Complacency + Predictability = Failure

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Circuit Magazine
September 17, 2022

If there are two things we want to avoid in the security industry, they are 1) complacency and 2) predictability. Get caught on the wrong side of either one and you are prone to vulnerabilities and possible threats of real danger.

This is why professional protectors constantly change up routines, timings, locations, venues, meeting points, and routes. However, we are still human and prone to habit formation, pattern setting, and plain complacency sometimes.

In this issue, we will see how failing to master the basics in this regard can lead to basic failure!

Let’s get into it!

The Circuit Magazine Podcast

Could too much hot-zone experience lose you lose a corporate security opportunity? Is a corporate job really an 'easy ride' for a later life career? Hard hitting questions for today's session with Marcus Stephens-Ofner who has successfully transitioned from the Circuit to the Corporate Environment where we will also look at:

  • How can you 'translate' EP accomplishments in a corporate security setting?

  • Why should an EP operator look at working in a corporation?

  • What benefits does becoming an employee offer an operator used to working contractually?

  • How you should adapt your CV/resume for a corporate position.

  • What transferrable skills does the EP specialist have?

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

Met Police officers fished the activist out of the river after he was caught paddling on a float close to the Houses of Parliament.

A source had suggested he could have been a member of a green protest group such as Extinction Rebellion or offshoot insulate Britain.

The source said it was believed the man may have been on a reconnaissance mission to gather information to disrupt preparations for the funeral on Monday.

U.S. led efforts to help Ukraine blunt Russian cyberattacks have fueled interest in broader international cooperation.

Britain faces backlash over ‘two tier’ travel arrangements to Westminster Abbey for foreign heads of state.

A video from the National Training Center at Fort Irwin, California shows a swarm of drones flying as part of a simulated attack.

German businessman onboard private jet that crashed into Baltic

A prominent German businessman was onboard the private jet that crashed into the Baltic Sea off Latvia after flying halfway across Europe from Spain without responding to controllers’ calls

The Department of Defense Office of Inspector General is set to investigate whistleblower allegations that hundreds of Afghan refugees were allowed into the United States despite appearing on watchlists.

North Korea will "automatically and immediately" use nuclear weapons if leader Kim Jong Un is assassinated, according to a new policy adopted Thursday.

A newly declassified US intel report says Russia bought "millions" of shells and rockets from North Korea. Experts say it's a sign of shortages.

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

In a scenario where a live fire situation goes down for real, a lone security advisor can only carry out one action at a time and must decide whether to get the client immediately into cover from fire and view or to return fire toward the attacker. They cannot do both at once.

To the poorly informed client, a “bodyguard” is someone who is paid to protect them by reacting quickly and effectively to ferry them to safety when a threat presents itself.

However, in this article, Bob Shepherd argues that there is no such thing as an “individual” bodyguard who can effectively react to a threat and move a client out of harm’s way simultaneously. And that an individual is only a “bodyguard” if they are operating as part of a team, and why this is more important than just splitting hairs.

If you enjoyed this article and want more great content from across the industry then subscribe to the Circuit Magazine >

Latest Issue of the Circuit Magazine

Circuit Magazine - Issue 63 - Get Your Copy

A.I. Impersonating Humans • Who is Protecting the Protector? • How do Principals See Us? • Securing Clients During a Mass Casualty Incident • So, You Want to be a Bodyguard? • Avoiding Honey Traps • Corporate V Celebrity Protection • + All Your Regular Features

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- Rod Gaymon

Geopolitical Analysis by RANE

Growing insecurity in Mali, Burkina Faso and Nigeria is forcing littoral West African nations to reckon with a rising jihadist threat to their territories, but their military-led approach is unlikely to be successful absent broader improvements to governance, economic development and regional coordination.

Mali and Burkina Faso have faced worse deterioration in their security environments than Nigeria. After the junta seized power in May 2021, Mali has grown increasingly alienated from the international community.

Togo, Benin and Cote d'Ivoire have all experienced cross-border jihadist attacks from neighboring Mali and Burkina Faso over the past year. The tri-border region between Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger has been a hotbed for JNIM and ISGS attacks.

A recent report from a local Ghanaian news source estimated that jihadist organizations had recruited 200-300 Ghanaian citizens in Burkina Faso.

In response to the expanded threat, coastal West African states have adopted a military-led approach to counterterrorism through increased border security and bilateral agreements. 

Over the past year, Cote d'Ivoire, Ghana, Togo and Benin have all increased troop deployments to their northern border regions in an attempt to stave off jihadist encroachment.

In addition to securing borders, the effectiveness of each state's counterterrorism efforts will also hinge on its ability to win the "hearts and minds" of border communities most vulnerable to jihadist recruitment and/or coercion.

Special Offer for On the Circuit Readers

From the Community

We're all taught that the embus and debus are the most vulnerable points when transporting the principal. This isn't the time to switch off and lose concentration, especially when operating in a solo capacity.

It seems like French politics is currently a good training ground for protectors who need practice operating within public gatherings.

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

🇺🇸 NABA Protector >

🇬🇧 BBA Connect >

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Meanwhile...

When King Charles III stopped his initial journey to Buckingham Palace to get out and shake the hands with the public, some were concerned about his safety.

In such situations, there is no absolute guarantee of safety. And when calculating risk, the equation of Likelihood + Impact will be considered. The consideration must be that whilst the impact of an attack during these events is potentially catastrophic, the likelihood is low.

A targeted or intended attack relies on predictability and to some degree complacency. Can you predict where exactly the target is going to be at any exact moment? Are they switched on or have they become too relaxed and complacent?

The one place MPs advertise the date, time, and place they will be is their constituency surgeries. Sadly, Sir David Ames' murder was proof of this.

MPs are very vocal and keen to have their security upgraded following an attack on a fellow MP, however a few weeks later they revert to type and complacency creeps back in. They stop following the guidance and let their guard down. They are then vulnerable to attack.

Is it time to do a personal review…..where are you vulnerable?

The gunman who killed PnB Rock at the Roscoe’s House of Chicken & Waffles restaurant in South Los Angeles demanded jewelry and other valuables before getting into a struggle with the rapper and opening fire, Los Angeles Police Chief Michel Moore said Tuesday.

Moore said the attack occurred soon after the rapper was tagged online as being at the restaurant, and police are investigating whether that is what prompted the attack. Rock, 30, whose real name was Rakim Allen, had been at the restaurant with his girlfriend, who had posted a location-tagged photo in a since-deleted Instagram post.

Protection in Numbers

Workplace violence accounted for nearly 18,000 US worker deaths from 1992 to 2019.

Protective-service occupations, notably police officers and security guards, accounted for 19% of workplace homicides.

Cause of Death in Workplace Homicide

  • 79% - shootings

  • 9% - Stabbing, cutting, slashing, and piercing

  • 7% - hitting, kicking, and beating

  • 2% - multiple violent acts

  • 1% - strangulation

Elsewhere on the Circuit

Dubai is rolling out a multi-tiered plan to revolutionise security and safety in the Emirate. One significant initiative is the ‘Oyoon’ (Arabic for ‘Eyes’) Programme – a sophisticated advanced surveillance programme that was introduced by the Dubai Police in collaboration with strategic partners. The AI-based programme utilises data analytics reportedly to prevent crimes and respond quickly to emergencies.

In Dubai, all cameras (more than 300,000) are linked to one central command room to respond quickly to crimes, security breaches, and traffic issues. ‘Oyoon’ enables Dubai Police to digitally tail criminals (and presumably, anyone) around the city just by uploading a photo into a database.

Final Thoughts with Renee Stringer

Training doesn’t always look perfect. I fall, I make mistakes, I swear like a sailor, I get frustrated, I’m always dirty, my hair is messy, I sweat like crazy and I love every moment of it!

Remember nobody’s perfect. That’s why we train to become better. Training allows us the opportunity to improve on our imperfections and correct them. So let’s get out there and train. No excuses!

Queen Elizabeth II 1926 to 2022

The team here at the Circuit has been deeply saddened by the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and in this profoundly sad moment for the United Kingdom and people all around the world, we send our sincere condolences to the Royal Family.

Until next week...

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