February 26, 2019

There aren’t enough words to describe how we feel about the incredible men and women who are willing to put their lives on the line to defend others. Respect, admiration, esteem, appreciation, honor. These words only come close to describing our regard for anyone who puts on a military, police or security uniform.

But security work is NOT for everyone. Just like anything else, the best professionals make it look easier than it is. If you really believe you have what it takes to put on one of those uniforms, or provide a security-related function such as private investigation, we want you to start by developing three ways to operate that can secure your own safety as well as the safety of those you have chosen to protect: study, communicate, practice.

Leumas Security Services Founder Samuel Griffin tells a story about an experience early in his career when all of these principles came together. He served as head of security for a well-known public figure, who had decided to lead a 30-mile march in the Atlanta, Georgia area.

“The preparation consisted of months studying the area and meetings with state and local police, including SWAT teams, in each county and the city,” Griffin says. “We also coordinated with hospitals and ambulance services that followed the motorcade, plus security personnel with other dignitaries who would also be participating. We had several layers of protection, including police officers assigned to closely protect my client 24 hours a day for a week.

“Despite all our preparations, a man with a bag in his hand rushes through the crowd during the march,” Griffin remembers. “He broke through three levels of security only to be stopped by me, who was closest to the client. We searched him, and found out that it was only a bottle of liquor in the bag. He was just excited to meet my client.

“We had practiced security scenarios, so we were prepared. That man could just as easily have been an attacker. A person who is willing to trade their life for whatever reason is the most dangerous person in the room. You can never be over prepared when providing security. Make time for practice, practice and more practice. It pays off when you least expect it,” Griffin says.

Study security principles, policies and regulations. Also notice news reports of physical security breaches, and where security practices are beingchallenged. Ask yourself a variety of questions about how you would handle the situation. Imagine the scenario from different vantage points, such as imagining you are the officer involved, a possible victim, or the facility/venue where the incident takes place.

Communicate with appropriate parties. Wherever you are and whatever you do, there are opportunities to practice effective communication. It can be in your personal relationship, with family members and friends, or on your job. Can you be more clear, make your point using as few words as possible, and use language the person you’re communicating with can easily understand? Can you make the person you’re speaking to hears your care as much as any command? Have you ever written a brief report of a situation or event? If you’re not sure about any of these, practice.

Speaking of practice, do it. A lot. It’s not enough to make sure you’re in physical shape, even though that is very important. You may have to stand or walk for extended periods of time, carry several and/or heavy items while moving quickly, or carry, lift and lay something/someone down. Can you do it? You may also have to react quickly under stress. Do you know how you handle surprising and/or stressful situations? Practice excellent security procedures regularly, so they will be second nature when the stressful situation or emergency takes place. And it will, but you’ll never know when. As the Boy Scott motto says, “Be prepared.”

We wish you the best as you build your security career. If you need additional support, contact us to see if any of our consulting services or workshops are right for you.