Corporate Travel Security

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 Executive protection is the security and risk mitigation measures taken for individuals who may be exposed to an increased risk associated with their employment, VIP status, net worth, political or social affiliations, or geographic location. 

People are most familiar with the Secret Service and its application of Executive protection. The Secret Service model is robust and very overt in its presentation; there is no missing it. For a President of the United States or any world leader, this is what is expected and needed based on the threat and potential ramifications of something happening.  But what about those who aren’t world leaders?  Is there a need for a “protector” and how will it look compared to the President’s security?  Isn’t it only for those who are famous or well off?  To answer these questions, we will move to the “why” of our title.

So why would someone need Executive protection? Ultimately, the reason  is to mitigate a threat against the individual. There are many different types of threats that may warrant protection, such as the threat of death, serious injury, stalking, kidnapping, or assault. The US Marshals Service provides protection to federal judges and most people would intuitively understand that judges are at a higher risk and require protection.  

The why of what was just described now leads us to who may need Executive protection.  There is no single profile of someone who may need it can apply to anyone who is at a raised threat level or risk of harm. 

The spectrum of people who may seek Executive protection  has expanded from CEOs and federal politicians to the local, community level over the last several years. This is in part due to unrest in many communities, the “spontaneous” actions of activist groups targeting establishments or individuals, and the controversial topics being decided at the local level.

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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