Archive for category Executive Protection

Executive Protection: Entourage Vs. The ‘Real Deal’, By Aegis PI

Jul 22

Posted by Matt in Estate Security, Executive Protection, Industry Talk | 3 Comments

     This is a treat.  With permission from the guys at Aegis PI, I wanted to post this excellent article on some EP stuff. Specifically, the difference between a professional close protection specialist versus the typical ‘entourage’ body guards that celebrities sometimes use.

     Hell, you could apply the same example to these leaders of small countries that tend to use their family or friends (entourage) as body guards, as opposed to using professionals. And in both cases, when you need serious dependable protection or guidance for avoiding any embarrassments, the optimum choice will always be the professional.  -Matt

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Entourage vs the “real deal”

By Aegis PI

July 22nd, 2010

Just what is the real deal? We will get to that in a bit. What exactly are we talking about here?

That’s simple…

Celebrity Protection.

Not just any Celeb, but one segment specifically, Rappers.

Dear _________, (insert your favorite artist here)

The media and the music industry are filled with story after story of this Hip-Hop artist or that Rapper getting into some sort of trouble because their so called “security” made things worse instead of better. Lets be clear here. They aren’t security at all. They are your boys. Hangers on. The entourage.

They have no formal training in personal security. They think an advance is what happens before pay day. More often then not they are drinking and partying with you. Their felony convictions keep them from legally carrying firearms.

Just because they grew up with you doesn’t mean they are the best person for the job. Yes, your homies loyalty and trust is unshakable. Yes they will do anything for you but is that a good thing? Think about it, how safe are you when your so called ‘bodyguards’ are matching you shot for shot?

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Jobs: Security Officer (Protection) FS-5, Cambodia

Jul 15

Posted by Matt in Cambodia, Executive Protection, Jobs | No Comments

   This is a first.  I have yet to post any jobs for EP work in Cambodia, and this seems like a good one for anyone interested in working in this country.  I am not the recruiter or POC and follow the links below if you would like to apply.  Good luck. -Matt

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un logoJobs: Security Officer (Protection) FS 5, Cambodia

Security Officer (Protection), FS-5

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS:  23 Jul 2010

DATE OF ISSUANCE:  08 Jul 2010

ORGANIZATIONAL UNIT:  Department of Economic and Social Affairs

DUTY STATION:  Phnom-Penh

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT NUMBER:  10-SEC DESA-424504-S-PHNOM-PENH

The initial appointment is limited for a duration of one year only. Extension of the appointment is subject to extension of the mandate and/or the availability of the funds. Appointment is limited to the United Nations Assistance to the Khmer Rouge Trials (UNAKRT).

 Remuneration

Depending on professional background, experience and family situation, a competitive compensation and benefits package is offered.

More Info 

United Nations Core Values: Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity

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Jobs: Executive Protection Officer 3, California

Jul 14

Posted by Matt in California, Executive Protection, Jobs, Los Angeles | No Comments

     Pretty cool opportunity guys and gals.  EP work with this company would probably be a good gig.  I am not the POC or recruiter for this and follow the link below to apply. Good luck. -Matt

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logo northrop grummanJobs: Executive Protection Officer 3, California

Title:  Executive Protection Officer 3 

Category:  SECURITY

Location:  LOS ANGELES, CA / USA

Sector:  CORPORATE

Posting ID:  CO/116080

Description:Northrop Grumman Corporation is a leading global security company whose 120,000 employees provide innovative systems, products, and solutions in aerospace, electronics, information systems, shipbuilding and technical services to government and commercial customers worldwide. Provides protective services for company executives, CEO, Chairman of the Board, members of the board of directors, and visiting dignitaries, such as CEO’s of other organizations, major customers, political leaders, and heads of state. Plans, coordinates and ensures personal protection throughout facilities, residence, airfields, off-site events, and ground and air transportation. Recommends procurement and installation of security equipment. Maintains personal profiles and conducts risk assessments of personnel covered by protection.When not committed to executive security duties, the position will conduct investigative activities pertaining to background investigations, physical and personal security assessments and providing security awareness training as may be required.

Basic Qualifications: BA Degreeor equivalent experience required. Graduate of a federal, state, local or private sector reputable Executive Protection Program. Previous Law Enforcement and/or investigative experience.Candidate should either posses a valid concealed weapons permit or be capable of obtaining one in many jurisdictions as possible. Valid driver’s license and passport require.Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. U.S. Citizenship is required for most positions. Security Clearance Required.

Apply here.

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Jobs: Executive Protection Specialists, California And North Carolina

Jun 30

Posted by Matt in California, Executive Protection, Jobs, North Carolina | 1 Comment

     Here are a couple of opportunities available to guys living in these US states.  I am not the POC or recruiter for these jobs, and please follow the links below in order to apply. By the way, there are two separate job posts below-one for Union Bank and the other for Bank of America. Good luck. -Matt

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Jobs: Executive Protection Specialists, California And North Carolina

Executive Protection Specialist-12189

 At Union Bank, our people are our greatest asset. We are one of the largest banks in California with a longstanding reputation for professional training and career development. In addition to investing in our employees, Union Bank has established a generous community reinvestment program that works to uplift communities and watch them grow. We invest in a diverse workforce as our employees come from many different backgrounds, bringing with them different experiences and perspectives.

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Executive Protection: Current Status Of Fortune 500 Security Expenditures

May 1

Posted by Matt in Estate Security, Executive Protection, Industry Talk | 1 Comment

   This is one of the best articles I have come across in awhile, just because it is full of some very good info on the money side of executive protection. I have never seen such a complete compilation of this stuff, and bravo to Mr. Andrejczak for putting this together. Maybe he could do a report on the overseas contracting industry one of these days?

   A couple of highlights.  Obviously the recession is causing many companies to pinch pennies, to include security expenditures for CEO’s and management.  But like the article mentions, the report is not able to get a complete picture on expenditures. With that said, you can still get a lot out of this thing.

   It looks like the top companies are Starbucks, Dell, and Oracle (for disclosed expenditures).  I imagine Apple and Microsoft pay big as well, but that was not disclosed.

   I also thought the listing of companies who had interests in Mexico was telling.  The expenditures for security services for Coke and Citigroup has increased, which makes sense. I imagine many companies with offices and CEO’s located in Mexico, will be paying a premium for protection.

   The final point that made this article really cool, was the mention of security companies who were players in the fortune 500 protection game.  And most of them had blogs! lol  Although I don’t think they are blogging for the same reason I am. Blogs on websites are usually part of the SEO strategy of companies, so they can be more searchable to potential clients.

   Most corporate websites are stagnate, because they don’t get a lot of content coming into the site to make them highly searchable.  You attach a blog to a site and that increases a companies chances of being found in Google Search. That is also why they set up Facebook and Twitter accounts, so they rate high in search.  Either way, I put these companies up on my reader, and I look forward to what they have to say.  I have no clue if they are hiring, but it wouldn’t hurt to send them a cover letter and resume if you are looking for work CONUS. (As a disclosure, I do not work for any of these companies, nor am I endorsing them–just getting the word out) -Matt

Insite Security website here.

Insite Security blog here.

Sexton Executive Security website here.

Sexton Security’s Bullet Proof blog here.

Inter-Con Security Systems website here.

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CEO security-tabs fall at Google, FedEx and Disney

Starbucks pays more to protect CEO Howard Schultz

By Matt Andrejczak

April 12, 2010

Executives at Kodak and Deere are now paying for their own home-security systems, a sign that executive-security is one perk corporate board’s are scrutinizing more closely.

Indeed, other companies cut back on security expenses, too — especially those known to spend big bucks on protecting their CEO, according to a MarketWatch review of proxy statements filed so far this year by Dow 30 components and larger S&P 500 companies.

The security tab for Google CEO Eric Schmidt fell 42% to $233,542 last year. The bill for FedEx CEO Fred Smith dropped 23% to $461,405, while the cost for Disney CEO Bob Iger dipped 9% to $589,102.

Since 2007, Google has paid $1.1 million in personal security expenses for Schmidt, FedEx has paid $1.5 million for Smith, and Disney has paid $1.9 million for Iger.

Compensation consultant Todd Gershkowitz of Farient Advisors said CEO security is not an egregious perk compared to goodies like country-club memberships, chauffeurs or taxes companies pay on super-sized severance packages for axed CEOs.

But company-provided security “becomes an invasion of privacy, some CEOs don’t want it, some accept it,” said Gershkowitz, who considers CEO security expenditures more of an issue about risk than one of executive perks handed out by directors.

He said he’d like to see more detailed disclosures about CEO security in proxies.

Deere and Kodak won’t pay the bill for residential security anymore, according to their yearly proxy statements filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Starting this year, Deere said eight executives will have to reimburse the company for security services that had included “drive-by surveillance and response to security alarms” for certain executives by Deere’s corporate security staff.

CEO pay: Who made the big buck in 2009?

Median CEO pay declined for a second year in 2009, according to the Wall Street Journal’s annual CEO pay survey. WSJ’s Erin White talks with David Wise of Hay Group about the survey.

This perk cost Deere less than $19,000 last year, but the exact number is unknown since the tractor maker lumped the cost in with spouses attending company events.

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PMC 2.0: Cyber Bodyguards Set Up In Switzerland

Apr 6

Posted by Matt in Executive Protection, PMC 2.0, Switzerland, Technology | 2 Comments

   I put this up as a PMC 2.0, because I believe we will see more of this type of thing, but at larger and possibly more dangerous scales.  Think in terms of a PMC or PSC that can offer to protect (both electronically and physically) a country’s cyber affairs?  Someone has to protect the cell towers, the server farms, the cables, and the online presence of that country.

   Not to mention all of that country’s infrastructure or finance that is tied into computers and the internet.  Countries like Georgia were attacked by Russia, physically and online. Cyber warfare is a huge topic in the U.S. right now, and it scares the crap out of today’s planners.  For smaller countries, a PMC or PSC that could offer full spectrum services like what I am talking about, could be essential for their survival and future stability. -Matt

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Cyber Bodyguards Set Up in Switzerland

Michael Cheek

Monday, April 5, 2010

In an effort to meet the growing needs of business people, the Electronic Bodyguards Group has formed in Switzerland to help protect business people from privacy and security threats in the electronic sphere. The group, formed by Peter Houppermans, a security consultant who helped build the UK’s Government Secure Intranet, brings together a variety of experts to address the threats.

The group markets its offerings to companies but also to senior executives and VIPs and is centered on the top end of the spectrum.

“VIPs typically walk into a less secure setup as soon as they leave their office,” Houppermans said. “Bodyguards only look at perimeter, but the guy in the carpark with a laptop can pose a threat as can a lost BlackBerry that cannot be remotely killed.”

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Jobs: Dignitary Protection Officer, OCONUS

Mar 27

Posted by Matt in Executive Protection, Jobs, Law Enforcement | No Comments

   Just a heads up, this is actually a job with JSI and MEP is just doing all the leg work for posting the job.  But both companies are all in the same partnership.  There are a few other companies in this group as well, and follow the links below and you will see for yourself.

   I am not the point of contact or recruiter for this, and follow the links in order to apply.  Good luck. -Matt

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mep final logo hrJobs: Dignitary Protection Officer, OCONUS

Dignitary Protection Officer

Division: Criminal Justice Program Support

Location: Worldwide

FT/PT/Contract: Full Time

Job Description Position Summary: International civilian police work helps ensure that law and order are maintained effectively and impartially according to democratic policy principles by assessing, monitoring, advising and mentoring the local host country civilian police. This work helps ensure that human rights and fundamental freedoms are fully protected.

A Dignitary Protection Officer is a specially trained agent who has mastered protective operations and possesses extensive investigative skills, allowing them to deploy countermeasures that ensure the security of all protected dignitaries. The countermeasures consist of the collection of protective intelligence about the environments and sites to be visited. All proper steps and measures are taken to eliminate or reduce all risks including, threats, hazards, embarrassment and compromise of information, thus allowing us to establish a secure area for a dignitary. On duty, a Dignitary Protection Officer may be training/advising/mentoring host country officers or performing protection duties as part of a team.

Incumbent Dignitary Protection Officers must possess and be able to train others on fundamental skills and procedures necessary to provide personal protection to dignitaries, officials, witnesses and others in need of protective security. The host country counterpart may range from the entry-level novice getting started in the field all the way up to the experienced protection provider. The Dignitary Protection Officer must be able to train/advise and mentor counterparts at all levels of experience and training.

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Jobs: Corporate Security Specialist, Thailand

Feb 8

Posted by Matt in Executive Protection, Jobs, Thailand | No Comments

   This would be a great opportunity for those of you who live in Thailand.  I know of a few contractors out there that have made that area home, or at least their second home.  I know I like the place.

   I am not the POC or recruiter for this, and just follow the link provided in order to apply. Good luck. -Matt

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BV main2Jobs: Corporate Security Specialist, Thailand

Business Title: Corporate Security Specialist

Location: Thailand-Bangkok

Requisition Number: 2113BR

Employee Type: Full Time

Percent of Travel Required: 26-50

Training and Certifications: CPP certification, or actively pursuing

Visa Sponsorship Available?: No

Relocation Available?: Yes

Primary Purpose: This position is responsible for supporting corporate operational security best practices, procedures, and strategies for B&V offices and project sites, worldwide. Supports and contributes to security practices and instructions that facilitate the existing corporate security policy and which will provide a comprehensive security program and services to the corporation. Focus is on protection of persons and then on property.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities: Support management of risks to personnel, property and information arising from crime, civil disorder, natural disasters, technical failures, activism or terrorism and acts of war in order to minimize their impact on business.

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Media News: The Media And Their Usage Of Security Contractors In War Zones And Disasters

Feb 1

Posted by Matt in Executive Protection, Industry Talk, Media News | No Comments

   I wanted to do a quick post about the media and their weird relationship with my industry.  In one breath they will write entire articles about how immoral privatized security is in war zones, and in that same breath they will get on the phone and hire private security officers for protection in war zones and disasters. Kind of ironic isn’t it?

   So I figured I would delve into this concept of the media’s twisted love affair with security contractors, and I came up with some good stuff.

   For this deal, I did write several news organizations, and none of them gave a reply back. I will edit, when I get a reply, but no dice so far.  The question I wanted answered, is who do they use for security in war zones and disaster zones.  Simple question, yet no one wanted to take the time to answer back.

   But the pay dirt was contacting the International News Safety Institute.  Those guys gave me the low down on who the media goes to for security services, and with that, I got all the juice that I wanted.  The three top companies specifically identified by the INSI for these types of high risk services are AKE, TOR International and Chiron Resources. I thought that was cool, and on the INSI website, they even mentioned Armor Group and Hart Security as media supporters.  Hart even boasted about providing services to the media in Haiti on their website and at IPOA.

   So below, I posted all the quotes I could find, listed under testimonials at all of the company websites mentioned.  Notice the big names who just raved about the security services and training given by these companies? lol.  I wonder if their bodyguards ever had to loan them a pen while they wrote scathing articles about security contractors and their ‘immoral activities’ in war zones or disasters?

   Finally, I hope the journalists reading this post understand that we in the industry know what the real deal is.  We know you need us in order to do your business in war zones and disasters.  Behind every high dollar Anderson Cooper type, is some guy getting paid handsomely to be the bullet and shrapnel sponge for that journalist. I just hope that a post like this sheds some light on that deed, because I know most of the media is probably too busy to bother writing about such boring things.- Matt

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Media support by INSI

While nobody can remove all the danger, journalists can do much to anticipate dangers, reduce risks and come through hazardous assignments safely.

Journalists have an individual responsibility to anticipate and reduce dangers and a collective responsibility through their professional organisations and trades unions to campaign for safer working conditions. Journalists, their organisations and their employers, all have a critical function in reducing the unacceptable rate of death and injury.

A range of specialised media support service is available for journalists working in dangerous environments.

This section gives information about media support providers. INSI gathers details from the organisations themselves plus a variety of other sources. Every reasonable effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information provided, but no guarantees can be given. Training may change from time to time and contact details may alter.

Media support services providers are listed in alphabetical order

Link to International News Safety Institute here.

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What the media has to say about AKE

“They’re the industry leaders in training and protecting those of our staff working in harm’s way. Even those of us who think we have nothing to learn have been humbled at the hands of AKE.”

Chris Cramer

(Former) Managing Director, CNN International

“Without AKE’s training, I’m convinced that [my colleague] Bengt wouldn’t be alive today.”

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Canada: Bodyguards And Security Agents To Beef Up Security At The Games

Feb 1

Posted by Matt in Canada, Executive Protection, Industry Talk | No Comments

   Thanks to Sunil for sending me this article, and bravo to him and his company for securing a contract for the Olympics.  Like the World Cup or Super Bowl, the Olympics can be an massive security undertaking, requiring numerous types of security professionals. If you would like to check out the opportunities, click on the highlighted links below. So lot’s of work for guys and gals up there, and good luck. -Matt

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Bodyguards and security agents to beef up security at the Games

By Ethan Baron, Vancouver Province

January 26, 2010

VANCOUVER — Celebrities and business bigwigs are hiring legions of bodyguards and security agents during their Olympic visits to protect their safety — and their reputations.

One security company has added an extra 300 staff to safeguard just a dozen high-flying clients. Many bodyguards won’t be slab-faced apes with earpieces. You may not even see the security that’s in place for CEOs and Hollywood stars — unless you get too close.

“A lot of times when we’re looking after these people, it’s not obvious that we’re there, until we have to be,” says Sunil Ram, owner of Executive Security Services International, a Canadian company with several clients attending the Games.

Although private bodyguards aren’t allowed to carry guns in Canada, those providing what’s known in the industry as “close protection” possess hand-to-hand combat skills.

Many are former police officers and soldiers. However, violence in the service of a client remains a last resort, private-security heads say.

For most who buy security services, an ugly incident with a celebrity-obsessed fan or an angry protester could cause injury beyond the physical.

“We’re not the dogs of war, we’re the cats of war,” says Mark LaLonde, a director of Canpro Global, an international “risk mitigation” company working the Games. “At the first sign of trouble, we get our clients to run away. It may be a personal safety and security issue, but it may also be something that can prove embarrassing.”

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