Corporate Executive Protection/Travel Security

Ensuring the safety of a corporation’s personnel is a critical priority. Many medium to large companies implement executive protection, travel security, event security, and workplace violence management programs. While these programs have similar objectives, they also feature interconnections and interdependencies. For instance, in the realm of executive protection:

· When high-level executives travel, it is imperative to coordinate with the travel security team to ensure secure transit and accommodation. This coordination involves identifying potential threats at each destination to maintain their safety from departure to arrival.

· During events, executives' interactions with numerous individuals increase their exposure to potential threats. The protection team works closely with event security to manage access control, crowd control, and emergency response plans.

· High-level executives may be targets of workplace violence. Protection teams collaborate with workplace violence management teams to understand and mitigate potential risks within the workplace.

Effective communication and collaboration between these programs are essential for the protection of personnel at risk. 

The following outlines some areas of overlap.

Executive Protection – Event Security – Travel Security - Workplace Violence

Coordinated efforts are crucial for upholding a comprehensive security strategy that guarantees the safety and well-being of key personnel.

Security Advance

Travel logistics and Pre-Advance

Airport Advance

Review Historical Files and Security Documentation

Hotel Survey/Remain Over Night (RON)

Meet with -Security Manager

Meet with -Building Engineer

Venue Site Advance

-Physical Site Dynamics

-Stage Dynamics

Transportation/Route Planning Advance

Hospital/Medical Survey

Electronic Device Security for Protective Advances

Protective Detail Assignments/Responsibilities

1. Detailed leader / Assistant Detailed Leader

2. Lead/Site EP Advance Agent

3. Shift Leader / (ADL)

4. The A EP Agent, 

5. Optional Requirements, The B EP, C EP, D EP Agents.

6. Security Driver (SD) and Follow Driver (FD)

7. Command Post (CP) and Security Room (SR)

Vehicle Seating For Protective Detail

Vehicle Arrival Protective Detail Formations

Exiting Limousine/SUV

· Box Protection Detail Formation

· Diamond Protection Detail Formation

· Small Protective Detail Formation

· Halo Protective Detail Formation

· Circle Protective Detail Formation

· Stage Protective Detail Formation

Vehicle Departure Protection Detail Formations Include Site EP Agent, DL Agent and (as needed) A, B, C & D EP Agents

Utilize Existing Vehicle Detail Formations for Aircraft Departure/Arrival 

Understanding NREMT, M.A.R.C.H., M.I.S.T., Assessments

Additional Information For NoN-EP Personnel.

A simple bulleted format is always appreciated. 

Keep it simple, factual and to the point.

Pre-travel Preparation

• Highlight that you will review internet materials to familiarize yourself with local customs and laws.
• Indicate you will review the Department of State’s website and be familiar with any travel warnings; noting and avoiding areas of high risk.
• If applicable indicate what you will do if your destination becomes unsafe for travel. What is your alternative? Will you cancel the trip or will you go to another location in that country?
• Identify and note what the known hazards are for the area you will travel. Is it crime, is it political unrest, is it natural disaster, or all of the above? If natural disaster, what is the most likely natural disaster?
• Do you have any personal experience from prior travel to the destination country or specific location of intended travel? 

Transportation

• What will be your mode of transportation to country? What is your entry point (name of city, airport, sea port, etc.)?
• Once in country what is your mode of transportation? Your mode should be the safest and most recommended mode by security professionals or consultants. In some countries securing a street taxi is not safe. Booking a secure transport through an in country partner is more safe and the recommended procedure. State why your mode is the best choice.
• Advise what cities or towns you will visit and how long you will be at each.
• If you plan to walk between venues daily (lodging and place of work), is that safe and how will you assure your safety doing so?

Lodging

• Where will you stay at each location? Is the compound secure? How is it secure? Comment about the safety and local reputation of safety for your lodging.
• Indicate after hour activities that are most likely to occur. Are they safe and or how will you assure safety while doing those activities? 
• Will you have an international cell phone? This is always advisable.
• Delineate your emergency 24 hour phone tree? List by name, email, and cell phone, the individuals on the tree. Who will be your main contact in country of travel?
• Who will be your main contact back in the US?
• How often will you check in? Daily is advisable.

Emergency Action Plan

• Conduct a safety briefing with everyone in your group regarding expectations.
• Identify that in the event of an emergency you will make your way to emergency facilities. Identify by name and full address nearest hospital and embassy. Indicate the distance of these facilities from your lodging. Indicate mode of transportation you would seek to get to these facilities. 
• In the event of a natural disaster or civil unrest, etc. briefly identify your plan.
• Specify a “rally point”…a pre-identified location in case your primary location is compromised or for others in your group to go to in case you become separated from them.
• Assure your plan covers all of the prior identified hazards. 
• If you shelter in place where will you do so? Advise you will activate your communication tree via phone or e-mail in this event. 
• If you are required to evacuate, identify your mode of transportation and to what location.Identify an alternate routes or other alternatives if first alternate location becomes unviable or unsafe.

Country-specific threat analysis

• Good sources of information on travel location 
• Pre-trip preparation checklist
• Emergency contact list
• Medical care in country
• Airport procedures
• Local travel (use of taxis, hire cars, etc.) tips
• Hotel security tips
• Residential security (if required)
• Personal security procedures
• Specific guidelines for women travelers (if required)
• What to do in case of emergencies (mugging, car-jack, kidnap, theft, accidents, etc.)
• Common scams to avoid for business travelers
•  [Optional] Resources to support executive travelers (Emergency Beacon/Tracking) 
• [Optional] Travel Advance Team Support
• [Optional] Emergency Extraction Planning

Executive Protection Risk Matrix should be prepared in advance with the following bullet points.

• Travel Advisory Level
• Crime
• Terrorism
• Civil Unrest
• Environment
• Health
• Health Covid-19
• Operational Security & Information Security 

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