Author: Tony Scotti

ISDA Free Email Newsletter for the Protective Services Community

Starting in the mid 1980’s the Scotti School published a quarterly newsletter for the Protective Services Community. They were hard copies distributed in the old fashion way – US mail. Over the years the newsletter morphed into the ISDA Email Newsletter. ISDA is an acronym for the International Security Driver Association. Although concentrating on secure transportation, the newsletter is of value to all in the protective services profession.
Through the combination of our newsletters and the ISDA Network, ISDA members reach more than 7,500 security practitioners, representing the Corporate, High Net Worth, Military, and government communities. Many of those who read the newsletter cannot be reached via the traditional social media outlets.

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Command Operated Explosive Devices

pipe-bomb-replica-1

Command operated explosive devices are being used successfully worldwide. These devices were brought to the forefront by the Boston Marathon bombing.

This incident demonstrated that these types of explosive devices can be used effectively in the United States. The command operated device can be detonated by either remote control or wired directly, and requires the bomber to keep the device in his sight, while waiting for the intended target.

The bomber picks the place and time the device will be detonated.

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The Misconception of Security Driving and Secure Transportation

misconception of security driving

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.

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Training – Certification and Experience

Many protection practitioners, new and old, who seek certification do not have a clear understanding of the concept as defined by most other industries. That is largely because of the huge number of bodyguard/EP training providers who use the word certification as a marketing tool, without any real idea of what it means.

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Potholes

Pothole Avoidance

Those of us who live in winter-weather country are just emerging from record-setting snow and freezing temperatures. And now there’s a new problem to face: potholes. Thanks to this winter’s extreme freeze-and-thaw cycles, the spring of 2015 promises to be an epic pothole season. And that’s not good news for those providing secure transportation.

Potholes are a matter of safety and inconvenience. But there are things that can be done before, during, and after hitting a pothole. Develop a proactive approach similar to a security scenario except you’re avoiding potholes instead of security issues.

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Are there any good books on Surveillance Detection?

These are links to the two Surveillance Detection books that I know of. One of the authors, Laura Clark, is an old friend; she has attended the VDI Surveillance Detection Program. I would recommend her book. Also the old Scotti School put together an SD Manual for a Federal Agency, the manual (the parts that are applicable to the private sector) is used in the VDI SD program. ISDA Advisory Board member,  Joe Autera has used his corporate experience to add to the VDI manual. Also the ISDA Resource Center  has a number of articles concerning SD and parts of the Federal Manual.

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