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The pressure to respond swiftly and adapt to exigent environmental factors can often lead to the temptation of bypassing critical steps in the processes your company or program has in place, such as developing a comprehensive operation order.
However, neglecting the time needed to build a solid ops order can have severe consequences for a business in executive protection. It is critical for the success of an operation not to take shortcuts in this area as it can ultimately lead to failure, perhaps not on this operation but eventually the house of cards will come tumbling down.
An operation order serves as the blueprint for successful executive protection. It outlines the objectives, roles, and responsibilities of the protection team, as well as the necessary logistical and security measures. Without a well-defined operation order, the protection effort becomes disorganized, leaving gaps in security and increasing the risk of failure.
“Some people didn’t understand what we were doing….. helping them understand this methodology and why we do it is really important” – Mary Fleury
The Ops order is critical not just for ensuring that your team understand their roles and responsibilities, it is also important as it empowers them to clearly outline at anytime to the principal what should be underway during the execution of the operation.
An operation order allows for thorough risk assessment and mitigation strategies. By taking the time to assess potential threats, vulnerabilities, and risks, an executive or dignitary protection team can develop effective contingency plans and emergency actions to allocate appropriate resources when the shit hits the fan. Ignoring this crucial step puts the entire operation at risk and leaves clients exposed to potential harm.
It’s often a good indication of the lack of experience, training or capabilities of a team or their leader when they circumvent or take short cuts around this single yet important step.
“If executives don’t do that job well, their missteps could lead to risk events that disrupt operations, hurt the bottom line, and perhaps even cause organizational failure.” – RiskOptics Blog
Security’s main function in private enterprise is truly to mitigate risk, a failure to do so through planning that effects the bottom line is an abject failure of the work unit.
A comprehensive operation order ensures clear lines of communication and coordination between team members and external stakeholders. It establishes protocols for information sharing, reporting, and decision-making, creating a cohesive and efficient protection effort. Neglecting this aspect can lead to confusion, delays, and ultimately jeopardize the safety of those under protection.
If even the compromise due to failed communication is poor operational execution, the breach can be demonstrated in the trust of the team through an integrity issue or even having the principal embarrassed due to arriving late for critical meetings.
Not all matters that relate to executive protection are focused on the skills sets and presence of the team, much of the prior preparation carried out well in advance of the principal/s arriving is the true demonstration of a capable and competent team.
Executive protection often involves operating in dynamic and unpredictable environments. A well-crafted operation order allows for flexibility and adaptability while maintaining a structured approach. By considering different scenarios and establishing protocols for changing circumstances, the protection team can respond effectively to emerging threats and challenges.
Formerly working as a police officer in a dignitary protection team, there is an expected level of responsibility and service to the principal, yet, the office of constable is a designation beyond the scope you’re employed in at the time and it is worth remembering when providing those services in a specific role that you still have the broader duties of your employment. For instance it is well recognised that there is a duty to protect the principal and that whilst doing it, the highest likelihood of an injury will occur due to a traffic or vehicle crash/accident involving the principal/s vehicle.
What isn’t expected is that during the preparations for a movement with the principal you may witness or be present during a road crash or accident, there is still a duty of care whether you’re a sworn member or not to provide urgent first aid in the situation where someone’s life is at risk* (*in Australia, as a trained first aider).
I can remember an incident which ironically did not include an injury thankfully but the principals limo was being repositioned before they arrived to embus and depart for the next location on the run sheet and as the driver moved the vehicle they were T-boned and the bumper of the vehicle was torn from the front of the vehicle. To have this happen only moments before the principal was scheduled to depart was a harrowing operational moment, thankfully though due to the communications plan and the ability to remain flexible in the moment, our team were able to recover.
A quick run to the service station, some electrical/cable ties purchased and the bumper was “securely” fastened back in place before the principal ever knew what had happened.
Legitimate repairs were made when the opportunity was right, sometimes in the field these moments arise. They’re not life or career ending but they do require flexibility.
Neglecting the time and effort required to build a comprehensive operation order then is a recipe for failure. The importance of meticulous planning, risk assessment, and coordination cannot be overstated. In the businesses of executive protection it surely can maintain the safety and well-being of a principal without them even realising it was happening and helps avoid the pitfalls of inadequate preparation.
Remember, success in executive protection lies not only in reactive measures but also in proactive planning and preparedness. Take the time to build a strong operation order, and you’ll set the foundation for a successful and effective protection effort.
References: https://www.securitymagazine.com/articles/97967-the-ins-and-outs-of-launching-an-executive-protection-programSource
Mary Fleury, Director of Global Security at Ford Motor Company
https://reciprocity.com/key-steps-to-manage-operational-risk/
Risk Optics Blog
By Ben Hosking
Ben previously worked for over a decade within the NT Police Force specialising in High Risk Tactical & Counter Terrorism Policing, prior to moving into Federal Government and providing executive advice on national policy to the highest level federal representative in the Australian external Territories. The Administrator of CI and CKI. He is accomplished in Dignitary Protection providing services to UK Royals, International Heads of State, Australian Government Officials and various corporate HNWI. He has been awarded a Commendation for exemplary conduct for services within the Territory Response Group.
Ben certified as a tactical police medic and firearms instructor during his time within the TRG. Further, he maintained education, training and qualifications in Search and Rescue Operations. He also holds several qualifications in security and management.
Learn from the one-of-a-kind insights of a combat veteran to support your team in navigating uncertainty and thinking differently.
