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/
************************************************************

Saturday, May 16, 2009

Bodyguards… Temperament… and Smarts!

Ok, let’s review some basics. Bad guys will often times try to bait, manipulate or trick an agent into a fight. An Executive Protection team has to have a plan in place for situations such as these. In addition, it’s the responsibility of each team member to follow that plan and keep themselves in check. Leave the ego at the door!

I don’t care if you’ve been a cop for 20 years… in the Military for 20 years… or are big & strong and think you can defeat the world!

Rule #1 - don't engage in attempted confrontations. Once this begins, your job is to quickly escort the client away from the danger while another agent confronts the attacker. This should be a part of your S.O.P.

Where do you bring the client? To a predetermined location of safety. It could be a room, strategic location or vehicle.

If an agent decides to argue and confront an idiot, a$%hole, etc. – how can he protect his client or cover you?

Be smart everyone!

Sunday, April 19, 2009

Firearms Discussion - Pistols & Shotguns

Firearms Discussion
by: www.SpecialOperationsCourse.com

This week I was discussing firearms with a couple Agents and thought I’d give a summary of that talk in this week’s blog.

My preferred handgun: Still the Glock. One of the people I was talking to this week didn’t like Glock’s though. He preferred Sig Sauer. We went back and forth. I like the reliability and durability of the Glock while he prefers the comfort & accuracy of his Sig.

Well, in the Military I was issued two pistols. The first was a Beretta and the second (while assisting MPI) was a Sig. Both were good until I had to roll around on the ground or accidentally smack a bad guy with them.  In both cases I learned that these two weapons were not as durable as I needed.

My Glock has been through hell and back and only failed me once. (broken sear)

My preferred shotgun: My favorite is a Maverick 12 gauge pistol grip that I owned back when I was full time. For me, this was the most comfortable weapon and my accuracy from many positions… in many environments… was expert level. Now, when I teach Bodyguarding courses… I mention how I also like the 20 gauge. As a matter of fact… if I’m purchasing Shotguns for a Residential EP Team, I’ll only buy 20 gauges. Obviously I’ll ensure the choke & ammunition is appropriate for good knock down power. (twice that of a .45 caliber handgun). Why the 20 gauge? I need to know that my smallest agent or an agent who has been injured… has the highest probability of shooting accurately while using a shotgun. It’s been my observation that the 20 gauge is a better choice then the 12 gauge for most people when they’re at their worst.

Shotguns I’ve used as an Agent:

1. Maverick 88 (12 gauge) pistol grip

2. Mosberg model 590

3. Winchester model 1200

4. HK Benelli M3 Super 90

Shotgun laws in different Countries:

1. Canada = Restricted in most cases (there is a super long barrel exception)

2. UK = Shotgun certificate required

3. USA = Different states have different rules regarding magazine capacity and/or barrel length

At the end of the day, the weapons you use will be your choice. Ensure you practice & train with many different types. That way you can make an educated decision about which one will be the best FOR YOU.

************************************************************
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/
************************************************************

Saturday, April 4, 2009

Surveillance Part 2 - Equipment, Vehicles & Getting Started

Hello everyone... this is a continuation of the Surveillance blog posted in Jan '09.

EQUIPMENT

Equipment needed for the job should be prepared with a checklist. The checklist should include, still camera, video camera, file, map, flashlight, pad and pencil, toilet facility (applies to males), window covers, binoculars and two way radios, at least one should be portable. Hats, sunglasses and a change of clothes are also recommended.

SURVEILLANCE VEHICLE

Advice on which vehicle is the perfect surveillance vehicle is plentiful. There are different opinions for each investigator you may talk with. Some recommendations that the author has received over the years are, a white truck, because white blends in and is unnoticeable or a van that is equipped with all the latest equipment. I have a friend that uses a red Cadillac and does well. The bottom line is that the vehicle no matter what color, style or type will not be of any use if the target notices any unusual vehicle in the area. The vehicle used is of little importance if the investigator uses the techniques and cautions outlined in this manual. If the vehicle is suspected then the investigator has to change vehicle in order to continue the surveillance in another location.

PREPARE TO FOLLOW

If the location is in close proximity to the investigative office, a route recon should be conducted a couple of days prior to starting the surveillance is recommended. This may not be possible in all surveillance cases. The investigator will have to make on the spot surveillance decisions as to what is the best location for parking and blending on most of the jobs. The purpose of the route recon is to log any vehicles for identification later and positive identification of the target’s address and residence at the target’s address. The investigators should log either by micro recorder or by physical notes any activity seen at the time of the recon. The investigator should make notes on any items that would indicate leisure activity or work activity along with a description of the house and its location within the residential block. The investigator should make notes of the surrounding neighbors and any animals seen in the neighborhood. The investigator should note all possible surveillance locations including the rear and sides of the residence and if one vehicle will do the job. The investigator should make note of all possible avenues that the target might take when leaving the location. The investigator should check all parallel routes in order to start the surveillance with knowledge of the immediate area.

BEGINNING THE SURVEILLANCE

The question always arises as to whether or not the investigator should notify the police when ever conducting surveillance. This is a question that has a different answer for different circumstances. My recommendation is that the investigator must do what they feel is necessary to protect their surveillance location. There is no law that I know of in any state that requires notification of the police. It's your responsibility to learn and abide by the laws and policies of the Law Enforcement agencies in your area. The question the investigator should ask themselves on some surveillance jobs after assessing the surrounding area is “ how much trouble do I want to bring upon myself and my surveillance?” The investigator should determine from the neighborhood if the threat of being exposed by police exist. The decision to call in and notify the police so they won’t respond to a call from a neighbor may be a good one and then again it may not.

Golden rule number one is; “ Never take your eyes off of the target.”

My recommendation for the beginning location of any surveillance is to pick the farthest location from the target’s location that will allow the investigator to see movement of any vehicles coming or going. When the surveillance is to be conducted in a residential neighborhood it is a good idea to park with the rising sun or setting sun and in the shade so the vehicle won’t be easy to see. When it is possible, blend into a business parking lot and with other vehicles and place shades over in the windshield to make it appear that the vehicle is empty. Sometimes it becomes necessary to view at the target’s location backwards in order to blend into the neighborhood. Watching in the rear view mirror while the investigators vehicle is pointed in the opposite direction is a bit more difficult because it narrows the field of vision but is just as effective. Humans are creatures of habit. Once the direction of travel of the target is established the investigator should conduct the surveillance in the opposite direction if possible. This will prevent the investigator from having to leave in a hurry to get out of the line of sight of the target and will prevent the investigator from taking their eye off of the target.

The investigator should record the license plates on any vehicle that arrives at the residence. Although it may not seem relevant at the time, the plate could be used to locate the target in the event the investigator loses sight of the target. If movement at the location is detected, the investigator should react by starting the video or moving closer to assess what the movement indicates. Either the target is getting ready to leave the location or is getting ready to start activity that might be worthy of video or moving even closer to the target. The investigator must be prepared to drive aggressively while driving defensibly. Driving aggressive may require driving across a yellow light or even a red light, making U-turns where one would normally not make U-turns, cutting though parking lots etc. Mind you that this is not a recommendation but a reality. We never will recommend that an investigator break the law in any way in the pursuit of their duties.

Golden rule number Two; “if the target sees the investigator three times the investigator is burnt.”

- end for today -

************************************************************
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, March 29, 2009

Amazing Bodyguard E-Book Sale!

Interested in Bodyguarding, Counter Terrorism & more?

Go to http://www.ProfessionalCourse.com and click on
the E-Book Sale link at the top of the page!

This information is a MUST for anyone interested in
these types of careers!

Sunday, March 15, 2009

‘Above ground’ options for securing the outdoor perimeter / grounds of your client

Let’s take a look at the types of sensors you can add on the grounds, perimeter or fences:

1. Vibration (Shaker) or Inertia Sensors
2. Microwave Barriers
3. Microphonic Systems
4. Taut Wire Fence Systems
5. Fibre Optic Cable

Let’s look at each on individually:

Vibration (Shaker) Sensors

These simple devices are mounted on fences, walls & other barriers and are used primarily to detect an attack on the structure itself. The technology relies on an unstable mechanical configuration that forms part of the electrical circuit. When movement or vibration occurs, the unstable portion of the circuit moves and breaks the current flow, which produces an alarm. The technology of the devices varies and can be sensitive to different levels of vibration. The medium transmitting the vibration must be correctly selected for the specific sensor as they are best suited to different types of structures and configurations. More sophisticated sensors use piezo-electric components rather than mechanical circuits, which can be tuned to be extremely sensitive to vibration. These sensors are more durable and more resistant to tampering.

Pros: Very reliable sensors, low false alarm rate and middle place in the price range.

Cons: Must be fence mounted would be the main con. Its rather high price deters many customers, but its effectiveness offsets its high price.

Conclusion: The best money for value fence mounted configuration.


Microwave Barriers

The operation of a microwave barrier is very simple. This type of device develops an electromagnetic beam using high frequency waves that passes from a transmitter to a receiver, creating an invisible but sensitive protection wall. When the receiver detects a difference of condition within its beam (and hence a possible intrusion), begins a detailed analysis of the situation that, if Considered a real intrusion, it provides an alarm signal that can be treated in analogue or digital form.

Microphonic Systems

Microphonic based systems vary in design but each is generally based on the detection of an intruder attempting to cut or climb over a chain link fence. Usually the microphonic detection systems are installed as sensor cables attached to rigid chain link fences, however some specialized versions of these systems can also be installed as buried systems underground. Depending on the version selected, it can be sensitive to different levels of noise or vibration. The system is based on coaxial sensor cable with the controller having the ability to differentiate between signals from the cable or chain link being cut, an intruder climbing the fence, or bad weather conditions.

The systems are designed to detect and analyse incoming electronic signals received from the sensor cable, and then to generate alarms from signals which exceed preset conditions. The systems have adjustable electronics to permit installers to change the sensitivity of the alarm detectors to the suit specific environmental conditions. The tuning of the system is usually accomplished during commissioning of the detection devices.

Pros: very cheap, very simple configuration, easy to install.

Cons: some systems have a very high rate of false alarms because some of these sensors might be too sensitive.

Conclusion: If you need a fence mounted sensor and you willing to add some more money for a reliable system go with the Vibration system.

Taut Wire Fence Systems

A taut wire perimeter security system is basically an independent screen of tensioned tripwires usually mounted on a fence or wall. Alternatively, the screen can be made so thick that there is no need for a supporting chain link fence. These systems are designed to detect any physical attempt to penetrate the barrier. Taut wire systems can operate with a variety of switches or detectors that sense movement at each end of the tensioned wires.

These switches or detectors can be a simple mechanical contact, static force transducer or an electronic strain gauge. Unwanted alarms caused by animals and birds can be avoided by adjusting the sensors to ignore objects that exert small amounts of pressure on the wires. It should be noted that this type of system is vulnerable to intruders digging under the fence. A concrete footing directly below the fence is installed to prevent this type of attack.

Pros: low rate of false alarms, very reliable sensors and high rate of detection.

Cons: Very expensive, complicated to install and old technology.

Conclusion: Very good but very expensive system that uses 20-year-old technology; these days there is no reason to choose Taut wire over the other fence-mounted sensors.

Fibre Optic Cable

A fibre-optic cable can be used to detect intruders by measuring the difference in the amount of light sent through the fibre core. If the cable is disturbed, light will ‘leak’ out and the receiver unit will detect a difference in the amount of light received. The cable can be attached directly to a chain link fence or bonded into a barbed steel tape that is used to protect the tops of walls and fences. This type of barbed tape provides a good physical deterrent as well as giving an immediate alarm if the tape is cut or severely distorted.

Pros: very similar to the Microphonic system, very simple configuration, easy to install.

Cons: high rate of false alarm or no alarms at all, some sell it as buried system which function VERY bad as buried or on top of a wall.

Conclusion: Some people choose fiber optic systems only because of the price which is a very wrong decision for a security system, as a fence mounted Microphonic or Vibration sensor system would do a better job for the same price range.


************************************************************
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, March 1, 2009

“Underground” options for securing the outdoor perimeter / grounds of your client

Let’s take a look at the types of sensors you can bury on the grounds:

1. Passive Magnetic Field Detection
2. E-Field Sensors
3. H-Field Sensors

Let’s look at each on individually:

Passive Magnetic Field Detection

This buried security system is based on the Magnetic Anomaly Detection principle of operation. The system uses an electromagnetic field generator powering with two wires running in parallel. Both wires run along the perimeter and are usually installed about 5 inches apart on top of a wall or about foot buried in the ground. The wires are connected to a signal processor which analyze any change in the magnetic field. This kind of buried security system sensor cable could be buried on the top of almost any kind of wall to provide a regular wall detection ability or be buried in the ground.

Pros: Very low false alarm rate, can be put on top of any wall, very high chance to detect real burglars.

Cons: Can't be installed in near high voltage line or radars and airports.

Conclusion: The best solution in the buried sensors range.

E-Field Sensors

This proximity system can be installed on building perimeters, fences, and walls, and also has the ability to be installed free standing on dedicated poles. The system uses an electromagnetic field generator powering one wire, with another sensing wire running parallel to it. Both wires run along the perimeter and are usually installed about 800 millimetres apart. The sensing wire is connected to a signal processor that analyses:

Amplitude change (mass of intruder),
Rate change (movement of intruder),
Preset disturbance time (time the intruder is in the pattern).

These items define the characteristics of an intruder and when all three are detected simultaneously, an alarm signal is generated. The barrier can provide protection from the ground to about 4 metres of altitude. It is usually configured in zones of about 200 metre lengths depending on the number of sensor wires installed.

Pros: concealed as a buried form.

Cons: expensive, short zones which means more electronic (more money), high rate of false alarms as it might sound as it can define a cat from a human in reality it doesn't work that well as well as extreme weather causes false alarms.

Conclusion: As in the buried security systems field the Passive Magnetic Field Detection will do a better job most of the time.

H-Field Sensors

This system employs an electro-magnetic field disturbance principle based on two unshielded (or ‘leaky’) coaxial cables buried about 10-15cm deep and located at about 2.1 metres apart. The transmitter emits continuous Radio Frequency (RF) energy along one cable and the energy is received by the other cable. When the change in field strength weakens due to the presence of an object and reaches a pre-set lower threshold, an alarm condition is generated. The system is unobtrusive when it has been installed correctly, however care must be taken to ensure the surrounding soil offers good drainage in order to reduce nuisance alarms.

Pros: concealed as a buried form.

Cons: affected by RF noise, high rate of false alarms, hard to install.

Conclusion: Choose one of the other 2 buried security systems sensors.

************************************************************
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
************************************************************