Executive Protection And Secure Transportation Podcast

Hi everyone and welcome to episode 151 of the EPST podcast, I’m your host Larry Snow. The topic of today’s episode is 2 Attacks that have changed the way we work and train. In the first edition, which the ISDA created back in 2014, is a description of the attacks that have changed the way we work and train. In the downloadable eBook, available for ISDA members, we covered the assassination of Aldo Moro, Hans Martin Schleyer, John Butler, and Alfred Herrhausen. 2020 brought us two events that has changed the way we work and conduct training.   https://isdacenter.org/ambush-ebook-2/   Those two events are the: Covid-19 Pandemic and Omar García Harfuch (OGH) Ambush Changes from the Omar García Harfuch (OGH) Ambush The OGH ambush was the 1st vehicle ambush where a forensic analysis and scenario testing could measure the effects of Electronic Stability Control “ESC” and “Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS) on the outcome of an ambush.   A significant addition to the forensic analysis and testing came from

Welcome to the Executive Protection and Secure Transportation Podcast brought to you by the International Security Driver Association. Hello and welcome to episode 150 of the EPST podcast, I’m your host Larry Snow. The topic of today’s episode is low light driving conditions. EP practitioners attend low light shooting programs - but how many have attended a training program or are aware of the problems created by low light driving scenarios. Our, defined as the ISDA and Vehicle Dynamics Institute, forensic analysis of the recent Omar García Harfuch ambush indicated that low light conditions contributed to the outcome of the scenario. The ambush was conducted in a low light driving scenario, approximately 6:35 AM. ISDA and VDI recreated the OGH ambush in low light conditions and found that there is a significant difference in headlight distance from vehicle to vehicle - the same make and model can have headlight distance that also varies considerably. The ISDA and Vehicle Dynamics Institute found that

All vehicles have inherent characteristics that, if not understood and monitored, can decrease a vehicle’s performance and create a dangerous scenario for the principal. There are numbers that represent these vehicle characteristics; most can be found in the owner’s manual. The Security Driver does not need to understand the science behind these numbers, but they need to know how these numbers and changes in these numbers affect the principal and passengers’ safety and security. ----------------------------------- If you’ve enjoyed this EPST podcast episode, we invite you to check out the International Security Driver Association.  The ISDA is a valuable resource for all practitioners working in the protection profession. We offer benchmark educational, networking, and marketing programs. Access to the encyclopedia of executive protection and secure transportation – The ISDA knowledge center. The knowledge shared encompasses a wide range of EP and ST focused topics with resources, information, and metrics.  

The topic of today’s episode is LinkedIn Opportunities for Your Business. With over half a billion users, LinkedIn is the biggest opportunity to connect with not only your peers but potential employers and selling/marketing your products and services. The Setup – What’s in a Name The first order of business is to complete your profile as it offers several key branding and searchable elements. There is the availability to add an image at the top of your profile.   Add one that depicts you as an individual or your business. Profile image. So many profiles I’ve come across just have the ghost image. Avoid that if you can, granted OPSEC can be a legitimate concern, but by adding a face you literally are adding a face to your name and business. The image should represent who you are. Some suggest professional suit and tie, but if that isn’t you, the real you, why pretend?   I do recommend adding your real name as it adds authenticity to your brand. Again OPSEC comes in to play understandably, but even if you could

Welcome to the Executive Protection and Secure Transportation Podcast brought to you by the International Security Driver Association. Thank you for tuning in to episode 147  of the EPST podcast, I’m your host Larry Snow. The topic of today’s episode is Security Driving Is a Statement of Skill, Not a Marketing Term. Security Driving and Executive Protection describe a profession, a job description that defines a skill set needed to save lives. It is our opinion that social media have twisted them into marketing terms with no regard for the skill sets that define the profession. In the present training environment, unsuspecting individuals are trained in skills that have no market value. Social media is filled with complaints – ranging from certification, standards, to pay scales and unethical behavior. For some in the industry, especially those just entering the business, there is a misconception of the definition of security driving – in particular, the job description of a security driver. Security driving

In today’s episode we share the results of the COVID-19 survey that the ISDA conducted at the end of April, near the height of the Pandemic in the United States. The number of participants makes the survey statistically accurate for our association, but not for the general EP/Secure Transportation community.  The demographics of the ISDA are not similar to the profession in general; Hence we would estimate the data is not statistically accurate for the security professional. It is ISDA's opinion that COVID 19 has permanently changed the Secure Transportation profession. The security driver and the provider of secure transportation services will need to change how business is done. There is a significant change with vehicles – cleaning executive vehicles has taken on a significant role in the definition of secure transportation.  A while back, Vehicle Dynamics Institute’s Joe Autera put together guidelines for disinfecting the executive's vehicle.   These guidelines are to provide professional security drivers

We strongly suggest that anyone who attends a Security Driving training program is measured in accordance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 135.   What is Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard? National Highway Traffic Safety Administration issues Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) to implement laws from Congress. The FMVSS are regulations written in terms of minimum safety performance requirements for motor vehicles or items of motor vehicle equipment. These requirements are specified in such a manner that the public is protected against unreasonable risk of crashes occurring as a result of the design, construction, or performance of motor vehicles and is also protected against unreasonable risk of death or injury in the event crashes do occur. The purpose of the FMVSS 135 standard is to ensure safe braking performance under normal and emergency driving conditions. As a security driver, you must be able to perform at a much higher level than “minimum” (it is what you get paid to

In today’s podcast we’ll be discussing Tires and Extreme Heat. We have discussed the effects of cold weather on tires many times, but with the hot summer weather upon us (aka “the Dog Days of Summer“), we thought it would be an excellent time to discuss the effect of extreme heat on tires and vehicle control. According to the national highway safety administration in 2017, there were 3.2 trillion miles put on tires in the US and 738 motor vehicle traffic fatalities in tire-related crashes. Many of these crashes are preventable through proper tire maintenance— including tire inflation, among other tire factors. Basic Tires To put it succinctly, the only connection between you and mother earth is your tires. Keep in mind that the tires don’t support the vehicle load. The pressurized air inside the tire supports the weight of the vehicle. The tire is just the container; this might sound obvious, but it is critical to understand. Heat and Tires Tire pressure will increase as the outside air temperature rises; tir

Welcome, everyone to the International Security Driver Association’s Executive Protection and Secure Transportation Podcast. After a two-year hiatus, the podcast is back! Every week we send secure transportation and executive protection, headlines, trends, educational content, and announcements from the International Security Driver Association and SecurityDriver.Com to our Podcast audience.  You can find notes for this episode over on https://securitydriver.com In today’s podcast we’ll be discussing Omar Garcia Harfuch ambush. During Tony Scotti’s 45 years and, for the past 18 years, Joe Autera of Vehicle Dynamics Institute, have conducted forensic analysis on countless vehicle attacks. As they have in the past, Joe and Tony are currently analyzing the Omar García Harfuch Ambush that took place in Mexico in June of 2020. International Security Driver Association members Mark Caldwell and Gerardo Corona have contributed invaluable data and metrics to ensure the accuracy of the upcoming Forensic Anal

The ISDA Secure Transportation and Executive Protection News Podcast for Tuesday, December 18, 2018 ====================== In Vehicle News From Automotive Fleet 8 Auto Tech Trends to Watch in 2019 Manufacturers are adding increasingly cutting-edge technology options to their vehicles, and the coming year should bring additional options to enhance safety and integrate smartphones, according to the editors at Autotrader, who have released their list of the Best New Automotive Technology for 2019. "From surround-view cameras to steering avoidance, new technology features can give drivers a better look at what's around them or extra help to prevent collisions," said Tara Trompeter, managing editor for Autotrader. "Car buyers can find many of these technology options in every segment, from sub-compact cars to full-size SUVs, making it worth checking closely to see what's available across different models and brands." Autotrader's Best New Automotive Technology for 2019:   https://www.automotive-fleet.com/321115/8

The ISDA Secure Transportation and Executive Protection News Podcast for Monday, December 3, 2018 ====================== In Vehicle News From Autoblog 2018 Ford Expedition Platinum Drivers' Notes Review The 2018 Ford Expedition is the fourth generation of Ford's full-size SUV offering. It replaced a model that traced its roots to the early 2000s, though it received several heavy refreshes along the way.  This new model is a huge leap forward in nearly every aspect. Yes, it's still a giant on the road, but it's lighter and more fuel efficient than before thanks to aluminum bodywork and an improved aerodynamics. It's powerful, too, thanks to Ford's 3.5-liter EcoBoost twin-turbo V6. In our tester's Platinum trim, it makes 400 horsepower and 480 pound-feet of torque. Inside, the new Expedition looks and feels a lot like a higher trim Ford F-150. https://www.autoblog.com/2018/04/20/2018-ford-expedition-platinum-review-drivers-notes/ ====================== Also, from Autoblog External airbags on cars can reduce oc

The ISDA Secure Transportation and Executive Protection News Podcast for Monday, December 3, 2018 ====================== In Security News From Reuters News U.S. consulate in Mexico attacked with grenade, no injuries Mexican authorities are investigating an apparent grenade attack on the U.S. consulate in the city of Guadalajara, officials said on Saturday, underscoring the security challenges facing Mexico’s new president. The attack took place early on Saturday morning, local media reported, ahead of the swearing-in of President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador later in the day. No one was killed or injured in the attack and Mexican authorities are investigating the matter, according to a U.S. official in Mexico.   https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-mexico-blast-idUSKCN1O101W ====================== In Executive Protection News From the International Protective Security Board Close Protection Conference The International Protective Security Board or IPSB for short, concluded their Close Protection Conference

The ISDA Secure Transportation and Executive Protection News Podcast for Friday, November 30, 2018 ====================== In Terrorism News From the Daily Sun Security Minister warns No Deal Brexit could make it harder to keep terrorists and criminals out of UK Ben Wallace backed the PM's Brexit plan by suggesting a No Deal scenario would leave the country in a situation that 'isn't pretty'.  BRITAIN’S Security Minister warned MPs that a No Deal vote would make it harder to keep criminals and terrorists out of the UK. But speaking to law enforcement and security leaders he said leaving the EU without a deal would make it “hard to do our job” and the “alternative to this deal isn’t pretty”. He claimed the UK’s security was “bound up with Europe’s security” and the deal secured by the Prime Minister strikes the right balance to keep everyone safe. He said: “A mere 20-mile stretch of water cannot protect the UK from 21st-century terrorism, serious organized crime, and cyber attacks. These are threats that know n

The ISDA Secure Transportation and Executive Protection News Podcast for Wednesday, November 28, 2018 ====================== In Terrorism News From Insurance Business Magazine Chubb launches terrorism risk service for multinational businesses Chubb has announced the launch of a new service for multinational companies and large middle-market businesses. Chubb’s new Terrorism Risk Evaluation Services combines the company’s terrorism and political violence (PV) underwriting, risk engineering, global security, catastrophe modeling, and digital expertise.  Terrorism Risk Evaluation Services was developed after Chubb received feedback from corporate customers who wanted to better understand terrorism and PV exposures, the company said. Through the offering, Chubb aligns its expertise and data across a series of specialist areas. https://www.insurancebusinessmag.com/us/news/breaking-news/chubb-launches-terrorism-risk-service-for-multinational-businesses-117373.aspx   ====================== In Vehicle News From Enga

The ISDA Secure Transportation and Executive Protection News Podcast for Monday, November 26, 2018 ====================== In Security News From NBC News Olympic swimmer Rowdy Gaines said scammers pretended to hold his daughter hostage Olympic swimmer Rowdy Gaines is issuing a warning after his family almost became victims of a virtual kidnapping scam when they received a disturbing phone call from a stranger saying his daughter was being held, hostage. The terrifying ordeal began Saturday when Gaines' daughter, Madison, received a phone call from a woman pretending to be with the "Colorado Police Department," the college student said in a lengthy Facebook Live video posted Monday. https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/olympic-swimmer-rowdy-gaines-said-scammers-pretended-hold-his-daughter-n937296 ======================  In Vehicle News From Team O'Neil Rally School AWD vs 4WD The Real Difference All Wheel Drive and 4WD are distinctly different systems, meant for different purposes. With manufacturers marketing

The ISDA Secure Transportation and Executive Protection News Podcast for Wednesday, November 21, 2018   ====================== In Security News From Business Insider From hiding their mansions on Google Maps to building $500,000 panic rooms, rich people are sparing no expense to keep their lives private and secure In an age of constant connection, some of the ultrarich are reeling in the flashiness in the name of safety. "Privacy and safety are inextricably linked. There was a time when privacy concerns were primarily about financial loss, such as bank wire or credit-card fraud," Gary Howlin, the senior vice president at Gavin de Becker & Associates, which provides executive protection for wealthy people including clients in the Supreme Court and the CIA, told Business Insider. "Now, particularly with personal information readily available via the internet and social media sources, people are using what was once private information to learn where clients live — or information about their activities in ord

The ISDA Secure Transportation and Executive Protection News Podcast for Monday, November 19, 2018 ====================== In Driving News From Axios Regulating the humans behind the wheel of autonomous vehicles The job of autonomous vehicle safety driver seems pretty easy: Get paid for sitting there while the car does all the work. But it's a challenging assignment and self-regulated by the companies testing AVs, so the rules are only beginning to emerge. Safety drivers are researchers' eyes and ears, chronicling every roadway encounter to make the technology better. But requiring drivers — even specially trained ones — to pay attention without actually driving is difficult, which is why many companies argue that full autonomy is the safest way to go. Last March, a pedestrian was struck and killed by an Uber-operated self-driving car in Tempe, Arizona. The human monitoring the vehicle was believed to be watching a television show on her phone. The accident prompted a review of procedures and expectations

The ISDA Secure Transportation and Executive Protection News Podcast for Thursday, November 15, 2018 ====================== In Security News From NextGov Pentagon Researchers Test 'Worst-Case Scenario' Attack on U.S. Power Grid  Over 100 people gathered off the tip of Long Island this month to roleplay a cyber attack that takes out the U.S. electric grid for weeks on end. The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency exercise, which took place from Nov. 1 to Nov. 7, was fictional, but it was designed to mimic all the hurdles and uncertainty of a real-world cyber attack that took out power across the nation for weeks on end–a scenario known as a “black start.” https://www.nextgov.com/cybersecurity/2018/11/pentagon-researchers-test-worst-case-scenario-attack-us-power-grid/152803/ ====================== In Technology News From GovTech Road Assessment App RoadBotics Raises $3.9M in Seed Funding RoadBotics, a company whose image-based app assesses road quality and damage, has raised $3.9 million in seed funding t

The ISDA Secure Transportation and Executive Protection News Podcast for Tuesday, November 13, 2018 ====================== In Security News From the Hollywood Reporter How Private Security Guards Protect Hollywood Kids at School In today's era of deadly school shootings, the recent massacre at a Pittsburgh synagogue, explosive devices sent in the mail and the ever-invasive world of social media, parents in Hollywood are relying on private security to keep their kids safe on and offline — including in the classroom.  Top security firm Gavin de Becker and Associates (GDBA) has seen an increase in inquiries from schools and from clients with kids during the past year, because of recent shootings, threats and media coverage.   https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/how-private-security-guards-protect-hollywood-kids-at-school-1142479 ====================== And from Quartz The DEA and ICE are hiding surveillance cameras in streetlights The US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Immigration and Customs Enforc

The ISDA Secure Transportation and Executive Protection News Podcast for Friday, November 9, 2018 ======================  In Vehicle News From Autoblog Lincoln Aviator warning and alert sounds are played by an orchestra Lincoln used members of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra to create alert chimes for its new Aviator SUV. Luxury manufacturers are always looking for more ways to increase the level of ambiance, and Lincoln went so far as to contract some of the best musicians in the world to create a more comfortable atmosphere.  These chimes will represent warnings for things like an open fuel door, unbuckled seat belt, the lowering of the power liftgate and plenty more. It's not a bad day when leaving your headlights on or door open lead to a pleasant musical sound coming from your speakers. All the sounds seem appropriate for their particular functions and do sound more pleasing than the normal alerts. https://www.autoblog.com/2018/11/05/lincoln-aviator-warning-sounds-orchestra-official/ ====================