If you have a VIP visit to your location for whatever reason, there are a few steps that need to be taken to ensure the safety of that guest, and the safety and security of anyone else in close proximity to that guest.
The team that is chosen to ensure the security of the VIP must be chosen very carefully.
This team, whether it is 2-10 people or more, should have a strong background in risk assessment, protection procedures, security planning, very professional and have proven success in this field.
We will look for a VIP visit to your building (site security)
The security team leader must prepare for the arrival of the VIP.
Some items to keep in mind:
Risks evaluation:
The threat level the VIP can be under. This includes at least the last 6 months history of any risks that may be imposed on the VIP.
Who or what is the risk, level of risk, likely level of risk, and consequences of the risk.
We will assume that the risk to the VIP is considered medium to high.
There will need to be a pick-up and drop-off plan (for example, the airport).
This includes:
o A detailed plan including contingency plans,
o Command and control responsibilities
o Armed security guards, if applicable (generally only legal in transit for cash)
o Police participation, participation of the Federal Police
o Security team attire, plain clothes and no signs on the vehicle that say security (it has happened!)
o Communication methods
o Who will participate in the security team
o Travel to the collection point
or the collection point
o Travel from the pick-up point
o Delivery to the safe place
When planning to arrive at the site location, here are some considerations to keep in mind:
o General site security, perimeter controls, cameras, alarms.
o Bomb Clearance / IED Detection – (Improvised Explosive Devices)
o Who will be on site: only authorized, relevant and enabled staff
o The safest path the VIP will take around the building
o Clean and double check that route path
o Emergency planning for quick removal from the site
o Any ‘waiting’ involvement of the police
The function in which the VIP will be involved:
o Who are the rest of the staff and guests?
o All staff and guests are vetted for any risk to the VIP
o All guests have a pass or ticket to enter and personal identification is shown if required
o Entries and exits approved and secured/observed for all guests
o Access to the emergency security room for the VIP, this must be the safest place in the building, accessible within 30 seconds, as well as being the easiest extraction point. Usually, a foundation next to a secure exit roll-up door can suffice.
But try to secure solid walls, no windows, double locked solid core door and possibly another exit in that room to a secondary secure area.
These are some points that should be taken into account.
There may be many more points that need to be covered regarding fire evacuation, for example: if and when, and how to determine if a fire alarm is a hoax just to get the VIP out and venerable.
Only choosing the best equipment, planning, planning and more planning, excellent communication, research, along with rehearsals will help ensure that the risk to the VIP is greatly reduced.
Risk can never be completely eliminated.
If someone really wants to hurt you, the more determined you are, the better chance you have.
However, the more you don’t plan with due diligence, the better chance the perpetrator has.
Defending is the most difficult procedure to execute, attacking is much easier.
For your planning interest:
‘I worked with a fairly large security company 6 years ago; unfortunately we worked together on a VIP pick up from an airport in Perth.
The company we work with was late, forgot their security briefing, had a big black vehicle with big gold letters saying who they were, and walked through the airport yelling at me ‘hey, is that the VIP we’re looking for?’
Do it well.