Final Exam (Part 2)
8 Oct 2012
Researching a Career Path
I chose the Protective Security Specialist (PSS) as my career path choice. I chose the PSS path due to the fact that it was one specific area of my past experience that was lacking and it has positions all over the world through the Worldwide Protective Services (WPS) Program (formally known as the Worldwide Personal Protective Services (WPPS) Program). My initial research began with people I worked with on a Static Security project in a high threat area. I soon found out that there were a few large companies, and projects, that would serve as a starting point. Aegis, DynCorp, Global, Triple Canopy, and US Training Center were the major players in the State Department’s Bureau of Diplomatic Security Program. I spoke with work colleagues that have worked for one, or numerous, of the aforementioned companies. I was mostly interested in the areas of company vision, work beliefs, and compensation plans along with the individuals’ point of view. I then began an internet search of my top 3 picks (Global, Triple Canopy, and US Training Center). I researched news articles of specific incidents, public views, and awarded contracts. Public forum sites, such as SOCNet, provided a valuable resource on how different companies were viewed & operated by, and at, the lower levels. My final task was the research of each of the company’s specific website; focusing on mission statement, focus, and plans for the future. Networking, on sites such as Linkin & CareerBuilder, played a key role in securing a position with my first choice; Academi (formally known as US Training Center / Xe Services).

CSO Response to Theft in the Shipping & Receiving Department
I believe my first action would be to actually confirm the reports of the stolen products with the Shipping & Receiving Department head. At the confirmation of a loss, I would begin the investigation by interviewing the individuals whom made the initial reports. The interviews could be one-on-one and possibly done covertly; as in a simple ‘chance meeting conversation’. I would then begin reviewing the procedures at the lowest level in that department to see if there was a single point of failure in the current system. I would attempt cloak this investigation as much as possible to ensure that I did not “tip my hand” to the perpetrator(s). Now, if the loss was great enough, I would hire & insert an uncover specialist into the Shipping & Receiving Department with a clear timeline, reporting requirement, and set of objectives for this operation. After learning the loss is occurring after hours, I would immediately launch an investigation into the night time security shift and its procedures, once again done covertly. At the same time I would plan and implement a sting operation in order to apprehend the perpetrator(s); possibly involving local police authorities.
Upon the successful apprehension of the perpetrator(s), I would develop & implement a reward program for the prevention of loss in the organization. If one already exists, a review of that program would be needed.

Executive Protection Program for the AB Company
Initially I would ask that the CSO for the client company provide a clear set of expectations. A thorough threat assessment and cost-benefit analysis should be conducted and identify what services should be required and to whom (e.g. threat briefs, awareness briefs, and awareness training, and protection details).
The selection of the Protection Details and their assigned principal has to be intricately matched. Executive Protection (EP) Details are not just muscle-bound thugs. It is paramount that the EP individual has the ability to blend in with the status of the principal; even be able to carry on a conversation at the level of the principal if needed. EP Detail members & team leaders need to be personnel that can inherently make calculated decisions very rapidly and adapt to a changing environment.
The Program Outline: I. Principal (client) Identification II. Threat Assessment / Analysis III. Executive Protection (EP) Detail Selection a. EP to Principal matching b. EP Duties i. Qualifications / Certifications / Maintaining currencies ii. Duration / Type of Protection 1. 24 hr protection 2. Place of Business Only 3. Travel: to & from work 4. Distant Travel 5. Venues 6. Advance Team Operations IV. Principal Training c. Working with an EP Detail d. Principal / Family: Duties, Responsibilities, Coverage e. Threat awareness briefs f. Emergency Action Plans iii. Briefs iv. Training / Rehearsals V. Contract between EP Organization & Client Company g. Duration h. Services provided i. Termination criteria j. Compensation Plan