We originally posted the review for this book in November of 2008. The original review was done by Bruce Alexander. Seeing that this is such great source for anyone working in the executive protection industry I thought it would be worthwhile posting again.
Enjoy
Hucky
Just 2 Seconds
By: Gavin de Becker
Review By: Bruce Alexander from Executive Protection News
I just finished reading “Just 2 Seconds” by Gavin De Becker, Tom Taylor and Jeff Marquart. If you had to buy only one book this year on executive protection, this is it. Part philosophical, part practical, part tactical, part academic and part historical, “Just 2 Seconds” covers the essence and essentials of preventing an attack on a principal.
The book has three main themes. The first theme addresses attack methodologies from the perspective of how time, distance and space impact both the attacker and the protector. This sets the basis for the second theme which is how to implement preventative strategies and techniques which capitalize on the attackers’ limitations as manifested by time, distance and space. The third aspect of the book is a “compendium” of attacks that is probably the single most comprehensive collection of various criminal and terrorist attacks relevant to executive protection.
The book reflects the thorough research which has come to characterize books written by Gavin De Becker. This trait is most evident in the attack compendium. The attack compendium is an excellent collection of various attacks that have occurred around the world. What is particularly unique about this section is that various attack methodologies are depicted which are then cross referenced by the authors to illustrate either preventative or protective measures which had an impact on the attack. Not every attack is directly related to executive protection however this does not diminish the value of the book since there is a learning lesson associated with every example.
The book also contains additional material which by itself, is worth the price of the book, De Becker shares various forms and techniques that his firm uses when providing executive protection. The form he provides to his clients regarding how they should conduct themselves in regards to crowd situations is an exceptional resource. There are also several practical executive protection techniques that his firm uses which are worth replicating.
Between the advice, techniques, examples and case studies, this book would be a bargain at twice the price. My only complaint about the book is that I didn’t write it.
Bruce Alexander
