Hello protectors! Today, we're exploring protective intelligence, a vital discipline focused on proactively identifying, assessing, and mitigating potential threats.

As operators, it's crucial to understand and leverage protective intelligence to enhance our decision-making and response capabilities.

Also, in this edition of On the Circuit, we bring you the latest industry news, an interview with Critical Thinking expert Dr Treston Wheat, and a new issue of the Circuit Magazine.

So, let's dive in and discover how protective intelligence is shaping the security industry.

THE NEED TO KNOW

Zelenskiy Denies Ukraine Involvement in Kremlin Drone Attack - “We don’t attack Putin or Moscow. We fight on our territory and defend our towns and cities.”

Ugandan Minister Killed by Bodyguard in Apparent Wage Dispute - The attacker then turned the gun on himself.

ISIS Chief Killed by Turkish Forces in Syria - killing of the IS leader marks a significant blow to the extremist group, which had been trying to regroup.

Russian Wagner Group's Role in Sudan's Power Struggle and Gold Industry - Wagner's collaboration has intensified with allegations of missile supplies to the RSF.

CIA-Trained Somali Militia Uses US-Made Weapons in Deadly Internal Conflict - The PSF, created and mentored by the CIA and Navy SEALS, used US-made weapons in a conflict that resulted in at least 22 deaths.

How to Raise Your EP Game Through Protective Intelligence

Protective intelligence is a relatively new concept within the private sector, growing in popularity in the post-9/11 era, and now encompasses thousands of dedicated analysts.

As an experienced executive protection specialist, you know that the key to effectively safeguarding your clients lies in staying one step ahead of emerging threats. This knowledge equips you with the ability to anticipate and adapt to new risks, ensuring the highest level of security for those you protect.

However, many operators struggle to keep up with the rapidly changing landscape of protective intelligence. There are many reasons for this, but some common challenges are:

• Lack of access to up-to-date information on emerging threats and trends.

• Need for more training in advanced protective intelligence methodologies.

• The inability to integrate new technologies effectively into existing security protocols.

• Limited collaboration and information-sharing among security professionals.

We certainly think this is an area all professionals should pay attention to. Keep reading for actionable insights and guidance to overcome these challenges and elevate your expertise in protective intelligence.

1: Listen to experts in protective intelligence.

One way to gain valuable knowledge is by listening to experts in the field. For instance, check out the Circuit Magazine podcast episode featuring Fred Burton, a renowned expert in protective intelligence and executive protection.

In this episode, Fred shares his wealth of experience and provides insights into the industry's future. Listen to gain a better understanding of the trends and challenges that lie ahead in the world of protective intelligence and executive protection.

2: Research and stay informed.

Staying updated on emerging threats and trends is paramount in this fast-paced world. Subscribe to industry-leading publications, and follow reputable websites and social media accounts dedicated to protective intelligence. Here are some of our recommendations to get started:

• The Ontic Center for Protective Intelligence

• The Protective Intelligence Podcast

• Association of Threat Assessment professionals

• LeMareschal

• Charles Randolph

• Fred Burton

3: Embrace technology and incorporate it into your security protocols.

Knowledge need not be the only weapon in our arsenal; technology can be harnessed to enhance your protective capability. This can range from as simple as using encrypted communication tools to incorporating sophisticated surveillance systems.

Examples:

• Palantir - Palantir's software analyzes large amounts of data, such as social media posts, financial transactions, and phone calls, to identify potential threats.

• Drones - Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are equipped with cameras, radar, and other sensors to collect data to build an intelligence picture.

• Secure Messaging - Signal is an example of an open-source secure messaging app that encrypts all messages sent between users.

By integrating technology, you'll be better equipped to anticipate and mitigate potential risks, ensuring the safety and security of your clients.

4: Cultivate a strong professional network and engage in information-sharing.

Collaboration and information-sharing within our field is crucial for staying ahead of the curve. Engage with your peers in organized groups and forums, exchange insights, and share best practices to strengthen the industry's collective knowledge base.

By fostering a collaborative spirit and actively participating in professional networks, you'll not only enhance your own expertise, but you’ll also be contributing to the overall advancement of the executive protection field. Here are some good resources for industry collaboration:

• LinkedIn (#protectiveintelligence)

• BBA Connect

• NABA Protector

5: Invest in your knowledge and skills.

Training in advanced protective intelligence methodologies is essential to maintaining your edge as an executive protection professional. Seek out specialized courses, certifications, and workshops to sharpen your skills and stay current with best practices.

Many executive protection specialists fall short in this area due to a lack of time or resources. To avoid this pitfall, prioritize professional development and actively seek out learning opportunities. Organizations that offer relevant training include:

• Institute of Strategic Risk Management

• Protective Intelligence Network

• Allied Universal

Takeaway

Implementing any of these steps will improve your protective intelligence capabilities and make you a more skilled protector. The extra knowledge and insights gained will expand your existing skill set and improve your capacity to keep your clients safe from emerging risks, ensuring their safety and security in the face of uncertainty.

NEW ISSUE

In the latest issue of the magazine, we're leading with a no-holds-barred feature that exposes the uncomfortable truth that some protection specialists may not be physically capable of defending their principal - Force Disparity, the 800lb gorilla in the room!

Elsewhere, we’ve got features on:

• Soft skills • Cybersecurity • Tactics • Medical Skills • Geopolitics • Firearms •Insider Risk • Improvised Weapons • Healthcare • Career Advice + Much more.

WHAT OUR READERS SAY

GEOPOLITICAL ANALYSIS - RANE

Russia: Wagner Boss Escalates Feud With Military, Claims Withdrawal From Bakhmut in Ukraine

What Happened: The leader of Russia's Wagner military contractor, Evgeny Prigozhin, escalated his feud with Russian Defense Minister Shoigu and General Staff Chief Valery Gerasimov, releasing a series of videos blaming them for ammunition shortages and the subsequent deaths of Wagner soldiers, AP reported May 5. Prigozhin also claimed that Wagner forces would withdraw from the eastern Ukrainian city of Bakhmut beginning May 10, transferring its positions to Russia's defense ministry.

Why It Matters: Prigozhin's comments are in line with his previous efforts to secure resources by framing Wagner's activities as uniquely valuable and heroic. Still, the rhetoric represents a significant escalation in his longstanding feud with Shoigu and Gerasimov that risks increasing skepticism toward Russia's military and political leaders. Russian forces near Bakhmut may withdraw from the city in order to regroup, but the primary reason for this is related to manpower shortages as opposed to ammunition shortages due to heavy losses after months of heavy fighting for the Ukrainian city.

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CIRCUIT MAGAZINE PODCAST

Critical Thinking for the Protector | Dr Treston Wheat

You might have overheard a few UHNW business conversations in your time, but has it given you real 'intelligence'? This week we are very pleased to welcome Dr Treston Wheat, Red-teamer and Critical Thinker, to the Circuit Magazine Podcast to ask:

• What is critical thinking, and aren't protectors already using it?

• Does every protector have to become an analyst, or should each team have 'the' analyst embedded?

• What is the difference between studying for a Masters to enrich your life experience and being able to apply analytics skills in your protection career directly?

• Is there such a thing as 'ground truth'?

• Are protectors more skeptical, having seen some of the 'worst' of humanity in their career?

UPCOMING EVENTS

Counter Terror Expo: 17 - 18 May 2023 - London, UK

CTX brings together CT and security professionals from industry, infrastructure, government, and policing. The event takes place over two days and is available to all visitors free of charge. The agenda will feature an unrivaled program of speakers leading debates on counter-terror strategy, operations, and technology.

Register to Attend >

ELSEWHERE, ON THE CIRCUIT...

Takeaways from the Circuit:

The situation in Sudan highlights the challenges US citizens face in conflict zones when the government is unable or unwilling to provide assistance. Comparisons to the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan raise questions about the Biden administration’s approach to these situations and whether lessons have been learned from past experiences. Meanwhile, the role of private security firms in Sudan during this crisis has spotlighted the challenges and complexities of civilian evacuations in conflict zones.

Critics argue that the US government should have been better prepared for the potential of conflict in Sudan rather than relying on the promise of a peaceful transition of power. The current crisis is a stark reminder of the need for governments and citizens to remain vigilant and prepared for worst-case scenarios.

UNTIL NEXT WEEK...

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