Executive Protection and Secure Transportation Podcast

On May 14, 2024, a well-coordinated ambush targeted a prison convoy in France, transporting high-profile inmate Mohamed Amra. The attackers, armed with automatic weapons, executed their plan with precision, resulting in the deaths of two prison officers and serious injuries to three others. CCTV footage captured the entire incident, providing invaluable forensic evidence.  After an extensive nine-month international search, authorities apprehended Amra in Romania on February 22, 2025. Following the attack, the International Security Driver Association (ISDA) conducted an in-depth analysis, utilizing video footage, images, and Google Maps data to develop a comprehensive PDF briefing document titled "Analysis of the Prison Convoy Ambush in France." This document examines the attackers' tactics, security vulnerabilities, and potential failures in secure transport operations. It also offers critical training recommendations for security drivers and protective teams. To further enhance accessibility and understanding, ISDA uploaded the PDF into Google's Notebook LM, a tool capable of generating multiple outputs, including FAQs, a study guide, a table of contents, a timeline, a briefing, and—most notably—a podcast.  The Notebook LM Podcast is the first in a series of three Journals. The podcast features an AI-generated conversation between a male and female voice, discussing key insights from the PDF report.  

The Introduction to The Science of a Vehicle Ambush – Vehicle Ambush 101 For nearly half a century, ISDA's founder, Tony Scotti, has been leading the way in understanding the “how” and “why” of vehicle ambushes. Since the mid-'70s, Tony has been conducting forensic analysis of vehicle attacks and distributing his findings to the Ep and Secure Transportation community. So, in June of 2020, the Omar Garcia Harfuch (OGH) vehicle ambush was not the first time Tony has gone through the painstaking process of accurately analyzing a lethal ambush targeting a high-profile, at-risk individual. However, the Omar García Harfuch “OGH” ambush is one of the first vehicle attacks that was videoed as it was happening.  Adding the Vehicle Dynamics Institute team to the testing process created unprecedented results in the data collected and the lessons learned.  Full show notes are available at SecurityDriver.Com Join the International Security Driver Association If you have an interest in going much deeper into this type of topic, I invite you to check out the International Security Driver Association's website and consider joining the only organization dedicated to supporting the advancement of professional Security Drivers and other protection practitioners with data-driven research and other professional development tools. For more information on all member benefits, head over to https://isdacenter.org.

A tragic video has been circulating throughout various social media. It took place at Fort Tiuna in Caracas, Venezuela. The video is from a bodyguard training program. This terrible event brings to light a problem – which is the state of security driver training.  Read the full show notes from this episode at SecurityDriver.Com

This episode is a continuation of episode 206, where we continue to look into security driver salaries. While curating Security Driver job opportunities for our International Security Driver Association members, we data mined the salaries offered on LinkedIn and Employment Websites. Our goal was to get an idea of the Security Driver's Pay Scale. One of the issues we had was the definition of a Security Driver. It seems that Security Driver can be used to define a person patrolling a parking lot while unarmed- to a person responsible for supplying safe and secure transportation for an executive- and everything in between.   We also noticed that not all job offers for a Security Driver are called Security Driver. Job offers looking for a person to supply Secure Transportation have a few titles. Here are some of the Job titles we found – Security Driver – Executive Chauffeur – Executive Protection Driver -Law enforcement chauffeur – Armed Security Executive Driver – Executive Protection Agent / Driver. Along with the different job titles, there is a substantial difference in the salaries offered. Full show notes and links are available here

This Sunday, May 29th, will be the 106th running of the Indy 500. So, we thought we would apply the Science of Driving to the Indy 500 and do a simple analysis of the track and the drivers. Hopefully, it will make watching the race more enjoyable.    Full show notes are available here

Meta released their 2021 SEC 14A filing recently. As our research shows, there is year over year increase in secure transportation spending. Unlike social media posts and comments, there are businesses willing and able to hire those who meet the required ESK - Experience, Skills, and Knowledge. Full show notes are available at SecurityDriver.Com.

This episode will cover Executive Vehicle Specifications, including H-Point, Vision Line Height, Cargo Room, and how these measurements affect the safety and security of the vehicle occupants. We'll also touch on another safety topic, advanced driver assistance systems. As we have said many times, the executive vehicle is the instrument used by the Security Driving and Secure Transportation profession to earn a living. Many of our Association Members are responsible for the selection and eventual purchase of the executive vehicles. In the next few years, all vehicles, including Executive Vehicles, will be changing at an exponential rate. The Association will be researching those changes and their effect on Secure Transportation Professionals. Visit SecurityDriver.Com for the show notes and links mentioned in the episode.

When news about tires and how they affect the Security Driver and the Secure Transportation function comes into the Association's network, our members and we feel that we need to make the community aware of this important news. So here are a few news items that have come out lately that we hope can assist you. The first news item that got our attention and was the catalyst for the episode. An article from Automotive Fleet shared a statistic from the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) that mentions that 11,000 accidents are caused every year due to defective tires.  The one that caught our attention was from Autoweek Magazine – Why Do Run-Flat Tires Suck? Science, and Tradeoffs We respectfully disagree with them. The article talks about the Self-Supporting Run Flats System. These are not the type of Run-Flat that is used in most Security and Armored Vehicles. We are a big fan of Consumer Reports. We feel that they conduct the most accurate and unbiased analysis of vehicle and vehicle products. Their article – Why Tires Go Flat in Cold Weather is another news piece that got our attention. Electric Vehicles (EV's) are here to stay; as we have mentioned in the past, it is not if – but when – Security Drivers and Secure Transportation Providers will be driving electric vehicles. But in the news recently, there has been a great deal of attention focused on a particular component of the EV that needs to be examined – tires.  Full show notes and links are available at securitydriver.com.

The question that many Security Drivers and Secure Transportation providers have heard – “Why do I need a Security Driver – Why can't we use a chauffeur service?” Or – why can't we use an Uber or Lyft car? A few years ago there was an article that appeared in Security Magazine, titled “What to Look for in Travel Security and Executive Protection Services.”  While the article may be old the content is still valid. The author concludes that while the Executive is traveling, having a security-trained driver is paramount to a successful executive protection program. As the author emphasizes in the article, the benefits of a security-trained driver extend well beyond their greater ability to utilize a vehicle's performance capabilities, and we'll add, particularly in unfamiliar locations far from home. The article goes on to say that there is no formal definition of “security-trained driver” that exists; there is no central governing body whose credentials you can trust to lead you to the right provider. A “Security-trained driver” could mean anything from a military veteran with 20+ years of relevant experience to a taxi driver who's gone through a defensive driving program.  We respectfully disagree with that comment. Mention Links The origin of the 80% standard in the Science of Security Driving Chauffeur vs. Security Driver   Key Quotes "There has been a standard accepted by the corporate Kidnap and Ransom Insurance (K&R) and the High-Net-Worth (HNW) community for more than four decades. It is called the 80% standard." "A good chauffeur is concerned about not spilling the boss's coffee and avoiding bumps. Generally, chauffeurs can handle routine emergencies if they happen slowly. This has nothing in common with the skills needed for a trained security driver. " Full Show notes are available at SecurityDriver.Com   Join the International Security Driver Association The International Security Driver Association (ISDA) is the only organization in the world dedicated to supporting the advancement of professional Security Drivers and other Secure Transportation providers. Learn more about who we are, what we do, who we do it for, and member benefits; visit ISDACenter.Org.

In today's episode, we have three news stories to share – the driver of a Tesla charged with vehicular manslaughter, we'll take a look at a few executive vehicle's impressive skidpad tests and what that means for the security driver, and a new tech venture with Ford and ADT to combat thieves.  Full show notes and links click here

With all the inherent risks security drivers secure transportation service providers face on the road, there is probably none more so than road rage or aggressive driving. So, today we are talking all about road rage – what it is, how to avoid it, and some interesting statistics that show the impact of road rage.   Full Show notes and links

Hello, and welcome to our 200th episode of the EPST podcast. There are two topics for discussion in today's episode, they are the future of secure transportation, and marketing the service of secure transportation, and determining your value.   For complete show notes and links click here

The number of carjacking incidents reported by the Department of Justice is about 49,000 per year.  In some locations in the U.S., the number of Carjackings is becoming an epidemic – it can happen to anyone anywhere and anytime.  In 2020, Chicago carjackings were up a staggering 134%, with 1,416 people being forcibly removed from their vehicles. This trend has continued in 2021, with Minneapolis seeing a 38% increase, Chicago up 44%, Washington, D.C. up 45%, and New York up a whopping 81%.  As a Secure Transportation Provider or Security Driver, it is your responsibility to know if Carjacking is a risk that needs to be mitigated. For full show notes and links click here

For this week's episode we are revisiting a previous topic, tires and tire pressures, to answer a question we received, and we'll introduce a new paradigm – the Dynamic Driving and the Human Driving Tasks.  Tires and Tire Pressures The reason we spend a lot of time talking about these subjects can be found in a comment made by a Bridgestone engineer – “Tire pressure affects every aspect of the tire, including the load-carrying capacity, tread contact patch shape—where the tire touches the road—and size and handling characteristics.”  Therefore optimizing tire pressure will increase the safety and security of the principal and is essential knowledge for the Security Driver and Executive Protection Practitioner. The Dynamic Driving Task and the Human Driving Task  In all our 48 years in the profession, we would have never thought or considered that the automotive engineering community would be required to define how humans and computers interact while driving a vehicle.  A human interacting with the vehicle computers, specifically the ADAS, is called the human driving task. Read full show notes with links

We have two topics to discuss in this episode - how the infrastructure bill will impact secure transportation. Also, we'll share information on a somewhat related topic - the Lucid Air Electric Vehicle.   Full show notes and links are available here.

Welcome to episode 196 of the Executive Protection and Secure Transportation podcast.  I'm your host Larry Snow. The podcast is provided by the International Security Driver Association. Every week we share secure transportation and executive protection headlines, news, trends, and educational content for today's practitioners. For this week's episode, we reach into the archives with the topic of the science of winter driving. I know, I know, it's not winter yet,  but the days and nights are getting cooler, and winter will be here before you know it. So we felt it was the perfect opportunity to discuss winter driving and secure transportation. Let's rewind to episode 156  - the science of winter driving. Click here for show notes

In today's episode, we continue with the second installment of our Best Practices for Protective Driver Training Series. The topic for part two is benchmarking driving skills.  You can find part one here.   as serious practitioners have known for decades, statistics have indicated that the overwhelming majority of security incidents involving corporate executives – and high-profile individuals, including government and military, have occurred while the targeted individual was in or around their vehicle. Therefore, in the educated market of protective services, history and common sense dictate security practitioners address the incidents with the highest probability of occurrence, traveling by vehicle.  When considering the risk of travel by vehicle, the safety and security of vehicle occupants during this most dangerous period of time are literally in the hands of the skilled Security Driver. Click here for complete show notes

In this week's episode, we share information on a recent IIHS crash test, other OEM armored vehicles besides the Mercedes Guard Car, and the use of telematics devices for monitoring by insurance companies.   Click here for complete show notes

In this week's episode, the topic is An Answer to Question - Why do I need secure transportation? – A Marketing Tool from the IRS. On-Page 136 of Joe Autera's book “The Professional Guide to Planning, Managing, and Providing Secure Transportation is written as one of the better answers to the question - Why do I need secure transportation? A quote from the book “It has been said, time and time again, that there are only two things in life that are a certainty, death, and taxes. While no one enjoys paying taxes, virtually everyone would rather pay them than be confronted by the other. If the right conditions are met, the Security Driver is one of the few people on the face of the earth that can reduce the Principal's risk of both! Naturally, this brings us to the other elements of the business case for having a Security Driver or Solo Practitioner supporting the Principal.” Understanding the business case for Secure Transportation starts with  gaining an understanding of  IRS Regulation Part 132(5), which dictates the conditions under which corporations and/or their executives may be eligible for tax deductions when secure ground transportation is provided.” Read full show notes here

In this week's episode, the topic is Best Practices for Protective Driver Training.  This is the first in a series of podcasts that will cover Best Practices for Protective Driver Training. We have close to 50 years of experience conducting various driver training programs and services that had to withstand the scrutiny of a Corporate Security community, Corporate Legal, Human Resources, and Compliance departments. Along with Government and Military organizations, which are not bashful to tell you exactly what they think.  First and foremost, driving training is a science. When looking at driver training and the skills necessary to drive at the highest level, there has been a great deal of research done, money spent, and data collection that allows us to understand better how drivers make decisions in emergencies and how long it takes them to make the decisions that determine success or failure. The end result of all this research is the advancements that have been made in measuring driving skills and, therefore, survivability in an emergency scenario.  For the full show notes click here: https://securitydriver.com/10/192-best-practices-for-protective-driver-training/

In this week's episode of the EPST podcast, we discuss certification in Executive Protection. The podcast is provided by the International Security Driver Association. Every week we share secure transportation and executive protection headlines, news, trends, and educational content for today's practitioners.  Two topics of discussion that can dominate social media are certification and the state of training in the executive protection and secure transportation industry. In reality, certification and training are inseparable. There is a need for standardization in the EP profession.

This episode is part two on the vehicle attacks that have changed how Executive Protection and Secure Transportation practitioners work and train.  In episode 189, we covered Hans Martin Schleyer and Aldo Moro. In this week's episode, we discuss John Butler and Alfred Herrhausen. 

In this week's episode, we share an update on Mohsen Fakhrizadeh's assassination. Also, there is a significant rental car shortage in high-demand areas which may impact secure transportation providers. We shared GM's news on winning a contract to develop and build purpose-built vehicles. Lastly, we shared the importance of headlights while driving in low light conditions.

In this week's show, we share information on electric vehicle basics and another report on the armored vehicle market and why it is important. We also share lesser-known incidents and four new books authored by ISDA members.

Theft of Catalytic Converters Your vehicle has a precious metal container infused with a precious metal that is selling for about $28,000 per ounce right now; that's 15-times the price of gold. The metal is Rhodium, and the container is your Catalytic converter. The National Insurance Crime Bureau recorded 2347 thefts of the emissions-cleaning devices in December 2020, up from 578 a year earlier. Thieves are after the precious metals in the Catalytic converter that change highly toxic pollutants in the exhaust into less harmful gases. The price of one of those metals, Rhodium, spiked as high as $30,000 per troy ounce (slightly heavier than a standard ounce) last year due to an existing shortage exacerbated by the pandemic. A single cat contains about $400 worth of Rhodium. Executive Vehicle and Low Profile Tires Many of the newer Executive Vehicles, including SUVs, come with Low Profile tires. There are advantages and disadvantages to low-profile tires. Low-profile tires are all about the tire's Aspect Ratio. The Aspect Ratio of a tire is the ratio of the sidewall's height to the tire's cross-sectional width. If a tire has an aspect ratio of 60, the sidewall is 60% as high as the tire is wide.  The lower the Aspect Ratio, the shorter the sidewall. Generally, low-profile tires have an aspect ratio of 55 or less, though this can vary slightly. Car Hacking Danger Is Likely Closer Than You Think A recent article from Car and Driver magazine mentions that connected cars are great until they're not. They mentioned that a recent Detroit Free Press article shows that vehicle hacks are more common and more dangerous than most people realize. According to the report from Upstream Security, there were at least 150 automotive cybersecurity incidents in 2019, a 94 percent year-over-year increase since 2016. This trend is unlikely to reverse any time soon with more communication methods built into new vehicles, including massive over-the-air update technologies. Join the ISDA! If you have an interest in going much deeper into these types of topics, I invite you to check out the International Security Driver Association's website and consider joining the membership to gain access to the encyclopedia of executive protection and secure transportation – The ISDA Knowledge Center. For more information on all of the member benefits head over to isdacenter.org.

Preliminary numbers for the 2021 Executive Vehicle & Secure Transportation Survey A little background if you are not familiar with the survey. The Survey is conducted every two years since 2013. Over the last eight years, the survey has covered various aspects of secure transportation. The goal of the survey is to examine trends and collect data to develop a broader perspective on the secure transportation profession. The 2021 survey is unique because it covers the span of time that the industry was dealing with the Pandemic. The final report will examine the differences in the metrics covering the eight-year time span, emphasizing the change from 2019 to 2021. Driving and Sunglasses Many security drivers drive in the sunrise and the sunset. Blinding glare from low sunlight or bright light reflecting off snow, puddles, other vehicles, or even your own hood can be potentially lethal. Glare is frequently cited as the cause of traffic accidents, but the right pair of sunglasses can prevent it. There is some confusion, though, about what sunglasses you should wear when driving. ISDA asked the Federation of Manufacturing Opticians for guidance. What it Takes to Make an Armored Car Our next topic comes from an interesting and informative article from the February issue of Motor Trend Magazine. The article titled “What it Takes to Make an Armored Car” covers the process used by armored vehicle manufacturers to produce an armored vehicle. It covers the subjects of Gross Vehicle Weight Rating, Payload, the types of armored material used, such as opaque and transparent armor. The article also covers what they call overlapping, a thin band that goes around the perimeter of the door or on the vehicle's frame that prevents rounds from entering the vehicle within the seams of the door. And of course, they cover the cost of doing all that. Tom Cruise's Stolen BMW X7 Our last topic this week is one that a few EP groups were chatting about. The theft of Tom Cruise's BMW X7. It was outside Birmingham Grand Hotel while Tom Cruise was shooting for Mission Impossible 7. The vehicle was transportation for the actor Tom Cruise. It contained Mr. Cruise's luggage when the vehicle was stolen. From all reports, he was not happy, and we would imagine that the transportation providers had some explaining to do. Not knowing the actual circumstances, it's hard to place blame, but the ultimate responsibility lies with the driver and the company supplying Mr. Cruise with his transportation. What is of concern to Security Drivers and Secure Transportation providers is how the thieves stole the BMW.

Hydroplaning In the aftermath of Henri here in New England, I thought I'd lead off with the topic of  Hydroplaning and the role tires play. Hydroplaning happens when one or more tires are lifted from the road by a wedge of water that gets trapped in front of and under a tire as the vehicle drives through the water. Hydroplaning most frequently occurs during heavy rainstorms when water creates puddles on the highway. In addition to the accompanying splash and scaring the heck out of the driver, hydroplaning typically causes the steering wheel to jerk. In addition to hydroplaning, drivers need to be extra careful during heavy rains and tropical storms, be wary of potential deep standing water and other road hazards.  Mercedes' launches Pothole Speed Bump detection in select models Pothole damage costs U.S. drivers $3 billion per year, according to a study from the AAA.  Some of the more common damage is a flat tire, bent or damaged rims, suspension damage, steering damage, and even damage to the car's body. Potholes can even knock your car out of alignment.  Clearly, potholes are more than just a pain in the neck — they are a real safety hazard for drivers. According to Pothole.info, out of approximately 33,000 traffic fatalities each year, one-third involve poor road conditions. Now Mercedes-Benz is doing something to help alleviate both the dangers and the cost of damage caused by potholes.  Vehicle Crashes Remain Leading Employee Death Cause According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 38% of workplace fatalities are from vehicle accidents, and total motor-vehicle injury costs were estimated at $463.0 billion. Costs include wage and productivity losses, medical expenses, administrative expenses, motor-vehicle property damage, and employer costs. Even though traffic volume decreased significantly in 2020, our roadways have been deadlier. Last year 42,060 people died in crash-related incidents—the highest in 13 years. These highway fatalities represent a 24 percent spike compared to 2019, which was the highest fatality rate in 96 years since 1924.  The fact is that the time an executive spends in their vehicle is without a doubt the highest risk period of their day. From a safety standpoint, this is borne out by the latest statistics on fatal vehicle crashes from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).  It is important express that a Security Driver is also trained to supply safe driving. At times the Principal may not understand the secure driving is also safe driving. A good security driver operating the vehicle proactively can prevent accidents. The safety and security of the vehicle occupants during this most dangerous period of time has been and is the responsibility of the security driver. Are You Zoning out Behind the Wheel? A great article on the Axiom website about the Safety Systems in Vehicles: as a Security Driver or supplier of Secure Transportation, you are aware of how many driving tasks are now automated — speed control, braking, lane-keeping, and even changing lanes. It seems never-ending. Carmakers keep adding more automated features in the name of safety. But now, the government wants to find out if assisted-driving technology itself is dangerous by making it too easy for people to misuse. The more sophisticated the assisted-driving system, the more complacent drivers can become, abdicating their own responsibility for operating the car. This can lead to avoidable crashes and dangerous incidents that undermine public confidence in automated driving. Even with the latest technology, drivers still need to watch where they're going and be prepared to take the wheel; fully autonomous vehicles are years from widespread deployment.

The Vehicle Ambush In Mexico In a post on LinkedIn, the author commented on a recent assassination of an individual while in a vehicle. It occurred in Mexico. The author mentions, “as noted in Gavin de Becker's book, Just Two Seconds, 64% of attacks occur in and around the vehicle, and 77% of those succeed”. He also mentions the need for situational awareness. We'll add the demand for Surveillance Detection and armored vehicles. A couple of thoughts come to mind. Data says 65% of attacks occur while in or near a vehicle. How much of your time do you spend on training that mitigates the massive risk of vehicle attacks? For close to 50 years, we have preached the need for surveillance detection, situation awareness, and armored vehicles. We are still talking about incidents resulting from a lack of surveillance detection, situational awareness, and armored vehicles. Armored Vehicle Market Looking at posts on LinkedIn, one could get the impression that the civilian armored car business is booming, and they would be correct. In fact, according to Bloomberg Business Magazine, the market for bulletproof vehicles is skyrocketing, and that demand for armored vehicles in the United States is higher than ever. Also, the Los Angeles Times reported the market for “bulletproof” vehicles is exploding. We need to keep in mind that the press will always use the phrase bulletproof. According to the armored vehicle manufacturer Armomax, the market value is at $15.96 billion. I would think that that number includes the military market. All this data is pre-pandemic. Driving in the Heat We have mentioned this subject often in the last few months, but with the heatwave still affecting many countries, we feel it is worth repeating. Distracted Driving We know that drinking and driving and texting and driving are dangerous. And are hazardous to your health and the health of those who share the road with you. But we need to add another scenario to the distracted while driving series, driving while marketing.

In this episode, the topics we cover are - The Mercedes Benz 2022 S Class Armored Vehicle Using Facebook as an example, we cover the dramatic increase in the number of dollars spent on Corporate Personal Security We discuss the ASIS white paper, How to Plant Seeds to Success in the Security Industry, which we feel is a must-read Plus other topics of interest. For those that would like to go deeper into our discussion topics, there are 12 informational links in the podcast show notes.

This week's topic is the perception of speed in motorcades and training. Quick note, in the episode I'll be only referencing Imperial system measurements, however, please visit the show notes at securitydriver.com/181 for the metric system references. The ISDA 2019 Executive Vehicle Survey results indicated a dramatic increase in the use of SUVs for Executive Transportation. The results also showed that there had been a significant increase in the use of two car scenarios for Secure Transportation services. If you couple the Survey results data with the number of motorcade incidents that have occurred, it points to a problem in the making. The following is an explanation of why a two-car scenario can create a risk to the principal and some suggestions on how to mitigate that risk. The risk starts with what scientists call “driver's eye height.”

In today’s podcast episode, the topic is the Indy 500 by the Numbers. This coming Sunday, May 30th, will be the 105th running of the Indy 500, so we thought we would do a simple analysis of the track and the drivers; hopefully, it will make watching the race more enjoyable. Let’s take a look at track dimensions The Indy 500 oval track is 2.5 Miles or 4 Kilometers in length. The track consists of: Two long straightaways that are each 3,300 Feet or 1006.5 Meters in length Two short straightaways that are 660 Feet or 201 Meters long Four corners that are 1320 Feet long or 399 Meters Looking at those numbers an Indy 500 driver will spend 40% of their time in a turn. Read More here https://securitydriver.com/180

In today’s podcast episode, the topic is surveillance detection. The content for this episode is taken from an article authored by Tony Scotti which appeared in the May 1992 issue of Security Management Magazine. Throughout history, terrorists have appeared invincible. They plan their operations meticulously to ensure success, and, once implemented, they seldom fail to strike and kill their targets. If their attack is against an individual, terrorists gather information and intelligence through surveillance. To select a target, terrorists begin by picking a group of individuals. The information they collect during surveillance is used to narrow the field of candidates. When a target is finally chosen, surveillance continues. The reason terrorists succeed is that they never attack unless they have a well-organized plan, and their plan is supported by information and intelligence gathered through surveillance. Because of this factor, surveillance detection is the best way to protect unsuspecting executives from the harm planned by terrorists. The objective of surveillance is to gather information to develop a precise plan. The most important information terrorists gather from surveillance is a target’s daily schedule. Terrorists document what time their victims leave for work, what type of cars they drive, what routes they drive to work, what time they go to lunch, where they go for lunch, and where they go for leisure activity. The Terrorists’ objective is to know every step their target takes. To be successful, terrorists must take a victim by surprise. In the process of surveillance, however, terrorists often inadvertently give signals that they are organizing an attack. These signals are called pre-incident indicators.  The objective of surveillance detection is to read these signals and take action to prevent an incident. Pre-incident indicators, no matter how many or how often, must be detected and acted on. Unfortunately, many times they are ignored.   

The topic for this week's episode is the science of the lane change. If you have been to an Advanced Driving, EVOC, or Protective Driver Training Program, you have driven through a Lane Change exercise. It is a staple of most all driving programs. Over the years, feedback from former students indicates that the "Lane Change" exercise is one of the most important, if not the most important exercise, in a protective driving program. The comment we hear often is that the Lane Change instills life-saving skills. The old Scotti School and now VDI call it the Lane Change exercise, but it has different names depending on the training provider. Names like - Evasive Maneuver, Accident Avoidance, or Swerve to Avoid. No matter the exercise's name, they all have the same basic characteristics that are essential to all Protective Driving training programs. The purpose of the Lane Change is to simulate an unexpected event that can occur anytime, anyplace, and with a minimum amount of time to react. As the student approaches the exercise, they know they will need to make a decision. The Lane Change exercise is not unexpected; the driver knows that a decision needs to be made, so the exercise is not a complete surprise. Read More Here - > https://securitydriver.com/podcast

The topic for this week’s episode is a basic outline of the effects of the Vehicle Center of Gravity, Tires, and Run Flats on an Armored Vehicle.   For links and transcript go to https://securitydriver.com/177

The topic for this week’s episode is the basics of armored vehicles and their use in protective services. Since the Omar García Harfuch Ambush, we (ISDA) have received questions concerning the use of armored vehicles in protective services. For the first part of the podcast, I’ll share some of the 2019 Executive Vehicle & Secure Transportation Survey results where it pertains to armored vehicles.   In the second half of the episode, I share Armored Vehicle Basics. This is not meant to be the definitive guide to purchasing an armored vehicle. It is more to supply basic knowledge that can assist in the decision-making process. For links and transcript go to https://securitydriver.com/176

Every week we share secure transportation and executive protection knowledge, headlines, trends, and educational content. Today we are talking about the science of braking. Although most all Security Drivers realize that the higher the car's speed, the more distance required to stop, what is surprising to many drivers is how much extra distance it takes to stop a vehicle with just a small increase in speed. The braking distance increases four times each time the traveling speed doubles. This is because the work done in bringing a car to rest means removing all of its kinetic energy. So, for a fixed maximum braking force, the braking distance is proportional to the square of the velocity. Huh? Well, I did say the topic is the science of braking. Ok, let’s put this into practical terms. Read the show notes to episode 175 here -> https://securitydriver.com/175

In this week’s episode, the topic is Payload – one of the five vehicle characteristics that affect the principal and passengers’ safety and security.    This is a scenario that all Security Driver and Secure Transportation providers are familiar with; the Principal travels to a location and is met by a Security Driver. The Principal and two other executives will be transported in an SUV. Their luggage is stored in the rear of the vehicle. Depending on the number of passengers and the weight of the luggage, we now have a scenario where the driver is driving a vehicle with different operational characteristics than the one they arrived in. What created the change is the vehicle’s payload.  Show notes: https://securitydriver.com/174

In this week’s episode, we will cover a range of tire topics. Specifically tire pressure, the tire contact patch, and armored vehicles and tires. Anyone who has been to an old Scotti School or over the last 18 years to a VDI training program, knows the importance we place on tires. The ISDA is constantly monitoring the tire industry.  We spend the time and effort researching tires because no other vehicle component is susceptible to time and the environment as the tires. As a Security Driver, tires are the decision-making component of the vehicle. A decision that adds to the safety and security of your principal. Tire Pressure Basics Maintaining correct tire pressure helps optimize tire performance and fuel economy. Proper tire inflation pressure allows Security Drivers and their passengers to experience tire (ride) comfort, durability, and performance designed to match their vehicles' needs. Every time you move the controls, you are shifting weight throughout the vehicle.  These shifts are all eventually felt at the tires.  The tires’ ability to bear that weight is dependent on the tire pressures. Tires don’t support the weight of your car. It is the air pressure inside the tire that supports the car. The tire is basically a rubber container that holds the air the car rides on. Setting the correct tire pressure is required for good handling, traction, and durability. For example, a tire that requires 32 psi but is inflated to 24 psi loses 10 percent of its handling capability. That is another way of saying that low tire pressures decreased the amount of force drivers can place on the vehicle's center of gravity and still maintain control. For the rest of the show-notes go to https://securitydriver.com/173

Today’s topic is Autonomous Vehicle levels and their effects to secure transportation. On various social media outlets, news reports – vehicle ads - some have touted driverless vehicles. They are going as far as to say that driverless vehicles will soon be here. Some in the security community have asked will Autonomous vehicles eliminate the security driver profession – no, not really. That is not to say that basic autonomous vehicles are here to stay. As a Security Driver or provider of Secure Transportation, your client or principal expects you to stay current and know the ever-increasing technologies available in executive vehicles. The various levels of Autonomous vehicles and their effect on the driving task are some of those pieces of knowledge you need to have. Click here for complete transcription and links - > https://securitydriver.com/172

In this week’s episode, we are talking about the Tiger Woods accident, Event Data Recorder (EDR), and Secure Transportation.  The February 23 Tiger Woods accident has created questions concerning the Event Data Recorder (EDR) and ownership of the data collected by the EDR.  The question of who owns the EDR arose when the L.A. County Sheriff got a search warrant to seize the automotive black box in Tiger Woods’ vehicle. The warrant was issued because a judge believed that there was probable cause to believe a crime may have been committed. Law enforcement sources said that the possible offense is misdemeanor reckless driving. To better understand how this affects Secure Transportation, we need to define the function of the EDR or Black Box.  What is the Black Box – EDR  Since the term "EDR" can be used to cover many different types of devices, we believe it is important to define the term for the purposes of this podcast. When we use the term EDR, we refer to a device installed in a vehicle to record technical vehicle and occupant information for a brief period of time (seconds, not minutes) before, during, and after a crash. For instance, EDRs may record (1) pre-crash vehicle dynamics and system status, (2) driver inputs, (3) vehicle crash signature, (4) restraint usage/deployment status, and (5) post-crash data such as the activation of an automatic collision notification (ACN) system. EDRs are devices that record information related to an "event." In the context of this Podcast, the event is defined as a vehicle accident or violence.   EDRs have and can make a major impact on highway safety, assisting in real-world data collection to better define the auto safety problem, aid law enforcement, and understand the specific aspects of a crash. ISDA has written articles concerning Secure Transportation, Security Driving, and the EDR – one of the articles was called “Your Car Is Watching You" (https://securitydriver.com/01/your-car-is-watching-you/). The article is an explanation of an accident that occurred with the then Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts.   Go to show notes - https://securitydriver.com/171

In this episode, we are continuing with the results from the 2020 ISDA Training Survey. Just a quick recap from the previous episode. The purpose of the Survey was to supply those looking to enter the profession and those who want to expand their education with data that assist with the decision-making process. Also, to help those who provide training to determine the best methods of reaching their potential audience. The Survey was separated into five sections – GI Bill – Training Course Metrics – Financial - Motivation – Jobs after Training. The first Podcast covered the first three of the five topics. This Podcast episode covers what motivates students to attend a particular program and numbers concerning jobs after training. Training Motivation How did you hear about the training program(s) you attended? Word of mouth                                                            73.33% Advertising (print or digital)                                      30.67% Facebook groups or pages                                      10.67% LinkedIn groups or pages                                         10.00% What was the deciding factor(s) in selecting your training program(s)? The reputation of training provider 87.33%    Cost 33.33% Recommendation from graduates 32.67% Location 27.33% The promise of job placement 8.67%   What was your motivation to attend the training program(s)? Select all that apply Career advancement 58.67% The first step in entering the profession 41.33% Refresher Program 41.33% Sent by company 34.00% Other (please specify) 20.00% Jobs After Training We asked - If you were a part-time subcontractor before attending training, did you move to full-time Executive Protection after the training? (not including residential security)?  Yes     36.76% No       63.24% Also, we asked - Have any training providers kept in contact with you after the program(s)? Yes                     78.67% No                       21.33%   Show notes for this episode are available at SecurityDriver.Com/170 and check out some other content on the website. If you have an interest in going much deeper into these types of topics, I invite you to check out the International Security Driver Association’s website ISDACenter.Org and consider joining to get access to the encyclopedia of executive protection and secure transportation – The ISDA knowledge center. The knowledge shared encompasses a wide range of executive protection and secure transportation-focused topics with resources, information, and metrics. For more information on all of the member benefits, head over to https://isdacenter.org.

Last year ISDA conducted an Executive Protection Security Driver Training Survey. The 2020 ISDA Training Survey Results Our goals were to determine the dollar value of the Executive Protection and Security Driving training market. To acquire metrics concerning what motivates potential students to attend one program over another- such as - How did they fund their training? - How many training programs have they attended during their career? - What was their motivation to participate in the training programs? We also wanted to determine what training subjects were covered and the average length of the training programs. We looked at the number of practitioners that use their GI Bill to attend training and how much GI Bill money goes to training providers. The purpose of the survey was to supply those looking to enter the profession and those who want to expand their education with data that assist with the decision-making process. Also, to help those who provide training to determine the best methods of reaching their potential audience. The survey is separated into five sections – GI Bill – Training Course Metrics – Financial  - Motivation, and Jobs after Training. This podcast will cover three of the five topics. Our next podcast will cover what motivates students to attend a particular program and numbers concerning jobs after training. Read More on SecurityDriver.Com

Driving in reverse is a valuable driving skill to have.   Backing up slowly can be a problem but backing up fast is hard and dangerous if not done correctly. With that said, it is by far one of the most valuable driving skills to have, and a Security Driver can acquire. Along with being hard to do, it is hard to teach and, if not taught correctly – dangerous. What makes it hard and hazardous is the definition of fast. How fast you can drive in reverse is limited to the vehicle's gearing; in most vehicles, you can drive as fast in reverse, or a little quicker, as you can in 1st gear. The maximum speed depends on the type of vehicle. Very few get above 25 MPH – 40KPH, and those reverse speeds are an exciting experience.   What creates excitement is that cars are designed to go forward. Automobile suspensions possess a quality known as "caster." Caster is the force that helps to straighten out the front wheels after turning a corner. Caster also gives the car stability while traveling forward. Unfortunately, this stabilizing forward force destabilizes the car while it's in reverse. Also, the difficulty is that while driving in reverse, the steering wheel will not center automatically. If you loosen your grip, it will stay in its last position. This is a characteristic of "vehicles in reverse," which creates an unstable vehicle.   The issue is that since the car becomes unstable while traveling backward, small changes in steering wheel movement cause significant changes in the way the car reacts to your inputs. Of course, the faster you go in reverse, the more complicated control becomes. There is nothing you can do about caster. You need to understand that it's there, live with it and learn to control it.   Also, adding to the excitement of driving in reverse is that the correct direction to move the wheel can be confusing. The problem is mainly perceptual. The proper way to move the wheel is quite simple: Move the top of the steering wheel in the direction you wish the car to move. It's no different from what you do while driving forward; it just feels different in reverse.   Read more

The Essence of Security Driving is Found in the Security Drivers Triangle. The driver's ability to avoid vehicle violence does not depend solely on their ability to control the vehicle. A driver is at the mercy of the environment and of the vehicle, they are driving. Driving, any form of driving, is a balance, and that balance is called the "driving system." The driving system is made up of three components: THE DRIVER, THE MACHINE, and THE ENVIRONMENT. In our world, it is called the Security Drivers Triangle. If a triangle's failure causes an accident or a successful ambush, the driver, the vehicle, or the environment failed. The Driving System is taken from an age-old concept called "The Safety Triangle." The Safety Triangle is made up of three components:  THE MAN, THE MACHINE, and THE ENVIRONMENT. It was initially used around the beginning of the industrial revolution when people started to interact with machines. The Safety Triangle was used as a tool to prevent industrial accidents – merely pointing out that when an accident occurs, it is caused by one of the components of the Safety Triangle failing. The automotive industry adopted the concept and called it the Driving System and used the idea to define accident causation. Five decades back, the Scotti School used the same model to describe Security Driving and Secure Transportation. Our model redefined the Triangle's corners to reflect the Security Driver and Secure Transportation profession's needs. Suppose there is a vehicle accident or a successful act of vehicle violence, one of three things failed. In that case, The Man – which is the Driver, the Machine – which is the Vehicle or the Environment – which in our model is not only weather, road conditions, etc. – it includes the security environment. Visit the show notes to read more on the Security Drivers Triangle available at SecurityDriver.Com/Podcast

There are two words that are often used in the automotive industry and protective driver training vernacular the words are handling and cornering. To get a better understanding of how the driver interacts with the vehicle requires understanding the difference between Handling and Cornering. While conducting a driver training program understanding this interaction is a must – when running a secure transportation operation, knowledge of this interaction adds to the principal’s safety and security. Read more on SecurityDriver.Com

Ensuring the passengers’ safety and security requires the driver to have the knowledge, skill, and experience to control the vehicle when confronted with an emergency. The emergency does not necessarily need to be a security scenario; it can often be an accident-producing situation.  As we have mentioned many times in the past, research and science define driving skill as the driver’s “ability” to use the vehicle’s “capability.” Former VDI or Scotti School students know that we were and are anal about training our students to maximize the vehicle’s capability. The more of the vehicle’s capability the security driver can use, the higher the probability that the driver will avoid an accident or other life-threatening scenario.  To pass the VDI course or be certified as an ISDA Security Driver, a driver must demonstrate they can use a minimum of 80% of the vehicle’s capability. The simple scientific fact is that every tenth of a percent that VDI can train the driver’s ability to use the vehicle’s capability is a lifesaving skill. But it is hard to conceptualize how a 1% increase in driver ability increases the principal and passengers’ safety and security; hence, an explanation is in order. Safety/Security and the Concept of G’S We need to explain the G forces’ effect on the Driver/ Principal/Vehicle safety and security. The best way to understand a specific vehicle’s safety dynamics is by understanding how G-forces affect the driver/vehicle’s capability to stay in control. Anytime the steering wheel is moved while the car is in motion, a lateral or sideways force is created. This force is pushing in the opposite direction the car is turning.  The term G’s is a measurement of the force acting on the car. It is this force that determines if the driver can stay in control of their vehicle. A tenth of a G can make the difference between avoiding a potential accident or vehicle attack scenario – or not. Scenario A – at a given speed, if the path of a 4,000 Lb/1814.4 Kg car is altered in a way that produces one G, that one G of force is equivalent to 4,000 Lb/1814.4 Kg of force pushing on the vehicle center of gravity (CG) pushing the vehicle away from its desired path. There is a simple equation that is used to determine the amount of force pushing on the vehicle. The amount of force pushing on the car is equal to the G’s times the vehicle’s weight.   Scenario B – At that same given speed in scenario A, if we turned the steering wheel of our 4,000 Lb/1814.4 Kg car in such a way that .7G was created, then we would have created 2,800 lbs./1270 Kg of force. We came to those numbers by multiply the vehicle weight times .7 G’s or 4,000/1814.4 Kg X .7 g’s = 2,800 lbs./1270 Kg.   If the car weighed 3,000 lbs/1361 Kg and the steering wheel was turned the same number of degrees at the same speed, and the vehicle took the same path, the equation would read 3,000 lbs/1361 Kg (the vehicle weight)  X .7 g’s or 2,100 lbs/953 Kg of force, and so forth.  Understand the lateral G-forces created in a turn are based upon both the vehicle’s speed, weight, and how much the steering wheel is moved or the degree, or sharpness, of the turn. The purpose of using G’s as a measuring tool G’s are used as a measurement of driving skills and method of testing vehicle capability. The purpose of using G’s instead of weight for a measuring tool is because saying that “there are 2,800 lbs./1270 Kg. of force being exerted on the car” does not tell us very much.   The 2,800 lbs./1270 Kg. of force number is meaningless unless the weight of the car is also known. For instance, if 3,000 lbs/1361 Kg of force is exerted on a 5,000 lb/2268Kg car, that’s no big problem.  However, if you take a corner in such a way that 3,000 lbs/1361 Kg. is being exerted on a 2,000 lb/907 Kg car, you’re in big trouble.  It’s far easier to say, “This vehicle is designed to absorb .7 Gs.” If we use a 5,000 lb/2268Kg car for this example, then .7 Gs means the vehicle can absorb 3,500 lbs/1588 Kg of force before becoming unstable. (5,000 lb/2268Kg x .7 g’s)  If we use our lightweight 2,000 lb/907 Kg car, then that .7 Gs is the equivalent of 1,400 lbs./635 Kg of force. (2,000 lb/907 Kg x .7 g’s)  G’S X WEIGHT OF CAR = HOW MUCH WEIGHT (FORCE) IS PUSHING ON THE CAR. Now to the original question  Why for decades have we been adamant about ensuring students reach 80% or more of the vehicle’s capability, and while conducting training, the instructors will spend an inordinate amount of time ensuring you can use every tenth of a G the vehicle offers? The answer – a tenth of a G could mean the difference between surviving or not surviving. Here is an example: Using the science of driving and applying metrics and equations that are familiar and often used in accident reconstruction technology, we can conceptualize the value of adding .1 G to the driver skill level. If the vehicle is traveling 40 MPH/64.4 KPH in a vehicle/driver combination that can handle at .85 G’s, and there was an object (barrier) that measures 10 Feet/3.1 Meters wide in front of the driver, they would need approximately 49 Feet/15 Meters of distance to clear the barrier. With all the parameters the same as above, such as vehicle position and speed (40 MPH/64.4 KPH) with a Vehicle/Driver combination that handled at .7 G’s, The driver would need approximately 55 Feet/17 Meters of distance to clear a barrier that 10 Feet/3.1 Meters. If traveling 40 MPH/64.4 KPH with a Vehicle/Driver combination that handled at .6 G’s, the driver would need approximately 59 Feet / 18 Meters distance to clear a barrier that is 10 Feet/3.1 meters. Same scenario traveling 40 MPH/64.4 KPH but now with a Vehicle/Driver combination that handled at .5 G’s the driver would need approximately 65 Feet/19.8 Meters distance to clear a 10 Feet/3.1 Meter barrier. With all the parameters the same as above, such as vehicle position and speed (40 MPH/64.4 KPH) but now with a Driver/Vehicle combination that can handle only .4 G’s, they would need approximately 72 Feet/ 22 Meters of distance to clear the same barrier. Every 10th of a G that you can use gives you more time and distance to drive out of the problem – this is why computers are needed to measure the driver’s ability to use the vehicle’s capability. These measurements can be computed using a radar gun and accurately measuring the vehicle’s path through individual exercises.  Understanding the concept of lateral acceleration is a must for a security driver.   Sign up for the Executive Protection and Secure Transportation Magazine. It is one of the oldest Protective Services publications in the profession. EPST Magazine was first published in the mid-1980s. At that time, it was a quarterly newsletter read by the Protective Service community. EPST covers all facets of the protective services profession. Many of the articles are authored by ISDA members with an average of 18 years of experience. The Magazine is of value to all practitioners working or entering the protection profession – and it’s free. Sign Up for the Magazine

The topic for this week’s episode is Vehicle Dynamics and Passing. Passing the vehicle in front of you is one driving skill we often do but don’t give it much thought. Once you decide to pass a vehicle in an urban environment, realize, and remember that you and your car will be spending a good deal of time in the wrong lane. To give you an idea of how much time and distance, consider this scenario. If you are traveling at 50 mph or 80KPH and passing the average sedan or SUV going 40 mph or 64 KPH, you will need about 10 seconds and 736 feet or 225 Meters to complete the pass safely.  Essential points you can use to help in the decision-making process. Is the car you are about to pass aware of your presence? Sometimes it appears apparent that it is, but don’t assume the car in front of you is aware of your presence and that the driver will react rationally. Don’t assume the vehicle you’re passing has Blind Spot Detection System.  Are there side roads ahead that may hide a car about to turn into your path?  Even if you can’t see them, assume they’re there. How long is all this going to take?  Do you have enough time to pass and get back in your lane? Estimating whether or not the pass is safe requires quick thinking. You haven’t got much time.  Check your mirrors before you pass; it’s just good sense to check your mirrors before you make any move with your car. There are some critical issues A. The speed of the vehicle you are about to pass. B. The speed of your vehicle  The critical issue is the difference in speed between your vehicle and the vehicle you’re passing. For example, if you are traveling 60 mph or 96.6 KPH and the vehicle you are passing is 40 mph or 64 KPH, you will be in the opposite lane for 450 feet or 137 meters and 5.3 seconds. Keep your speed at 60 mph or 96.6 KPH and change the speed of the vehicle you’re passing to 30 mph or 48 KPH; you will be in the opposite lane for 300 feet or 91.5 Meters and 3.5 seconds. The bigger the speed differential between vehicles, the less distance and time you will be in the wrong lane. Even a speed differential of 10 mph or 16 KPH between the vehicle you are passing creates a significant difference in the amount of time you are in the opposite lane. C. When do you pull out to pass? Start to pass from a safe following distance. Do not speed up directly behind a vehicle and then turn out suddenly to pass. The closer you are to the vehicle in front of you, the more you will have to move the steering wheel to drive around it. Always keep in mind the fundamental laws of physics, “Combining high speeds with a lot of steering can be harmful to your health.”  But how far ahead is far enough? There are so many variables that it is hard to come up with absolute numbers. The distance to pull out depends on your speed, the speed of the vehicle you are passing, and the length of the vehicles involved. Also, the closer you are to the vehicle in front of you, the harder it is to see around them. You cannot safely pass unless you can see far enough ahead to be sure that you can get back in the lane before meeting any traffic coming from the opposite direction.  Many Security Drivers use SUVs as the Principal Vehicle. We need to talk about SUVs and passing. Due to their high center of gravity, you need to leave much more room between you and the car you are about to pass. You must start your pass sooner than you would if you were in a sedan. If the driver pulls up too close to the vehicle in front, the driver will need to make a sharper turn to pull around the vehicle. D. When do you pull in front of the vehicle once you have completed the pass? As you go by another vehicle, be sure there is plenty of distance between your vehicle’s right side and the left side of the other car.  You have not finished passing until you get back onto your side of the road or in the lane where you belong, leaving the vehicle you have just passed at a safe following distance behind you. Some guidelines For example, if the vehicle you are passing is traveling at 30 mph or 48 KPH, and you are traveling 60 mph, or 97 KPH, leave 60 feet or 18 Meters clear before returning to your side of the road (20 feet or 6 Meters for every ten mph of speed differential). A good rule of thumb is that you can usually be sure it is safe to return to the right side of the road when you can see the vehicle you have passed in your rearview mirror. When it comes to passing, there are some “never-dos.” Never pass on curves. Never pass at intersections. Never pass when crossing railroad tracks. Never pass at night when you can’t see far ahead of you. We mentioned that – “If the driver pulls up too close to the vehicle in front of them, they will need to make a sharper turn to pull around the vehicle they are passing. In an SUV, you need to leave yourself much room if you will attempt a pass.”  This scenario presents the driver with the difference between having sufficient time and distance to drive around an object, in this case, a moving vehicle in front of them, or not having the time and distance to make a smooth transition around the object. These two events are the difference between emergency maneuvering versus cornering which leads to the next discussion.  Emergency Maneuver vs. Cornering  Training to avoid an emergency is difficult for both the student to learn and the instructor to teach. When a driver is confronted with an emergency, the amount of turning, steering, and braking needed to get out of trouble are not predetermined; in fact, that’s why it’s called an emergency. When the driver is confronted with an emergency – it’s “Holy Stuff,” and then the driver goes to work. From a vehicle dynamics perspective, an emergency maneuver is different from driving through a corner. When driving through a corner, the energy applied to the vehicle’s center of gravity is being applied relatively slowly and smoothly. I know it does not seem slow from inside the vehicle, but from the vehicle dynamics point – it is. There is a big difference between energy applied to the vehicle going through a corner at speed and the energy applied to a vehicle during an emergency maneuver. In an emergency, a massive spike of energy is applied to the vehicle’s center of gravity. Again, the driver does not purposely put a high spike of energy on the vehicle. Consider that if they are moving at the rate of 40 MPH or 64 KPH and an obstacle is in their path 75 feet 23 Meters away, they are 1.25 seconds away from the obstacle. Since it is a surprise, the driver’s reaction time will eat up at least half a second. At that point, the driver has to apply enough energy to move the vehicle away from the obstacle and not too much energy that would cause the vehicle to go out of control and do all that in a couple of tenths of a second, in the blink of an eye. The event’s success will depend on the vehicle’s speed, how quick the steering wheel is moved, and the student/vehicle capability. Racing fans may consider the following blasphemy. But when the vehicle’s center of gravity gets hit with a large spike of energy, it does things that would challenge the best racer. The driver will need to perform an emergency maneuver with a vehicle that has about 75% less handling capability than the average race car. That is one hell of a dance. The skill needed to drive out of an emergency is not something you learn driving lines and apexes. It is a skill learned in the lane-change exercise. The exercise’s dimensions, the speed the students enter, and when the signal is given for the lane change all need to be synchronized. It is one of the most valuable skills taught when it’s all together and working. That’s it for this week, be sure to subscribe to the podcast, and if you’ve been listening for a while, we’d really appreciate it if you gave us a review. It would be great to hear from you and let us know how we are doing – good or bad, hopefully, more good than bad. Thanks so much for listening to this week’s episode. For more articles on secure transportation and executive protection, I invite you to check out the International Security Driver Association and become a member.  By becoming a member you’ll get 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.  For more information on all of the member benefits head over to https://isdacenter.org. You can reach me by email at lsnow@isdacenter.org.

Hello, and welcome to episode 163 of the EPST podcast. I'm your host, Larry Snow. The topic for this week’s episode is the huge increase in carjackings. Statistically, driving the principal from point A to point B has been the highest risk the principal faces during their daily routine. A not so new risk needs to be added to that trip, and that is the dramatic increase, in fact, a staggering increase in carjackings in parts of the United States during the pandemic. If you are not familiar with the term, a carjacking is a violent, potentially fatal version of auto theft. Do a Google search for carjackings under the News tab you’ll see 3 New Year’s Day carjackings in St. Louis, another in Chicago, more in Oakland, and Washington D.C. According to ABC News, Minneapolis police report that carjackings there have shot up 537% this year. Carjacking calls to 911 in New Orleans are up 126%. Oakland police cite an increase of 38%. In Chicago, in all of 2019, there were 501 incidents of carjackings. So far that number has more than doubled to 1,125 this year, according to the latest Chicago police statistics. One of the reasons given for the increase – came from a criminal justice professor - "If we weren't in a pandemic and you saw a guy coming up to your car with a mask on, you probably would freak out and hit the gas pedal," he explained. "But nowadays, everyone's wearing masks. So, there's this anonymity part of the pandemic that I think many criminals are taking advantage of." Another reason there for the increase in carjackings is the impact of COVID on police departments across the country. Law enforcement has been hampered by the need to minimize officer’s exposure to COVID.  In a recent report from the Police Executive Research Forum, 1100 of the NYC Police Dept had positive COVID tests in December alone. Similarly, Boston Police Commissioner William Gross stated that “right now, the Police Department has an uptick in COVID-19.  229 of my 2,100 sworn officers are out. That’s going to greatly impact how we do business.” With all this in mind, we thought we’d dip into the podcast archives and replay for you an episode I did from August 16th, 2018. Some closing thoughts As a solo practitioner or security driver continue to be vigilant and aware of your surroundings, leave space between you and the vehicle in front of you while in traffic so that you can more easily make an escape, discuss a plan with your principal in the event you are carjacked. We have links to the 3 Seconds to Safety Booklet and additional material in the show notes available at SecurityDriver.Com/163

As 2020 comes to a welcome end, we reflect on the effects COVID-19 had and look into its impact on the profession. There is no doubt that Covid-19 has changed Secure Transportation; the question remains: for 2021, how long the changes will last, and will those changes be permanent. It is impossible to accurately predict the overall impact that the COVID crisis will have on the Protection industry, but as we move into 2021, these are some thoughts and metrics. Thoughts and Metrics As in any crisis, those who can adapt to the changes will survive, and those who can't - won't. The financial impact on the Secure Transportation profession is unmeasurable. Not only was Secure Transportation, but also the Pandemic had a profound effect on Executive Protection and Event Security. How long this will last and can all of us survive is a question that, at this time, is hard to answer. But there are some basic business concepts that we can use as a guideline. Adaptability was the keyword for any business to survive in 2020 against the economic fallout from COVID. EP and ST training providers had to adapt to online classrooms and webinars. In-person conferences and training became online virtual events. Zoom became a household name and a business need. You had to understand the technology and how to market an online event. Businesses needed to rely more heavily on social media for marketing and communicating to clients on safety policies. Those that supply Secure Transportation and own their vehicles may have to look for other revenue sources outside the security. Many have already done so. Something that you can do. Market that your cars have been sanitized.  We suggest creating a marketing program outlining your sanitation process. We recommend that you read Joe Autera/VDI article - Guidelines for Disinfecting and Sanitizing Executive Vehicles; a link is supplied in the show notes. When this is all over, and it will be, there will be a pent-up travel demand for corporate and high net worth, but they'll be a new paradigm as far as what is required from those who supply Secure Transportation; we suggest you get a head start. Inoculations and vehicle sanitization will be vital to the decision-makers. This also applies to sub-contractors that use rental vehicles while supplying Secure Transportation. Whether you are for or against vaccinations for COVID-19, we suggest you keep in mind that your personal beliefs are not what needs to be marketed. Talking to our corporate members in the future, those who subcontract Secure Transportation will require proof of vaccination and evidence of the vehicle's thorough cleansing.  These are not facts but predictions; insurance providers will require proof of vehicle sanitization, and those close to the principal, including the driver, will need to show proof of vaccination. Training The effect of Covid-19 on EP and Security Driver training is immeasurable; it is our opinion that the major training providers, those that have an established market base, and were successful before the Pandemic, will survive and will do well in 2021, and well beyond. We see a trend by those who conduct training to get into the online training market, which, Pandemic and no Pandemic, in our opinion, is the right business decision. Some metrics from our training survey, when the question was asked, "How did you hear about the training program you attended? 72% answered Word of Mouth (WOM), and 10% answered through Facebook or LinkedIn posts. Those training providers who had a strong word of mouth working for them before COVID-19 will still have word of mouth working for them when this all comes to an end. Look at those offering online training and understand that not all providers are created equal, this is not a criticism, but an observation backed by 45 plus years in the profession.  We suggest practitioners concentrate on soft skills.  We also suggest that practitioners take this time to learn more about the IRS regulations concerning Secure Transportation and get very familiar with the K&R insurance business. As far as Secure Transportation is concerned, those are the two primary drivers for high-end market corporations and high net worth people to use Secure Transportation.  We suggest that you concentrate your knowledge and learning experience on the business end and your profession. It'll be those who understand the concept of marketing in the post-pandemic environment that will have an advantage.  Another survey question asked, What was the deciding factor for you attending the training program? 85% answered the reputation of the training provider. So, those training providers with a strong client base and a good reputation before the Pandemic, in my opinion, should thrive in 2021. In 2020 the increase in those marketing EP and Security Driver training programs increased exponentially. We have no metrics to back this up. Our opinion is that they will not make it through 2021. But it is also our opinion more will take their place in 2021. Also, as we had mentioned many times in the past, those training providers who supply knowledge at no cost before attending their training program do well. They did well in 2020, working through the Pandemic, and they'll do well in 2021. Sharing knowledge was a powerful marketing tool during the Pandemic, and it will be in the future. The Future? History says that vehicle ambushes are not going away. Over the last six months of 2020, a series of vehicle attacks have gathered a considerable amount of news. Two of which were discussed in previous podcast episodes – 161 and 143. The statistic that has been around for decades is still in effect. 85% of all attacks against the principal occur in or near the vehicle. That statistic did not change in 2020, and it will not change in 2021 or anytime soon. All one needs to do is look at 2020. The attacks on Omar Garcia Harfuch and the Iranian nuclear scientist made international headlines. Vehicle attacks in Mexico are almost a daily occurrence. The truck hijacking of the Apple products in the UK did not make major headlines. However, it's still a problem for those who need to supply Secure Transportation. This is 100% certain – what will not go away in 2021 or the future is the IRS regulations and code concerning executive travel and Secure Transportation. As we have said many times, the IRS has created and still will have one of the best motivators for using your services. We cannot stress what we mentioned above understand the IRS code and, if applicable, use it in your marketing. The same is true concerning the kidnap and ransom insurance. K&R has been around for decades. It also will be around for the foreseeable future. Again, we suggest you understand it and use it to your advantage. In 2020 our membership, by volunteering their knowledge and skill through articles shared through our network, reached more than 50,000 Executive Protection and Secure Transportation professionals. Since the inception of ISDA, through our members, we have shared well over 400 pieces of knowledge to the community at no charge. ISDA is confident that our members will continue sharing their knowledge in 2021. That will bring us to the end of another episode of the EPST podcast. The last of our podcast episodes until 2021. I hope you’ll join us then. Show notes for this episode are available at the SecurityDriver.Com website. On behalf of myself, Tony Scotti, and our members, we wish you a safe and Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. As David Cameron once said, "Christmas gives us an opportunity to pause and reflect on the important things around us."

The topic for this week’s episode is an outline of the assassination of Iranian Senior Nuclear Scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh. Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, dubbed the father of the Iranian nuclear program, held the rank of brigadier general in Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). According to intelligence reports, he was responsible for Iran's development of nuclear warheads on ballistic missiles. On Friday, November 27th, 2020, at 2:15 PM, Fakhrizadeh was ambushed while traveling in an armored Nissan Teana on a rural road in Absard. In the past, we've conducted many forensic analyses on attacks similar to the attack on Fakhrizadeh.  But analyzing this ambush was a challenge. The open-source pictures and explanations and reported information on how the attack occurred did not match the data gathered from Google Map images. Reports on how, where, and who conducted the ambush varied from completely automated facial recognition satellite remote control machine gun mounted in a pickup truck with no attacker's present – to 12 attackers and a pick-up truck, motorcycle, two snipers plus 40 to 50 support personnel. We know for sure that the principal was in the middle vehicle of a three-car convoy. He was sitting in the back seat of the armored Nissan Teana sedan. The Nissan Teana is a vehicle used by officials of the Iranian defense ministry. His three-vehicle convoy consisted of a lead security car, the Principal's vehicle, and a follow vehicle. The convoy left the highway and turned onto Absard Rd., a two-lane road leading into the town of Absard. What is also known is that his security team was warned that there could be an attempt on his life; other reports mentioned that they were also notified that they were under surveillance. Many conflicting accounts came out of Iran concerning the assassination, but there are common elements to all of them when reviewing the reports.