WORKING AS A CLOSE PROTECTION OPERATIVE

UNIT 1 - THE ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF A CLOSE PROTECTION OPERATIVE

The purpose of close protection

The purpose of close protection is to mitigate risk and protect a Principal (which could be a family, lifestyle, business, image, or property) from injury, harassment, hostile acts, and threats like kidnapping. It involves providing security and ensuring the safety of the individual or group being protected.

The purpose of close protection training and licensing

The purpose of close protection training and licensing includes:

• To obtain a frontline licence
• To gain essential specialist skills
• For Continuous Professional Development (CPD)
• To raise standards in the profession
• To provide a quality service
• To increase public confidence and trust

Roles and responsibilities within a close protection team:

Team Leader:

• Overall responsibility for the operation
• Usually the most experienced CPO
• Liaises between the client and the team
• Deals with disputes and makes critical operational decisions
• In charge of admin, rotas, reports, budget, and team welfare

Second in Command (2IC):

• Works as a deputy to the team leader, replacing the TL if required
• Assists the team leader, especially on large operations
• A good all-rounder
• Possibly in charge of secondary teams such as SAP or counter-surveillance team

Personal Protection Officer (PPO):

• Provides immediate protection to the Principal
• Maintains direct contact with the Principal
• Last line of defence
• Confidante
• Liaison between Principal and the TL

Security Advance Party (SAP):

• Conducts advance reconnaissance before the Principal arrives
• Liaises with venues and plans routes
• Performs counter-surveillance activities
• Communicates with the TL to ensure security measures are in place

Security Driver (SD):

• Conducts vehicle checks and maintenance
• Ensures vehicle is roadworthy, including MOT, road taxed and insured
• Drives the vehicle safely
• Executes evasive driving techniques when necessary
• Complies with road traffic legislation

Medic:

• Provides medical treatment to the Principal and team members
• Familiar with the Principal's medical history
• Maintains medical equipment and supplies
• Trained to a higher degree of first aid

Residential Security Team (RST):

• Monitors residential CCTV
• Conducts building searches and regular patrols of the grounds
• Initial point of contact with visitors, guests, or contractors

Personal Escort Section (PES):

• Provides outer cordon while walking in foot formation
• First line of defence between a threat and the Principal
• Provides body cover and eliminates threats to the Principal and PPO whilst on the move
• Executes the safe extraction of the Principal and supports the PPO during operations

1.4        Required standards, behaviours and ethics

Close protection operatives are expected to adhere to high standards, behaviours, and ethics in their role. Some of the required standards include:

·       Honesty

·       Integrity

·       Intelligence

·       Discretion

·       Excellent communicator

·       Calm

·       Modesty

·       Trained

·       Well-presented

In addition to these general standards, the Security Industry Authority (SIA) provides specific specifications for learning and qualifications for close protection operatives

·       Personal appearance: Operatives are required to maintain a professional appearance at all times

·       Professional attitude: Demonstrating a positive and professional attitude towards the job and clients

·       General Conduct: Upholding appropriate behaviour and conduct in all situations

·       Respecting Organisation Values and Standards: Adhering to the values and standards set by the SIA and respecting them in all actions

1.5        identifying who is likely to require protective security:

Various individuals and entities may require protective security services. Some common types of clients who are likely to require protective security include:

·       Corporate Clients

·       Celebrities

·       Dignitaries

·       Private Individuals

·       Public Sector

·       International Clients

1.6        Tasks required of a close protection operative:

Close protection operatives may undertake a range of tasks both for their Principal and while working alone

Lone working tasks:

·       Scheduling, planning, liaising, booking

·       Reconnaissance

·       Security surveys

For the principal:

·       Driving, escorting, security of minors

·       Reconnaissance

·       Security Advance Party (SAP)

·       Residential Security (RS)

·       Meetings, functions, events, leisure, shopping

1.7        The difference between the Client and the Principal:

Unless someone has booked and paid for the protected services for themselves, there is a distinct difference between a Client and a Principal:

Client:

·       The client is the person or individual who pays for the protective security service

·       Responsibilities of the client include dealing with budgets, payments, invoices, and assignment requirements related to the protective security service

·       The client is typically the one who contracts the security service and is responsible for ensuring that the necessary resources and arrangements are in place to protect the Principal

Principal:

·       The Principal is the individual that requires protection

·       The Principal is the focus of the protective security service and is the one for whom the security measures are implemented

·       The Principal is the entity or person whose safety, security, and well-being are the primary concern of the close protection operatives

1.8        Communicating with the Principal:

Effective communication is essential in close protection operations to ensure the safety and security of the Principal and others involved

Communication Skills Required:

·       Interpersonal Skills

·       Empathy

·       Negotiation Skills

·       Problem Solving

·       Team Working

·       Information Gathering

Communication with Relevant People:

·       Colleagues

·       Client

·       Principal

·       Principal's Family/Staff

·       Venue Staff

·       External Agencies

·       Members of the Public

Communication with Principal:

·       Maintaining Security and Confidentiality

·       Checking Understanding

·       Reporting

·       Clear Decision Making

1.9        Types of equipment available:

Close protection operatives may utilise a variety of equipment to enhance security measures and ensure the safety of the Principal, some equipment available includes:

·       Radios

·       Global Positioning System (GPS)

·       Satellite Navigation (Satnav)

·       Technical Surveillance Counter Measures (TSCM)

·       Closed Circuit Television (CCTV)

·       Overt, Covert/Body Cam

·       Infrared/Laser Sensors

·       Alarms

·       Tracking Devices

·       Drones

·       Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

1.10      Continuous professional development (CPD)

Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is essential for close protection operatives for the following reasons:

·       Updating Skills

·       Updating Knowledge

·       Maintaining Competency

1.11      Roles and responsibilities during a threat:

When responding to a threat to the Principal, close protection team members have specific roles and responsibilities to ensure the safety and security of the Principal

Role and Responsibilities:

·       Gathering Information

·       Threat/Risk Assessment

·       Resources

·       Team Roles

·       Preparation

·       Contingency Planning

·       Management, Leadership, Teamwork

Responding to a Threat:

·       Communication

·       Response

·       Applying Techniques, Skills

1.12      Actions to take when dealing with incidents:

When dealing with incidents in close protection operations, it is essential to take appropriate actions to ensure the safety and security of the Principal and maintain operational effectiveness, including:

·       Staying Within the Law

·       Ensuring the Operation Schedule Goes as Planned

·       Not Compromising Security or Safety

·       Ensuring Outcomes Meet Principal and Client Need

2.           CURRENT LAW AND LEGISLATION WITHIN A CLOSE PROTECTION CONTEXT

2.1        Aims of the Private Security Act:

The main aims of the Private Security Industry Act are as follows:

·       Establishment of the Security Industry Authority (SIA)

·       Raise Standards

·       Increase Public Confidence

·       Improve Safety

·       Remove Criminal Elements

·       Raise Standards Through Training and Licensing

2.2        Functions of the SIA:

The Security Industry Authority (SIA) performs several key regulatory functions to ensure the effective regulation of the private security industry. The main regulatory functions of the SIA include:

·       Manage the approved contractor scheme (ACS)

·       Licence individuals in licensable roles

·       Monitor effectiveness of the industry:

o  Conduct inspections of licensed individuals

o  Impose fines and penalties for breaching any terms set out in the Private Security Industry Act

o  Report to the Home Secretary

2.3        SIA license integration

Licensing criteria to be met for one licensable activity are considered by the SIA to be sufficient to allow a licensed individual to carry out other licensable activities

2.4        Working within Civil, Criminal and Common law:

The role of a close protection operative is influenced by various aspects of civil, criminal, and common law, With all of these laws it is important to understand what is meant by ‘reasonable’ and ‘necessary force’

Civil Law:

·       Data Protection Act 2018 and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)

·       Corporate Manslaughter and Homicide Act 2007

·       Equality Act 2010

·       Freedom of Information Act 2018

Criminal Law:

·       Health and Safety at Work Act 1974

·       Human Rights Act 1998

·       Misuse of Drugs Act 1971

·       Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000

·       Road Traffic Act 2018

·       Criminal Justice & Public Order Act 1994

·       Offences against the Person Act 1998

·       Criminal Damage Act 1971

Dealing with specific situations:

·       Breach of the Peace

·       Citizen’s Arrest

·       Use of Force

·       Defending Self, Others, and Property

·       Harassment