As countries around the world prepare to return to business following the worse pandemic since 1918, the Protection Services industry is working hard to adjust to the new normal. Following the COVID crisis, Executive Protection providers will need to adjust to the reality of new government regulations, the requirements of clients concerning social distancing and PPE, changes in travel procedures, new required equipment and an expanded role as it pertains to sanitizing procedures.
To be sure, this is not the first time the Protective Services sector has had to adjust procedures due to the impact of world events. Following 9/11 our industry had to adjust to a new normal that included restrictive travel procedures that included the creation of the Department of Homeland Security. Additionally, protective intelligence operations needed to adjust the very real possibility of terrorist attacks that posed a potential threat to Principals. Corporate EP leadership also had to be included in the rapidly expanding importance of Business Continuity planning. As with our response to the attacks of 9/11, I am confident that our industry will once again adjust fire and move forward with the mission without pause.
It is impossible to accurately predict the overall impact that the COVID crisis will have on the Protection industry, but there are some issues that are sure to become a key requirements for clients as we move beyond the initial phases of the pandemic. I have listed some of the anticipated and already implemented operational changes that have become important to clients:
· Social Distancing monitoring and enforcement
· Regular sanitizing of vehicles
· Sanitizing of hotels and residences as part of advance site visits
· Protective Intelligence with a COVID threat assessment for locations and venues
· Testing of protective detail members/staff within proximity to the Principal
· Training on sanitizing procedures
· Obtaining in-house sanitizing equipment and maintain ample supply of PPE
· Shift to virtual meetings to reduce threat of in-person meetings
· Online team training to reduce exposure to Protective Detail members
As with all industries, there will be different requirements for different clients. Some Principals will resist changes to their usual operating procedures, lifestyle and travel habits. It is, of course, our mission to brief them on the threats that exist and the impact it can have on their personal health and their respective firms. Ultimately, we will do what we have always done in the Protective Services industry, adjust to the specific needs and preferences of our clients. The challenge for those in our field will be to do so in a professional and seamless manner.
Finally, we must not become hyper focused on the crisis at hand and leave our clients and our own companies vulnerable to the next threat. As health professionals develop treatments and vaccines and bring the COVID crisis under control, we must be sure to always dedicate resources to forecasting the next threat and mitigate the impact it will have on our clients. After all, that is what our industry is all about.
- Kenneth Bombace – Chief Executive Officer – Global Threat Solutions Companies
www.linkedin.com/in/kenbombace
Global Threat Solutions, LLC
“Peace of Mind in Uncertain Times”
www.globalthreatsolutions.com
