Author: Robert McLeod
You might look at the title of this article and wonder, “What do I have in common with those who safeguard dignitaries or high-profile celebrities?” The truth is, not all executive protection agents operate in teams; many rely heavily on their instincts individually to ensure the safety of their clients and themselves.
Qualified executive protection practitioners possess two types of skills: soft skills and hard skills. Hard skills are what most people typically associate with this profession, such as shooting, defensive tactics, physical fitness, medical training, and driving skills. However, true professionals in the industry take pride in their soft skills.
In my early 20s, I was drawn to the allure of this profession, shaped by my misconceptions about the job from movies. However, after enrolling in several courses and conducting extensive research, I discovered that a career in law enforcement, particularly within a tactical unit, aligned better with my skills and passions at that time.
Interestingly, the very elements of executive protection that initially deterred me ultimately became invaluable in my training of future clients. I learned that if an agent must physically confront a threat or draw a weapon, it signifies a failure in their duties. It would make sense that a person concerned for their own security and that of their family would prefer to recognize the signs of a potential threat before it escalates, thus avoiding confrontation altogether, just like the executive protection agent.
This article will focus on the soft skills necessary for translating executive protection techniques into personal security measures. Please don't misunderstand me: I'm not suggesting you stop going to the range or the gym. Even the best in the business can miss signs at times, and agents need to be ready to intervene with physical and, when necessary, deadly force. These skills must be maintained so you can use them decisively and instinctively when required. Let’s begin.
Threat Assessment/Risk Mitigation
A threat assessment is the first step when an executive protection practitioner takes on a new client. It helps the agent gauge the potential threats the client may face and establish a plan to mitigate those risks. In your case, the assessment may not take as long since you should already have a good understanding of the threats facing you and your family.
However, you can spend some time on the mitigation aspect. When considering your home, how effective is your security system? Do you have exterior cameras that allow you to monitor any suspicious activity around your house while you’re away? Are there motion-activated lights that could deter someone thinking of casing your home? What about a dog that will alert you if someone is around who shouldn’t be there? Have you secured entrances with high-quality locks and reinforced mounting hardware?
What are some ways to mitigate your risk? If you need to visit a store in a high-crime area, try to schedule your visit during the day when you can be more aware of your surroundings and the likelihood of a threat is lower.
Situational Awareness
At the core of executive protection lies situational awareness. This concept is often mentioned, yet its importance cannot be overstated. Being acutely aware of our surroundings is essential, particularly in crowded public spaces or areas known for risks. Jeff Cooper is credited with being the first firearms instructor to integrate situational awareness into his training through his Color Codes of Awareness.
A significant barrier to situational awareness is people's reliance on electronic devices, especially smartphones. While these devices are crucial in our lives, we can manage our usage effectively. Focusing on our phones makes it difficult to pay attention to our surroundings.
Consider using the 5 and 25 scanning method whenever you're about to exit a vehicle or a building. First, scan the area within 5 yards of you; once that area is clear, extend your scan to 25 yards to ensure there aren’t any threats or hazards further away. It’s also important to remember that after scanning your surroundings, it’s not an excuse to pull out your phone and ignore your environment for the rest of your trip. You must remain vigilant.
Threat Recognition Through Body Language
As we progress, it’s crucial to examine what we should be observing within crowds and among individuals. Our goal is to identify potentially hazardous behaviors by recognizing key behavioral indicators. In fact, an entire article could be devoted to the nuances of human behavior that can signal someone’s intention to engage in nefarious activities. Furthermore, understanding when someone is preparing to act inappropriately is essential for effective personal security.
Observe the body language, demeanor, and clothing choices of those around you. Notice if someone is overly focused on something that seems to go unnoticed by others. Are they dressed in a way that feels inappropriate for the season, as if they are making a significant effort to hide something that they’re trying to conceal.
Cover and Evacuation
If you find yourself in a situation where you must leave quickly, it’s crucial to do so as discreetly as possible. Drawing attention to yourself while evacuating can put you and your family in even greater danger, as it will draw the focus to you. Your primary responsibility is to ensure their safety, and then consider your own. Once you are safe, it’s vital to report any suspicious activity to the appropriate authorities.
In my law enforcement career, I experienced situations where confrontations arose with individuals I had previously arrested. One distressing encounter happened during a grocery store visit, and it made me realize the importance of having a plan in place for my family. To avoid similar situations in the future, we established a clear signal.
From that moment forward, if I spotted someone who posed a threat, and I needed my family to leave immediately. I informed my wife that if I ever called her "Lauren" and mentioned I just received a message indicating we had to go, it was imperative that we drop everything and exit calmly. The significance of using the name "Lauren"—even though it’s not hers—was that it prevented any instinctual questions like “Why?” and allowed us to leave promptly and safely, knowing I would explain when I had the opportunity.
Conclusion
This article provides a glimpse into the various aspects of executive protection that can also apply to personal safety for individuals. Other topics you could research include counter-surveillance, evasive driving, and medical training. Medical training should not only focus on traumatic injuries but also cover the use of AEDs and CPR. If you have the chance to take a class in executive protection, I highly recommend participating, regardless of whether you plan to pursue a career in the industry.
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