dignitary protection

Dignitary Protection 101Dignitary Protection 101

Class Overview

• Day 1– Classroom

• Overview/Terms/Formations/Route Planning/Surveys

– Practical FTX• Formations• Motorcades• Picketlines

– Prep for Day 2 FTX

• Day 2– FTX

• Review of FTX– Briefing– Critique– Comments

Dignitary Protection 02/08/04

PurposeThe successful protection detail favors the use of proactive measures to avoid the confrontation, while maintaining a reactive capability in the form of good plans, procedures and training to aid in escaping the confrontation.


•The vast majority of organized attacks are successful•The bodyguards usually die•The bodyguards rarely fire their guns effectively, if at all•The bodyguards gunfire almost never affects the outcome of the attack

You must take a proactive approach to protection details.

Identifying the threat level

The perceived threat on the principal will determine the type of protective detail and countermeasures used.

Political Candidate/Dignitary/Celebrity

•What does he or she represent•Issues and stands•Prior actions against the individual•Current threat data


Operations

• Route Selection• Site Security• Communications• Intelligence• Traffic• Hospital Surveys• Luggage Security

• Close Proximity Personnel

• Fixed Posts• Motorcades• Command Post• Aerial Support • Counter snipers


Terminology and Definitions

Advance Survey General terms applied to all security activities, plans and arrangements made prior to and in connection with the visit of the principal to a given area

Route Survey The selection of primary and alternate routes of travel for the principal, and the measures taken to make the route secure for travel

Site Survey The investigation and resultant plans of security for a given location. Generally involves all the security measures taken at a place to be visited by the principal. Examples would be a hotel, mall, speech sites, etc.

Secure Area Any area/location that has been surveyed, cleared of unauthorized persons, is technically secure and is continuously secure by establishing post assignments prior to use


Security Room The immediate control center for a specific detail or location, such as in a hotel room, principal’s residence, etc. To be used by Officers not on post but involved in the protection detail.

Security Post An area of responsibility established to form a part of the security network. This may be fixed or mobile and there are generally three types; Surveillance, Check point and Special Assignment.

Holding Room Secure room at the visit site, usually a private room set aside for the principal’s privacy and convenience.Also used to hold the principal in the event of a problem and exiting is not an immediate option.

Motorcade A formally organized group of vehicles traveling along a specific route in a controlled formation


Pilot Car A marked cruiser which precedes the motorcade by approximately ¼ mile scanning the route for dangers, obstructions and problem areas

Lead Car The vehicle immediately preceding the motorcade occupied by the team leader, advance man and local officers.

Principals Car The vehicle designated to carry the principal

Follow Up car Protective services vehicle always immediately following the principal.

PI Car Vehicle carrying protective intelligence teams. The teams are responsible for responding to and resolving any issues or activities along the route which may involve possible threats or disruptions.


Detail Leader Senior protective detail person in overall charge of the protective services function.

Shift Leader Protective Detail Officer in charge of personnel on a given shift

Site Leader Detail Officer in charge of a particular location. Is responsible for setting up all security posts, conducting roll call and maintaining overall control of the site prior to the principals arrival

Intel Detail officers in area watching area reporting any suspicious persons or activity

Close Proximity

Recommended • Minimum 5 to 6 person

team• Protect left side of the

principal• Point man should have the

principal in his peripheral view 50% of the time

• Attempt to block the path of the attacker

• Do not let the principal enter a doorway first

• In hallways keep the principal in the center

• Keep the principal away from doorways, alcoves, etc

• Move towards the attacker not away

Close Proximity

During an assault• Push the principal to the

ground• Cover the principal• Push the principal into the

crowd• Evacuate the principal to

the limo or safe room within the building or leave the building

• Id the problem and take action if within arms reach

• Use handshake release– Apply pressure to wrist

joint and pull up on the thumb

• Block items being thrown• Protect the principal

Close Proximity

Assault SituationsThere are four primary

considerations during an assault

• Arms Reach situations– Take action

• Sound off Situations– First man who sees problem

sounds off– Id problem and use simple

terms, ex. Gun, knife

• Cover considerations– Have principal squat– DL and SL close and – cover principal

• Evacuation considerations– Move to limo – Move to holding room– Move to safe location away

from problem

Working the Principal

Overall Mission• Prevent injury, embarrassment, kidnapping,

assignation and safe guard the principals scheduleBrief the principal• Make sure the principal knows how the protective

detail works– The primary function of the detail is security and is not a

matter or convenience to the principal – He/She will follow all orders given by Shift leader in the

event of an emergency


Dress• Conservative dress

– Dark colors• Bright colors are distracting and draw attention

– Well tailored jacket• Tailored to allow concealment of weapon and easy access

– Comfortable shoes with rubber soles


Demeanor• General

– Do not smoke– Do not chew gum– Do not engage the principal in conversation unless

initiated by the principal (does not apply to the Shift Leader)

– Maintain a uniform attitude of professionalism


Demeanor• General

– Keep handcuffs and weapons discreetly secured– Refer any problems to the Detail Leader– Stay alert and ready for any problems– Remember your primary objective is to protect the

principal. Do nothing to comprise the security of the principal, yet utilize tact, discretion and common sense

FormationsDouble Ring Concept

P

The Outer ring:Intelligence, Crowd AttitudeAlert for Threat, Reaction

The Inner Ring:Arms Reach Concept,Close Proximity

Formations5 Man Wedge Formation

2 4 3

1

SL P

Formations5 Man Diamond Formation

2

4

3

1

SL P

Formations 5 Man Hallway Formation

2

43

1

SL P

Formations4 Man Wedge Formation

2 3

1

SL P

FormationsThree Man Diagonal Formation

1

SL P

Generally used for mid level Dignitaries, etc

2

FormationsTwo Man Formation

1

SL P

Generally used for low level Dignitaries, etc


Arrivals and Departures

DL

2 4

31SL P

DDD

Each position has a specific task:

•The Detail Leader “DL” calls the check points while the motorcade is moving•# 1 is usually the only shooter if needed•The Drivers “D” always stay with the vehicles

Lead car Follow up carPrincipal’s car



DL

2 4

31

SL P

DDD

Each position has a specific task upon arrival to the location:



2

4 3

1

SLP

D

A

D

Site



2

4 3

1

SLP

D

A

D

2

4 3

1SL

P

A

Site

The Picket Line

2

4

3

1

SL P

The Picket Line

24 31SL

P

Stage and Banquet Deployment

2 4

3

1 SLP

5

seated

Speaking Engagement

243

1SLP

Intel

Crowd

Intel

Elevator Entry

2

4

3

1

SL P

5

Elevator Entry

2

43

1SL

P

5

Elevator Entry

2

43

1

SLP

5

Elevator Exit

2

43

1

SLP

5

Elevator Exit

2

43

1SLP

5

Route Surveys• Have a primary and secondary route of travel• Each route should be mapped out with check points• Check points should be no farther than 1/8 of a mile apart• Each turn should be designated as a checkpoint and preceded with left

or right• Detail leader should call off check points to Command post and

Advance personnel as they approach site• Survey should note any possible problem areas

– Overpass– Construction areas– Possible choke points with motorcade

• Use maps if possible and make sure the directions are clear and easy to follow

Site SurveysPurpose is to identify undesirable elements and physicalhazards• Contact person in charge of site• Evaluate where the event is to occur• Consider time principal will be exposed• Examine factors difficult to control

– Crowd– Press– Items outside secure areas

• Other buildings• onlookers

Site Surveys

• Check all travel times and verify– Drive primary and alternate routes

• Check and evaluate all emergency data– Phone numbers– Communication equipment

• Does it work inside the area– Emergency Escape Route

• Determine location of Holding room• Establish security posts• Determine personnel logistics for site

Site Surveys

• If possible get copies of floor plans and master key– Maybe needed in the event of an emergency and escape

• Establish buffer areas –best if not less than 30 ft– Press area– General Public– Invitees

• Prepare Preliminary survey report

Site Surveys

Types if Security Site Surveys• Airports• Hotels• Ballrooms• Private (residence, office, etc.)• Open air areas

– Parks, construction sites, etc

Comments/Questions

?

dignitary protection

Documents

dignitary

elevator entry

elevator exit

check points

principaldemeanor

specific task

alternate

picket line