The Prevention Partnership: Executive Protection & Behavioral Threat Teams

"Executive Protection (EP) is a term that is thrown around, but at its core, it is the protection of human life from soft tissue damage; think of it as a human shield, the final two feet and the last two seconds prior to an attack. Most people picture a stone-faced figure, wearing sunglasses, whispering into their sleeves. Hollywood has done a great job selling that image."

"Some of the best Protectors that I have worked with over my career can think three steps ahead and outside of the box. They are problem solvers. They excel at situational awareness and operational execution. In advance work, for example, it's all about relationships. I recall a time when I spent days in advance of a client at a multi-national event. I drove, walked and assessed every route, every checkpoint and every potential obstacle. I had every possible credential needed and I was ready."

"What I didn't anticipate was a shift change for the venue security at the vehicle checkpoint. I became friends with "Bob" who knew we were coming and was ready. What I didn't know was that "Bob" took his break and "Sam" was there when we arrived. "Sam" didn't know who we were and caused a significant delay in our entrance and embarrassment for the Protectee."

"The challenge is that this is only half the story. Without a steady IV drip of intelligence, risk mitigation and threat assessment, Protectors do not have all the tools in their toolbox to be effective, often playing catch up. Think Riggs and Murtaugh, The Blues Brothers, Tina Fey and Amy Poehler... you get the point. Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management (BTAM) is the other side of the equation. This approach focuses on identifying, evaluating, and managing individuals who may be on the Pathway to Violence,"

Executive Protection focuses on preserving human life by preventing soft tissue injury in the final moments before an attack. Professional Protectors perform advance work, plan motorcades, design protective formations, and manage operational execution. Top Protectors anticipate threats, maintain strong situational awareness, and build relationships during advance work to reduce friction at checkpoints and venues. Continuous intelligence, risk mitigation, and threat assessment are necessary to supply Protectors with tools to avoid reactive play. Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management (BTAM) complements physical protection by identifying, evaluating, and managing individuals who may be on the pathway to violence.

Read at Securitymagazine