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Taking on extra driving responsibilities is not always something that protectors are all that enthusiastic about. Not only does it reduce your capacity to perform your primary function, but it also requires more skills, knowledge and responsibility - and likely with no extra pay!
In this edition of On the Circuit, we hear how things can go horribly wrong when bodyguards get behind the wheel of their clients' supercars. And unfortunately, we see how even controlled training environments can become lethal with a simple miscalculation.
But don't worry, to address the balance we have one of the biggest names in the business to give us vital tips on how to stay off the X without the need for fancy J-turns!
Let's get into it.
The Circuit Magazine Podcast
This week, you're spoilt for choice as we bring you interviews with two of the biggest names on the circuit.
First up, we are joined by a legend of the security driving world as we sit down with Mr Joe Autera to discuss protected mobility. Regardless as to whether you prefer the term secure transportation, security driving or protected mobility, you’re going to want to check out this latest episode!
Next up, we welcome back onto the show, former CIA Officer, Mr Thomas Pecora and enjoy a wide ranging discussion centered around how protectors can keep themselves from becoming a target by being implementing covert operating techniques.
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
Video captured the cold-blooded murder of a security guard in Atlanta by a man who walked up behind him, shot him in the back of the head at point-blank range and robbed him.
JULIUS FRANCIS has revealed he is still out of work after having his security licence suspended for knocking out a rowdy punter earlier this month.
While NATO powers escalate the proxy war in Ukraine against Russia, the German armed forces is threatening Moscow with the use of nuclear weapons.
The Uvalde school district has placed its police chief on administrative leave. Texas law enforcement officials blame Pete Arredondo for the long wait to enter Robb Elementary during last month’s school shooting.
Gen Timo Kivinen says Nato applicant is prepared and motivated to defend against neighbour and would be ‘tough bite’ to chew
The man, who is in his 40s, is accused of spying for Vladimir Putin, according to The Sun.
One of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is that haven't been more intense cyberattacks on countries—and companies—supporting the Ukrainians. But Clint Watts of the Foreign Policy Research Institute has warned: “Don’t get too comfortable.”
It's out with the old and in with the new for Britney Spears' security team ... canning the squad who allowed her ex-husband to not only crash the wedding, but get inside her home.
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
Vehicle attacks are easy to conduct. No prior training is required and the necessary resources are readily available. The idea that any passing vehicle could contain a fanatical individual with an intention kill and injure innocent pedestrians is enough to spread fear throughout a population and all it takes is one single successful strike.
Combine the above factors with the wide-spread media attention they get when successfully executed and you can see why this method of attack is growing in popularity with terrorist cells and lone wolves and why you need to be prepared with a mitigation strategy for your protectee and their property.
In this article, security specialist, Wille Heino shares 12 practical methods for mitigating the threat of vehicles being used against pedestrians that you can implement into your risk mitigation planning.
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Latest Issue - Circuit Magazine
Inside the latest issue:
FATAL FLAWS OF THE MODERN BODYGUARD • TEAM BEHAVIORAL TRAITS • IMPORTANCE OF DISCIPLINE IN TRAINING • SHOOTING FROM THE HIP • MEDICAL READINESS • + Much More
Geopolitical Analysis by RANE
A bigger defense budget will enable Japan to better manage Chinese and North Korean threats, thus alleviating the United States’ security burden in the region. But Tokyo’s efforts to build a more formidable military could also prevent a rapprochement with South Korea.
Japan does not have a standing army, only the Japan Self-Defense Force (JSDF), in accordance with Article 9 of the country’s constitution. The article renounces war and nominally requires Japan to possess only a defensive military capacity to avoid a repeat of the imperial actions that led to World War II.”
However, in the face of growing threats from nearby China and North Korea, Japan appears poised to go beyond the pacifist constraints of their post-war constitution. This will see the addition of new preemptive missile and air strike capabilities, changes in the rules regarding arms sales abroad, and more bilateral military exercises with U.S. forces.
Special Offer for On the Circuit Readers
From the Community
In our podcast with Joe Autera on protected mobility, Joe highlights the dangers of conducting manoeuvres in vehicles with high centres of gravity. Specifically, he references this video.
Unfortunately, this accident reportedly led to a fatality. However, it is instructive on multiple fronts. Not only can we learn from the manoeuvres and vehicle handling drills but it also highlights the importance of training safely.
Ask questions, get advice, and find industry resources from an active and thriving community of professional, working operators:
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Meanwhile...
Former British heavyweight boxing champion, Julius Francis, now working as security at Boxpark Wembley, was caught on video KOing an unruly punter with a preemptive strike.
Additionally, Boxpark CEO, Roger Wade took to LinkedIn in a rarely seen display of support and backing for his staff. He said…
"Acts of violence or abuse to any staff members should never be tolerated. How would you react if someone approached you violently? What would you do next if you were in my shoes? #istandwithjulius".
Unfortunately, this wasn't enough to stop the SIA from suspending Francis' licence and leaving him out of work.
What are your thoughts? Was this a justified pre-emptive strike?
Elsewhere on the Circuit
Ronaldo has offered to pay for damage to the home hit by his £1.7million Bugatti Veyron. The identity of the person at the wheel is still unclear as neither the driver or the footballer were at the scene when police arrived.
Ronaldo and his family are protected in Cheshire by Portuguese twins, Sergio and Jorge Ramalheiro, who served as soldiers with an elite special forces unit in Afghanistan.
It is believed one of the bodyguards has accepted responsibility for the crash. And regardless as to whether he was driving it or not, it would certainly be inline with the oath of protection that bodyguards have to their principals.
Career Advice for Protectors
The Close Protection CV – Successfully Applying for Close Protection Jobs — www.westminstersecurity.co.uk
Learn how to maximise your chances of success when applying for close protection jobs by preparing your ideal close protection CV with this great resource from BBA Partner, Westminster Security.
To stand out from other close protection operatives when applying for a job, applicants must first take a look at their CV. Their CV will be the first impression a prospective employer has of them, and first impressions count! Studies have shown that recruiters decide whether or not to reject an application within 6-8 seconds of seeing a CV.
Many companies will use the initial application instructions for a vacancy as a ‘self-sifting’ process. A candidate not following the simplest of instructions when applying will mean they are instantly disregarded and classed as unsuitable. You only need to spend 2 minutes on LinkedIn to witness this with people simply writing “interested” or “contact me” on a detailed job post.
Final thoughts with Andy Brown
This week, our final thoughts come courtesy of Andy Brown MSyl M.ISRM, Site Security Manager at Magnox Ltd.
I am often asked 'what is a Security Driver, what sort of equipment would they carry, and why would we need a Chase Vehicle?'
If you open the boot of your security vehicle and find a copy of the Sun Newspaper and an Umbrella, you have the wrong Driver/Team. The Sun will not keep you or a family member alive, and no matter how many moves your operator can display with the umbrella, it wont stop the massive bleed.
Why have a back up Vehicle? The equipment in photo above travelled with me around Europe for 42 days with client and family. Never used in anger, couple of plasters and cold compress, but always there. Yes it takes up room, Trauma Pack, DeFib, Burns Kit for Chemical or Acid Attack, 30 litres of water and Oxygen Care. This is a V Class with just my work kit.
As we head towards Europe/UK travel season, choose your security driver/team wisely, the world is not always as safe as it appears.
If you go the whole hog with security, choose the right team, check the boot/trunk!
Until next week...
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