A while back Rich Nance from Officer.com wrote a very solid article entitled, Don’t Get Stabbed! made me think about edged weapons attacks and Executive Protection. A quick (very quick) review of major assassinations in the past 20 years revealed that pistols are the favorite weapon of choice for assassins.

However, does that mean we shouldn’t train to counter a knife or other edged weapon attack during an AOP drill? Of course not. Knife attacks happen and frequency of attack should never be the gauge on whether we train on a particular defense or not. In 1972, Imelda Marcos, wife of the late President of the Philippines Ferdinand Marcos, was attacked by a sword wielding assailant who was shot dead by security forces in the attempt.

Knife attacks on a principal might be rare but when you consider all of the other stabbing , slashing and cutting implements typically found in proximity of a protectee, we should probably train far more than we typically do in edged weapons defense. The best example I can think of for practicing edged weapons defense is the 21 foot principle that is used in defensive tactics training to illustrate the futility of relying on firearms alone to counter an assailant armed with a knife.

That entire scenario approximates the situation facing Executive Protection specialists. The attack comes without an obvious escalation of violence, the assailant is already inside the reactionary gap before  the attack, and firearms, unless already drawn (such as in an Iraq/Afghanistan PSD) are usually not a viable option at that point.

Anyway, Rich Nance’s article is yet another reminder that defensive tactics shouldn’t be neglected by the Executive Protection community.

Many times new agents in the business think that the bodyguard industry is full of secrets. Secrets of getting successful results, getting more work and staying active in the circuit.

The veterans do have an effective strategy for getting the best out of their assignments and careers. The following is a S.E.C.R.E.T. weapon used by many pros in the bodyguarding industry today.

Seek – Seek the best EP training possible, getting the proper training can often make the difference between an average agent and a great one.

Ethical – Knowing the principles of right and wrong conduct in the business, the professional behavior standards and always doing the right thing. 

Commitment – Being an agent of energy and commitment on the job. Arriving early and staying late, keeping your pledge to protect the client at all times.

Responsibility – Take responsibility for your EP assignment results and your career. It is your duty and only you are accountable for your EP career.

Exemplary – It does not matter if you are new to the EP business or a seasoned operator, on and off-duty have exemplary behavior, be a model bodyguard and person, one deserving of respect and admiration.

Teamwork – The bodyguard business depends on a lot of things; keeping clients under attentive guard, having your days organized with good planning and, above all, teamwork.

In the end, there are no real secrets to the bodyguard business, just a lot of hard work, planning, personal discipline and most importantly teamwork.  By following the S.E.C.R.E.T. weapon principle you will have a marvelous rewarding bodyguard career. 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

August 31, 2007 by Bruce Alexander

I couldn’t help commenting on this great article by Frank Borelli at Officer.com on that classic Executive Protection pistol, the SigArms P226 9mm pistol. I was introduced to the P225 (Sig Sauer) as a EP pistol while attending a Dignitary Protection course at a German Police academy many years ago. The P225 is a German Police duty weapon although its been years since I’ve worked with the Germans, I’m not sure how extensively it is currently being used. Regardless, the P225 is a superb weapon which is not surprising given the superior quality of Sig weapons in general.

In later years I had the opportunity to carry a P226 as a Special Agent assigned to a U.S. Government protective detail with a great detail of comfort in the reliability and durability of the P226.

For all of the same reasons Frank Borelli praises the P226 as a Police duty weapon, I have to stand up for the P226 as the Executive Protection pistol of choice.

 The stress and adrenaline dump of a deadly force encounter are challenging enough in and of themselves; however post deadly force encounter the steps you take next are as important as the preparation which allowed to survive the encounter.  

In most states you cannot use any more force than the force being used against you and when that force stops so must yours.  If you have made the decision to use deadly force you must have felt your life, or that of your client or team member was in serious danger.  That decision will be sorted out by the judge not me but until then here are some important considerations:

When the perpetrator is no longer a threat stop shooting. While you call the authorities continue to check your surroundings particularly behind you to make sure he has no bad guy buddies trying to sneak up on you. Since there is a temporary lull in the storm, take the time to tactically reload (get your weapon back to full ammo capacity); in the event that the situation continues to deteriorate.
Call 911 or ask someone to call the authorities immediately, and ask the dispatcher to send the police, if the client, team member, innocent bystander or perpetrator has been injured also notify them to send an ambulance also (even if you believe the perpetrator may be fatally injured ask them to send an ambulance anyway).  Give the dispatcher a good description of yourself so police may recognize you. 

You need to be the first to call in you don’t want the perpetrator or the perpetrators buddies calling the authorities first trying to manipulate the situation. As soon as it is tactically safe have the other team members evacuate the client.  You must be careful while the first encounter may have been an attempt on your life or that of your client, there may be other assailants waiting to launch a second strike.

Now call your attorney.  First call is to 911, second call is to your attorney! Don’t misrepresent the facts (to either the dispatcher or police) or alter evidence at the scene.  If you alter evidence eventually it will be found out and your credibility will be lost at minimum or you may be charged with tampering with evidence. Secure the weapon.  If the perpetrator has a weapon, try and secure the weapon, this does not necessarily mean picking it up. 

You may accomplish this by merely instructing the perpetrator to move away from the weapon.  There may be times when you may have to literally secure the weapon (for your own safety or the safety of others), if this is the case and you must pick it up, consider sticking an ink pen in the muzzle/barrel and picking it up. 

Other times you may secure the weapon by slightly moving it away from the perpetrators grasp with your foot. If a crowd appears and they start to become riotous and you no longer feel safe and you must flea, immediately tell the dispatcher if they are still on the line or redial the police as you head straight to the police station.  As soon as it is tactically possible secure your own weapon in your holster (however holstering your own weapon does not mean not keeping it at the ready). 

You don’t want to be standing there with a gun in your hand when the police arrive.  There will be times that you may have to hold a perpetrator at bay, until the police arrive.  If that is the case and they say put your gun down.  Please heed that advice, you don’t want to become an accidental shooting because they thought you were the perpetrator!

There is a good chance you will at minimum be handcuffed or arrested even in a self-defense shooting, until the police can sort out the situation. 

Remember the police are also concerned for their own safety and since one person is already down, they don’t want the second person down to be them. Tell the police you would like to press charges or file a complaint against the perpetrator.  Point out any witnesses on the scene or relevant evidence the police should be aware of.

Don’t talk to anyone about the case until it has been adjudicated.  If you are arrested and placed in a holding cell, avoid talking to anyone about your situation.  You never know who may be trying to cut their own deal or if the police may have planted a snitch to try and check your story. 

Don’t talk to your family, friends, co-workers or strangers about the case.  People will try and press you for details.  Just advise them, “unfortunately this is still an ongoing investigation and I am not at liberty to make any comments.”  While you may not be charged criminally in the case, it doesn’t mean you may not become the party of a civil suit.

Female Bodyguards are in Need

In April of 2010, the Bodyguard Careers team along with Icon Services participated in a story for NBC’s today show. The segment aired on NBC’s Today Show June 24, 2010 and we thought it turned out very well.

If this video brought you to Bodyguard Careers for the first time, welcome!  We have spent years compiling and writing some of the best information you can find about this business.  To get started, here are a few links:

• Bodyguard Training Schools – Our Ebook on which school to choose
• Bodyguard Business Profile – Create a profile for yourself on Bodyguard Careers
• Bodyguard Services Directory – Public Directory of Bodyguards. List yourself here to get jobs!
• Bodyguard Resume Database – Join 4000+ Individuals in our Bodyguard Staffing Database
• Bodyguard Careers Newsletter – Receive our content via email
• Bodyguard LinkedIn Group -  Discuss topics with other professionals
• Bodyguard Careers Facebook – Facebook site with even more great content!

Top 10 Bodyguard Articles

1. KEEPING YOUR EDGE: A VIP Protection Essential
2. Gear Down!
3. What it Means to be Professional
4. 6 Reasons Why You’re Not Working
5. No Shortcuts
6. Shortage of Female Bodyguards
7. Choosing The Right School
8. Getting Started in Executive Protection
9. Working in a Celebrity’s Universe: It Won’t Make YOU a Star
10. True Bodyguard Stories #1 An Incident in Moscow

If you are interested in learning more about our site, this career path, or any services we offer, please contact us here:

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The following article provides strategies that should help you retain your present clients, as well as attract more business even in these recessionary times.

In today’s economic climate, present and prospective clients are expecting more for their money when hiring protection. This means we must add more value and better service while doing our core bodyguard duties of keeping the client safe and secure at all times.

We need to be looking for ways to make the client’s life easier; providing them with anything they may want (legally) while doing our job with professional efficiency. As professionals we must pay attention to details, no matter how small.

When obtaining information for an upcoming bodyguard assignment, on top of the standard questions we would ask to the secretary or personal assistant about the client (health, medication, risk and threat profile, etc.), we should take the time to know the following other things about the client and have these items waiting in the limousine and executive hotel suite upon arrival:

• Reading Material – Clients preference (Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Los Angeles Times, etc.).

• Refreshments – Clients preference (Coke, Pepsi, Sprite, Avion, Perrier, etc). 

• Snack Food – Client preference (potato chips, peanuts, fruit, etc).

The goals during a tough economy (or anytime for that matter) is to provide dedicated point-to-point protection discreetly, not making the client feel jumpy, uncomfortable or nervous, while providing all the comforts of home.  These strategies provide more benefits for your clients that are cost-effective and classified as value-added service. Showing that you and your bodyguard services have:

• Distinguishing qualities about them.
• Outstanding features to make clients feel more relaxed.
• Excellence, better than everyone else.

Dedicate your time in developing a plan on how you can provide better customers service, added-value, while never watering down your core responsibility of absolute protection. Remember, as a professional bodyguard you are not only paid for your protective services, but also how comfortable you make the client feel.

Gain a reputation for yourself as the man or woman people turn to when they need protection in your city. Make connections here and there to facilitate your bodyguarding services, both domestic and international; keep in touch with those you meet. Start developing your plan and acting on your plan, our business rewards action, so take action and be better than your competitors.

While off-duty, try to live a quiet existence, keeping your expenses low and training high. With training, determination and loyalty you’ll gain the trust of your clients and be admired for your skills in the business. With a high level of consistency you’ll be doing business by referral only and making a comfortable living as a bodyguard. 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

You never know when the next personal protection specialist you run into might show you their teeth. Just hope its not a personal protection dog. This Miami Herald article on personal protection dogs brings an interesting perspective to Executive Protection. You can, and should, read the article yourself. I’m not adding any value by repeating the contents. However I will offer a few observations.

There’s no doubt a dog can serve as a means of personal protection but there’s a limit to what you can expect from a dog. A dog would certainly deter an attacker who was looking for a target of opportunity or keep paparazzi at arm’s length, but for a committed attacker, particularly one who has prepared a pre-attack plan, and performed even rudimentary surveillance on the target, a dog is nothing more than a minor nuisance who will be quickly dispatched at the start of the attack.

Arguably the same could be said for a close protection specialist operating alone however a trained and alert close protection specialist will prevent or avoid situations that are potentially threatening. A dog on the other hand is purely reactionary.

Unlike a dog, an Executive Protection specialist is trained to anticipate threats and respond with a variety of options when necessary whereas a dog is trained to react and sometimes only on command. An Executive Protection specialist doesn’t need commands from the principal before acting and will continue to act if the principal is injured or otherwise incapacitated.

There’s also the protective services aspect that an Executive Protection specialist provides, which a dog never will (except maybe fetching the newspaper or slippers). While you might not need a weapons permit to cross an international border with a personal protection dog, that dog is not going to arrange for your baggage to be picked up and delivered, expedite your arrival through customs and immigration, arrange transportation, get you to your meetings on time, or wake you up in the morning, all while protecting your life.

Allow me to also enlighten the person who said dogs “are perfect for clients who want to `cross international borders without the hassle of weapons permits”.’ Try stepping off a plane in a foreign country with Fido or Fifi at your side and see what happens. Guess what, Fido and Fifi are going right to the dog pound and I don’t mean Snoop Dog’s house.

I mean quarantine, in many cases. Need another example? Watch the reaction when you try to walk downtown Riyadh with a dog, if you ever make it that far. All of this will take place, after you’re done waiting for your dog to be delivered from the cargo hold, by the way.

Don’t get me wrong. Unlike Michael Vick, I actually like dogs and happen to think dogs play an important role in security and law enforcement. Dogs can be good personal security options under the right circumstances. I would however caution that a dog, even the best trained dog, is no substitute for a good Executive Protection specialist. Relying on a dog exclusively for personal protection creates a false sense of security.

If someone thinks that their personal security situation warrants a $50K dog, my advice is to review your threat profile before you plunk down your cash. Ask yourself why you think you need a dog in response to your personal security considerations, then consult with a reputable Executive Protection specialist to discuss concerns, and protective options.

The volatility of some EDP’s was a constant reminder of what could become a very dangerous situation at any moment. What compounded the threat of this woman and others like her, was the awareness that identifying any pre-attack indicators would be very difficult since as a lone individual, the signatures would not be readily apparent.

Did an absence of communication mean she had turned her attention elsewhere or was she developing some sort of plan involving attempt to make a physical contact with the protectee? Fortunately this individual eventually stopped sending letters and as far as we could determine, had found someone else to court. Nevertheless, the concern about EDPs was a constant given the public profile of our protectee.

In this Officer.com article, Ms. Pamela Kulbarsh, RN, discusses EDPs and other categories of mentally ill persons from the perspective of stalkers. She provides detailed explanations of the various categories of EDPs and the mentally ill and the threat they pose as stalkers. Stalking is a serious threat and protected persons are not immune from stalkers either.

Many entertainment celebrities have been victims of stalking with serious consequences such as that experienced by Jodie Foster and the case of John Hinckley. Understanding EDPs and the phenomena of stalking is an important dimension of Executive Protection. There are both threat management and protective considerations for addressing the EDP stalker.

Managing the threat of EDP stalkers includes understanding the motives of these stalkers and anticipating likely courses of action on their part. This article is a very helpful guide in recognizing the various categories of stalkers and what makes them tick.

When it comes to selecting a firearm; selecting a firearm is like selecting wine, taste is a matter of preference, within reason; as the mission should dictate the tools.  However here are a few variables that I feel one should consider.

The major considerations for most people when it comes to selecting a firearm, whether for self-defense or executive protection should be:
• Reliability
• Simplicity
• Accuracy
• Caliber

If this is a duty or agency weapon are there specific departmental or agency requirements (i.e. double action only, single action, double/single action, model etc.).  How much time do I have to devote to training?

Is the caliber or capacity appropriate for my intended use?  Would my personal, department, agencies or clients needs be better satisfied through multiple firearms, as opposed to one size fits all?

Reliability – when it comes to reliability most of the large modern gun makers build reliable handguns.  Make sure you select a manufacturer and handgun that is built to be driven hard.  It must be able to stand up to the pressure of continuous practice and training.

Simplicity – ease of operation (i.e. trigger, magazine release, slide release, and takedown etc.) should be a major consideration.  In the stress free life of the square range every handgun seems fine.  However under the stress of a deadly force situation you need a weapon that is simple to operate, and one you feel you can operate effectively under low light conditions.

Accuracy – some people will think about accuracy as number one; but accuracy is a direct byproduct of training and the component you can most impact.  Most of today’s large modern gun manufacturer’s handguns shoot pretty reliable groups from any gun vise, so accuracy is not about the gun, but about the operator.   Most guns shoot more accurately than you can hold them.

Caliber – I am a firm believer that most people should consider shooting the largest caliber and heaviest load of bullet that they can shoot accurately.  Accuracy should always trump caliber size (it doesn’t do you any good to have a large caliber that you can’t control).

For personal or executive protection I am not a fan of any caliber below 9mm (although well placed rounds to the vital areas from a .22, .32 or .380 will typically have a positive ballistic effect on your adversary; however under stress most people will only be half as accurate as they are on their best day at the range).

My first consideration of accuracy is your ability to place the rounds repeatedly center-mass using both hands.  Then the ability to place rounds repeatedly center mass with one hand. My recommended calibers are 9 mm and .45 ACP for semi-automatic pistols and .357 and .38 special for revolvers for working guns.

I know there are many other fine calibers available however the above I have found those are the easiest calibers to consistently find ammunition for and typically have the greatest variety in load options.

When it comes to revolver or semi-automatic, in general a revolver’s inherent advantages lie in their simplicity, and ease of operations with minimal potential for malfunctions.  Semi-automatic handguns advantages typically lie in their increased ammunition capacity and speed in reloading for most operators.

If you work with a firearm and cannot easily operate both, then you need to ask yourself have you dedicated enough time to your training.  Consider testing (many reputable ranges typically offer both revolvers and semi-automatic that you can rent by the hour prior making a purchase) multiple calibers in both revolvers and semi-automatic pistols before making a purchase.

Is concealability (3 inch or shorter barrel) or accuracy (5 inch barrel) more important to you?  Most people will typically shoot a longer barrel more accurately than a shorter one.   If you can only buy one handgun, most people will probably benefit from a 4 inch barrel as it gives you the best of both worlds.

Also most people will shoot a single action or light double action semi-automatic handgun more accurately than the longer trigger pull of a double action semi-automatic handgun.
Just like everything else we do, the mission should dictate the tools to maximize your effectiveness.  With that said here are my choices in selecting a firearm for most EP assignments.

They are ranked by alphabetically not by preference.
High Capacity Pistols (Double Stack Magazines)
• Glock 19 (9 mm, 4.02 inch barrel), Glock 30 (.45 ACP, 3.78 inch barrel)
• Ruger SR9 (9 mm, 3.5 inch barrel)
• Sig Sauer 229 (9 mm, 3.9 inch barrel)
• Smith & Wesson M&P9 (9 mm, 4.25 inch barrel), M&P45 (.45 ACP, 4 inch barrel)
• Springfield XD9 (9 mm, 4 inch barrel), XD45 (.45 ACP, 4 inch barrel) Slim Frame Pistols (Single Stack Magazines)
• Colt 1911 Commander (.45 ACP, 4.25 inch barrel), Defender (.45 ACP or 9 mm, 3 inch barrel)
• Kimber Ultra Carry II (.45 ACP, 3 inch barrel), SIS (.45 ACP, 5 inch barrel)
• Sig Sauer 239 (9 mm, 3.6 inch barrel), 220 (.45 ACP, 3.9 inch barrel)
• Springfield EMP (9 mm, 3 inch barrel), Operator/TRP (.45 ACP, 5 inch barrel)
• Taurus PT 1911 (.45 ACP, 5 inch barrel)

Revolvers
• Ruger SP101 (.357, 2.25 inch barrel)
• Ruger LCR (.357, 1.87 inch barrel)
• Smith and Wesson 649 (.357, 1.87 inch barrel)
• Smith and Wesson M&P R8 (.357 or .38 Special, 5 inch barrel)
• Taurus 617 (.357, 2 inch barrel)

Material choices generally include titanium, aluminum alloy, steel, and stainless steel.  Finishes, primarily for alloys or steel, include matte (non-reflective black), blued (mirror-like blue-black), and nickel plated (shiny silver chrome).

Stainless steel resists rusting, blued steel is extremely durable but will corrode if not cared for, and titanium and aluminum alloy are extremely light, with titanium being the lightest (about two-thirds the weight of steel).  Materials and finishes are generally also a matter of preference.

The more details you work, and the more you train, the more you will find limitations for any of the tools you select.  Whatever you decide, try to buy it once and avoid buying new cheap gun as opposed to a quality used one, if finances are a concern.  In conclusion pick a handgun that is reliable, simple, and accurate and a caliber you can handle.

Make sure that there are a wide variety of accessories made to fit it (i.e. holsters, grips, lights, ammo etc.).  Don’t rely on what the police or military are carrying (their choice may have come from the lowest bidder, although generally their choices will be pretty reliable), but rely and what you have tested and fired for yourself and what performed best for you. Work hard, train hard and realize the tool you select may be called upon to save your life or that of your client one day.

Mark “Six” James is the Founder and Executive Director of Panther Protection Services, LLC a full service protection agency which provides security consulting, threat assessment, executive protection, women’s self-defense training, and firearms instruction.  He is a seasoned Close Protection Operator/Executive Protection Specialist with over 25 years of firearms, martial arts and dignitary/executive protection experience.   He is also a member of the Board of Directors for Deepwater Security, a member of the British Bodyguard Association, NRA and International Defensive Pistol Association and Greater Atlanta Defensive Pistol Association.
For more information, on Mark and his publications please visit:
http://www.pantherprotectionservices.com/Publications.html

So what’s your worst detail?