The current cultural rise of pushing back against authority, namely law enforcement, impacts how those in the security industry conduct their work. The impression made on others is essential to the success of both uniformed and plainclothes security personnel.

Perception “Appearance is Reality” in the minds of many. Often, this adage justifies a perception that may be objectively unjustifiable, or the person making the judgment is simply out of touch with reality. In either case, we need to be conscious of how we appear to others, and ultimately our employers.

Whether you support or don’t support activist movements for or against law enforcement, know that “people are just tired of being told what to do.” Requiring us to re-think both our physical appearance and the appearance of our demeanor within the security industry.

Let’s Talk About Our Appearance

The manner security personnel dress falls under two types, a “soft” or “hard” uniform approach.

Soft Approach – suit coat, tie, business pants.

Hard Approach – a paramilitary-style uniform that often includes a badge and other symbols remnant of a military or law enforcement uniform.

In my instruction over the years, I have suggested that students consider a blended method of appearance to be a better approach as it softens the appearance. If uniformity is required, utilize a polo shirt with symbols and appropriate style pants. If you are working Close Protection, then a soft or chameleon manner of dress is standard. 

The reasoning I have for softening our approach is quite simple. Most people you have contact with have experienced a negative interaction with law enforcement, be it a speeding ticket or something more serious. These past experiences have nothing to do with you, but you likely start on the wrong foot mentally because of your appearance and the person’s negative memories.

Police-style badges are utilized by security personnel, even within corporate Executive Protection details. My recommendation – If you are working a uniformed position or plain-clothed protection detail and you have a police-style badge, do yourself a favor – put them away! The response you look for by displaying the badge is likely not what you will get. Badges like these are cool but keep them for display on your office wall or in your desk drawer to show off to your friends.

Authority

It’s interesting; many people use an “authoritative approach” when they have no authority!

If you are escorting a Principal to a college campus, hotel, or some other venue, be sure you are licensed to act on behalf of the property owner as their “agent.” A difficult pill for some to swallow, but the notoriety of your Principal does not matter and gives you no more authority than anyone else.

Cooperation

Why is this all important to even people within the Close Protection industry? Simple, we need to gain voluntary compliance from the people we interact with daily. If we are required to move a Principal through a crowd or request people not park in a loading or debussing location, all need cooperation from others.

So how do you accomplish your job that requires others to be cooperative? Simply ask for cooperation and provide understanding. People are still human and more often will cooperate with you. The protective practitioner should proactively avoid others that serve the purpose of causing damage or disturbance and, when needed, engage law enforcement for assistance.

Situations will arise when you are protecting property (non-movable asset) vs. people (moveable asset), and you must use the authority given by the property owner and law. In asserting authority, you might need to remove a person or people from the premises, or if authorized by your employer and the law, you may even need to arrest someone. These activities come after you’ve exhausted all other options for compliance, and they failed.

Steps to Compliance

1. Provide directions – let people know the expectation of behavior through visual signage or verbal description. Communication should include both restricted behavior and approved behaviors.

Examples: 

Restrictive, “No Unauthorized Entry” – “Parking by Permit Only” – “No Audio or Visual Recording”

Permissive: “Children Welcome” – “Entry Line for Green Passholders” – “Public Parking”

2. Reinforce requests with understanding; I call it painting the fence until the paint sticks. Provide not only what behavior you expect but why cooperation is important.

When giving personal direction, attempt to offer accommodations to the person, i.e., “I am sorry, could you help me out by keeping the fire lane open? I welcome you to park just over here.” “Would you mind stepping outside the aisle, so we have it clear for emergencies? If you stand right over here, I know you will have a better view of your idol.”

Don’t allow yourself to engage in a “battle of will” and remember to ask, is it vital to protecting my Principal, other physical assets, or the safety of others? 

3. Mitigate the Risk – Instead of wasting energy, work on the problem and mitigate the risk. Remove the asset (human or physical) from the danger.
4. Remove the threat if you have the authority or recruit the assistance of someone who does. This action may result in removing the person from the immediate area or premises and possibly arrest.
5. Protect the Asset – When someone is not recognized as a danger and becomes an imminent threat, physical protection is necessary.

Remember the Point of Your Job

Our work requires us to protect the client from threats and vulnerabilities – our actions cannot create risk for the client by exposing the client to embarrassment, harm, or loss.

We are navigating a different world that requires emotional maturity more than ever, be ready for what you face.