- On the Circuit
- Posts
- Breaking Trust & Breaking Protocols
Breaking Trust & Breaking Protocols
What goes on behind closed doors.
Circuit Magazine
November 17, 2024
Welcome to On the Circuit, your go-to briefing for the latest in global security and protection.
This week, our top story exposes an unexpected breach within the U.S. Secret Service. With reports that former President Obama’s private residence has been used as a weekend love shack— raising critical questions about protocol and trust in protective services.
We’re also covering:
Taylor Swift’s unexpected security tip that left photographers scrambling.
How burglars targeted NFL stars Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce on the same night.
What a potential Trump presidency could mean for the Israel-Iran conflict.
Plus, we spotlight Sam Alicea’s insights on tour security and choosing the right protector for high-stakes gigs.
TOP STORY
Secret Service Agent Fired After Unauthorized Access to Obama's Residence
A U.S. Secret Service agent was terminated after bringing his girlfriend to former President Barack Obama's Hawaii residence without authorization. The agent, referred to as "Dale," reportedly sent photos of the property to his girlfriend, Koryeah Dwanyen, and suggested they engage in intimate activities on the premises.
This incident, detailed in Dwanyen's memoir "Undercover Heartbreak: A Memoir of Trust and Trauma," has raised serious concerns about the integrity of protective services.
Upon discovering the breach, the Secret Service acted promptly. A spokesperson confirmed that on November 6, 2022, an agent "brought an individual who did not have authorized access into a protectee’s residence without permission."
The agent was immediately suspended and, following a thorough investigation, terminated from his position.
The spokesperson emphasized that, despite the protectees not being present at the time, such actions were "an unacceptable violation of our protocols, our protectees' trust and everything we stand for."
The agent didn’t just break trust—he showed how easily cracks can form in the security systems meant to protect high-profile clients.
READER POLL
What’s the biggest lesson from this scandal? |
READER SPECIAL OFFER
Protect Yourself With a VPN, Antivirus and Security Alerts
INDUSTRY ROUND-UP
Taylor Swift Schools Security Team With One Word
Taylor Swift’s security team took a no-nonsense approach with photographers at a recent event, reportedly ordering them to "stand up" to avoid any invasive low-angle shots. It wasn’t just about guarding the perimeter; it was about safeguarding dignity and privacy in a time of relentless digital scrutiny.
It’s speculated that the move was to prevent compromising photos—proving that when it comes to celebrity protection, the devil’s in the details. This wasn’t your average crowd control; it was proactive, precise, and a reminder that every angle, literally, matters.
However, Swift intervened when one security guard got a little too aggressive and shouted at photographers to "stay back."
She calmly corrected him by adding, "Stay back, please," which speaks to the need to protect your client in the manner which best represents them.
How far should security go to protect clients in public spaces? Is managing the optics now just as critical as managing physical threats?
Did Burglars Outsmart the Security of the NFL’s Biggest Stars?
Earlier this October, the homes of Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce were both burgled within hours of each other. Mahomes’ house showed no signs of forced entry, while Kelce’s had a back door damaged and $20,000 in cash stolen. Both incidents happened while the players were away, prepping for their game against the Saints.
Given the public nature of their schedules—and the added attention from Kelce’s high-profile relationship with Taylor Swift—it’s a fair question to ask: were there security measures in place? And if not, why not? But if there were, how did these break-ins happen?
It’s a rare situation where two high-profile figures are targeted so closely. Whether it points to a lapse in security or just unusually bold criminals, it highlights the challenge in protecting public figures when their whereabouts are widely known.
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
UPGRADE YOUR MEDICAL SKILLS WITH RONIN SOUTH AFRICA
GEOPOLITICAL ANALYSIS by RANE
How the Israel-Iran Conflict May Play Out With a Trump Presidency
Recent direct strikes between Israel and Iran mark a shift, as both nations normalize open conflict. Israel’s airstrikes on Iranian missile and air defense systems demonstrate its ability to act independently of U.S. support, while revealing the limitations of Iran’s defenses. However, these attacks haven’t targeted Iran’s nuclear or energy infrastructure, leaving Tehran’s core capabilities intact.
Iran remains focused on resilience, maintaining its political and military strategies while avoiding escalation into full-scale regional war. Diplomatic ties with Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states are improving, granting Iran some leverage in curbing Israeli or U.S. military actions. Domestically, Iran’s regime uses the conflict to bolster its narrative of resistance, portraying itself as a defender against external threats.
The incoming Trump administration’s stance could significantly shape this conflict’s trajectory. While Trump previously employed maximum economic pressure, his willingness to greenlight Israeli strikes or directly engage militarily remains uncertain. A more aggressive U.S. posture could embolden Israel to target Iran’s critical infrastructure, risking widespread destabilization. Conversely, Trump could also act as a mediator, pressuring Israel to de-escalate to avoid global energy shocks.
Both nations now face critical decisions. Israel must weigh the risks of further strikes against Iran’s potential retaliation, while Iran must decide whether to intensify its nuclear ambitions or provoke a regional crisis. As the stakes rise, the balance of power and regional alliances will be tested, with the U.S. playing a pivotal role in shaping the outcome.
READ THE FULL ARTICLE 👇
|
SNAPSHOTS
🇪🇺 EU Warns China Over Drone Sales to Russia—Proof of armed drone supply for Ukraine war may trigger sanctions.
🇫🇷 France Could Ban Le Pen From Office—Embezzlement case threatens her 2027 presidential bid.
🇺🇸 U.S. Port Union Ends Talks Over Automation—Labour dispute escalates as workers push back against semi-automated equipment threatening job security.
🇷🇺 Russia Sends 200 Military Instructors to Equatorial Guinea—Deployment aims to bolster security for President Obiang amid growing regional tensions.
RECOMMENDED LISTENING
Tour Security, Managing Details & Selecting the Right Protector for the Job | Sam Alicea
Most people think protective services is just about standing next to the protectee. But today’s guest has built a thriving career doing the exact opposite.
In this episode, we’re joined by Sam Alicea, a pro at managing security for major tours across the globe. Sam reveals what it really takes to break into the touring security space—an industry many want to enter but few truly understand. He also shares how doing it wrong can put both you and your client at serious risk.
Join us as we discuss:
With touring being such a demanding field, what are the positives and benefits of touring?
What’s most challenging about being a protector in the touring industry?
Managing conflicts on the team – tips/techniques/tactics?
What are the qualities you seek when hiring people in the touring space.
Tune in to this lively conversation about the field of entertainment and touring. As Sam tells us:
“It's a game that you've got to win EVERY SINGLE NIGHT.”
PREVIOUS POLL - RESULTS
Q: What steps should protection teams take to protect their data from apps like Strava?
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩⬜️ Prohibit Use of Fitness Apps Entirely (36%)
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 Allow Use with Mandatory Encryption and VPNs (50%)
🟨🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ Limit Usage to Off-Duty Hours Only (10%)
🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ Other (Let us know) (4%)
Your Comments:
MR: "A notebook journal is all the necessary fitness "apps" a person needs”
LB: "Disable GPS tracking and location-sharing features on all fitness apps, or better yet, avoid using them altogether during ops."
JD: "Teams should use burner devices for fitness tracking. keep personal data separate from work."
***
Thank you for sticking with us to the end; we appreciate your support.
Stay safe, and keep looking out for one another.
P.S. If you like this newsletter and want to support it, this week, there are 3 ways! PICK ONE right now before you forget:
Get a Subscription to Circuit Magazine.
Promote yourself to over 10,000 industry professionals by sponsoring this newsletter.
Forward this newsletter to a friend. Here's a handy message you can use to share with your friends:
Hey! Have you read On the Circuit? It’s a newsletter for Protectors -- Each week you'll receive an email giving you the low-down on what's happening across the industry. Sign up here. It’s free: https://archives.circuit-magazine.com/
Reply