In the era of social media and lying on your captions, for the sake of “faking it until make it,” many “EP Specialist” are being hired not based on their skillsets or qualifications but strictly off their social media following. We’ve entered into a generation of social fame. The more followers we have on social media dictates how successful we are in our respected industry. I have seen this f irst hand in the celebrity protection sector. Managers and artist are using social media to hire individuals and are often forgoing following recommended hiring procedures like: ordering background checks, verifying state licensing and credentials, and ensuring there is proper insurance coverage, etc. Bypassing the proper hiring procedures can be detrimental to your organization. It would be devastating to hire a personnel and then find that the armed security personnel around the protectee is a felon and/or the company does not have the proper insurance coverage nor license to handle a liability. here have been many incidents in the entertainment industry where clients have suffered the consequences of hiring inadequate security, leading to lawsuits, embarrassments and protection failures. I’ve personally have known of a security company who did not follow proper hiring procedures and unintentionally hired a convicted felon while the client was on probation. The repercussions of this oversight could have cost the client his career and worse led him back to prison. Why are these scenarios still happening? The only thing that makes sense to me, is that people lack knowledge. The bible states in Hosea 4:6, “My people perish for lack of knowledge,” if God felt the necessity to share this revelation with us then I too must educate our potential clients to avoid them from making perishable decisions. In life we educate ourselves before purchasing products or services but do not seem to follow the same steps when seeking security. Most security professionals will tell you what you want to hear but not what you need to know. Here are some general things to look for in hiring a security service provider: – In the US, many security firms will mislead clients on their operational capabilities, telling clients they can work in all 50 states with their license, this is not true at all. The only way to work in all 50 states is to have a vetted-network of licensed vendors that can pick up the security coverage outside of security firm’s operational area or state. Make sure the company you hire has an active security license in the state they’re operating in. – A security company can have an insurance policy that covers the security company in multiple states, however, the states outside of the issuing state can still require for the policyholders to have official license and permits within the operating state. This can be misleading because although the security company is insured in multiple states there could be different regulations required in each state, ultimately leaving security company’s open to liabilities. This is why it is so important to partner with vetted vendors in the operational state. It is also key to ensure the security firm is properly insured and that their insurance is current and up-to-date. -Every state has a form of guard card or background check requirement, hiring through a license security firm helps ensure you are not hiring someone with a felony or with a criminal background. Beware of hiring someone with no security credentials that could mean that the individual cannot pass a background check. – One of the biggest myths in security in the US is that an armed security license, conceal carry permit, or LEOSA “HR218” from one state will cover you in every other state. A security exposed “armed” license is only good in the state it is issued in. Conceal carry licenses are for “personal” use only not for work. LEOSA “HR218” is a national security act passed in 2004 for any “good standing” police officer active or retired that allows them to carry in all 50 states but the bill clearly states,“not for monetary gain/work.” Many clients hire retired or off-duty police officers because of their 52 misunderstanding of this act. If the police officer uses his weapon on a protection detail, the officer and employer will be open for criminal and civil charges for violation of the law. – If security personnel are driving, they should be insured under a separate commercial automotive policy aside from the security company’s general liability policy. Most general liability policies cover the security company’s standard business operations which may not include driving the client’s vehicles. – Proprietary teams are in-house security teams exclusive to a specific corporation, under the guidance of a director of security. These security teams are insured through the corporation which takes on all civil and legal liabilities. The majority of these organizations’ protective details are unarmed, due to the legalities/liability reasons; when they need additional support, they partner with security firms in the state they are traveling to. In summary, it is important for management teams and decision makers to be well informed and equipped to make important decisions such as choosing a security firm. There can be costly consequences to making a poor decision. Above, I listed basic points to consider before hiring a security company. Be mindful of not getting caught up in the fluff of “big names” and social media followers but be cautious of the misleading and grey areas of securing your client. Michael Brown, CAS, is a certified anti-terrorism specialists and executive protection specialist primarily focused on global protection missions for multi-national corporations and organizations. Prior to entering this protective space, Michael has spent extensive time operating in the High-Profile Celebrity Protection segment of the marketplace.
I landed back into Signature FBO in California, clearing customs after a busy couple of days. While reflecting on the assignment just completed, I realize I had traveled to New York, Florida, Mexico, and back to California in just three days’ time. During the Protectees’ visits, we had a product showcase event, business meeting with a multi-national corporation, and a product production visit at a facility in Mexico. Feeling exhausted, I still had to coordinate the pick-up and drop-off of the protectee from FBO to RON. Shortly after the mission was completed, I walked out of the private FBO and headed to my hotel for some much needed rest. Despite all of this, many would still call me just a celebrity protection guy?! Many executive protection (EP) specialists from other niches of close-in protection look down on celebrity focused EP specialists because of the type of clientele they service and the stigma associated with celebrities. The celebrity’s lifestyle often involves long nights in night clubs, short notice travel, and lack of support staff making the EP specialist responsible for a multitude of things outside of their traditional job duties while also, filling in the gap for the lack of support staff. After 12 years of experience protecting high-profile globetrotting celebrities around the world, I have acted as a Personal Assistant, Travel Agent, Tour Manager, Jet Broker, and much more. Although, I would argue that, outside of my normal responsibilities and job title, learning these additional skillsets have made me invaluable asset to any security operation. Oftentimes, celebrity protection operations are solo details, due to tight budgets and additional cost, limiting the type of EP specialists who can perform the role. Generally, many specialists have unique skillsets and backgrounds that they bring to the business, such as knowledge of a foreign language, concierge, event planning, or others. The celebrity protection niche requires someone who is a jack of all trades. In comparison, corporate protection allows for additional resources like protective intelligence, TCSM, protective advance teams, medical staff, and dedicated travel agents. These resources make the job of an EP specialist in corporate a lot smoother, and make it harder for a corporate focused EP specialist to transition into celebrity protection. I have personally hired corporate EP focused specialists before for celebrity protection assignments and found them unable to keep up with the dynamic pace of celebrity protection. The celebrity EP specialist nimbleness and flexibility allows for them to easily transition into different niches within the executive protection platforms. However, the gap between celebrity and corporate protection is closing right before our eyes. Many global security programs are hiring specialists with high-end celebrity protection or tour security backgrounds more and more. Why? It’s simple. These specialists operate in dynamic environments making them experts in adaptability and planning. Most of the high-end celebrity protection specialists have specific training and real-world experience that many corporate focused EP specialist don’t have due to the robust nature of a corporate EP program. I have personally made the transition myself from celebrity protection to now working in a Fortune 10 corporation global security program. I was shocked to see how many other specialists with my background were in the corporate global security world. From my perspective, many corporations are starting to realize the need for someone who understands both the high profile and corporate protection worlds. like high-profile celebrities due to social media platforms and general accessibility to them. The days of protecting a CEO that nobody would recognize in the streets are over. Having someone with an array of EP experiences is key to helping mitigate the new inherent risk of the high visibility of corporate executives. and recognize that more platforms can transfer over to corporate EP programs then generally perceived. There is a high value that experienced, high-profile celebrity focused EP specialists, can bring to a corporate program. Offering different perspectives, this type of talent can more rapidly help transition a corporate program into a more multifaceted program that is more adaptable to the times we are in. Michael Brown, CAS, is a certified anti-terrorism specialists and executive protection specialist primarily focused on global protection missions for multi-national corporations and organizations. Prior to entering this protective space, Michael has spent extensive time operating in the High-Profile Celebrity Protection segment of the marketplace.
Throughout my nine years of experience in the Executive Protection (EP) industry, I’d like to think that I’ve achieved many significant accomplishments. Having traveled to over 30 countries, building executive protection and estate teams, embarking on 10 major worldwide tours and transitioning from field agent to Director of Security. Despite my successes, I’ve still felt like a student at best, but now finally considering myself a Specialist. Naively, many young protectors are eager to consider themselves “specialists” without undergoing the proper mentorship and gaining the practical experience needed to hold this title. While doing some research and reading through different EP online forums, I’ve observed an unfortunate trend that has developed within some of our young protectors in the industry. After completing basic training and obtaining minimal experience, many new protectors are not seeking to advance their knowledge further, leading to stunted potential growth. Outside of the martial arts world, many view the black belt 1st dan as the highest level of skill. However, those who have studied the art understand that the 1st dan symbolizes a practical understanding of the basics that gives you a foundation to learn the true craft then. Similarly, EP school provides the bare minimum basic training and knowledge of the Executive Protection Industry. This is where advanced training, mentorship, and practical experience bridges the gap, allowing a generalist to transition into a specialist. Without this necessary progression, a generalist does not learn the appropriate times and techniques in which to employ the tools they’ve gained. Through mentorship and experience, a generalist learns where they are proficient, as well as where their skills need sharpening. When I graduated EP school at the age of 21, like the generalist I am referring to, I thought I was prepared to work with any client, anywhere in the world. Luckily for me, I had seasoned specialists that sat me down to teach me the process. These specialist mentors came from various backgrounds and worked in different protection platforms, such as high net-worth individuals (HNWI), celebrity & entertainment, corporate, and dignitary protection. Fortunately, these seasoned professionals saw my potential while working in their respective areas. This presented opportunities for me to work with them in their details. These experiences gave me an understanding of the nuances of each of the different sectors. I quickly chose the celebrity & entertainment field because of my educational background in ‘Music Business and Marketing.’ Taking into account my age and personality, this segment of the security industry was the best fit for me. Once I made my decision, I researched everyone in the field and began to develop my craft by taking the necessary training courses. I took a training course with Elijah Shaw and soon after I was working for his global security firm servicing high profile celebrities. As this was my first detail, I started from the bottom. Initially, I worked the halls and walls, there was also security driving and even performing the work of what some might consider personal concierge/ assistant. Experiencing this process gave me a greater understanding of the intricate working parts of a protection detail. I dedicate this article to young generalists in the industry, hopefully expressing the importance of not skipping the process of becoming a specialist. In this industry, the key is to stay the course, and eventually, you will have the opportunity to become a leader in the field. Over I began to further my training and networking by attending summits and conferences. During one of these conferences, I met two men who would soon become my mentors, Eric Konohia and Avery Mitchell. Konohia took me under his wing and taught me the responsibilities of the person who sits in the front right seat (“FRS”). He fine-tuned my basic knowledge of executive protection and consequently turned me into a detail leader. Mitchell conditioned my mindset and developed my mental acuity. I would say the mentorship of these two seasoned specialists propelled me into being where I am today. Approximately five years ago, Mitchell connected me with an opportunity that allowed me to showcase my years of preparation. I accepted a three-week detail assignment that soon became a full-time placement. Fast forward years later, and I am the Director of Security and also own a global security company. the past nine years, I’ve learned from my mentors, both from their successes and failures. My advice to those just starting out is to be humble, welcome criticism, seek out a mentor, and always be a student. Following these steps will ensure your sustainability and relevance in the industry. Clients are often aware of the holes in the services being provided; as an Executive Protection Specialist, the services we provide should always be at an executive level. Be humble and enjoy the journey, there is wisdom in getting to the back of the line. Perfect your craft, wait your turn, and eventually, you too will move up to the front. Michael Brown, CAS, is a certified anti-terrorism specialists and executive protection specialist primarily focused on global protection missions for multi-national corporations and organizations. Prior to entering this protective space, Michael has spent extensive time operating in the High-Profile Celebrity Protection segment of the marketplace.