Executive Protection & Operational Security

Executive Protection & Operational Security

With the Gemini Awards and TIFF 2011 being hosted in Toronto this year I feel it is a great time to bring up an important subject when dealing with celebrities and high-profile clients. I will touch on some general points regarding OPSEC as it pertains to working a protective detail or static building security.

To start off let us have a brief walk-through of the roles and responsibilities for the EP operative.

1) Protect the physical well-being of the client

2) Protect the image of the client

3) Protect the clients personal / business integrity

I am noticing a disturbing trend recently with the usage of facebook and other social media. Mainly I am referring to the posting of photographs and information to the public, which may seem harmless at first but can have far-reaching effects. While EP attracts a certain “A type” personality we must do our best to keep our egos in check. Everyone wants the spotlight. Such OPSEC holes may include not publishing photographs of a client unless specific permission is given; also avoid names, places, dates and times.

With the security permissions and rules forever changing on facebook (sometimes for the worse) it is recommended you routinely check your settings. Also consider this: I once watched as a friend posted his time/location data for a whole night out on the town. Can you be sure others on your team are not doing the same?

Remember that not all electronic devices and smart phones will have your security in mind. Meta tags and geo-caching data can potentially get you and your client into a big mess rather quick.

A practical scenario may unfold as follows:

One simple action done hundreds of thousands of times a day. In this case with the potential to end the clients career as well as yours.


The role of a security guard as static or on-site security is JUST as important to the overall OPSEC picture. As on-site security, you should not feel threatened or intimidated by a Protective Detail. In-fact any good EP Team Leader will want to sit down with you. As on-site security you are the best resource for up to date and reliable information. Just remember they have a job to do, and a happy working relationship between the EP team and building security staff will ensure everything goes smoothly.

Keep the above in mind however when regarding OPSEC. By telling your friends or family who is attending the event you may have just undone days or months of work. The smallest leak can snowball into epic proportions in the blink of an eye.

The same goes for telephone communications; often times a person will try to coerce the locations and status of individuals. A standard response should be “I cannot provide that information at this time, if you would like I can forward a message on your behalf.” Often times even acknowledging the presence of an individual can open a security hole. Once someone with ill intent has confirmation that his or her target is indeed in attendance half of the work is done.



I hope this article has refreshed some memories on proper Operational Security in regards to Executive Protection and Security.

Stay safe