I do not always know Why, but I usually know Where.
James Hamilton
Founder, Hamilton Security Group, LLC | Former FBI Special Agent | EP Consultant | Personal Security Expert | Keynote Speaker
It seems impossible to make it through a day without hearing of a killing, kidnapping, or violent assault of someone, somewhere, for some reason. Numerous books, papers, and articles can speak to the psychological reasons for human malevolence.
For my colleagues in the Executive Protection world, this concept is not new and will simply be a reminder: most attacks of targeted people happen in and around the vehicle. Read Just 2 Seconds if you do not agree with that statement.
EP professionals understand the protective strategies involved in this critical area and have spent countless hours practicing Arrivals and Departures so they will react appropriately when the encounter happens. Thanks, Jerry Parr.
For those in the Corporate Security space, you also understand the significance of these areas. You are familiar with the tragic case studies of Corporate Executives, without Executive Protection, who have been targeted in and around their vehicle: Syndey Reso (Exxon) and Charles Geschke (Adobe) are constant reminders.
This article is for people who are responsible for their own security and are being targeted. An example is last month’s killing of a Judge in Maryland who was shot in the driveway of his home - with his family inside. This sad story (attacks in the driveway/parking area) has been played out over and over again in the history of targeted violence. In further reading of the Judge’s attack, the killer had recently suffered an adverse ruling and he wanted revenge. So, he did what countless others have done, he targeted the victim at a known location. A location where the adversary has a perceived advantage.
Certainly, people are targeted in their homes or known business locations, and it is prudent to implement smart security measures in these critical areas. These visible security measures (Guards, Access Control, Fencing, Cameras, Alarms, etc.) do have a deterrent factor, but the invisible security (covert personnel, staff vigilance, hidden capabilities, etc.) are the great unknown for the adversary. This unknown can alter their attack planning - as they want to be successful.
In and around a person’s vehicle there are far fewer unknowns. In fact, there are very little unknowns at all. The important unknown is the capability of the person being targeted and their personal preparation in this critical area. The adversary believes they have the advantage, the key is to take steps to mitigate this perceived advantage.
Risk is mitigated, it is not eliminated.
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Here are some things to consider when going to or parking and leaving your vehicle:
During my time in the FBI, I learned that people are targeted in three ways: Random, Group Association, or Individually. If you feel you are being targeted individually, I recommend you seek professional guidance from a company or expert who has a proven history in Threat Assessment and understands the unique strategies in this often-misunderstood area.
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Copyright 2023
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"If you choose a job you love, you'll never work a day in your life"
1 年Being aware of your surroundings is incredibly important. thank you for sharing!
Senior Vice President, Associate Services
1 年Nice work here, James. As you say to people: "Be an active participant in your own survival." Your article gives people the tools to do so.
Associate Director EP/WPV Global Security Group at Merck. CPA, CFE
1 年Always appreciate the insight James. Hope all is well.
Manager and Cosmetologist
1 年I always look around my vehicle, especially underneath it, since people can get their Achilles tendin severed by anyone hiding underneath their vehicle, and they can get your keys and drive away.