Memory is a skill that is vital to the protection industry. However, knowing this and being able to apply it are two very different things. Here's how for the EP worker looking to expand their memory abilities.

The first thing I recommend is to start simple. Read about the memory and how it works in the brain. This is an essential part of applying memory skills. A simple overview would include:

Memories work via storage systems in the brain. When we form new memories, we automatically encode them in different places. The memory begins with this encoding process. Any sensory process, such as sight, sound, smell, etc, can bring this about. The memories then go into storage in working, short-term, or long-term memories. Working memory is the shortest span of memory storage, lasting only for a few seconds. Short-term memory lasts slightly longer, and long-term memory lasts the longest period. Memories are also divided into episodic and semantic memories within the long-term memory area. ...

One area that is lacking in skills taught for the executive protection field is memory. Several things I have come across mention memory only in passing or even mention instead to “take notes” because no one has a perfect memory. To an extent no, no one has a perfect memory. However, that shouldn’t negate the importance of training one’s memory skills to match the level of every aspect trained in this field.

I’ll put this into perspective for those who might not see its importance. Imagine that you are on a protection detail of some sort, you see a suspicious character that needs keeping an eye on. However, said suspicious character moves out of your line of view, and now you have to communicate with your colleagues what the character looks like and why you pegged them as suspicious. But… you can’t remember what color shirt he wore, what his face looked like, or if he appeared to have a weapon. It was too instinctual to be aware of the main details for others to use. These memory laps...

Surveillance for ALL : P.O.L.A.R

Surveillance and counter-surveillance represent a perpetual cat-and-mouse game, each side constantly evolving tactics and technology. Surveillance, the systematic observation of individuals or groups, involves a multifaceted approach. Physical surveillance relies on direct observation, while technical surveillance employs electronic devices to gather information. Open-source intelligence, drawing from publicly available data, completes the surveillance toolkit.

In the complex and ever-evolving landscape of executive protection, possessing heightened situational awareness is paramount. The ability to rapidly assess and comprehend one's surroundings can be the difference between averting a threat and reacting to it. This is where the POLAR method, focusing on People, Objects, Locations, Actions, and Reasoning, emerges as a game-changer.

Counter-surveillance is the defensive counterpart, designed to detect and deter surveillance efforts. This involves a...

If we all do it, it would be better, right?

Organizations can no longer afford to be reactive. Gone are the days of scrambling to contain a breach of some sort after it's happened. The key to staying ahead of the curve lies in fostering a proactive culture of security awareness, where everyone within the organization plays a vital role in protecting valuable data and assets.

This shift requires a multi-pronged approach. 

1. Developing Critical Thinking Skills

Cyber attackers rely on human vulnerabilities. Phishing emails often rely on emotional triggers or a sense of urgency to bypass our initial skepticism. Equipping employees with critical thinking skills allows them to scrutinize information and identify potential red flags. This can involve training them to:

• Question the sender: Is the email address legitimate? Does it match the sender's name?
• Examine the urgency: Are threats or deadlines used to create pressure?
• Verify links and attachments: Don't click on unfamiliar link...

Were you aware?

Let's face it, vigilance is paramount. From crowded streets to bustling workplaces, the ability to navigate unforeseen situations can be the difference between safety and danger. This is where Situational Awareness (SA) comes in. It's more than just being alert; it's actively processing information from your environment, anticipating potential threats, and formulating proactive responses.

The Pillars of Proactive Awareness

While heightened vigilance is a crucial component of SA, true mastery lies in a multi-pronged approach. Let's explore the three pillars supporting expert-level proactive awareness:

• Critical Thinking - The human brain is bombarded with information. SA thrives on the ability to filter and analyze this data. Critical thinking skills empower you to assess what's happening, evaluate potential consequences, and make informed decisions under pressure.

• Behavioral Profiling Systems - Human behavior often follows predictable patterns. Learning to r...

Just an idea more than anything!

In today's ever-evolving world, where danger can lurk online or blend seamlessly into a crowded street, executive protection specialists face an immense challenge. Traditional training programs, often heavy on physical tactics and procedural protocols, can leave a critical gap in their skillset: critical thinking and behavioral profiling.

Here's why traditional methods can fall short and how a paradigm shift towards these crucial aspects can elevate the effectiveness of executive protection.

Limitations of Traditional Training

• Reactive, not Proactive - Traditional programs emphasize response mechanisms to immediate threats. They excel at handling physical confrontations but may struggle to identify potential threats before they escalate. The bad things have already happened by this point.
• Reality Based Training -  While scenario training has value, real-world situations rarely unfold exactly as practiced. When we look at the work of our colleague...

We have to test EVERYTHING!

In the realm of executive protection, meticulous planning and unwavering vigilance are paramount. Yet, amidst the focus on physical security measures, a critical aspect often remains underutilized - psychological testing. There is an untapped potential in psychological assessments, exploring how they, coupled with critical thinking skills, can revolutionize the selection process for executive protection specialists.

Traditionally, executive protection relied heavily on physical prowess and combat skills and specific sets of 3 letters on your resumé. While these remain essential, the modern security landscape demands more. Today's threats are often complex, multifaceted, and require a keen understanding of human behavior. This is where psychological testing steps in.

Standardized assessments can unveil a candidate's:

• Emotional Intelligence (EQ): A high EQ equips an operative to navigate volatile situations with empathy, composure, and sound decision-mak...

We can fix it, we have the technology!

Are we really using all of our brain?

In the world of EP, there are certain stock images that will often come to mind. While physical security measures remain crucial, a truly holistic approach to executive safety goes much deeper. It's about empowering executives with the tools and mindset to navigate complex situations, minimizing risk not just through physical barriers, but through critical thinking and situational awareness and whole arsenal full of mental tools.

The Power of Critical Thinking

EP Professionals operate in a dynamic environment, facing ever-evolving threats. Relying solely on pre-determined protocols or memorized escape routes can leave them vulnerable to unforeseen circumstances. Critical thinking skills allow them to analyze situations in real-time, assess potential risks, and adapt their response accordingly.

Imagine an EP Agent attending a conference. They've been briefed on security measures at the venue, including escape routes. However, during a fire alarm...

Strategy to cover all things - Measure as much as you can in order to cut once!

The image of the executive protection specialist is often a stoic figure with an earpiece, a suit, and an imposing presence. While physical security remains a cornerstone of the profession, the modern executive protection specialist is much more than a guard of any description. Today's landscape demands a strategic and nuanced approach, with critical thinking skills taking center stage.

Gone are the days of reactive response. Proactive risk mitigation is key. Executive protection specialists now also delve into intelligence gathering, threat assessment, and vulnerability analysis. They become security architects, designing bespoke strategies that consider everything from cyber threats to travel itineraries. This requires a deep understanding of global affairs, geopolitical risks, and the ever-changing threat landscape.

But perhaps the most crucial skill in this new paradigm is critical thinking, particul...