With over 17,000 islands and more than 270 million inhabitants, security in Indonesia varies from location to location. Given the size and diversity of the archipelago, it follows that not all areas have the same security risk profile. But before we take a look at them in-depth, it is worth mentioning the major industrial sectors […]
In close protection operations, there is always room for changes in schedules. However, proficient executive protection companies make use of planning and scheduling to enhance their workflows and tackle the unexpected. And yet, that is easier said than done. So, in this article, we examine how and why to make planning and scheduling an integral […]
Logistical support pertains to the time and moving arrangements of personnel, equipment, and other items from one location to another. It constitutes an essential component in close protection work — abroad and domestically. When travelling to or from Australia and Indonesia, we recommend carefully considering logistical support as a requirement for stationary and mobile security […]
According to data, four bags in every 1,000 are considered lost luggage in Australia. Although airlines are liable to compensate the affected passengers, this primarily applies to travelling wholly within Australia. In other words, it is more difficult to find lost luggage and demand accountability from an airline for international trips. During a recent operation, […]
It happens many times. The protective assignment flows seamlessly until the principal decides to make a slight detour and requests the EP team to rearrange schedules. Perhaps they forgot something at the office or wish to revise their daily timetable. In any case, the principal will have little consideration for the EP team’s protracted efforts […]
Arguably one of the most valuable methods, an advance in close protection operations serves to anticipate, plan, and prepare for contingencies. Through various action items, it readies the principal and close protection team for unpredictable scenarios. Those who have been part of the security industry for a long time are glaringly aware that some high-net-worth […]
Many in and outside the security industry continue to maintain erroneous beliefs about how protective agents should dress. Usually, they make assumptions about dark business suits, white shirts, and conservative ties. This outfit may be acceptable and relevant in some instances. However, appropriate dressing in close protection is a substantially more complex topic than mere […]
They allow us to communicate with each other instantaneously, share content, and expand the circle of associates, connoisseurs and friends. However, using social media in close protection and utilising it for private purposes are in stark opposition. Or is that really the case? What people outside of the executive protection industry post daily may be […]
Some well-known members of the security industry give armed agents precedence over unarmed ones. Yet, others believe that the latter can be equally valuable in protecting CEOs, managers, and high-net-worth individuals, especially in an office space. In any case, specific situations require more caution than others. Hence, this article will explore how to handle hostile […]
With plenty of physical security techniques that require the presence of protective staff, it can be easy to overlook the benefits of well-designed offices. Although most businesses increasingly concern themselves with information security, they rarely stop to rethink their office security to avert physical breaches. As a result, disgruntled employees, protesters, and malicious individuals may […]
A vulnerability assessment ― also known as threat and vulnerability assessment (TVRA) ― evaluates existing security programs, identifies vulnerabilities, and provides recommendations on how to manage them. In the field of executive protection, it is a standard tool that protective agents and teams use when a principal’s family moves into or takes over a residence, […]
People often hear in the news how a public event’s security went sideways. From time to time, we even read that protective agents did something wrong while on an assignment. However, we rarely get a chance to see in the media how risk and security management (sometimes known as security and risk management) measures helped protect a person, property, or company. […]
The general public holds many misconceptions pertaining to the close protection officer and the industry as a whole. For instance, some people scorn protective agents due to mistakes or oversights made by a small percentage of the workforce. Basing their assumptions on what they have seen or heard in movies or on TV, the general public usually lacks an understanding […]
Experts define assets in several ways. Usually, they think of them in relation to physical, economic, institutional, and human assets. As for the CP industry, local assets are seen as one of the most valuable items for a security team travelling to a foreign country with distinctive demands. If you were to require services of close […]
According to the Heart Research Institute, a heart attack is a leading cause of death and hospitalisation in Australia. On average, it claims 21 lives daily, with as many as 57,000 Australians suffering a heart attack every year. Yet, business executives and high-net-worth individuals hire executive protection staff without excessively thinking about their first aid training. However, […]
The corporate environment constitutes one of the most delicate places for any employee. From workplace injuries to industrial espionage and theft, many things can compromise the corporate safety of a company, including its workers. For instance, ASIO’s director-general Mike Burgess said in a recent statement that foreign spy agencies want intelligence “about Australia’s key export, technology and research […]
There is an abundance of cases of unprofessional behaviour by security in Australia and other western countries. For example, we often read news articles of security staff assaulting protesters around their principals in an attempt to protect them. Without going into the debate about the terminology of bodyguard vs EPA vs CPO, would an executive […]
Many executive protection experts argue that security is always a compromise. In fact, they claim that it is impossible to perfectly guard the principal while simultaneously allowing them any freedom of movement. However, EP operatives can still do plenty to help ensure custom-made protection is at hand. On that note, some protection professionals regard security […]
Female executive protection is a topic that seems to spark significant conversation in the security field. Most discussions remain positive. However, we can still observe some questionable comments and ways of thinking within certain areas of the industry. It would be easy enough to blame this on a mainly masculine culture that continues to dominate the industry. […]
With hundreds of off-road racing and similar events yearly and plenty of sand dunes, beaches, rainforests, and bushland to go around, many adventurers, families, and organisations regularly partake in activities throughout Australia’s distant areas. For this reason, the provision of remote medical support becomes vital, as many accidents and health issues may arise. According to the Australian Institute […]
Modern society seems to be taking critical infrastructure as a given. From tunnels, utilities, highways to connecting bridges, railways, and dams. All these facilitate the access of populations to clean water, electricity, transportation, and commerce. So, what is infrastructure security? It constitutes one of the central concerns of governmental policy worldwide, with private sector companies […]
Recognising attacks before they occur or meeting them in their earliest steps constitutes an essential component of safeguarding high-net-worth families and individuals. Prevention rather than reaction is the optimal solution for an executive protection detail operating in either routine or dynamic and changing environments. This “pre-recognition” of an incident is sometimes known as a “combat indicator.” More commonly, specialists […]
Everyone wants to feel safe. It doesn’t matter if they attend an off-the-beaten-track sporting event or are stationed at a remote work site for extended periods. Whatever the environment, the safety and medical needs of citizens need to be met. Consequently, reliable access to remote medical services in Australia is all too important, even lifesaving at times. […]
In today’s information-packed and vulnerability-prone world, there is no shortage of risks that threaten companies. Corporate security and risk management relates to strategies utilised by security professionals in order to avoid situations that pose threats by identifying, assessing, and controlling them. Therefore, for any company to function properly, corporate security and risk management must be at the forefront of its operations. We can also refer to these types of strategies as intelligent […]
There is no shortage of physical hazards and cyberattacks threatening the very survival of your company. In 2020 alone, the latter cost the Australian economy USD 3.5 billion or AUD 4.8 billion. In fact, the two are intertwined and can hardly be untangled as damage done to one spills over into the other. For this and many other reasons, corporate protection Australia finds itself increasingly among the […]
Infrastructure security relates to the provision of security services to safeguard organisational structures and facilities. The goal is to limit the exposure of systems and structures to threats and risks of sabotage, terrorism, and contaminations. Hence, infrastructure security experts maintain it is at the root of corporate security plans. Although the elements vary to some […]
Corporate security is an often-ignored management function. Yet, directors and executives are experiencing a growing need to properly understand the risks that their organisations face. The authors of Corporate Security in the Asia-Pacific Region inform us that in Australia it is a director’s duty to make sure that the company has and maintains risk management. So, executives need to involve themselves and demonstrate appropriate action […]
The term executive protection (EP) has been very popular since the turn of the last century, especially in corporate circles. It is used to refer to specific and exclusive protective services aimed at crime deterrence, risk mitigation and management, and security in general. The exact definition has taken on many meanings through years of misuse – both at the hands of amateurs and security professionals who have no idea what executive […]
All companies, regardless of their headcount or stock value, have a duty to keep their property and their most valuable assets – their employees, safe from harm and criminal acts. So, corporate security relates to properly recognising and mitigating risks that could put a business in danger, whether physical, financial, or reputational. In fact, corporate security is […]
COVID-19 pulled the rug out and brought the world to a standstill. As every country sorted to deal with the deadly pandemic their own way, sanctions on travel were not something that was up for debate. The United States, Australia, and the whole of Europe placed travel restrictions. As returning residents and overseas visitors aided the […]
Some destinations in Europe, Tahiti, and several islands in the Caribbean have taken first steps towards reopening their cities to travellers. The government of Tahiti opens international borders to welcome tourists—becoming the first nation in the region to do so. It seems like the urge to connect to the rest of the world has become […]
Unless you’ve been living in a vacuum ― in which case you will be immune to the matter at hand ― it would be hard to miss all that is surrounding COVID-19. Especially in terms of the coronavirus impact on the security industry and our clients. The fallout is far-reaching and not just isolated to […]
As the pandemic rapidly spreads across the globe, it’s important to ask what steps should employers take in response to COVID-19? We’ve been seeing some of our clients with a multi-country presence, plan ahead to ensure the health and safety of their employees. The most important thing is not to panic or create such ambience […]
Even with increased economic growth at home ― be it USA, Australia or the UK, Canada, etc. ― many Western companies are reaching out to security services companies in Asia to support their business. However, with limited experience in the region, it is helpful to be aware of general differences when operating in Asia. First, […]
Stalker Security When we think of stalkers, death threats or stalker security we tend to think of it as being a problem for high profile personalities or celebrities. Most situations involving the everyday layperson rarely make the news unless the circumstances are drastic, but it is a problem much more common than most of us […]
In this episode: Aaron’s journey from active military duty for the army in Washington DC and Europe and his transition to private security Travis’ journey from a Political Science student, to the Marine Corp Military Police and his transition to private security, with an emphasis on investigative research and threat assessments Travis’ involvement with Ontic […]
For those who aren’t familiar with it, the task of hiring a bodyguard or executive protection operative can be overwhelming. Knowing whether you actually need one can be a mystery, let alone knowing what to look for. With that in mind, we recorded a couple of episodes of the Wheels Up Podcast where we covered […]
With hotels becoming an increasingly popular target for militant attacks around the world, the issue of hotel security and appropriate travel precautions is growing in importance for business travellers and tourists. In one catastrophic year alone (2008), militants killed at least 54 people in a suicide bomb attack on Islamabad’s Marriott hotel, 71 people in […]
In a previous post and podcast episode, we discussed executive protection recruitment and more with Steve Albritton, a respected security industry consultant based in Florida, USA. In this continuation of our discussion, Steve shares how to build a security team from scratch, how to factor medical issues into a risk mitigation task and why staff sometimes need to […]
TRAVEL RISK ASSESSMENT & MITIGATION Despite the unprecedented speed and ease with which we can travel from point A to point B, there is a perception, by some, of growing travel risk. While there are risks, it is wrong to assume that one is simply at the mercy of the unknown and there is little […]
With executive compensation practices and policies a salient topic since the 2008 global financial crisis, the cost of security for executives has come closer to the spotlight. Though the term “executive protection” conjures up images of extravagance for most, the Fortune 100 sees it as a necessity. In 2014, Salesforce spent almost 1.5 million USD […]
Whether you’re a sole trader, a start-up company in Australia, a DBA (A Doing Business As) or a start-up company in the USA, we all need to navigate our way through the business minefield, irrespective if you’re setting up a security business or another service. This can be a daunting task, especially as a large […]
EXECUTIVE PROTECTION PERSONNEL Executive Protection is all about people. The right people, in the right place, at the right time doing the right job for our clients. Panoptic Solutions prides itself on employing, contracting and engaging the right people. We are fortunate to have a team consisting of former military, law enforcement, emergency services and […]
Ex-serviceman, Troy Claydon, tells Jonathan Jackson about the correlation between Airforce disciplines and how his business Panoptic Solutions is meeting the security needs of vulnerable businesses and individuals. The harsh, military environment has been a breeding ground for many entrepreneurs. As Bill Murphy Jnr says in an article for Inc. Magazine, “veterans bring amazing advantages […]
We’re excited to introduce the new co-host, Steven Albritton, to our Wheels Up Podcast listeners. Steve Albritton served with the Marines and a state police force in the USA before taking on a role as a security manager for a high net worth individual and family. Since leaving that role, Steve has established OPStructure, an […]
In this episode, you’ll hear from the Ronin SA founder, Timm Smith, who has an unprecedented CV within the personal protection arena. You’ll learn all about Timm’s journey, the creation of Ronin SA and its high standards while learning what it takes to be a Ronin student and graduate. Close Protection, Close Personal Protection, Bodyguarding […]
Sorry to have left you hanging – we’ve been on a quick breather due to the workload with clients across multiple countries. But the Wheels Up Security Podcast is back! We’ve also made some exciting new changes to the format of our podcast. In this podcast, you’ll find out about our changes, hear our outstanding […]
Ryan Keen, Gold Coast Bulletin – A GOLD Coast military veteran believes he’s on to a winning formula, providing executive protection with paramedics who double as bodyguards. Ex-Australian Defence Force member Troy Claydon said his Gold Coast Firm, Panoptic Solutions, was thriving with increasing numbers of high net-worth people seeking its combination service in the […]
As we see the rapid realisation by Executive Protection Agents & Bodyguards worldwide of the need to increase their medical qualifications, the prudent point of experience and exposure must be taken into account. As previously demonstrated with the role of executive protection, it is one thing to have a certificate for a course, however, experience […]
AUSTRALIAN BODYGUARDS AND EXECUTIVE PROTECTION PROVIDERS – FIVE ITEMS TO LOOK FOR WHEN ENGAGING AN EXECUTIVE PROTECTION PROVIDER IN AUSTRALIA Professional Australian Bodyguards and Executive Protection Providers can be a rare commodity. Searching for an executive protection provider for the first time can be slightly daunting. Here are some things to look for which, in […]
Sydney Bodyguards: Sydney, Australia has an active criminal element like every other major city around the world. Corporations and Ultra High Net Worth Individuals (UHNWI) frequently turn to local Sydney protective services to keep senior executives, visitors, and family members safe. The Australian Bureau of Statistics reported that in 2015/2016 the New South Wales Police Force […]
Unarmed vs Armed Bodyguards and Executive Protection Australia, Asia, and Beyond – let’s discuss. The world we live in today is full of threats. One out of every five women and one in thirteen men are victims of stalking. Every year 12,000 to 15,000 people are held captive. Emotionally Disturbed Persons (EDP’s) and mentally unstable fans pose […]
Indonesia Security and Safety: Ranked as the 4th most populous country in the world. With a population of over 265 million, Indonesia is famous as a holiday destination but is becoming an increasingly important destination for business travellers. As such, business travel security and safety is a topic many need to be familiar with. The […]
Are you aware that up to 2,000 people around the world are currently being held against their will in one form or another? What’s worse, somewhere between 12,000 and 15,000 people are held captive every year for ransom or as hostages. The fact is, the risk is ever-present whoever and wherever you are, and being […]
Secure Transport can be seen as a “nice to have” not a “need to have”. For many organisations, the return on investment for hiring a security driver for senior executives is judged to be high enough to justify the expense. One of the main reasons for this (though not the only one) is that transportation […]
Can mindset really help travellers and security operatives respond safely to uncertain circumstances? This post summarises a podcast interview with former Australian Special Forces soldier and hostile environment security expert, Rhys Dowden, about the benefits of a prepared mindset. He explains his holistic approach to confidence in any situation and his tips for getting the […]
Last week we published a blog post, Who Needs a Bodyguard and How Do You Hire One? – Part 1, and podcast episode outlining the ins and outs of hiring a bodyguard or executive protection agent. In the second and final part of the series, we dive deeper to answer the question of who needs a […]
Google “shareholder meeting attack” and you’ll be amazed at the number of stories that come up. Most of them are about non-violent attacks – protest groups, people launching hostile bids, or shareholders complaining about executive salaries or positions. But, violent or not, looking at the Google results (and reading this blog post or listening to […]
Gold Coast Security Firm Panoptic Solutions on International Search Case Private security team members from Gold Coast Security Firm Panoptic Solutions are helping in the hunt for a missing Aussie in Malaysia who says she hasn’t touched her bank accounts. Panoptic Solutions operations manager Ben Hosking, coordinating the search plan from the Gold Coast Security Firm, whilst […]
At approximately 1030 hrs, local time, on 14 January 2016, what is believed to be a cell of five terrorists launched an attack on Jalan Thamrin in Central Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia. The Jakarta bombings centred on the Sarinah shopping mall and office tower. The attack commenced with an assault on a police post […]
We take a deep dive into the psychology of risk and the influence it has on our planning and response mechanisms. In this post (and this podcast episode) we interview Dr Gavriel Schneider, an expert on integrated risk management and safety and security. How do high levels of comfort and safety affect our attitude toward […]
With so many Gold Coast security companies, one can find it a challenging task to identify the one which provides a professional service. If events and organisations such as the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games & Olympic Committee have questions from the public surrounding the quality of security providers (Skene, 2017), how does the layperson or […]
When most people think of executive protection or bodyguards in general, they tend to think of VIPs, celebrities, and high net worth individuals (HNWI). Though they may not always travel to hazardous locations, their risk is enhanced by the virtue of their position or status. For them, travelling to hazardous locations is often part of […]
The question is, when does a “driver” go from being a “just a driver” to being a “security driver” and what should the expectations be of them if they then represent themselves as one? Panoptic Solutions was previously involved with a task where the client utilised driving services from two separate security providers. Although not […]
We’ve become complacent about home security because we rely on a range of high-tech equipment to protect us, our home, our families, and our possessions. Many of us are also guilty of thinking ‘it can’t happen to me.’ However, the risk of burglary is ever-present, and paying attention to some home security fundamentals will help […]
TOP 5 PROBLEMS FOR COMPANIES WHEN ARRANGING CORPORATE TRAVEL 1.No Corporate Travel Policy or Travel Risk Policy Companies without a corporate travel policy may incur unnecessary costs and face unnecessary risks. Depending on the operations and needs of the company, a corporate travel policy will typically cover travel expense request procedures, as well as security and medical […]
The executive protection industry isn’t one that has a clear path for those looking to get into it. In fact, most people find themselves in the field almost by accident, usually after a career in the military or police. In this post (and this podcast) we tap into the brain of one of the long-term […]
The Philippines is becoming a common destination for business travellers. Not only is the Philippines home to the Asian Development Bank, but the rising use of Filipino personnel for international call centres also makes business travel to the area more frequent. As such, knowing how to address most travel security and safety concerns before you […]
Australia has changed its terror alert system, effective 27 November 2015, to give the public clearer information about attacks being planned by extremists. This is under a proposed new threat hierarchy unveiled in February 2015. The current four-tier terror alert system describes levels of risk from “low” to “high” and “extreme”. It is to be […]
While a lot of travel security and safety advice is generic in nature, different locations often have specific conditions that make them worthy of special mention. In this blog post, we discuss travel safety in China. Our area of expertise is the Asia-Pacific region and we’ll be discussing several different countries in this area in […]
Business Travelers’ Ground Travel and Post-Travel Checklist In our last post, we ran through the essentials that business travellers should cover before setting out on a journey. We will run through the safety and security essentials for the ground travel and post-travel phase of your journey. In this section, we highlight the value of being […]
With attacks in Europe still haunting the public consciousness, the security of the 2018 Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast warrants close attention. Thus far, Australia appears to be prudently attending to these risks. In May of this year, the Australian parliament passed an array of laws that give police the authority to search people […]
For any seasoned business traveller, the notion of pre-departure travel and security requirements may seem like an unnecessary concern. Safety demonstrations by flight attendants are for the benefit of ‘others’ and, beyond that, all you need to worry about is keeping your belongings safe. Perhaps not. That may be the perception – indeed 99% of […]
Australian airport security is facing strong pressure to change from two different angles: the extensive terror plot this summer and the US’s tighter airport measures. The terror attempt in August, involving an elaborate explosives scheme, has stirred up debate over transportation security among Australian politicians and government officials. Malcolm Turnbull and the Minister for Infrastructure […]
There is little question that the rise of IS has dramatically changed the security landscape in Southeast Asia. This is particularly interesting considering the diverse political and social landscapes in the region. Nonetheless, the threat of terrorism in Southeast Asia is not new and continues to mutate and evolve. Thus, authorities’ adaptability and innovation are […]
The assault on Tony Abbot from a campaigner brings our attention to the question of security for former PMs in Australia. Currently, they are not provided with permanent executive protection/close personal protection, or security details. At least in this incident, it is clear that Tony Abbot was under-protected. The intoxicated assailant could easily have had […]
Crowded landmarks are a terror target for their symbolic power, with recent IS attacks making this disturbingly clear. In light of this, Australian National Security has declared a strategy for tackling the threat to crowded places. According to their announcement, the core of Australia’s new protective strategy is to improve the security of such places […]
Australia’s Close Call The recently foiled terror plot in Sydney underscores the risk potential for travellers in Oceania. Australia has faced an increasing number of such threats in recent years. Since September 2014, the nation’s terror threat level has been elevated, according to national security authorities.[1] On Saturday, July 29th, Australian police defeated a plot […]
