Executive Protection Institute Review

Bodyguard Education — Executive Protection Institute

The History of the Executive Protection Institute (EPI)

“We put the pro in protection” is the standard and slogan of the Executive Protection Institute since 1978, and the EPI has lived up to this standard ever since. To understand their ideals of integrity, you don’t need to look any further than the leadership of EPI. The Institute was established by Dr. Richard W. Kobetz. He started with the goal of ensuring that EPI was up to date on the latest technologies and methods. Through his rigorous efforts in hiring only the best instructors, Dr. Kobetz established an institute that has become the industry standard of excellence.

Dr. Kobetz was able to build a stellar faculty because of the connections he formed over his decades of experience in the protection specialist field. Some of his most notable achievements were:

creating protection training programs
becoming the police commander in Chicago, Illinois
co-writing Target Terrorism: Providing Protective Services

After eighteen years of leadership at EPI, Dr. Kobetz handed over the institute to Jerry Heying. Jerry Heying was a great industry leader prior to taking the reins at EPI. He held many respectable positions including President of the Academy of Security Educators and Trainers. In 2009, EPI was purchased by the International Protection Group (IPG) a world-class leader in Executive Protection for the past 150 years. With this merger of two esteemed and seasoned agencies, it’s no surprise that Executive Protection Institute has been able to blaze new trails with their innovative training program.

The Credentials

If you read the many testimonials, you will see that each graduate possesses not only a high regard for the Institute, but a consistent sense of conviction in their work. For instance, Douglas B. wrote:

“I can see why your program is the absolute ‘Harvard’ in the field. Other schools come and go, and you not only were the first to offer this training, but you continue to set and uphold the highest standards.”

It is true that Executive Protection Institute paved the way for advanced and groundbreaking training. In 1994, EPI inspired other training facilities with their infamous “7-Day Providing Executive Protection Program.” The Executive Protection Institute was also the first program to provide Official State Credentialing to its graduates. Another result of the EPI’s diligent work and efforts for protection led them to not only meet but exceed the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice standards. EPI’s founder Dr. Kobetz created the Personal Protection Specialist (PPS) designation which has been officially adopted by the commonwealth of Virginia.

Entry Level Training

Each applicant must undergo careful screening before they are accepted into the Institute. Students who are admitted to the Executive Protection Institute will have the benefit of instructors who are well seasoned in their work. The EPI understands that faculty is one of the most important keys to training the next great crop of Personal Protection Specialists. The faculty of EPI are always improving themselves for the sake of their students. If you want to get to know your instructors after or before enrollment, you can learn about each on the EPI website which provides the credentials and experience of each instructor. With that information, you can have the peace of mind in knowing that you are being trained by someone with great skill, years of experience, and passion for the work.

The Executive Protection Institute has a long history of curating custom programs for each student’s personal needs. EPI is also known for offering flexible training programs. For example, you can learn through webinars and/or seminars. Or you can enroll in one of many in-person programs. Class offerings cover everything an executive protection specialist needs to know including:

Executive Protection
Protection Driving
Protection Firearms
Defensive Tactics in Protection

The broad spectrum of courses offers a solid education in how to prevent and handle accidents, how to address intentional attacks, and what to do the case of a medical emergency. All of these skills are organized within various training programs.

When reviewing the education options that EPI offers, you will notice that the focus is consistently on the best methods for defending others. But your training is designed to ensure that, in addition to your client remaining safe, you are safe as well.

In terms of gun safety, the training is layered as it focuses on precision and speed. EPI’s gun safety training is implemented through a unique and methodical program.

The defensive driving courses give detailed training in how to act as both a chauffeur and a personal protection specialist.

Advanced Training

Fortunately, EPI isn’t just for those starting their careers at an entry level. After graduating, you have the option to get continuing education as a Nine Lives Association Member (NLA). The NLA is a private brotherhood of graduates that works together to advance the art and science of personal protection. Members receive a Black Cat lapel pin to show their commitment to professional excellence. Membership in this exclusive club has many benefits including apparel and accessories with the membership logo, priority notification of available protection assignments, and access to members-only gatherings and events worldwide. You are only eligible once you have attended one of the Providing Executive Protection Programs.

The Executive Protection Institute encourages those with experience to try a variety of continuing education classes to either develop new skills or to improve their existing body of knowledge. There are courses in Campus Protection, VIP Protection, Executive Protection, Protection Driving, Gun Protection, and Physical Security for Consultants & PPS to name a few.

Getting Started

Enrollment: Call (212) 268-4555 or email them at info@personalprotection.com.

Duration: Some programs take seven days to complete and can cost up to $3,500 to start.

Financing: Financing is available to qualified applicants at 0% interest with up to 6 months to pay.

Payment: Payment methods include check, credit card, or PayPal Credit.

Books: A wide catalog of Executive Protection Training books are available.

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About Harlan Austin
Harlan Austin is the founder and editor of Bodyguard Careers. If you want to learn how to get started in Executive Protection, check out my Patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/executiveprot… You’ll find over 100 executive protection subjects covering a variety of useful executive protection tips.

Executive Protection Tips

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Principal Protection Lessons Learned

The Evolution of Protective Operations by R.E. “Rick” Colliver

Protection, like any other process, is evolutionary. And we should agree that a large part of any evolutionary process is failure, which is another way of saying “learning through our mistakes.” As the title suggests, this book is about the lessons learned through several thousand years of trial-and-error, creating and adopting best-practices, striving to provide protection for persons of public interest and others at risk.

Originally developed as a companion text supporting professional courses in protective operations, Principal Protection Lessons Learned can be a valuable reference for all specialists and managers employed in the protection field, to help them enhance and add value to their own vulnerability assessments, protective operations, and human security management.

Far from being another “how-to” book on protection, it is more of a “why-to”. Principal Protection Lessons Learned goes far beyond the reactionary skills highlighted in other texts, and provides the reader/practitioner with a wealth of applicable information and knowledge that has been acquired through the experience of protection professionals for several millennia.

Finally, a book for both public and private sector protection professionals who are required to manage protective operations with a minimum of headcount and budget, in an increasingly complex and demanding environment.

Contents

• Chapter One: Principal Protection

• Chapter Two: Comprehensive Security

• Chapter Three: Understanding Threat and Risk; an Introduction

• Chapter Four: Assessing Threat and Risk in the Field (with Dr. Ken Wolf, Dr. Emily Wolf and Marilyn Knight, MSW)

• Chapter Five: Ethics, Etiquette and the Scope of Your Employment

• Chapter Six: Conducting the Advance

• Chapter Seven: Hazardous Device Search Techniques

• Chapter Eight: Protective Detail Planning and management(with Tim Halbakken)

• Chapter Nine: Managing Protection

• Chapter Ten: Lessons Learned Through History

• Appendix A: A Glossary of Terms

• Appendix B: White House Security Review

• Appendix C: Security Checklists

• Appendix D: Bibliography

• Appendix E: State v. Hessler (2000), 90 Ohio St.3d 108

• Appendix F: National Special Security Events Prepared for Members and Committees of Congress

Appendix A is an extensive Glossary of Terms, acronyms and abbreviations that protection specialists will likely encounter during the course of their employment. Appendix B; “White House Security Review”, explains a practical methodology for security assessment but also illustrates the type of precursor event that can predicate such an in-depth analysis and the scope of work required in such an undertaking. Remember that the higher the profile of the Protectee, the more attention will be focused on your work.

Appendix C is a collection of commonly found checklists that the reader can modify for their own use as appropriate. Regardless of how many years we spend in this business or how many routes and venues we advance, it is always helpful for us to have some sort of guide to ensure that we have not overlooked something.

Appendix D is a bibliography of material relating to the field of dignitary and executive protection. Regardless of the age of the material, many of the tried and true observations remain valid to this day and have helped us to shape our protection programs.

Appendix E is a copy of State v. Hessler (90 Ohio St.3d 108, 2000-Ohio-30) which provides a comprehensive review of a case of targeted violence including background on the perpetrator and his relationship with his victims. For protection personnel involved in threat assessments this will afford a rare glimpse into the violence process and resultant effects.

Appendix F is a congressional executive summary explaining the formation of the National Special Security Events (NSSE) designation. Protection personnel working key special events that are specified as NSSE should be familiar with this act.

About the Author R.E. “Rick” Colliver

Rick Colliver has served as the global security director for two multi-national corporations with operations in 24 time zones, and has managed protection details on four continents. He is the course developer and lead instructor in the Principal Protection program at the Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy and is an adjunct instructor in protective operations through several police, military and academic organizations. He has held security clearances with the US DoD and DHS, and serves as an advisory board member with the American Board for Certification in Dignitary and Executive Protection, and a Council Member for the Protective Security Council

Testimonial

“Rick is a friend of mine and in my opinion the subject matter expert with regards to executive security. I tell my colleagues he’s the sleeping giant of the EP industry, he’s been a great mentor. He’s a top-notch guy and without question his book (Principal Protection; Lessons Learn) is one of the best”.

Hucky Austin

ONLY $45.00 USD

Online Executive Protection Training At Your Fingertips

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Who the Heck Am I And Why Should You Listen to Me

Hi, I’m Harlan Hucky Austin, and I want to help you get started in Executive Protection. I understand you are in the process of making some difficult decisions about how you will invest your valuable time and money in developing yourself into world-class executive protection professional. With that being said, I am honored that you have sought out my advice in assisting you to reach the best possible decision.

Fortunately, there are many men and women that have chosen to share their vast experience in this exciting field. The proliferation of executive protection training schools that have sprung up across the country and the globe create both an opportunity and a challenge.

On the one hand, there is plenty to choose from and, on the other hand, it takes a degree of insight and investigation to separate those schools that are worthy of your investment from those bent on wasting your time and money.

Online Executive Protection Training

Newcomers to the industry can typically spend upwards of $1,000 to $3,000 or more in attending training courses before they realize whether or not the profession is something that they wish to pursue further. Bodyguard Careers offers an Online Executive Protection Training Course “Cracking The Executive Protection Code ” Online Bodyguard Training course that allows students to make an informed decision earlier and at a far less cost.

The objectives of this course are to provide executive protection trainees with a thorough insight into the realm of executive protection and to provide an overview of the skill sets required in order to pursue a career as a professional bodyguard.

This unique, low-cost course allows students to make a more educated decision on whether or not they should make the costly financial and time-consuming investment into following a career in which they may later find does not suit them well. The course is conducted by seasoned professionals with real-life experience and expertise in the field of executive protection.

We are confident that our approach to executive protection training is unparalleled in quality. Once the course is completed, you the student will have a basic understanding of what is needed to get started in executive protection. So what are you waiting for?

Let Me Teach You How to Get Started in Executive Protection!

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EDUCATION, CERTIFICATION, & LICENSING

Many bodyguards are former police officers, ex-military, secret service agents, FBI agents, and security guards. Most agencies hiring bodyguards require a high school diploma or GED. They also screen applicants–conducting extensive background investigations and credit checks. In addition, most bodyguards must pass a health examination and drug tests.

While no national certification or licensing is needed to become a bodyguard, many clients prefer bodyguards who have attended one of several specialized training courses or “bodyguard schools” that offer certification as a personal protection specialist. Other clients look for certification proving specific skills as CPR and self-defense. Still other clients prefer bodyguards with an extensive background in police work or who are licensed to carry firearms.

Specific tasks include:

Planning a client’s arrivals and departures throughout the day to minimize risks

Handling paparazzi, media, and friendly approaches from fans

Providing defensive escort driving to escape fans, paparazzi, or pursuers

Engaging in unarmed defensive tactics to thwart aggressive fans

Conducting home, office, vehicle, and building searches

Protecting clients in crowd situations

Making logistical arrangements for any trip outside the home or office

Voluntary certification in physical security and as a protection professional is available from the American Society of Industrial Security.

New and Improved Executive Protection Schools E-Book

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Over 20 of the Top Executive Protection Schools in the World

To be successful in most fields you have to have some type of formalized or specialized education under your belt in order to teach you both the basic and advanced skills needed to succeed in a specific job. Whether that job is an auto mechanic, a draftsmen or accountant, those entering into the field of Executive Protection are also required to have some type of formal and advanced training.

Training is a component of Executive Protection that has changed significantly over the past 25 years. There was a time when any large, physically-fit man with an intimidating presence was employed as a Bodyguard—or as is politically correct in 2011—Executive Protection Specialist. This simply is no longer the case. Today, men and women both are working in the field, and training is considered key to succeeding in the field, and physical strength, endurance and agility are only part of the EPS equation.

In many cases you will have an extremely hard time finding employment, either with a team or as an individual without a formalized education. It is also important to remember that as an Executive Protection Specialist you have to continue on your path for excellence. Just because you graduated from the ABC school of Executive Protection does not mean that your education is complete. It is imperative for you to constantly continue to learn; the old saying “knowledge is power” is true. The more bodyguard training you have the better off you will be and the more successful you will have in the EP industry.

In the interest of providing our visitors with the best information available to succeed in this business, Bodyguard Careers has prepared the Top Executive Protection School list. Brief descriptions of each bodyguard schools are included. Please be sure to visit them to learn firsthand how they can be of help to you. I look forward to sharing in your success. I know you will find as I have, that you are on a career path that is both interesting and profitable.

Sincerely

Harlan (Hucky) Austin

What People are Saying about Top Executive Protection Schools

Hucky,

I just wanted to show my appreciation for your book. I was recently the victim of a well-known scam organization out there that is preying on individuals like myself. My only regret is, I wish I had your book 4 months ago.

Ted, OK

Hucky,

Your e-book has been extremely insightful and helpful. It’s nice to get the thoughts of a true professional, and not someone that is trying to get me to pay thousands of dollars to go to their school.

Pat, CA

Hucky,

I applaud you on putting together a list of legitimate executive protection schools, and making them available in your e-book. This e-book is a must read for anyone seeking acceptable executive protection schools.

Carl, GA

About the Author

Harlan “Hucky” Austin

President of Bodyguards Careers Harlan Austin has acquired over 25 years of field experience as an Executive Protection Specialist, seven years of which he served as Director of Security Services for Paisley Park Productions.

Foremost, in his duties at Paisley Park was assuring the safety and welfare of the musical artist Prince, as well as celebrities with whom Prince collaborated or associated with Lenny Kravitz, Madonna, Carmen Elektra, Sheena Easton, Patti LaBelle and Kim Basinger to name a few.

Over the years, Mr. Austin has served as a Executive Protection Specialist to clients attending high-profile events including the American Music Awards, the Grammy Awards, the Academy Awards, the NBA All-Star Weekend, and various film premieres.

Mr. Austin’s Security career has led to worldwide travels, including security details in Europe, Mexico, North and South America, Asia, Scandinavia, and the Caribbean.

Feedback from Executive Protection School Owners

Icon Services Corporation

“Here’s the thing I like about Harlan Austin, he understands the business. However, unlike so many from the “old school” he doesn’t horde information, instead he shares it. Let’s face it, our industry has a reputation for being pretty tight-lipped and while OPSEC (Operational Security) is a great practice, if we close too many doors, how do people just starting out ever get in? When Harlan told me about my inclusion in the previously edition of his “Top Executive Protection Schools”, based off of the uniqueness of our Celebrity & VIP Protection Course, I was delighted. Not only because I was in it, but rather because I encounter so many people who are attempting to do this work with little or no training, primarily because they don’t know where to go to get it. My recommendation to those interested in our industry–buy the book. The $19.95 invested here may save you thousands elsewhere.”

Elijah J. Shaw, CEO

Dignitary Protection Group LLC

With bodyguard schools popping up all over, prospective students are faced with the daunting task of sorting through all the clutter. Luckily they have a great source in Hucky Austin’s “Top Executive Protection Schools” eBook. His book clears away all that clutter and highlights the best of the best. If you’re in the market for executive protection training, reading this book should be one of your first steps.

Doug Runyon, Managing Partner

Panther Protection Services

As a firearms instructor for the Georgia Board of Private Detectives and Security Agencies and Chief Firearms Instructor for Panther Protection Services, I am constantly asked by my firearms students, what can I do to continue to enhance my skills to help prepare me to become an Executive Protection Specialist. My answer is never stop learning and continue to diversify your training to not only help you build your baseline skills, but also to help you keep your skills contemporary. I applaud Harlan “Hucky” Austin and the entire staff at www.bodyguardcareers.com for not only putting together a great resource eBook “Top Executive Protection Schools”, to help both aspiring and seasoned EP agents to not only build their skills but for establishing the premier online EP resource/website to assist agents in keep their skills contemporary!

Mark “Six” James, Executive Director

Money Back Guarantee

That’s how confident we are that this is a resource that will help you choose the right Executive Protection School.

Download Your Copy Today

Top Executive Protection Schools is ready for your download right now for just $19.95 USD – to secure your copy simply click the ‘download it now’ button below and you’ll be taken to a page where you can make your payment via PayPal or Credit card and get immediate access for download.

Introducting: Bodyguard Careers Seminars

Announcements, Bodyguard Training

The proliferation of executive protection training schools that have sprung up across the country and the globe create both an opportunity and a challenge. On the one hand, there are plenty to choose from and, on the other hand, it takes a degree of insight and investigation to separate those schools that are worthy of your investment from those bent on wasting your time and money.Newcomers to the industry can typically spend upwards of $1,000 to $3,000 or more in attending “basic” training courses before they realize whether or not the profession is something that they wish to further pursue. Bodyguard Careers offers a one day course costing only $250 that allows students to make an informed decision earlier and at a far less cost.

This unique, low-cost course allows students to make a more educated decision on whether or not they should make the costly financial and time consuming investment into following a career in which they may later find does not suit them well.

The Seminar is eight hours and is conducted by seasoned professionals with real-life experience and expertise in the field of executive protection. [Read more…] about Introducting: Bodyguard Careers Seminars

Executive Protection Institute Review