Sunday, November 1, 2009

Receipt of a Threatening Letter – The Psychological Analysis

A threatening communication, especially a letter / email… is not just a message. It’s also evidence and a first look into the mind of the bad guy.

An executive protection agent should be qualified to do the first level psychological analysis of such a letter / email. After analyzing it, the agent may choose to bring in a qualified psychologist.

Obviously, one of the priorities the agent will want to focus on the INTENT of the writer. Does the writer intend to commit a violent act? There is no analysis technique that is 100% accurate BUT there is one way to judge that is very often accurate. “Specificity of the threat” is the thing I want you to focus on.

Years ago I was taught this and it has proven to be true every time I have this situation arise. Look at the letter/email. Is the writer angry, vague and threatening to ruin your clients reputation or take down their company? If so – this does not necessarily foreshadow violence.

Does the letter/email get specific about a threat? For example, does it say WHO or WHAT will be attacked? Does it sat WHEN or WHERE? Some people may read this and say, why on earth would the bad guy put that in a letter/email? Well – the data shows that they do! Why?

Remember one of the definitions of Terrorism: To cause a fear and submission by the use of violence and/or threats of violence.

By being specific they can cause fear, panic and maybe an evacuation response.

So, it’s up to you to study Psychological Analysis of threatening letters/emails. Be informed of the topic and obviously refer such matters to a qualified psychologist when appropriate.

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Brian K. Allen is a coach, trainer and entrepreneur in Arizona. For
FREE Bodyguard info, goto this site and request the FREE module:
http://www.TheBodyguardCourse.com/
************************************************************

Sunday, October 11, 2009

Designing Security Protection For Your Client

Every client, location and threat combination is different. For that reason, you’ll need to have an Operational Model to use for every client you are hired by. Years ago, I learned a quick and basic way to determine how I was going to design protection around my client. I’ve broken this method down into easy to follow steps:

INTERVIEW THE CLIENT

1. What will you be protecting?

a. Lives?
b. Property?
c. Reputation?

2. Why will you be protecting the above?

a. Because there is a threat?
b. In order to meet insurance requirements?

3. What does your client expect of their security?

a. Ask them exactly what the want there security system to do. What do they want the electronic system to do? What do they want the security staff to do?

b. Don’t make exaggerations or give false hopes when telling the client what you can do for them.

VERIFY INFORMATION RECEIVED FROM CLIENT, THEN GATHER MORE INTELLIGENCE

4. Some clients give you the whole story… others don’t. Some are afraid you’ll charge too much if you knew the real threat while others can afford you but they think you won’t accept the job. Bottom line… triple verify everything.

5. Gather intelligence on the area(s) you’ll be working in. Is there a gang presence? Are you in a secure affluent community? Is there an active neighborhood watch?

6. Check with law enforcement agencies and review newspapers for current info as well.

OBSERVE CLIENTS PERSONALITY & HABITS

7. Does your client have risky behaviors or habits?

8. Do they look down on security?

9. Don’t EXPECT to get along with them. Most of the time you will, but that rapport must be earned and you’re the one responsible for making that happen.

DESIGN & IMPLEMENT

10. Here’s where the rubber meets the road! You need to put a system together that:
a. Is specific to the threat
b. Works within the clients lifestyle
c. And is within the clients budget

11. Remember, there may be a difference between what they can afford & what they’re willing to pay. ;-)

************************************************************
Brian K. Allen is a coach, trainer and entrepreneur in Arizona. For
FREE Bodyguard info, goto this site and request the FREE module:
http://www.TheBodyguardCourse.com/
************************************************************

Sunday, September 27, 2009

Killing bad guys by private contactors – legal or illegal?

I’ve heard many uneducated people ripping into the Gov’t, Private Military Companies and Private Special Operators by people making accusations of illegal murder and mercenary name calling, etc. The people I’ve heard recently come from different spiritual faiths and use their “books of faith” as the basis for their argument against the killing enemies. The people I’ve heard recently have never served in the military, law enforcement or had the responsibility of protecting their fellow citizens. YET, these people enjoy the protection of the same Gov’t & Operators they complain about. In addition, their sense of entitlement in relation to what the Gov’t owes them is unbelievable.

If you disagree with killing bad guys, the death penalty, etc. - fine, all I ask is that when debating or arguing your point… behave like a calm adult and KNOW what you’re talking about. Study both sides of the debate and THEN pitch your side.

Let’s start with this reality:

In wartime and in the case of a threat to a nation's security, the government may order private military contractors, defense contractors or government agencies to complete operations that involves the taking of a human life (lives).

The government contracts with other organizations for many different reasons, such as for their specialty, for convenience or for added manpower.

Are there rules for these missions? Yes.

There are rules of engagement, use of force continuums, collateral damage limitations, Geneva & Hague conventions, etc. Professional operators follow the law, policies and rules as they are trained. Anyone caught not doing so can be held accountable just like a police officer would be if they were caught breaking the law.

Checks and balances are very much needed. That’s why both nationally & internationally you’ll find incidents being investigated all the time. Both criminal investigations and quality assurance type of investigations… when done appropriately, will keep the industry professional.

My opinion about all of this is: any person who enjoys the protection, comfort and benefits provided by the gov’t or its’ operators… should ALWAYS show respect and gratitude to that entity or to those people.

That’s fine if you disagree… just be respectful and know the facts from both sides of the debate.

************************************************************
Brian K. Allen is a coach, trainer and entrepreneur in Arizona. For
FREE Bodyguard info, goto this site and request the FREE module:
http://www.specialoperationscourse.com/
************************************************************

Saturday, September 5, 2009

Developing A Killer Mindset

Developing A Killer Mindset

Throughout my career, my assignments have always had a need to develop a killer instinct mindset in myself or my team mates. This was a real eye opener at first because it was this training that REALLY exposed my weaknesses. I learned how passive I naturally am and that I was more of a “flincher” than many of my peers in the industry. I’ve always been the happy, nice guy who just happens to have a great work ethic.

While being professional is a given… can you see how being a passive, happy, nice guy with a tendency to flinch, could be an issue in Close Protection, Military Police, Corrections and Counter Terrorism work? Me too.

Well, thanks to some GREAT mentors in the Military and Gov’t agencies – I was trained in a manner that helped me overcome those issues… and come home to my family, time after time.

Let’s talk about training. When I work as someones adult combatives / self defense instructor, we will train on grass… cement… dirt… etc. We’ll train in houses and apartments too. As my student, training will be uncomfortable. First it will be physically uncomfortable and then mentally. My job is to build realism into your training program and at times, take you to “dark places”. That way, if you’re ever taken there by an attacker… it won’t be your first time.

Remember, killing an attacker becomes more difficult the more personal it becomes. For example, shooting an attacker is easier for most warriors that stabbing or choking them. So – I know that if I can train you to stab or choke an attacker… I can be confident that you’ll be able to shoot an attacker if needed.

Now, a professional needs to be balanced. After I became proficient in Combatives and then an Instructor, I set a goal to become a specialist in de-escalation & communication. Eventually becoming a nationally certified instructor in Therapeutic Crisis Intervention and developing a reputation “in the field” of being one of the calmest individuals around.

To wrap this up, develop your killer instinct through consistent physical training. Also read books on the subject of killing and watch dvd and/or listen to cd’s. Study materials from Dave Grossman; Tony Blauer, Richard Grannon & Rich Dimitri.

Finally, remember to keep mentally & spiritually balanced!

************************************************************
Brian K. Allen is a coach, trainer and entrepreneur in Arizona. For
FREE Bodyguard info, goto this site and request the FREE module:
http://www.TheBodyguardCourse.com/
************************************************************

Friday, August 14, 2009

Physical Fitness for Law Enforcement

Hi again,

Whether your law enforcement, executive protection or in another related profession... fitness is not an option! You are responsible for protecting yourself and your partner(s). Take this seriously if you're not already.

Here's an article that was sent to me a while ago. I hope you gain something from it.

Brian K. Allen
http://www.SpecialOperationsCourse.com

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There are six components of physical fitness:

 Cardiovascular endurance: is the ability to take in and deliver oxygen to the working muscles to produce energy to sustain activity. Cardiovascular endurance is necessary in approximately 11% of foot pursuits and over 50% of use of force encounters.

 Anaerobic power: the ability to make short, intense bursts of maximal effort, underlies the ability to run short distances and up stairs.

 Muscular strength refers to the muscles’ ability to generate maximal force; it is necessary for performance in control and restraint situations.

 Muscular endurance refers to the muscles’ ability to sustain sub-maximal force, which is necessary for lifting, pushing, pulling, or carrying.

 Flexibility, the ability to use the available range of motion at a given joint or structure, is challenged in common tasks such as bending over as well as much less frequent ones, for instance a foot pursuit.

 Body composition, the ratio of fat to lean tissue, is associated with physical performance as well as health.

Health is commonly considered by many to be simply an absence of symptoms. However, due to the aging process, symptom-less diseases and the nature of the public safety environment, apparent health may be temporary or non-existent. A more comprehensive definition suggests health is a state of complete physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Wellness may consequently be defined as those purposeful actions taken to attain and maintain optimal health and fitness.

These definitions indicate fitness, health, and wellness are not synonymous; rather they are integrally related and complimentary. In addition, they provide some goals for the program coordinator to consider when developing a department’s response – that is a program. Further, they conceptualize behavioral and outcome goals for the program participant.

Therefore, a total fitness and wellness program, rather than simply a fitness program or wellness program, is recommended.

The Benefits of a Program

A total fitness and wellness program can produce a host of benefits for its participants and the agency alike. By improving their personal fitness levels, officers will enjoy:

 Improved capability to perform specific physical tasks;
 Improved ability to mobilize the body efficiently;
 Improved tolerance to fatigue;
 Reduced risk during physical tasks;
 Better psychological preparation; and
 Reduced stress and associated health risks.

A Model Program

A public safety total fitness and wellness program helps to ensure that:

 Officers have the requisite fitness to perform their duties;

 Officer’s lifestyle habits will decrease health risks and improve quality of life; and

 Agencies reduce their liability by ensuring officers’ physical readiness to perform while controlling risk and its associated costs.

Program Components

 Trained leadership
 A program fitness coordinator
 Health screening
 Fitness assessment
 Goal setting
 Planning
 Education
 On-going support
 Plan to phase in the program components

It is our strong belief that the savings achieved through efficient implementation of this program will more than justify the comparatively minimal investment of capital and personnel.

Most importantly, the participating law enforcement officers and their families will be spared the consequences of poor health.

[author unknown]

*****************************************************
Brian K. Allen
http://www.SpecialOperationsCourse.com
*****************************************************

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Please don't brag about killing or violence...

Hi everyone,

Some folks may not agree with me but I've gotta
tell you about what happened within the past week
and then give you my thoughts. Things like this seem
to happen around me once a year or so.

A student of mine stops over the other day with a
friend of his. He whispers to me "I had to introduce
you two because he's got awesome stories and I just
knew you two would hit it off."

By the way, my student hired me as his military
combatives instructor a year ago so we know each
other on that basis... but not a personal one.

Back to the visit. To put it mildly, the friend and
I didn't click. I was quiet and polite and let this
guy talk, but that's it. On 3 different occasions
the guy asked for my email or phone number so we
could go shooting or train... and I never game him
my contact info.

Why?

All he talked about was his time overseas, how his
unit killed 'everyone' and how they even used to
kill animals... including dogs owned by the civilians.

Uhmmmm, not impressive - ok?

When I was 'regular army' - I never had to take a life.

When I got into private security and special operations
work, I had to use deadly force a bunch of times. About
half the time, I didn't use a firearm. Folks, that means
it was up close.

Even though I had very good reaction and instincts out
there, I never LIKED it. I did what I had to do to
save my partner or myself. It makes me nauseous to write
and speak about it most of the time. I wouldn't change ANY
decision I've made... but I really want to move on.

So why do I teach the things I do? Because a need exists.
I have been VERY lucky in my career and I know the harder
we train... the luckier we get. If I know someone is
going to a place where I've been or doing a job similar
to what I've done... I feel obligated to offer training
and information that will keep them alive. So - my
motivation is keeping people ALIVE.

So please... be PROFESSIONAL. Killing innocent animals
is one of the weakest bullshit things a person can do.
Pushing around civilians and being abusive is also stupid
and weak.

A bunch of my former "co-workers" disagree and say I've
still haven't gotten over shit. Maybe. But here's why
I really get so upset over behavior like this. When I
was 20 or 21 yrs old... I was exposed to the Bushido Code.
If you haven't had the chance to study it yet, click here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bushido_Code

I was also taught that if you take a life in the scope of
your duties, don't feel bad about the decision if it was
justified. BUT - now, add something GOOD to the universe!
Every time you kill in battle, become kinder and gentler
in your regular life. Make the world a better place.

Ok, yes I know PTSD is real and many of us need help
working through it. BUT, don't use that as an excuse to
be a fuggn dink the rest of your life. Don't use that
as an excuse to be rude, nasty and violent.

Instead of always going shooting & hunting and drinking
with your buddies... how about teaching your son or
nephew how to work on a car or build things around the
house. How about taking your daughter or niece hiking
or helping her with a scrap booking project.

Move beyond the violent experiences you may have.

This will be read by people in many different countries
and by people of different faiths.

Remember, if you are a warrior... be it Military, Law
Enforcement, etc. - you have my respect and the love
and respect of those you fought for. Keep that honor
by moving forward and following the advice above.

Stay safe!

*****************************************************
Brian K. Allen
http://www.TheBodyguardCourse.com
*****************************************************

Saturday, June 13, 2009

Bail Enforcement (Bounty Hunting)

I was asked recently – by a peer - why I was so damn nice to the fugitives we’ve apprehended together. He said he just didn’t get it. He said he understands that we should never abuse them or our authority, but actually building rapport seemed like a waste of time.

Here are my thoughts.

First, in all the apprehensions he was referring to, I was the one who reached the fugitive first and ended up restraining/fighting them. I’ve always been trained that the agent who fights the bad guy should be the one to calm things back down… if at all possible. I’ve always done that and it helps me to de-personalize the job.

Second, I think about the Bail Bondsman’s reputation. (Remember, they HIRED us). Often times the Bondsman has posted bail for several members of the fugitive’s family or friends. If the Enforcement Agent starts roughing people up, a few things may happen:

1.) The bad guys will stop doing business with the bondsman.
a. Thus, we won’t have any work either
2.) The bondsman loses respect for us and quits hiring us. (even if his business is not affected)
3.) The bad guys put a hit out on the bondsman, the enforcement agents or their families/friends.

While working in the Corrections industry, I was taught to be firm, fair & consistent. I added the “golden rule” to that advice and have done very well.

If you work in a hazardous profession… don’t add to your problems. Be nice! (until it’s time, NOT to be nice.)

[yes – I stole that last line from a movie… lol ]

************************************************************
Brian K. Allen is a coach, trainer and entrepreneur in Arizona. For
FREE Bodyguard info, goto this site and request the FREE module:
http://www.TheBodyguardCourse.com/
************************************************************