Are We Ready for a Ride-Hailing App with Armed Drivers?
A news story that piqued our interest. While Black Wolf Execs is certainly not the first bodyguard-for-hire app, this may be the first where the hired driver is licensed to conceal-carry a firearm. In addition, the armed driver has an available bullet-resistant vest and first aid kit. According to the app description, “Every Wolf driver is an employee of our company, undergoes a rigorous background check, and is highly trained.” Yet, we noticed that they don’t mention driver training.
Initial Findings of the ISDA 2023 Executive Vehicle and Secure Transportation Survey
The initial findings of the Survey reveal that SUVs are the most popular type of executive vehicle, accounting for 64% of usage. This trend indicates a shift away from passenger cars in the automotive industry. In addition, the Suburban has been the most commonly used vehicle in Secure Transportation for the fifth consecutive Survey. Among passenger vehicles, the Mercedes Benz is the most frequently used.
However, there is low adoption of hybrid or all-electric vehicles among Security Drivers and Secure Transportation providers. We believe this is an industry that, if something works and works well, why change it?
The complete report will be available to the community in the next Security Driver Journal. If you aren’t already, consider subscribing to the Security Driver Journal Newsletter on LinkedIn.
The video from the ASIS Executive Protection Community is a must-watch.
It is a discussion panel led by Caleb Gilbert, who is joined by Peter Lindbjerg (Director of Protective Services at Meta), Elias Gonzales (Director of Security, Executive Protection Services at Microsoft), and Dan Wallace (Director at Google). This panel covers a vast array of topics that many in the EP world will find relevant to their work and insights into industry trends. However, we feel that their discussion concerning the Client – Sub Contractor relationship is invaluable.
What is executive protection? A hiring guide for HNW households
We came across this article from a website that caters to High Net Worth and Ultra High net-worth management.
The article discusses the definition of executive protection. When should you consider executive protection services, and how do you find the right executive protection agent? Here’s a guide to determining a high-net-worth household’s correct private security setup.
We found it interesting that a non-security person is the author.
Read the Article
NY Chief Judges Failed To Report Taxable Chauffeur Perks
We (the ISDA) have discussed the IRS code covering Secure Transportation for decades. Here is an article that covers what can happen when you ignore the code.
ICYMI – What about the Red and Yellow Dots on your tires – a quick hit
What does a red or yellow dot on your tires mean? If you had tires installed recently, red and yellow dots on the side wall are perfectly normal, and here’s why they’re there.
ICYMI Suburban vs. the Jeep Grand Wagoneer L.
Here is a free comparison report of the Suburban vs. Jeep GWL, we (the ISDA) did a while back.
Download the Free Comparison Report
Additional Resources
For those with an interest in Security Driving, Secure Transportation, or Executive Protection, the International Security Driver Association (ISDA) offers several resources worth considering.
One option is to sign up for the ISDA’s LinkedIn Newsletter, “Security Driver Journal,” a twice-monthly educational email publication that contains articles written specifically for the Security Driver/Secure Transportation community. This resource provides continuing education and benchmark research to help improve your skillset and advance your business.
Another resource is the ISDA’s YouTube channel, which features playlists containing videos covering topics such as Case Studies of Vehicle Attacks, Security Driving, Armored Vehicles, and the Business of Security.
Those interested in connecting with other professionals in the industry can also follow the ISDA’s LinkedIn page, which provides educational content on various topics related to Security Driving and Secure Transportation, including Armored Vehicles, Secure Transportation Business Metrics and Data, Surveillance Detection, The Change in Executive Vehicles, and Case Studies, Including Lessons Learned.
Lastly, visitors can check out the ISDA Store for hats, t-shirts, decals, and other merchandise related to the organization and secure transportation.