Dignitary Protection (From Terrorism: Defensive Strategies for Individuals, Companies and Governments, P 109-118, 2001, Lawrence J. Hogan, ed., -- See NCJ-192066)

• NCJ Number: 192075
• Author(s): Sean Carr
• Date Published: 2001
• Length: 10 pages
• Sale Source: Amlex, Inc.
• Publication Format: Book Chapter
• Publication Type: Guideline
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This chapter discusses dignitary protection from terrorists.

Abstract

One of the most effective tools of the terrorist is the abduction or murder of individuals who represent or give the perception of representing something contrary to the attacker’s cause. This tactic is not as common in the United States as it is in the Middle East, Europe, and South America. The objective of a good dignitary protection program should be to plan to avoid situations that needlessly put the protected person at unnecessary risk. Traits considered desirable when assembling a dignitary protection team include self-reliance and self-confidence in situations that are highly stressful, excellent physical shape, a high degree of alertness, and ability to respond quickly in emergencies. These protectors should be proficient at hand-to-hand defensive tactics with emphasis on the ability of rendering an armed attacker harmless, quickly and effectively. The persons under consideration should be highly skilled in the use of firearms and be able to quickly determine whether the risk to innocent bystanders permits the use of a firearm. The “bodyguard” method of protection fails to address the attacker’s greatest advantage, the use of surprise, and a well-thought-out assault plan. Terrorists study their targets as well as their target’s vulnerabilities to determine the most optimum time and place to strike. The first step to designing any protection program is to perform an honest threat assessment. After completing an exhaustive study of the protected person’s lifestyle and environment, equally exhaustive intelligence reports on people and groups of people that pose a potential threat to the protected person must be made. Experts in the field of dignitary protection should be consulted to help make decisions on the identification, selection, and implementation of counter measures. The issues of command and control must be addressed before any protective operation can be put into action. The key to a successful protection program is imaginative planning.