Becoming a close protection operative

How to use this training unit: One of the primary skills of a CPO is having the ability to research data and to make sense of that data without jumping to conclusions So use this introductory course to assess its validity and determine which parts are relevant to you! To help you along the way all of it is relevant, however depending on the role you wish to take depends on which sections you may decide to research further Within training all providers should be attempting to offer best practice and not quick fixes Try to think more intuitively, dont look for errors to ridicule or for one up man ship, but to improve the narrative, to aid others allowing the course to become a fluid piece of work that ensures clarity and continuity So long as what you write is understood, spelling and punctuation can be forgiven some of the greatest minds where dyslexic Remember nothing is impossible, its just some things will take you longer to figure out Think outside of the box to defeat the elite and the foolish who bury their heads in the sand. Remember just because its not in the manual doesnt mean its good or bad, right or wrong, the essence of the manual is in the interpretation as well as the understanding

Prior to working within the Security Industry it is a requirement for an operative to obtain a relevant course of Training A 3 day First Aid course is required prior to embarking on the training (The SIA website hasnt been updated to reflect this yet) Please see Slide 3 ref industry requirements Obtain a Licence prior to working This Licence is Valid for 3 Years The Licence currently costs 220.00

Working as a Close Protection Operative brings with it a requirement for Trust and Confidentiality therefore it would be advisable to have a clean Criminal Record However the Law allows for certain crimes to be discounted, therefore candidates wishing to attend a Close Protection course should check with the SIA and or their training Provider prior to releasing any cash or depositThe Link below will allow you to check the criteria ifyou do have a criminal record:http://www.sia.homeoffice.gov.uk/pages/licensing-cri.aspx Although not a requirement of the SIA Clients should always request Advanced Criminal Records Checks on CP Teams

Read this BookThis book has quickly become the leadingpublication on Close Protection and most recentlyrecommended as a background reader for the FdAin Protective Security Management atBuckinghamshire New University. Now having beendelivered to over 25 countries, the book has quicklybecome the book to read on Close Protection.Effective, realistic and bluntly to the point, thebook covers all aspects concerning operational andtraining requirements without the inclusion ofsubjects that are simply not required. The CloseProtection Book continues to be ordered by variousgovernment departments as well as commercialorganisations http://www.cpbook.co.uk/

First Aid Training When applying for your licence you will be required to produce evidence that you have attained a recognised first aid award. You should present your valid first aid certificate to your training provider before you start your training. If you do not have a recognised first aid award you will need to get one in order to get your licence. This is in addition to the knowledge and practical skills training. (SIA Website)First Aid awards recognised by the SIA are: First Aid at Work - 3 day course (Awarding Body Approved) First Person on Scene (FPOS) Intermediate Award - 30 hours (Edexcel / IHCD)Employers are currently demanding F-POS(I) as a minimum for active Service overseas within countries such as Iraq and Afghanistan. Tier 1 & 2 Medics must be registered with the Health & Care Professionals Council (HCPC)

The Security Industry Authority (SIA) requires all persons who work within a Close Protection Role to be Licensed by the Authority with a Close Protection Licence You must have completed 139.5 hours of Training which roughly translates into 14 days You must successfully Pass a 60-question multiple-choice examination paper, achieving a score of at least 42 out of 60 and the Examination duration lasts 2 hours You are also required to complete a personal Portfolio of evidence that demonstrates your competence in the role of a Close Protection Operative

Close Protection Specialist Modules Session 1: Roles and Responsibilities of the Close Protection Operative Session 2: Threat and Risk Assessment Session 3: Surveillance Awareness Conflict Management Module Session 4: Operational Planning Session 5: Law and Legislation Session 1: Avoiding Conflict and Reducing Session 6: Interpersonal Skills Personal Risk Session 2: Defusing Conflict Session 7: Close Protection Teamwork and Briefing Session 3: Resolving and Learning from Conflict Session 8: Conduct Reconnaissance Session 4a: Application of Communication Session 9: Close Protection Foot Skills and Conflict Management for Drills Security Guarding and Close Protection Session 10: Route Selection Session 11: Close Protection Journey Management Session 12: Search Procedures Session 13: Incident Management Session 14: Venue Security Source SIA Website December 2012

Since the development of Close Protection Training guidelines by the Security Industry Authority and the Sector Skills body - Skills for Security, there has been a dramatic fall in formal standards that had previously been set by Military & Police Close Protection Instructors (CPIs) With the current Close Protection courses following the bare minimum standard of the SIA and an unprecedented amount of unfit training providers selling courses in close protection whilst using instructors who have either recently trained on a course themselves or who have not formally practised the specialist art of the Executive Protection Operative The SIA CP guidelines are unfit for purpose with the 150 hours simply not being enough to prepare an individual with no previous specialist experience in Close Protection duties. If you consider the current Close Protection courses as an introduction to Executive Protection then you wont go far wrong

Currently in the UK The SIA have no protective stance on who may train as a Close Protection Officer, there are no standards, regulations or Legislation relating to who may attend a course In essence if your training provider only cares about getting your hard earned Cash then it is quite conceivable that you may be attending a course with an enemy of your Nation or a Criminal simply because they can pay According to the SIA to apply for a Licence - There is no provision in their Legislation for anything other than the following a. You must be over 18 years of age b. You must be able to read and write English (Enough to Pass the Test) c. You must attend and Pass an SIA Approved Course d. You Must be able to provide Proof of Identity (See SIA Website) e. You Must have the Right to work in the UK to Obtain an SIA Licence Your training provider should check your age, Right to Work and Proof of Identity before allowing you to take an Official Examination. This should be confirmed with you prior to arriving or final payment for the course

To be taken seriously as a Close Protection Operative you will need to be adaptive, intelligent and have a good standard of fitness that will enable you to deal with the many scenarios that you could face such as: reaction to an immediate life threat, to First Aid Incidents for a man down. The human body becomes a dead weight whilst unconsciousness, now consider a 14 stone Principle - could you drag them at least 100 yards and then if need be, fight for your own life and that of your team? Fitness is certainly a key element within Close Protection and certainly a mandatory requirement for Military and Police Operatives the world over. However there are still positions that can be filled for those not up to active service on the front line, such as Control Room Operations, Intelligence Co-Ordinator, Quarter Master and many other essential roles that support active teams on the ground

Since the beginning of Civilisation Leaders have sort out the most powerful & Skilled Warriors to protect them from their political & Foreign enemies and to make way for them in crowds whilst protecting them from Assassination Within the Art of War & Politics their has always been a requirement for an Elite Fighting Force whos skills, loyalty and dedication to service are second to known The most famous of those are the Jaguars (ocelomeh) and Eagles (quauhtin) of the Aztec Empire, Samurai & Ninjas of Japan, The Myrmidons & Spartans of Greece and the Roman Praetorian Guard, The Knights of England, all employed as Bodyguards to VIPs & Kings, whether some of these where pure myth or not makes no difference. The descriptions, roles and actions have been documented and have been copied by modern forces worldwide To be a member of these elite units you had to prove your skills in warfare, tactics, loyalty and intelligence above and beyond that of an ordinary soldier or citizen The same applies to the modern Bodyguard Its more than just a course its a way of life

Royal Military Police Close ProtectionClose Protection Unit - RMP - TrainingOnly the most proficient Military Police Officers get through selection RMP Close Protection Operatives undergo an extensive 8-week training program that covers a range of disciplines, including but not limited to: Advanced shooting Advanced driving techniques Counter-surveillance Hand-to-hand-combat Roles & Duties of the Protection Officer The training course culminates in an extended exercise in which the students must protect a VIP over a period of several days. Royal Military Police Officers can apply for the Close Protection Unit after six months service with the RMP. Initially trained by the SAS, the RMP now runs its own close protection courses which train other units. The RMP is part of the Provost Branch of the British Armys Adjutant Generals Corps (AGC). A pair of Royal Military Police (RMP) Close Protection Operatives, carrying C8 CQB carbines, guard British Lt. Gen. John Cooper, the Deputy Commanding General for Multi-National Force-Iraq in As Samawah, Iraq. US DoD photo by Staff Sgt. Brendan Stephens

Special Air Service Regiment & SAS (R)The following is a rough guide rather than a definitive one, selectionchanges according to political & operational needs Many try to get into the Special Air Service regiment. Most of them fail. Out of an average intake of 100 plus candidates, the gruelling selection process will weed out all but 10 or 20. There is now a joint selection process giving access to other specialist units. Entrance & Pre-acceptance, including Interview phase Selection Training 1 - Endurance Selection Training 2 - Jungle Training Selection Training 3 - Escape & Evasion (E&E) & Tactical Questioning (TQ) Selection Training 4 - Trade and Continuation Training Finally they can now be put forward for SAS Close Protection Course and a further 4 - 8 weeks of class room and scenario based training

SO1, SO6, SO14 and SO16 Royal & Police Close Protection Units The selection is a rigorous process for Police Officers and involves intelligence tests, Psychometric testing, Physical Fitness, Pressure testing and finally interview process Training generally ends up being approximately 16 plus weeks training involving the Following 1. Law & Order in relation to Protection Services 2. Advanced & Protective Driving 3. Firearms 4. Advanced First Aid 5. Advanced Search 6. Overt & Covert Protection duties 7. Counter Surveillance & Surveillance 8. Operational ProceduresThese are key headings and not a precise breakdownThere are several roles including Witness Protection, VIPProtection, Overseas Protection duties etc. Where trainingmay exceed the above with detachments to Special Forcesfor familiarity training etc.

FIB State Protection Team Each Agent spends 20 weeks on training including 850 hours of instruction (including 63 hours that are web- based) in four major concentrations: academics, case exercises, firearms training, and operational skills. In April 2008, they launched a revised curriculum that places more emphasis on the collection and use of intelligence by special agents. Only after completing the standard course will they be allowed to continue on to Specialist roles within witness protection, VIP Protection including leading Politicians The FIB & CIA train their agents to a high standard incorporating all of the training seen in other units listed here United States Special Forces from the Army, Air Force and Navy all have Hostile Environment Close Protection units protecting US interests around the world, their training is similar to that of the Special Air Service who regularly train with U.S. Special Forces

Basic Close Protection Training Course Advanced Driving & CP Driving Skills CPT Self Defence including Weapons Advanced Search (Including De-bugging) Firearms Training (Pistol and Rifles) Shorts & Longs First Aid (Minimum F-POS (I)) More advanced the better Surveillance & Counter Surveillance Hostile Environment Training Planning & Map Appreciation Ports, Airports and Railways Risk Assessment & Asset Protection UK & International Law Social Interaction & Dining Counter Attack Team (Roles, Responsibilities & Tactics) (CAT) This is by no means all that you need to know, but it is the essentials of a Professional CP Operative

The SIA standard is very low in the form of a general first aid qualification designed for the workplace where ALS is only 15 minutes away. When you consider the role of the CPT/BG and the likelihood that your VIP will be in remote areas more often than most Due to the fact that someone with sufficient money to pay for Close Protection is likely to go to or own a premises in remote areas. Venues likely to be frequented by Principles vary and are as diverse as you get Examples of these venues are 1. Remote Mansion/Farm House with restricted access 2. Ports/Canals Canal Barges, Speed Boats, Cruisers etc. 3. Unusual Meeting Areas Only accessible by Helicopters and Off Road Vehicles, Boats, or Light Aircraft 4. Busy Inner City high raise apartments. Even in Canary Wharf it will take the London Ambulance crews at least 15 minutes to attend, then a further 9 + minutes to get to the top floor Thats 24 minutes before Advanced Medical Care and if the Boss has had a Heart Attack the prognosis isnt good 5. Early Defibrillation vastly increases the chances of survival. Medical Assistance for the client should be immediate and not a secondary thought, within the CPT there should a full ALS medical kit enabling the CPT to keep the Principle alive until a Doctor or Paramedics arrive. CPT = Close Protection Team

The Operational Close Protection Officer must be able to Drive All sorts of high performance vehicles in a wide range of situations and scenarios Being able to drive like a chauffeur on jobs where there is only you and the Principle or in an emergency when a member of the team is taken ill without notice Security Chauffeur College which is highlighted below runs a full course specifically directed at the Security market with relevant accreditation. Your Principle will rely on your skills as a driver and your ability to protect his party on the move. Fail with your driving skills and you fail as a Close Protection Team if your principle feels unsafe in the car they will feel the same on the ground There are many driving schools but as a CPT to need the skills appropriate to the Industry http://www.securitychauffeurcollege.com/close-protection-driver-course/

Self Defence within Close Protection is more dynamic than that found in Door Supervision or other Security roles Knowing when to deploy fighting skills is an essential part of your role, whilst having an intimate understanding of soft and hard skills that actually work Conflict Management is a must, your Principle doesnt want to see you knocking people out or fighting like some kid in the street especially with guests no matter how annoying they are. Safe swift removal with tact and diplomacy

Searching is an Essential element in every area of Close Protection from Corporate to Hostile Environment Car and Vehicle Searching Including delivery Vans, Guests, Employees and significant others Buildings Venues, Houses, Restaurants, Boats Stables, Routes ECM Search: Electronic Counter Measures, Plugs, wall sockets, Luggage, Lap Tops, tracking IED Searching Letter Bombs, Fire Bombs, Vehicle or Mobile Devices, Hand Made or Commercial Devices A good Search course should take no less than 5 days as the subject matter is diverse and sometimes very complex. Now ask yourself how many CPOs have pictures of what the underside of their vehicle looks like without an IED or what a wall plug should look like clear of any bugs and we arent talking cockroaches here

Surveillance and Planning go hand in hand as a part of the CPOs portfolio of skill Sets Covert & Overt operations require Patience, Stealth, Knowledge and Resilience, Tact, Team Work, Clear writing and a clear understanding of Human Psychology Surveillance Operatives also require an in depth Knowledge of the Law and how their actions could bring the Principle into disrepute or can bring them into conflict with Law Enforcement Units Tools of the trade: Cameras, Camcorders, Maps, Transmitters, Cars, Vans, Camouflage, Receivers, Note Books, Binoculars and Night Vision Devices The SO must be able to communicate clearly with others including external units and CCTV Operatives as well as be able to work alone for long periods of time Concentration can be a problem after 6 hours watching a door through a very small hole, or it may be uncomfortable due time spent in one position, so fitness is of paramount importance. http://www.intelsecurity.co.uk/about-us/about-us.htm

To be a Professional it takes dedication It will cost you money You will have to learn new things Your interests should be as varied as your clients (Horses, Boats, Travel, Opera, Arts, Etc.) Always think outside of the BOX Trust no one Always cover your back If you cant do it yourself LEARN how to Research Everything If you have anything constructive to say email us at [email protected] Links to Peter Jenkins, Richard Aitch and the Security Chauffeur College have been entered because I believe they provide quality training, that will enhance your career. I have no direct business relationship to any of them www.atlantianbsgroup.com 07725970954

Becoming a close protection operative

Education

security industry

close protection

remote areas

training provider

political

sia website

aid award

firearms training