- On the Circuit
- Posts
- The Security Generalist - Who Are They? Are You One?
The Security Generalist - Who Are They? Are You One?
Circuit Magazine
September 17, 2021
All good things must come to an end and Summer 2021 is no different as we slowly wind down. And with peak summer travel season behind us, the U.K. said it would consider easing its COVID-19 rules for international travel after airlines complained about all the red tape. Meanwhile, a judge in the US cut some red tape of his own when he ruled that legal papers from a sexual assault lawsuit could be served on Queen Elizabeth's second son, Prince Andrew, through his lawyers in Los Angeles because as he put it, “service is not intended to be a game of hide and seek behind palace walls." And around the world, the vaccine requirement and debates continue as Italy makes it mandatory for all workers to either show proof of vaccination, a negative test, or recent recovery from infection.
Meanwhile, closer to home On the Circuit, we have been fielding different sides of the debate on whether security professionals should aim to be generalists or a niche down into a specialist role.
This week’s issue covers all the angles and more!
At A Glance:
Generalist or Specialist? - Backing the right horse
They're Not Your Friend - Should you trust your client?
Mercenaries Unite! - Russians race to answer the call
The Circuit Magazine Podcast
Are we seeing the evolution of the Security Generalist? What do you need to know and do you need to become one?
This week we recorded the show live from The Security Event, a physical event held in Birmingham, UK. We’ll be bringing listeners a flavor of what it’s like being back in the physical realm with 3 short interviews recorded on location.
With the help of guests, Philip Ingram, Stuart Nash and Ellie Hurst, we're going to develop our understanding of the security generalist. We’ll be asking…
What is a security generalist? Do you need to understand all the different facets of security? Can you still be a specialist in a particular area?
Is there an industry-wide move towards generalist over specialist and does that create a counterargument for being a specialist?
What if you’re already a highly skilled specialist; no one would expect a Neurologist to retrain as a GP, so why is this creeping into the security industry?
Rather than needing to have a little knowledge in all areas can you shortcut the process by building an extensive ‘black book’?
Stuart Nash breaks it down like this and reminds us where the value is...
"You might not think you need to know about cameras or analytics or access control systems but if you do know them, you're going to be more valuable to your client."
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 scale of operations by a shadowy Russian mercenary group in Libya's civil war, which includes links to war crimes and the Russian military, is revealed in a new BBC investigation.
A new Kremlin strategy makes the FSB the leading agency, not just the end-user regarding computers, security and telecommunication encryption.
Man with knife arrested outside Ariana Grande's Hollywood Hills home after confrontation — www.latimes.com
Police arrest a man outside Ariana Grande's Hollywood Hills home after he allegedly flashed a knife at security guards.
Afghanistan is no longer the US' top concern among international terrorist threats to the American homeland, the nation's top spy said at an intelligence and national security conference in Washington.
North Korea Just Fired Its First Nuclear Cruise Missiles With Range to Hit Japan — interestingengineering.com
North Korea may have developed operational cruise missiles capable of reaching Japan! This could signal a major upgrade of its nuclear weapons.
Some squatters in Spain demand cash before leaving - so eviction firms have arisen to handle the talks.
Al Qaeda could rebuild in Afghanistan and become a threat to the homeland in one to two years
French President Emmanuel Macron calls the killing of Adnan Abu Walid al-Sahrawi a "major success".
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
There needs to be a healthy relationship with your clients, you don't want to let them dominate you, and you don't want to try to dominate and control them.
Orlando Wilson explains how boundaries must always be made clear as this works to protect you and your client's interests. Clients are not your friends, they are paying you to provide them with a service, and if boundaries are ignored, it can undermine any respect in the business relationship.
If you enjoyed this article and want more great content from across the industry then sign up for the Circuit Magazine >
[Stratfor] Situation Report
A reinforcement of the border is likely to help mitigate the possibility of destabilizing incidents in Tajikistan related to illegal migration or smuggling, and deter armed incursions by radical groups.
This follows U.S. President Joe Biden’s executive order requiring federal contractors to meet a minimum set of security standards around data management and reporting cyberattacks following the Russia-linked SolarWinds hack late last year.
Special Offer for On the Circuit Readers
Be the smartest person in the room with this exclusive offer from Stratfor.
From the Community...
BBA Member, Ben Gunn is looking for accurate advice on what a commercial Security Officer (CP, Door Supervisor) can legally do when escorting an individual from a property?
The individual could be trespassing or have paid to enter (nightclub) and could be threatening or passive. Does anyone have the correct, legal answer?
NABA Protector member, Brian Sherrer asks: What is the best way for a new EP Agent to get their foot in the door after graduating EP School?
What top tips have you got from your experience?
Ask questions, get advice, and find industry resources from an active and thriving community of professional, working operators:
Upcoming Events
OLYMPIA LONDON - 28-29 SEPTEMBER 2021
Meanwhile...
Training in executive protection is a little bit like flossing your teeth. Everyone knows it’s important and that they should do it regularly, but many people don’t get around to it enough.
This EP Access blog post examines the many reasons why good, regular training is a critical element of executive protection program success.
Until next week...
If you found this issue of the On the Circuit newsletter useful, please forward it to a friend or colleague who’d also enjoy it.
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 like us -- it gives you the low-down on what's happening across the industry and you’ll sound like the most informed person in the room. Sign up here, it’s free: https://www.getrevue.co/profile/circuit-magazine
On the Circuit has you covered when you're busy covering others.
Reply