Close Protection

Indrisec were tasked to provide Close Protection services to a foreign national residing in the UK. This task was particularly complicated due to the nature of business the principal was involved in at the time. As well as this, there were cultural differences present due to the Principal's Middle Eastern heritage. We were employed by the Principals organisation (the client) who had previously been poorly advised by another organisation on security matters.

**The information in this post in no way identifies our former client or their business and is done so with their permission**

  • Client: Undisclosed.
  • Location: London.
  • Number of Personnel Deployed: Up to 12.
  • Services Deployed: Close Protection, Residential Security Team, CCTV.
  • Main Threats Faced: Assault, kidnapping, theft, attempts to discredit, burglary at residence.
  • Contract Duration: 2 Years.
Close Protection

The first part of setting up the security detail for a client such as this, is to carry out a detailed threat and risk assessment to best determine the level of security required. This process highlighted several changes that were required to ensure an appropriate level of security. These changes fell into the following categories.

  1. Manpower
  2. Technology
  3. Vehicles
  4. Client team education

Manpower

The first thing we determined was that the current deployment of manpower was not appropriate. The client team and principal had for a long time, used their own, untrained staff as drivers in their own vehicles. These drivers had zero advanced driving skills or training. This presented the first immediate risk to the Principal when moving from locations. Our approach here was to ensure that only our own, advanced trained drivers, were utilised for driving the principal and secondary vehicles. This afforded a better level of security whilst moving by vehicle. It also further protected the principal from the potential embarrassment of a road traffic collision.

In addition to this we implemented a scaled approach for the close protection team. This depended on the location and nature of any business the Principal had. Utilising an advance party for all public space meetings or events, we were also able to secure any venues prior to our principal arriving. Offering a sterile bubble around the principal as they went about their business.

Furthermore, the client and Principal had previously been using their residential security for close protection. This resulted in the the residence being unsecured while the principal was not there. We quickly advised against this, highlighting the dangers of such practice. Our briefing allowed the client and principal to see why this was a bad choice for security. The outcome: we deployed a full time Residential Security Team (RST). This ensured the Principal residence remained secured at all times. We then deployed a dedicated close protection team for off-residence escorts.

Technology

This area highlighted a need to improve the CCTV system already in-place at the principals residence. A proposal was then put forward to not only increase the number of cameras, but to also improve their deployment. This process ensured that the RST had full camera coverage of the Principals residence. We also implemented access control procedures, allowing only authorised personnel on-site. This assisted the overall close protection team in their role. 

Vehicles

Prior to Indrisec taking over as the security services provider, the client and Principal utilised their own vehicles for transportation. While this in itself is not an issue, the vehicles were very dated and worn. Indrisec advised a newer vehicle would be better suited to the Principals profile rather than the outdated, and paint faded vehicles they were using. We assisted the Principal with deciding on a vehicle they would prefer. Narrowing their selection to three main brands, we then arranged a test drive of each vehicle. This allowed the Principal to decide which vehicle they preferred. The result was a high end vehicle that increased the visual status of the Principal, while also suiting our needs from a security point of view. We also managed and maintained all servicing requirements of their vehicles to ensure deployability. 

Client Team Education

Within our Principals organisation there were numerous volunteers and staff that had previously got involved with various aspects of security. These volunteers and members of staff were extremely helpful at times and we had a great relationship with them. But while their intentions could not be faulted, their lack of training and general security awareness meant that sometimes they became a hindrance. Indrisec determined that clear boundaries needed to be set. We needed to ensure they understood when they could and could not get involved in security matters.

Indrisec highlighted the need for our protection team to be able to  do their job. We instructed them on some best practice and showed the client team how they could best help us. This resulted in an overall team effort, where our close protection team were left to do their job, while those that wanted to help, did so in a positive way that increased overall protection, without compromise. This process actually increased the rapport we had with the staff of our client overall.

The Result

The result of our consultation, and subsequent taking over of security operations meant the Principal was offered a more professional level of service affording them more freedom to go about their daily activities. Previously, the Principal had only been comfortable taking "essential only" trips. After the appointment of Indrisec and our close protection team, the Principal was more comfortable living their life as they should, and eventually they moved on to pastures new.

"Indrisec provided us and Mr xxxx with a great level of service. Constantly keeping us in the office updated on potential threats regarding Mr xxxx and advising accordingly. The Indrisec team will be missed by all" ~ Mr Ghaffar. Aide to Mr xxxx

"Mike and his team at Indrisec are extremely professional and capable. Escorting us on countless trips both business and pleasure, they have always ensured we feel safe and secure while doing so." ~ Miss Hunter. PA to Mr xxxx 

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