| Do You Need Executive Security Protection? |
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Today, in light of executive kidnapping for ransom incidents, attacks against executives and their families by criminals, environmental and racial hate groups, and escalating crime in general, the answer to this question is starting to become “maybe I do.” If you are thinking about engaging an executive security protection professional, consider these points: • Selecting an executive security protection professional is a multi-step process. Be prepared to spend a good deal of time performing your due diligence. • Many professionals are provided by security agencies, so begin your search by asking for referrals from other executives you know who are currently using agencies. • If that list ends up too short, expand it by going to the Web site of the state agency that regulates the security industry and see if they provide listings of licensed service providers. • Need more prospects? Tap the power of your favorite search engine by entering executive security protection. You could also add your city or state name as part of the search phrase. • Once your list is complete, visit each agency online to learn as much as you can about them. If you travel frequently to other states or countries, consider narrowing your choices to agencies providing professionals who are licensed in multiple jurisdictions and/or who are multi-lingual. • Be sure to note the agency’s state license numbers so you can check their reputation with your state executive security protection licensing agency. • Once you have your final list, call each agency. Now is not the time to discuss fees. Explain the level of executive security protection you require and ask if they provide it. • Make appointments to have your best prospects come in to meet with you. Ask them to arrive in a car not bearing the agency name or logo. Pre-clear them with your receptionist so there will be no identification issues when they arrive. Avoid alerting everyone to the fact that you are considering using an executive security protection service. • Now’s the time to discuss fees as well as the qualifications of the person who will be assigned to protect you. Ask to interview each person. Make sure you are compatible and that you will be comfortable with putting your life into that person’s hands, not to mention having them in close contact with your family. • When considering the professional’s qualifications, don’t be satisfied to hear that he or she is ex-military, or ex-law enforcement. There are plenty of perfectly competent military and police veterans who don’t know a thing about guarding someone’s life. If their qualifications don’t impress you, find someone else. • Before you make your final selection, ask for the executive security protection professional’s full name, address, date of birth and social security number. Then run a criminal history and background check. If the agency refuses to provide that information, find another agency. This is too important a decision not to know who you are dealing with.
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