Security in Indonesia: Major Points to Consider Before Travel 

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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 the country, including: 

  • Petroleum and natural gas, 
  • Mining, 
  • Textiles and apparel, 
  • Plywood, 
  • Footwear,  
  • Rubber and chemical fertilizers. 

Apart from that, the services sector in Indonesia’s economy accounts for 44 per cent of GDP. Thirdly, 2022 alone projects IDR150 trillion in foreign direct investments. Finally, all this means large international companies and UHNW families will continue investing in the country. 

Hence, this article will explore how security in Indonesia requires a multifaceted, local approach to counter the actions of malefactors — but also acts of nature. 

Java Risk Profile

Due to its dense population, Java attracts most of the terrorist attacks that criminals commit in Indonesia. Moreover, as the centre for economic development and governance, Java appears alluring to those who wish to cause panic among the local population and the business community. 

According to one study, five factors trigger terrorism in the country: 

  • Religion aspects driven by the misinterpretation of its teaching, 
  • Lower levels of education, 
  • Charismatic leaders able to spread the doctrine, 
  • Social-economic considerations, and 
  • Geographical factors. 

Because of the island’s vast size, criminal elements feel confident they can orchestrate attacks and hide in remote areas, rendering themselves virtually unreachable. 

Additionally, another widespread security threat relates to natural disasters. In fact, the Indonesian National Disaster Mitigation Board reported that the country suffered 3,058 natural disasters in 2021 alone. Out of that number, as many as 1,559 struck Java island. From landslides to land fires and earthquakes, this part of the country is uniquely — but not exclusively — vulnerable to such emergencies.  

Borneo/Kalimantan Risk Profile

Flash floods continue to plague some regions of Borneo, with businesses incapacitated and citizens displaced. In addition, heavy rain and landslides have become common over the last few years, significantly affecting security in Indonesia’s Central and West Kalimantan Provinces. 

Equally important, it is not only rural sites that are impacted by numerous flooding events. As a matter of fact, floods have also happened 89 times in urban areas. Accordingly, the financial impact of floods in Borneo resulted in: 

  • Reduced hours worked,  
  • Diminished productivity of workers, 
  • Damage to property, and 
  • Contribution to non-functioning of infrastructure facilities. 

All these are essential points for internationals seeking to invest in Indonesia. In fact, such considerations typically inform their intent to conduct business in some areas rather than others. 

Sulawesi Risk Profile

The most prominent issue impacting security in Indonesia is the one still ongoing in the Central Sulawesi province. Known as the Eastern Indonesia Mujahideen (MIT) insurgency, a small group of criminals still endanger the safety of locals and foreigners travelling there. 

In May 2021, the pro-Islamic State gang conducted attacks against police and civilians. But mostly, these raids happen in the Parigi Moutong, Sigi, and Poso regions. 

Consequently, Indonesia’s security forces have minimized the risk. Yet, the local conflict between Muslims and Christians that initially spawned the insurgency still keeps the MIT ideology alive. Nevertheless, the country’s authorities and analysts are confident that the recently killed leader of the terror group had no “apparent successor.” 

As for other pressing security issues, the 8 June clashes in South Sulawesi’s province may be cause for widespread protests. In fact, the Indonesian Muslim Brigade confronted student activists participating in a planned street march. As a result, many connoisseurs expect this to provoke more altercations soon. 

security in indonesia

Papua Risk Profile

The dispute in this region is among the more serious armed conflicts that affect security in Indonesia. As part of what experts sometimes call a “low-intensity guerilla war,” Papuan separatists organize ceremonies and protests, raising their flags for independence and calling for a federation with Papua New Guinea, Indonesia’s neighbour. 

The most recent in a series of attacks comprise: 

  • 5 December 2021, when the guerilla group burned a school, and 
  • 4 March 2022, when the Papuan militants claimed responsibility for an attack on Telkomsel tower, killing eight people. 

With the potential for escalation, the said conflict remains only one in a string of security issues in New Guinea. Firstly, many experts believe the Indonesian security apparatus could increase violent reprisals as retribution. In fact, this has happened following major Papuan separatist attacks in the past. Contrarily, some experts believe the West Papua National Liberation Army has “become increasingly violent, daring, and militarily organized.” 

Furthermore, the said military arm of the Free Papua Movement now controls some areas in the Central Highlands of Papua, such as: 

  • Intan Jaya,  
  • Nduga,  
  • Timika, and  
  • Puncak Jaya. 

Therefore, it is advisable to avoid these areas or practice great caution while transiting through them. 

Other Common Concerns: Security in Indonesia

Although each area suffers distinct prevailing concerns, they also have much in common. Thus, security in Indonesia is a matter that requires intense vigilance coupled with the support of local teams. 

#1

Occasional mass demonstrations in multiple provinces Indonesia-wide have caused concern among foreigners and locals alike. Thus, we suggest avoiding protest hot spots altogether. 

#2

Some international driving permits may need to be endorsed by the Indonesian licencing office in Jakarta. Hence, we recommend checking with insurance companies before travel. 

#3

Traffic discipline is highly problematic. In fact, both minor and major traffic accidents or violations may make foreigners vulnerable to exploitation by state or local authorities. Therefore, consider hiring local support and security drivers to avoid such issues. 

#4

There are significant levels of corruption, interfering with public laws and policies. Be aware of not being caught up in corruption when conducting business in Indonesia. Many businesses wish to operate within the law and above board so it is best to identify these businesses and work with them.   

#5 

As with many other countries, street crime and pick-pocketing can occur in busy tourist areas. Accordingly, we advise taking care of passports and bank cards and being warry about credit card fraud. 

#6

A lack of awareness of local customs, traditions, laws, and religions can lead to significant offences. Similarly, we recommend wearing appropriate clothing while visiting religious sites and areas — especially during religious holidays. In addition, it would be wise not to get involved with illegal drugs because possession is a serious crime, sometimes punishable by death. 

#7

The province of Aceh enforces Sharia Law. This means that all citizens and visitors, Muslims and non-Muslims, must adhere to strict rules pertaining to gambling, extra-marital sex, and the consumption, production, and distribution of alcohol.  

Finally, we recommend hiring local teams familiar with the situation on the ground to bypass emergencies. 

Companies like Panoptic Solutions support individuals and organizations in enhancing productivity and peace of mind by offering unmatched executive protection services.  

How Planning and Scheduling Enhance EP Workflows 

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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 part of everyday assignments. 

We often hear the catchphrase that something can still go wrong no matter the amount of preparation. Although that seems true at face value, there is more to it. For example, one can conduct assignments in one of three ways: 

  • Effectively, 
  • Efficiently, or 
  • Both at the same time. 

Still, not all EP operations are cheap, to begin with. While it is correct to say that cost savings can occur where possible, financial restrictions should be avoided if they impede protective efforts. 

Firstly, effectiveness entails doing something in a useful manner that produces the desired result. Secondly, efficiency is all about doing something well but with the least amount of wasted resources, such as money, time, and effort.  

For the most part, executive protection teams aim for effectiveness in their assignments. But still, they are not unfamiliar with limited resources when working with specific clients. That is why the only limit to security may be either financial means or one’s imagination.  

To get back to our point on why timely planning and scheduling benefits both the principal and the protective agents, it is vital to consider that plans: 

  • Identify clear goals of the assignment, 
  • Anticipate contingencies to sidestep avoidable issues, 
  • Mitigate risk to threats, 
  • Deploy and use staffing and resources effectively, and 
  • Decrease the likelihood of unplanned events. 

To keep everyone safe in the process, let us consider how to prepare for close protection operations in more detail. 

Communication Planning

Communications can be the backbone of effective planning. This refers primarily to transmitting information within the EP team but also with the principal and other protectees. No matter the environment — hostile or friendly — it is paramount to establish clear, robust communication channels. 

We discourage the use of messenger services such as Facebook Messenger or plain text messaging. Conversely, the protective agents should consider safer alternatives like: 

  • Signal, 
  • Wickr, or  
  • Telegram. 

Moreover, a secure app should possess qualities like end-to-end encryption and self-destructing messages, to mention a few. And yet, some of these may not be useful while escorting a client to a desert race like Australia’s Finke.  

In our experience, satellite phones are the way to go while travelling to areas with poor reception. That way, protective agents decrease the chances of losing contact with one another  

Furthermore, the frequency and type of information make all the difference. For example, suppose the security team establishes that malicious actors are surveilling the principal. In that case, giving a running commentary while monitoring the potential attacker is deemed essential. In other cases, however, providing regular check-ins while grocery shopping with the client may suffice. 

Similarly, some executive protection teams may be in charge of securing the principal’s office building and their residence simultaneously. Again, such cases warrant more thorough communication considerations in an assignment’s planning and scheduling phase. 

In the end, it all depends on the circumstances surrounding the principal and their entourage. Nevertheless, all team members must be able to communicate with one another at all times while conducting the task. 

planning and scheduling

Operational Planning

Looking at the process that precedes and accompanies planning, the security detail must collect relevant information. The reason is that data informs setting up schedules. Without the correct information, planning and scheduling resemble a mess of guesswork. And guesswork is the arch-nemesis of any properly implemented protective assignment. 

Thus, some of the information that the security team should collect beforehand include details like: 

  • Locations 
  • Vehicles 
  • Timings 
  • Countries 
  • Meetings 

Suppose the principal’s personal assistant or they themselves provide the team leader with the relevant information. In that case, the protective agents must scrutinise the timetables and other elements provided. That is especially vital when considering that secretaries and principals are busy individuals. Hence, they may not have the time to share all relevant information with the executive protection team. But most importantly, they may forget to mention important points. 

In such an instance, we recommend always maintaining close contact with household and staff members. These may include house managers, nannies, pilots, and chauffeurs. In fact, the protective agents frequently come last on the so-called information dissemination list. Expectedly, this can hinder security efforts. 

In other words, the process of gathering information follows the sequence: 

  • Collecting and receiving data, 
  • Assessing threats, vulnerabilities, and risks, and 
  • Implementing safeguards in line with approved budgets. 

The operational process we outlined above remains identical for every function or trip. In short, the team leader is ultimately the one in charge of conducting the plan. This person needs to assign goals and specific responsibilities to every team member. However, even this is subject to change.  

For example, suppose a malicious actor tries to block a particular route. In this case, the EP team should modify the plan on the go.  

Planning and Scheduling for Unplanned Events

The actual value of a thoroughly composed plan is in preparing for worst-case scenarios. Of course, it cannot predict what will happen. Yet, a plan can anticipate certain risks and establish detailed responses. The best possible outcomes are what the close protection operatives should always have in mind. 

Moreover, some security experts even go so far as to say that Murphy’s Law applies even to planning and scheduling in EP. Simply put, the stated rule posits that “anything that can go wrong will go wrong.” That is why the team leader must be a flexible individual, quickly thinking all the time. Doing so will make the entire team better equipped to adapt to unplanned events, as it is the team leader who decides on what happens next. 

  • Should the principal change vehicles? 
  • What are alternative routes to the destination? 
  • Are medical facilities nearby? 

The plan should account for these and any other questions. 

In addition, if an unplanned event were to occur abroad, such circumstances may imply coming into conflict with local law enforcement. That is an exceptionally touchy subject as many corners of the world have corrupt police officers. In fact, they may try to make the principal’s life difficult to earn their livelihoods. 

In this circumstance, it is paramount to have local support in countries with more volatile areas, including Indonesia. 

Companies like Panoptic Solutions support individuals and organisations in enhancing productivity and peace of mind by offering unmatched close protection services.  

Logistical Support in Close Protection Work 

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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 assignments. 

But before that, we need to reiterate that protective agents hold many roles and are holistic in nature. They are protectors, logistics planners, and emergency medical responders, to mention a few.  

When it comes to safeguarding protectees, security specialists typically enforce preventive measures to avoid accidents or injuries. However, it is difficult to predict every potential scenario. Prior to operational and logistical planning, they will identify items such as adequate and available emergency medical treatment. Hence the importance of logistical support in close protection work. 

Logistics is all about planning ahead and providing resources along the way. Such considerations should be taken into account when traveling in remote locations of Australia, including:   

  • Vehicle numbers, 
  • Aircraft and watercraft, 
  • Team size, 
  • Vehicle stores, 
  • Life support measures, i.e. accommodation and meals, 
  • Medical support and stores as they relate to pertinent conditions in remote locations, such as stings and bites, heatstroke, heat exhaustion, and burns. 

In Action: Logistical Support and COVID

Recently, borders and counties have opened, with travel back on. However, the ongoing pandemic still significantly impacts how we move about from area to area. Similarly, airlines continue to require masks, and proof of vaccination, with each country having different policies on how and when COVID-19 testing is needed. 

Likewise, the Australian Government Department of Health requires all inbound travellers to “declare their vaccination status to enter Australia and provide appropriate proof,” including an International COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate. 

As for particular vaccines, travellers can access free RATs if they hold an eligible Commonwealth concession card, such as: 

  • Low Income Health Card, 
  • Pensioner Concession Card, 
  • Commonwealth Seniors Health Card, 
  • Department of Veteran’s Affairs Gold, White or Orange Card, or 
  • Health Care Card. 

According to the Australian authorities, one can access up to 10 RATs over three months through community pharmacies. For clinically supervised testing and certification, we recommend visiting the Rapid Antigen Testing Supervision website for more details. 

Apart from the COVID considerations and local knowledge on the topic, the protection company that HNWIs hire must have the ability to 

  • Conduct route planning, 
  • Establish security posts, 
  • Deal with overcrowding in the immediate vicinity, 
  • Determine safety hazards, and 
  • Delay problems that may hinder the principal’s rapid movement. 

In fact, all this stems from implementing an advance. An advance in CP operations entails visiting the destination days beforehand and thoroughly examining the environment. 

In other words, an action of this sort informs how protection teams implement logistical support. Simply put, logistical support comprises the efforts that stay in the background until they are genuinely needed. Hence, to increase the likelihood of positive outcomes for the principal’s entourage, we recommend hiring a proficient executive protection company with experienced paramedics. 

logistical support

Interdependence of Security Driving and Logistical Support

Certain aspects of close protection assignments don’t work if the principal and their security team cannot move freely. Therefore, in situations when an advance is not feasible, we suggest implementing a security advance party.  

The SAP travels ahead of the main VIP party, monitors the environment, and informs protective agents in the principal’s car about the route forward. In other words, the security advance party ensures the roads and venues are safe and secure before the principal gets there. 

Expectedly, such an arrangement requires logistical support. Thus, incorporating the SAP and a motorcade in almost any security assignment constitutes the most vital component in logistics planning. For example, employing a security advance party benefits the principal by 

  • Establishing there are no dangers or ambushes, and 
  • Determining if roadworks or traffic jams could hinder the principal’s movement, 
  • Providing fast-ball schedule facilitation and liaison at short notice or in hasty venues. 

The safety of the principal and the entourage is contingent upon the seamless work of the security drivers and SAP. Although the latter usually works covertly, it may be wise to assess if such an extensive detail is always necessary. Because it isn’t. 

For example, travelling to a nearby shop may not merit a team of 5-10 protective agents in a motorcade. In fact, such an arrangement could be detrimental to the principal’s safety. The reason is that they may attract unwanted attention for mundane tasks such as grocery shopping, where only one or two agents at a distance would suffice. 

Security expert Peter Consterdine asserts that “Travelling is fraught with logistics problems and any additional assistance is of value. Security personnel in foreign countries can usually exert far more influence at ports and airports to speed the passage of an individual… Know your ‘in-country’ procedures and shortcuts.” 

Final Thoughts

Logistics is not all about security driving, the advance, and emergencies. As a matter of fact, it can also be vital to consider it in relation to local regulations in the destination country. Although they may be close together, some laws in Australia and Indonesia differ significantly. 

For example, let us suppose a principal travels with their personal security detail to Indonesia. In this instance, protective agents from outside that country must consider that it has two more legal systems apart from the civil law system, including: 

  • Customary legal system  
  • Religious legal system 

Therefore, we advise assessing each destination jurisdiction separately, taking nothing for granted. Such an assessment should then inform planning and scheduling, as well as help the security company reach out to local support in Indonesia.  

Apart from the items we discuss above, logistical support should also incorporate the following: 

  • Itinerary 
  • Threats 
  • Weather 
  • Dressing 
  • Accommodation 

So, before jumping on an aeroplane for a business meeting abroad, we recommend liaising with a professional security firm to find out how to maximise safety. 

Companies like Panoptic Solutions support individuals and organisations in enhancing productivity and peace of mind by offering unmatched close protection services.  

Lost Luggage: What to Do in the First 24 Hours 

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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, we at Panoptic Solutions had staff fly internationally. In the process, they lost their luggage. We went through quite an ordeal to retrieve it. However, it is doable. So, in this article, we will explain how our experience helped reduce the likelihood of losing bags in the future. 

First and foremost, here are a few things anyone can and should do before getting to the airport: 

  • Label the luggage clearly, 
  • Take photos of the baggage before departure in order to provide accurate ID to the airline staff if bags get lost, 
  • Ensure the company has adequate insurance for lost luggage, and 
  • Have the ground team purchase only essentials for the first 24-48 hours, as the bags will likely be recovered and returned in that timeframe. 

Completing these steps enables the business executive or high-net-worth family to continue their trip and the remainder of the day unhinged. 

At any rate, what should anyone do in the first hours upon establishing that the bags have gone missing? 

Proactive Behaviour with Lost Luggage

The mishandled baggage rate for international departures in many major airports in Australia is more than twice the average for the Asia-Pacific region. In fact, international airlines have spent more than AUD25 million year after year due to lost luggage. But, when one travels in haste or needs to attend an urgent business meeting, it does not truly make a difference how much the airline is willing to pay to retrieve the person’s mismanaged baggage. 

However, what does one do in the immediate aftermath of losing their luggage? For one, we suggest registering with baggage services as soon as possible. After that, the airport staff will ask the concerned traveller to put together a Property Irregularity Report or PIR. Such a sequence of actions allows the relevant workers to establish what the bag looks like and other flight and airline information, including onward travel. 

Yet, some airlines may tell the passenger who lost their luggage that it awaits them on the next flight. Regardless, it is vital still to file the PIR in order to have proof later on if the bags remain missing. Airlines typically treat baggage as delayed for the first 21 days. During that timeframe, they are responsible for locating and delivering it to the affected traveller. 

Note: If the lost luggage does not turn up within 12 hours of the passenger’s arrival at the destination, we suggest making a claim to the relevant travel insurance for baggage delays. 

However, not all bags are always found. In this case, the person who lost their luggage has a right to compensation.  

lost luggage

How to Handle High-Value Items

As for domestic travel within Australia, airlines must compensate for lost luggage by paying up to: 

  • AUD2,319 per passenger for checked baggage, and 
  • AUD230 per passenger for carry-on bags. 

As for international travel, things are partly different. In fact, according to the Warsaw Convention of 1929 and the Montreal Convention of 1999, a passenger with lost luggage could get up to: 

  • AUD2,500 for both checked and carry-on baggage, and 
  • AUD30 for each kilogram of the checked baggage or AUD600 for carry-on bags. 

However, none of this matters if the passenger has exceedingly valuable items in their lost luggage. That is why we recommend declaring a higher value for the bags and items when checking them in at the airport. In this case, the airlines typically provide a higher coverage amount for a fee. This is especially critical when HNW individuals and families travel to far-off Australian areas with valuable clothes and equipment, such as medical stores. 

Travelling with expensive items like jewellery, cameras, or laptops warrants declaring the valuables in the hope that the airline will take the job of preserving the bags seriously. 

Nevertheless, what if the airline finds the lost luggage but cannot locate the affected passengers? In this case, after a maximum of 90 days, the airline will auction it off to the highest bidder or donate the contents to charity. So, the answer to whether they will sell the luggage if they are unable to find the owner is probably yes. Therefore, we recommend remaining reachable after reporting the baggage as missing. 

Lost Luggage That Isn’t Lost

We have not discussed what happens when other passengers “lose” their luggage at the airport intentionally. Although this is not a common occurrence due to increased levels of security in most jurisdictions, it can still happen.  

In virtually all airports, unattended luggage calls for a reaction from airport personnel, security staff, and police. The same applies to deliberately abandoned luggage that bad actors may place in strategic places throughout airports. In fact, some people can leave their bags unsupervised in terminal 2 sites, including restaurants, comfort areas, and the departures hall. 

So, what should one do if confronted with such a scenario? 

When business executives hire an executive protection team to escort them through the airport, the protective agents usually spend their time: 

  • Observing people who hold backpacks or luggage that seems to be overly heavy, 
  • Monitoring people who have bags in unusual places, and 
  • Watching out for abandoned luggage. 

Thus, it is up to the executive protection team to scrutinise the environment and scan for threats. Accordingly, the principal should not be the one to worry about their security, although they ought to have a certain level of situational awareness throughout. 

In Conclusion

This article helped explore how to respond in situations when baggage goes missing at airports. But also how to handle high-value items and bags. For most HNW families and business executives, it may not be paramount to get compensation for their lost luggage. However, it can certainly provide a sense of satisfaction due to the airline’s mishandling. 

In addition, some airline companies are more efficient in responding to their customers’ concerns than others. So, it would be unwise to expect all airlines to approach the issue of lost luggage with the same level of dedication. By this, we mean not only Australia but the wider Asia-Pacific region. So, we suggest contacting the relevant airport staff every day or so to receive updates or get a tracking number. 

Most importantly, as many as 130 countries have ratified the Montreal Convention prescribing rules for when luggage is lost. Moreover, most jurisdictions belong to sophisticated airline systems in the developed world. Therefore, there is not that much to worry about when luggage goes missing. In most cases, it will get found. However, it is always beneficial to keep in mind the advice we mention above to be ready for emergencies. 

Companies like Panoptic Solutions support individuals and organisations in enhancing productivity and peace of mind by offering unmatched executive protection services.  

Liaising With Clients: What to Expect From CPOs 

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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 invested in planning the current route — nor are they required. So, how should protective agents respond in this instance while not putting liaising with clients at risk? 

Point in fact: Working with principals and protectees can be a delicate matter. Even more so in the executive protection industry, where one must consider multiple aspects, including: 

  • Physical disabilities,  
  • Health issues,  
  • Children of the principal, and 
  • Personality traits of the persons receiving protection. 

One must factor in all these elements to make the client feel good about the protective service they receive. Most of the time, the client’s opinion of the security detail will likely determine whether the contract will be extended. 

However, this does not mean imagining improbable threats and creating action plans that respond to something that is highly unlikely to happen. Instead, the risk should be factual, tangible, or likely to occur. In fact, protective agents prepare for emergencies by gathering reliable information and acting accordingly. 

Therefore, it is critical to strike a balance between: 

  • Presenting everything as a threat to the client, and 
  • Behaving as if barely anything posed a real risk. 

Thus, this article will explore how liaising with clients is more nuanced than one would assume on the surface. 

Building Transparency and Trust 

One of the most challenging tasks of any security team is to convince the principal how they contribute to their safety and success. Moreover, the level of rapport or distance from the protection detail makes sense in some circumstances more than others. 

For example, many corporate clients do not prefer security personnel mingling in their immediate vicinity. Additionally, principals from the entertainment industry may want to have their security detail nearby as that signals prominence. 

However, it is crucial here to distinguish between the principal and the client. Although people often use these terms interchangeably, they typically mean different roles. 

Explainer: The principal is the person receiving protective services on the ground. Conversely, the client is the entity that contracts services and pays the bill to the executive protection company. Expectedly, this may mean that the same person who requires protection — i.e. the head of a company or a high-net-worth individual — could simultaneously be the client and the principal. 

In any case, it is vital to make an excellent first impression by showcasing soft and hard skills. Doing so also implies understanding the client’s psychology. In other words: 

  • What do they expect from the protective agents in a public setting and private function? 
  • How often do they want the security team to approach them and share information? 

All this should inform the act of liaising with clients.  

Similarly, the EP team must be proactive in all aspects of their everyday work. For example, it is a known fact that attackers often pick up ideas from other attacks. That is why it is essential to build transparency and trust by tracking trends and where relevant informing them about recent incidents which may also impact them.  

liaising with clients

Contract Adherence and Liaising With Clients 

In diplomatic, corporate, and HNW circles, it has become increasingly crucial for the security team to affirm its worth and value. That is done primarily by adhering to contract stipulations. 

In fact, there are hundreds upon hundreds of executive protection companies that profess to offer high-end services. That is why we recommend that those looking for protection first check company websites and talk to their previous clientele. 

Doing so allows the potential client to verify the level of contract adherence and the ability to be flexible within operations. However, these two points do not necessarily constitute opposites. In fact, proficient EP teams make adjustments on the spot while adhering to the contract and protecting the principal in real-time. Because, as we are well aware, the threat landscape is much more than any contractual document could contain.  

Thus, here are a few useful criteria for establishing whether to enter into contractual obligations with a security company: 

Are they a member of relevant associations domestically? In the case of Australia, this could mean being part of the Security Providers Association of Australia, the Australian Security Industry Association, or the Australian Tactical Medical Association for medical capabilities. 

Internationally, consideration may be given to a company that is a member of ASIS International, members of the Private Security Council or various other reputable industry associations. All this indicates a high level of expertise and longstanding work. 

What do their former clients say about them? Most experienced security firms publish some of their clients’ testimonials on their websites and social media. 

Who are their team members? For instance, do they also include first responders such as paramedics? It has become a requirement to have medical staff during most outdoor events in order to prevent health issues resulting in severe outcomes. 

Final Thoughts 

This article helped explore how liaising with clients constitutes a multifaceted endeavour. It is far more than merely being polite and addressing the principal’s concerns — although these are also helpful. 

For those looking to hire adept executive protection teams, we recommend considering whether they simultaneously offer services such as: 

A security company with well-rounded capabilities implies that the client does not need to look for particular services elsewhere. In other words, they can get everything they need from one security provider in one place. 

Finally, let us make an overview of the main points we discussed, with some straightforward recommendations: 

  • Protective agents must be well-versed in working with principals with various physical, mental, or health conditions. 
  • Security team members should strike a careful balance between reporting every detail to the principal and reporting none. 
  • Both sides — i.e. the client and security company — must establish clear expectations at the outset. For instance, how should the EPAs behave at private and public functions? Should they keep at a distance or not? 
  • Clients, principals, or their personal assistants, ought to thoroughly research the security company before hiring in order to establish their years of combined experience and services. 

Companies like Panoptic Solutions support individuals and organisations in enhancing productivity and peace of mind by offering unmatched executive protection services.