Celebrating the True Professionals of our Craft

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Circuit Magazine
January 22, 2022

Are we seeing a rise in ex-protectors trying to make a name for themselves on the news as commentators and pundits?

There seems to be no shortage of drama and scandal in the lives of prominent and public figures with a slew of 'former bodyguards' queuing up to tattle and tell tales.

Don't get me wrong, this is no criticism of experienced industry professionals offering an educated opinion on global security matters. But, in recent days, self-proclaimed 'SAS trained counter-terrorism experts' (aka former army corporal who did a day's training in Hereford, 40 years ago) to former Royal protection (disgraced ex-met police officer turned criminal) offering personal opinions and spreading gossip.

Inside the industry, we can sift through this type of BS effortlessly, but what does it do for the reputation of our craft?

That's why, here at On the Circuit, we strive to champion the ambassadors of our industry and provide value to the real professionals out there. If you have a colleague or know someone who shares these values, why not introduce them to this newsletter?

The Circuit Magazine Podcast

Covert protection is not hiding your presence from the principal. It's hiding your purpose from the environment.

In this episode of the podcast, we’re going to bring together two separate and distinct topics, covert protection operations and methodologies for learning the craft. Why? Because we’re joined by a guest who is at the forefront of both these subjects. Today we're speaking with Ivor Terret, founder and CEO of Enablement Advisors.

In this edition of the podcast, we cover:

  • How do you know if covert protection is the right solution for your principal? And how do you sell it to the stakeholders?

  • Is covert protection a skill you should learn to become more versatile? Where do you start?

  • Can covert protection be taught online? Can anything in the field of protective services be learned online?

See why Ivor says, 

“Correct planning is the answer and training is the application of those written tactics and response. Not the other way around.“

If you enjoy listening to the Circuit Podcast and can spare a minute, please rate/review us. Your rating will help us to rank higher making it easier for others to find the podcast.

The Need to Know

The attacks Monday — carried out nearly 800 miles from Houthi-controlled territory — were the latest sign of the ways in which the war continues to destabilize the Persian Gulf region. It also showed the Houthis’ increasing mastery of armed drones, believed to be supplied by Iran.

British Airways cancels US flights over 5G safety fears

The action is in response to fears that the activation of the C-band strand of the mobile phone service near US airports could disrupt planes’ navigation systems. Boeing 777s are thought to be particularly at risk of being affected.

China and Russia have delayed a US effort at the United Nations to impose sanctions on five North Koreans in response to recent missile launches by Pyongyang.

Bomb incidents in the U.S. rose 71 percent in 2020, says DHS, as domestic terror has become the most pressing terrorist threat to public safety.

The man who stormed the Congregation Beth Israel synagogue in Colleyville, Texas, was British, but was not living in the United States.

US Cyber Command linked the group to Iranian intelligence and detailed its multi-pronged, increasingly sophisticated suite of malware tools.

Eyewitness descriptions have suggested the machines were of a winged type favored by the military. Speculation has grown that a hostile state could be responsible. 

For more timely global updates like this, get the Circuit Daily Briefing delivered to your inbox... daily! Get on the list >

From the Pages of the Circuit Magazine

Hostile surveillance detection is one of the few security techniques that preempts danger. As the name suggests it is the art of identifying an individual or group that is attempting to obtain intelligence by placing your client under surveillance. Its main advantage as a security tool is that it is proactive rather than reactive.

In this article, our friends at Explorer Travel Security, explain how it's imperative that security teams learn how to identify the signs that may precede an attack. By identifying a threat early, and pro-actively working in unison to increase awareness, the risk of a successful kidnap is drastically reduced.

If you enjoyed this article and want more great content from across the industry then sign up for the Circuit Magazine >

Situation Report by RANE

Julius Malema, the leader of South Africa's Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party, recently visited several restaurants in the Mall of Africa north of Johannesburg to determine the ratio of foreign-born to South African employees

While the EFF does not hold enough national political power to threaten the legal status of migrants, movements like Malema’s campaign against foreign restaurant workers raise the risk of xenophobic violence and damage to foreign-owned businesses. Although anti-migrant demonstrations are unlikely to escalate into violence on the scale seen over the summer, xenophobic violence, particularly between black South Africans, Zimbabweans and South Africans of Indian heritage in the taxi and transportation communities, may result in casualties and cause disruptions to business continuity in major urban centers. Looting of foreign-owned shops and restaurants is also likely if xenophobic tensions continue to escalate.  

Special Offer for On the Circuit Readers

Be the smartest person in the room with this exclusive offer from RANE.

From the Community

What can we learn by putting ourselves in the shoes of other protectors around the world? In this industry, we find our lane and work hard to master it, but in doing so we can become siloed. The BBA & NABA communities are a great place to meld experience from all corners of the industry.

Ask questions, get advice, and find industry resources from an active and thriving community of professional, working operators:

🇺🇸 NABA Protector >

🇬🇧 BBA Connect >

On the Circuit Merch

To any industry insider, being 'On the Circuit' means being operationally active in the world of international protection. To anyone else, it's just three words. Those who know, know!

Upcoming Events

Mark your calendars, reserve your tickets and, if you want to make the most of the AHNA sponsored after-party drinks, book your hotel room!

Elsewhere, on the Circuit...

In a world full of increased cyber threats, security teams are often occupied by cybersecurity initiatives, overlooking physical security strategies.

In this article, our friends at Security Magazine recommend these eight physical security tips that an organization should consider implementing to secure itself from physical threats.

As physical protection specialists, we understand the importance of having robust security perimeters and the need for access control protocols.

However, the list serves as a good reference and familiarisation, as well as drawing attention to more overlooked areas, such as how an organisation protects its information assets and what directives are in place for controlling the removal of these assets off-site.

Until next week...

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