
6. Beware of “illegal” taxis
7. Keep a tight grip on briefcases and purses; or leave them in a safe deposit box
8. Ignore taunting or confrontations; move quickly into a more secure environment or to a public area
9. Copies of passports
10. Use well-traveled, well-lighted streets or walk-ways
11. Travel in pairs or groups
Travel security begins with the traveler. Remember to always be aware, be low-key, be unpredictable and maintain clear communications with your associates.
Home
Theft or violent crime strikes nearly 25% of American households each year, and nearly 73% of all violent crimes occur within five miles of the victim’s home. With more and more executives working from home during off-hours and the extent that their safety, and that of their families, can have on a business, corporate security directors are increasingly being asked to provide guidance and support for home safety and security. Residential security focuses on the three “Ds” of security - deter, detect and delay.
An intruder or theft generally looks for two elements when selecting a target
1) Vulnerability – accessibility and opportunity
2) Escapability – the ability to get in and out undetected or without getting caught
Either of these conditions works to deter the potential perpetrator and may cause them to move on to an “easier” target. The concentric circle security model emphasizes starting with perimeter security and working inward. The property line is the best opportunity to deter threats with measures such as fences, walls, gates, lighting and signage. In addition, the outer perimeter can incorporate detection devices such as motion sensors, alarms and security surveillance.
The home itself is the final barrier to deter, detect and delay. An effective residential security plan will incorporate timed lighting, solid doors and frames, upgraded locks for doors and windows, alarm systems and other security measures. Again, integrating with other measures such as motion and glass break sensors provides an opportunity to react to the situation and mitigate risks accordingly.
Once detected, delaying the intruder works to your advantage for future prevention and several measures should be considered. First and foremost, have a plan for potential dangers such as theft, kidnapping and fire or natural disaster. The plan should include communications both internally and externally and how each member of the household should react including a meeting point or points that have be designated and prepared as saferooms.
Saferooms can be sophisticated or simple based on actual threat levels and risks, but at a minimum should include a hardened entrance such as a solid wooden or steel door with a deadbolt; several modes of communications such as a cell phone in case the telephone lines are cut or lost and ample supplies for short-term survival such as water, snacks and a flashlight.
Executive security, whether traveling or at home, cannot be delegated. Instead, an effective policy must be understood, planned, taught and practiced. An integrated program of ongoing security awareness briefings, updates, tips, drills and other communications should be instituted to inform, educate and create measures and responses to address real, and evolving, threats. With this knowledge, your executives, employees and their families can be prepared to minimize risks and to take the necessary, appropriate actions to best protect themselves.
Executive Protection
Recently, economic situations, among other factors, have not only created emerging threats, but also new sources of those threats. This has forced many executives to maintain an in-house protection team or contract with an outside protection service. U.S. Security Care has a network of agents and resources domestically and internationally to supplement in-house protection or provide complete coverage. Our agents provide logistical and tactical support, including secure transportation procedures, threat assessments, surveillance detection and counter-surveillance.
Bomb Threat Management
The U.S. Security Care (USSC) Bomb Threat and Security Awareness Training is a customized program developed by our experienced operations personnel to provide your employees and tenants with the knowledge necessary to quickly evaluate the situation and take the appropriate measures to ensure the safety and security of your people, property and information. The program provides companies with:
• Preparation and planning for potential threats
• Ability to identify and evaluate telephone and written bomb threats
• Written checklists and procedures
• Office search protocols and techniques
• Identification and evaluation of suspicious packages
• Response and making the decision to evacuate and contact the appropriate authorities
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