PERSONAL SECURITY
MEASURES
The Five Basic Principles of Security
Liam Morrissey, CD
David Mace
17 February, 2014
Who am I and what am I doing here?
What are the characteristics of the current situation?
What are the key considerations in successfully avoiding
kidnap, extortion and security incidents?
What are the implications for safe operations?
AWARENESS
 Be aware that a security threat does exist
 Continually monitor and assess the degree
of the threat as this will change
 Before departing from your normal place of
residence or work, obtain information about
the threat along your route of travel and at
your destination and take security measures
to reflect the level of threat
 When the threat increases, take additional
measures to protect yourself
 At all times, be aware about what is
happening around you so you can identify a
threat at an early stage and take avoiding
action
 Check for strangers loitering by your
residence or office, following you when on
foot or travelling in a vehicle. If you become
suspicious of any unusual behavior, warn
other members of the family and report it
to the police or security company
 Be particularly alert when arriving at or
leaving places that you regularly frequent
such as your residence, office, clubs,
restaurants and church
 Brief and constantly remind younger
family members to be aware of their
surroundings and how to identify
suspicious behavior. They should be alert
to strangers and suspicious incidents and
know who they should report any such
occurrence to
 Avoid using a mobile telephone or i-Pod in
public places as your concentration will be
distracted
 Identify plans that can be implemented if
a threat develops to allow you to move to
safety
REDUCED PERSONAL
PROFILE
 Criminals will select targets that are or appear to be wealthy. Avoid driving
expensive cars, wearing expensive jewelry or designer clothes, talking indiscreetly
in public about your possessions and work especially when holding a conversation
on your cellular telephone, or regularly frequenting expensive restaurants and
clubs
 Safeguard personal details such as your residential address, telephone number,
club membership and business. Avoid having your contact details published in
directories or club membership lists that are available to members of the public
 Avoid having photographs of you or your family published in newspapers and
magazines
 If there has been publicity that has increased the profile of you or your family,
increase security measures and be more aware of your surroundings
UNPREDICATABLE ROUTINE
 Criminals targeting an individual will study that individual’s normal routine to
identify where he or she is most vulnerable to become a victim of a criminal act.
Vary timings and routes when going to or leaving frequently visited destinations
such as a weekend residence, the office, clubs, restaurants, shops or church
 Identify any routes or timings that you can not vary and be extra alert. Plan an
escape route in the event you identify anything suspicious that could develop into
a threat
 When living in a high risk area, vary methods of transport and vehicles. This is
specially relevant for children going to and returning from school
COMMUNICATIONS
 Ensure that you know at all times where all family members are scheduled to be,
when they are due home and how to contact them
 Have a list of the contact telephone numbers of the police, security company, close
neighbors and the emergency services in an easily accessible location so you can
call for assistance in an emergency
 Brief members of the family not to talk openly about information concerning the
family or the movements of family members in public places and especially when
using a cellular telephone
 Monitor chat room contacts of young members of the family and instruct them not
to divulge information over the Internet about themselves or the family or make
arrangements to meet
LAYERS OF PROTECTION
 Layers of protection include both procedural and physical measures. These layers
should be implemented to cover all phases of daily life – residence, travel,
business and recreation
 Professional criminals will identify the weakest points and exploit these. In areas
with an identifiable risk, security needs to be in place 24 hours, seven days a week
 Having layers of protection will make you a harder target for criminals and may
encourage them to switch to an easier target
LAYERS OF PROTECTION
Residential Security
External doors
Keys
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External doors should be of solid construction,
have mortise dead-locks and reinforced hinges
and be fitted with a means of identifying a
visitor without having to open the door. This
could include a peephole, door chain or
intercom linked to CCTV. An alarm system
should be fitted
External doors should be kept locked at all times
There should not be a name plate or other form
of identification on doors or gates that front on
to public areas or in reception areas of
apartment blocks
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Keys to external doors should only be given to
authorized personnel
The number of keys per lock should be kept to a
minimum and each key accounted for
If a key is lost, the lock should be changed
Do not hide a key in the grounds of the
residence for members of the family to use. Nor
should keys be hung near a door where they can
be reached through a letterbox as criminals are
well practiced at “fishing”. Personnel in
possession of a key should either carry it on
their person or place it in a secure container
If a member of domestic staff has a key to an
external door (e.g. the door from the kitchen to
the grounds), the door between the kitchen and
living area should be locked at night
LAYERS OF PROTECTION
Residential Security
Windows
Lighting

 Security lights should be fitted to cover all
approaches to the residence and
especially external doors and the garage
 The security lights should be controlled
from inside the house and be installed at a
height that is out of the reach from the
ground
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Fit window locks to all ground floor windows
and on upper floors where entry can be
obtained easily (across an adjacent flat roof or
by scaling a tree or drainpipe) or that are hidden
from view of passers by
Curtains and blinds should be fitted to windows
and kept drawn during the hours of darkness
Windows should be connected to an intruder
alarm
If window grills are fitted, ensure that at least
one on each floor can be opened to provide an
escape route in the event of a fire
LAYERS OF PROTECTION
Residential Security
Telephone
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Telephones are an insecure means of
communication and care should be taken when
speaking on them
Personal telephone numbers should be treated
with a high degree of confidentiality and not
given to strangers indiscriminately nor listed in
public telephone or club directories
Avoid giving out information about travel plans
over a telephone
On answering an incoming call, do not state
your name or telephone number. Positively
identify the caller before giving any information
When recording a message on your answering
machine, do not state your name, telephone
number or the fact that you are out. A message
should be non committal along the lines – “We
are not able to take your call at present, please
leave a message, your name and telephone
number and we will return your call as soon as
possible”
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All family members should be instructed not to
provide information about the whereabouts or
movements of other family members unless
they can positively identify the caller
If there is any doubt about the identity of the
caller or the purpose of the call, ask for a
number you can call back. This will provide time
and a method to authenticate the caller
On receipt of a suspicious call, report it
immediately to the police or telephone
company. Brief family members and domestic
and secretarial staff on the procedures for
handling any further calls
LAYERS OF PROTECTION
Residential Security
Emergency Equipment
Domestic Staff
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It is advisable to have the following in the
residence:
o
o
o
o
o
Torches and spare batteries
First aid pack
Fire extinguishers
Panic buttons connected to an audible alarm
A list of emergency telephone numbers
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Long serving, loyal staff who have been well
treated will provide natural security for the
family
On recruiting new members of staff, thoroughly
check all references provided
Take care about the subject of conversations
held in the hearing of staff members
Restrict access to external door keys and do not
permit members of staff who live outside the
residence grounds to take keys home as they
may be taken from them under threat duress
Regularly brief domestic staff on the procedures
for access control, telephone answering and
reporting suspicious behavior or approaches by
strangers
In the event of a member of the domestic staff
being dismissed, change all external door locks
LAYERS OF PROTECTION
Residential Security
Children
Visitor: Service & Maintenance
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Children should be carefully briefed about:
o
o
o
o
o
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Not divulging information about themselves or
the family when using the telephone or an
Internet chat room
Reporting suspicious behavior or approaches by
strangers
How and when to call for assistance
Never to open the door to a stranger
Never to accept a lift from a stranger
When in public places, children should be
supervised and watched over by a known,
responsible adult
Regular briefings covering the procedures for
checking the authenticity of visitors should be
given to domestic staff and family members:
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
All callers should have made an appointment
Unexpected callers should not be allowed to enter
the residence
Obtain the name, scheduled time of arrival,
employer’s company name and contact details in
advance
When the person arrives, positively check identity
against an identity card. If in doubt, do not allow
the person into the residence until their identity
has been checked with the employer
Escort all visitors while they are on the premises
Confirm the identity of delivery men before
opening the door to accept a package
All packages should be visually checked before
being accepted. If in doubt, ask the delivery man
to open the package
If there is a change in personnel of regular
tradesmen or delivery men, check with the
employer that this is authentic
LAYERS OF PROTECTION
Residential Security
Answering the Door
Strangers
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Procedures for answering the door to callers
should include:
o
o
o
o
o
o
Ensuring any visitor has an appointment and
arrives at the agreed time
Positively identifying the visitor through a
peephole, intercom, adjacent window or using
the door chain to partially open the door
Checking for any signs of nervousness
Checking the vicinity of the visitor to see if there
is anyone loitering in the background
Never hold a conversation while standing in the
doorway
At night, illuminating the visitor and the ground
behind and switching off inside lights where
practical
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Be wary of strangers, especially after dark, if
they are asking for assistance. Do not allow a
stranger into the residence to use the telephone
however serious their “emergency” may sound
Do not open the door to anyone claiming to be a
member of a law enforcement agency or other
official body without checking their identity with
their head office
If you see any stranger loitering suspiciously
around the area, inform the police or security
company emergency response unit immediately
LAYERS OF PROTECTION
Residential Security
The Grounds of the Residence
Dogs
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Perimeter fences should be of solid
construction, high enough to act as a barrier and
regularly checked and maintained
There should be clear ground between the
perimeter fence and the residence. This area
should be illuminated at night
Shrubs and trees adjacent to the outside of the
perimeter fence should be cleared to prevent
providing assistance for an intruder to scale the
fence
Gravel drives and paths around the residence
will provide an audible warning of someone
approaching and act as a deterrent to an
intruder
Dogs can be a strong deterrent to intruders
Dogs should be in the residence and free to
move around. Any dogs roaming freely in the
grounds can be neutralized by a tranquilizer or
poison
LAYERS OF PROTECTION
Residential Security
Security Personnel
Police Liaison
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It is important that detailed checks about the
quality and training of security personnel are
carried out before employing a company or
individuals
Any onsite security guards should be backed up
by a quick reaction team that can be summoned
in an emergency
Security guards should not be replaced unless
there are exceptional circumstances
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An emergency telephone number and the name
and contact details of the local senior police
officer should be noted
Periodic meetings with the senior local police
officer can be mutually beneficial
LAYERS OF PROTECTION
Residential Security
Neighbors

Establishing good relations with neighbors is
essential for the exchange of information about
any suspicious behavior in the area and to keep
a watch over your residence when you are away
LAYERS OF PROTECTION
Security While Moving
Vehicles
Garages
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Both family and company vehicles should be of
a popular make, neutral color and not carry
personalized number plates or company logos.
In many countries, thieves target specific types
of vehicle, owning these should be avoided
All vehicles should be serviced regularly by
trustworthy, known mechanics and maintained
in good working order
Never allow the fuel tank to drop below quarter
full and ensure a lockable filler cap is fitted
If possible, families should have use of at least
two vehicles so that they can be swapped on a
regular basis to prevent easy identification by
criminal elements
Anti-tamper alarms with an internal indicator
should be installed
In high risk areas, consideration should be given to driving
a bullet-proof vehicle and to attending a defensive driving
course
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Fit garages with remotely operated automatic
metal doors and keep the doors closed and
locked at all times
Direct access from the garage to the residence
will prevent observation by members of the
public
Install CCTV to cover the doors and immediate
access to the garage
LAYERS OF PROTECTION
Security While Moving
Checks Prior to Use
Parking
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Depending on the local threats, visual checks
should be carried out before entering the car:
Kidnap or carjacking - Survey the general area
for people acting suspiciously or lurking in
shadows before approaching the vehicle. Check
for signs of tampering and also look into the
rear seat area to ensure no one is hiding in the
back
Bomb threat - Look under the car and in the
wheel arches for anything that has been
attached
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Do not park the same car in the same place on a
regular basis. Use a variety of authorized parks
Never leave the car unlocked even for a short
time. Ensure that windows are totally closed
Avoid parking in quiet, poorly lit streets or
parking lots
Before getting out of the vehicle, check the
immediate area for anyone acting suspiciously
or loitering in the shadows. If in doubt, drive
away and find another parking place
LAYERS OF PROTECTION
Security While Moving
On the Road
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While driving, ensure all doors are locked and
windows shut securely
Never open a window or unlock the door if a
stranger, street vendor or beggar approaches
the car while you are stopped at traffic lights,
road junctions or in a traffic jam
If a policeman approaches your vehicle, keep all
doors locked and open the driver’s window
about two inches so you can speak to the
policeman. Ask for identification and, if you are
still suspicious, ask for the name of a senior
police officer and telephone number who you
can call to verify identification. DO NOT open
the door and leave the vehicle until you have
verified the identification of the policeman
Plan your route before leaving and identify safe
areas to divert to in the event of being followed.
Restrict knowledge about your timings and
routes to trusted people
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Regularly check the rear view and side mirrors
to identify any car that appears to be following.
If suspicious, take avoiding action by driving to a
populated area (e.g. shopping mall, hospital,
hotel, police station), continuing round a
roundabout or by coming off a motorway and
retracing your route. Be particularly alert when
leaving or arriving at your destination. If in
doubt, drive past your destination to a safe area
Ask passengers to act as a second pair of eyes
Follow busy routes and avoid roads with light
traffic or through poor areas
At night, use routes that are well lit
Be alert for cars stopped at the side of the road
or waiting at an exit to a side road that may pull
out and block your vehicle. Be ready to take
evasive action by accelerating away
Do not stop at an accident or if another car hits
your car. Drive to the nearest police station to
report the incident
LAYERS OF PROTECTION
Security While Moving
Car Equipment
Traveling by Public Transport
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Carry on board a cellular telephone, first aid kit,
fire extinguisher and torch
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If it is necessary to travel regularly by train or
bus, vary timings and railway stations/bus stops
Select crowded rather than sparsely populated
train carriages and buses
If you normally travel by car, consider using
trains or buses as an alternative form of
transport to vary the pattern of travel
Only use hotel taxis or radio cabs from a
company known to you
LAYERS OF PROTECTION
Security While Moving
On Foot
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Avoid walking in sparsely populated and poor
areas
Use busy main streets rather than quiet side
streets
At night, use well lit streets
At all times, be aware of what is happening
around you so you can identify people following
you or gangs approaching you. If at all
suspicious, take avoiding action by crossing the
road, retracing your footsteps or entering a shop
or other crowded premises
Identify and know the quickest route to safe
locations such as police stations, hotels,
shopping malls that are in easy reach
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Avoid speaking on a cellular telephone or
listening to an iPod while in public as this will
distract your attention to your surroundings
Do not stop to speak to strangers, street
vendors or beggars who approach you
LAYERS OF PROTECTION
Security While Moving
Hotels
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Always lock your room door. Do not display a
numbered key.
Use the room safe or secure valuables or cash in
the hotel safe.
Do not leave documents or classified papers in
your room.
Use your business address to register and not
your private address.
Retain your passport unless the law requires it
to be held by the hotel; try to offer a photocopy.
Confirm your room’s location and ensure it
meets your requirements for security (see
below).
Ideally select a room close to the lifts
(elevators).
Do not admit strangers or visitors into your
room who have not been vouched for.
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Arrange to meet strangers in the hotel
reception, or at a designated office or other
common areas within the hotel.
Provide the hotel security manager with a list of
potential visitors in advance if possible
Ensure that you locate the nearest fire escape
routes to your room as soon as possible after
checking in.
Take your key with you – do not leave it at
reception.
If expecting visitors, use the peep hole to
confirm the visitor’s identity before letting them
in.
You should try to stay in a room between the
4th and 8th floors.
Make sure your Go Bag is ready at all times.
Keep curtains closed so that shattered glass
cannot cause any damage to you in the event of
a blast.
LAYERS OF PROTECTION
Office Security
Access Control
Executive Offices
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Minimize the number of external entrances and
exits to the office complex
Install barriers at entrances that provide an
efficient method of access control
Ensure security staff at entrances are properly
trained in access control, and bag and personnel
search procedures
Ensure that security personnel are carefully
briefed on procedures for checking visitors and
actions to take in an emergency
All windows on the ground floor and those
adjacent to flat roofs should be fitted with a
security grill. A number of these should be fitted
with hinges and a padlock to provide an
emergency exit in case of a fire or other
emergency
Vehicle entrances to on site parking should have
a manned security barrier to control access
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Offices of senior executives should be located so
that visitors have to enter through the
secretary’s office. Secretaries should positively
identify visitors and check with the executive
before allowing the visitor access
Panic buttons should be installed in the offices
of executives and secretaries
Secretaries should be carefully briefed about not
divulging information concerning the
movements of executives to unauthorized
personnel. Executives’ appointments diaries
should not be left lying open on a desk and must
be locked away out of working hours. Any
documents referring to an executive’s future
movements must be kept in a secure place and
out of sight of prying eyes
LAYERS OF PROTECTION
Action in Emergency Situations
General
Home/Office
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The best personal protection is to identify a
situation at an early stage of development by
being aware of your surroundings and alert to
suspicious behavior rather than trying to extract
yourself once the threat has developed
At each stage of your daily routine, it is
advisable to have identified a simple plan of
action to implement should you feel threatened.
It is unlikely there will be time to decide on the
actions to take once faced by an emergency
Any plan of action should include moving swiftly
to a previously identified secure location that
provides a barrier between you and the
assailants and using a cellular telephone to
summon assistance
Secure all doors and windows and contact the
police and/or local security company either by
telephone or activating an alarm system. Do not
venture out until help arrives
LAYERS OF PROTECTION
Action in Emergency Situations
Vehicles
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Ensure you always have an identified escape
route so you can keep the vehicle moving. Leave
sufficient room from the car in front to
maneuver when stopped
Ensure that all doors and windows are closed
and secure
Attract attention by using the lights, horn and
intruder alarm
If possible, drive to a populated area or secure
premises and summon assistance by telephone
on arrival
LAYERS OF PROTECTION
Hostage Survival
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Do not attempt to escape unless the chances of
success are high
Obey kidnappers’ instructions and try to
establish a relationship with the guards who will
be less likely to harm a hostage once rapport
has been established
Inform the kidnappers about any regular
medication being taken
Start a daily routine of physical and mental
exercise to maintain alertness
Always accept the food you are given. If this is
only provided once per day, divide it into three
portions to eat as breakfast, lunch and dinner
Do not be afraid to ask for item to enhance
personal comfort and relieve boredom such as a
TV, radio, newspapers, books and magazines
 Identify where in the room will provide
the best protection in the event of a
rescue attempt
 Do not attempt to negotiate your release
as this will have a negative effect on
negotiations that are in motion
 Do not provide information about the
wealth of your family or company or
comment on their ability to pay a ransom
LAYERS OF PROTECTION
During the Call
Remain calm and relaxed
 If recording equipment is installed on the
telephone, switch on the recorder
 Speak slowly and clearly and inform the caller to
pass his/her message clearly so there is no
misunderstanding
 If the caller makes a threat, do not make any
comments but, if you have not heard it clearly,
ask the caller to repeat it slowly
 Query why the caller is making the threat
 If asked for your name, only provide your first
name. DO NOT answer any further questions
about your identity
 If it is a suspicious call asking for information
about members of the family but without
making a threat ask
o
o
o
o
The caller’s name
The reason for the call
A contact telephone number to return the call
DO NOT PROVIDE ANSWERS UNTIL YOU HAVE
BEEN ABLE TO POSITIVELY IDENTIFY THE CALLER
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If the caller says he/she will call back later, ask
for a time to expect the call
Get as much information as possible and do not
be afraid to ask questions to clarify any
comments made by the caller
On completion of the call, make a note of the
following:
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
Sex M [ ] F [ ]
Age child [ ] young [ ] old [ ]
Attitude serious [ ] drunk [ ] laughing [ ]
Accent? [ ]
Education educated [ ] uneducated [ ]
State calm [ ] nervous [ ]
Background noise music [ ] traffic [ ] talking [ ]
trains [ ] machines [ ] other [ ]
Type of telephone public [ ] private [ ] mobile [ ]
Caller alone [ ] being prompted [ ] reading a script
[]
Disguising voice? Yes [ ] No [ ]
Date/Time of call
Your name
Telephone Number of call