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View Full Version : Be ready to take over


Hornerjp
04-10-2009, 04:29 PM
Hopefully this will help thoughs that think they only need to worry about thier detail, and nothing else.

Not to long ago, I was part of a 5 agent detail to supplement existing security at a Hollywood Hotel. The Hotel was hosting a major Hollywood promotional party. The guest list was to include an A List celebrity couple, along with multiple celebrities that had not necessarily RSVP'd.
Hotel security manned their normal posts, while my team and I focused our attention and positioning for the nights special event. After several reminders by our team, the Hotel's security were eventually relieved by us due to their lack of ability to properly control entry into the event.
I later found myself providing close protection to the Celebrity couple due to them not being able to locate their personal security agent! Soon after the couple departed, a very well known musician arrived to the party, without any personal security! I now found myself providing close protection to the musician as we attempted to maneuver through the party. Fortunately the musician decided to carry on with the night elsewhere.
Lesson learned for the night was as follows:
1. Never assume that security elements outside your team are up to speed on training and experience.
2. Always be prepared to do the job of the agent next to you or in a worst case scenario, an entire security team!
3. Proper Advance Work allowed me to maneuver through a crowded ballroom by using alternate routes, pre planned prior to the event.

Always be ready, and never assume a normal detail!

SCBA Admin
04-12-2009, 10:18 AM
Great story! This truly shows the importance of training... the hotel staff obviously was just there for a paycheck and I seriously doubt any of them had any type of formal training...

SaLami
09-02-2009, 09:34 AM
here is what they did later... stinkers. I take them in the dining room as I can control where they go and dont have to look all over the house for them.


lydia

Local Talent
09-15-2009, 05:47 PM
It's unfortunately safe to assume that security at whatever venue your client will be attending will be... lacking (unless you know that to be false and/or have worked with them in the past).

A few years ago ('99 or 2000?), Sarah Ferguson (Duchess of York) came to a well known Beverly Hills store to introduce a Wedgwood china collection, IIRC. Her protective detail took over the whole floor and literally kicked out the store's security for the duration of the event.
Can't blame 'em, knowing what I know...

Lone Wolf
10-19-2009, 04:28 AM
I was recently contacted by a company to do an upcoming event involvind diplomats and their security teams.. There are pros and cons to this.. The pros is that we here in this area know where these dignitaries are going to be traveling.. and have that opportunity to do advanced party discovery... The down side is that we dont know what these other security staff are capable of.. We have been told that once the diplomats are secure in their hotel that we will be released and then come back the next morning.. I think it is going to be a very interesting scenario and I anticapate the upcoming event..

You are absolutely right though you should know ever other persons job in the detail so that you are successful in your mission...

Providing a safe secure environment to the clients..