IU Strike Team Protection Handbook(1)

Witness Protection/Escort Handbook

Author: Johnny Burnett

(( Los Santos Roleplay, All rights reserved to Traveler )) Internal Use Only - All rights reserved, Johnny Burnett, SASD IU

Chapters:

1. Historical Introduction to the VIP Protection/Escort Duties

2. Preparation, equipment and vehicles

a. Mental and physical shape of the protection officer

b. Equipment and firearms

c. Types of vehicles and operational usage

3. Formations, tactics, kidnapping attempts, terrorist attacks

a. Formations by foot or vehicle

b. Escape and combat tactics

4. Modus Operandi of the potential attackers

a. The 7 steps of an assassination

b. Ways of assassination

c. Materials or weapons of assassination


1. Historical Introduction to the Protection/Escort Duties

The need for protection of an individual has been always a serious issue since the

very old times. Through history we have witnessed a number of assassinations that

in their majority, have managed to succeed due the lack of training or awareness of

the protection personnel that were conducting protection/escort duties in charge for

the safety of the assassinated individual.

However a VIP (Very Important Person), is not only a politician or a diplomat or a

individual with high social status, but also a witness, a prisoner during an escort to a

high facility prison or even a government employee such as the Chief of Police

himself. As you can realize according to the above description, being a Protection

Officer or conducting personal protection duties involves multiple characters, with

different habits from different categories of our community. So it is mandatory to

have great communicational skills, common sense, be responsible, maintain proper

behavior no matter what happens and always hold important information about the

individual that you are protecting.

A successful protection officer is not the one who weighs 200 pounds and carries a

desert eagle .50, but the one who has the ability to analyze the incidents very fast

and efficiently by using common sense. The firearm is for the self protection of the

officer or for the protection of the individual. Most of the times, during a VIP escort

when it comes to firearms and gunshots it means that the protection team has failed

to fulfill their mission. Something more important than the VIPs life is the life of the

protection officer, cause if the protection officer is neutralized then the VIP is been

considered helpless and most likely in some situations deceased.


It is crucial to remember the 6 duties of a protection officer:

1. Preserve your safety and the safety of the VIP.

2. Preserve the social image of the VIP if he is an official.

3. Always make sure that you operate according to a plan.

4. Always make sure you have a plan B.

5. Always make sure you have a good relation with the VIP, so it will be easier to

make him realize that you know what its best for him.

6. Always act and operate as a team. Each person has a key role, he is not placed in

his position randomly.

7. Make sure you always have enough intelligence about the VIP and his

environment.

Watch how confident George Bush the older is on that picture about his protection team, as

well as for the rest of the local authorities that takes part on this operation.


2. Preparation, equipment and vehicles

2a. Mental and physical shape of the protection officer

It is important for you to know that, the job of protecting someone is not easy. On

the contrite it is very demanding and sometimes you might forget that you have a

personal life. So it is very important to ask yourself if you fit for this job. In order to

execute a duty with such a high responsibility, you always need to be in good mood

no matter what happens. Even if you got issues in your personal life you need to let

those behind once you attend at your work. You need to be ready to fulfill any

mission that might be given by your agency and always have positive thinking. If you

ever feel that today is not a good day for you, immediately notify your superiors and

ask to be replaced. The day you bring your problems at work , is the day that you will

lose your target or even your own life.

Now concerning your physical shape it is mandatory to maintain it on a high level,

according to the ancient Greeks a mind is healthy when the body is healthy. The

nature of the work is often physically demanding, you might even need to adjust

your fitness program sometimes with the targets program if we are talking about a

long term assignment next to someone. That could be a joking run every morning for

miles or even regular everyday escort by foot. Remember wherever the target goes

you go as well. Last but not least, always make sure you have a proper appearance

and behavior.


2b. Equipment and firearms

The standard equipment that you need to carry is the following:

1. Level III ballistic protection vest. Sometimes level IV if we have to deal with a high

risk protection operation.

2. A personal radio system that comes with an earpiece and a thumb button

attached on your wrist (if it is a formal circumstance).

3. A pair of sunglasses if it is daylight.

4. A clean suit if it is a social event and a pair of comfortable shoes. Remember you

might have to walk for miles, if you have been assigned next to a government official

they like to be in touch with their voters and feel close to them. Or your tactical,

equipment if it is a high profile, tactical operation.

5. Always make sure you carry a first aid kit on the trunk of the convoy vehicles, as

well as gas masks for the VIP and you, in case of a tear gas attack and smoke

grenades in case of an ambush or in order to retreat.

The firearms and items that you need to carry are the following:

1. Your agency issued handgun or any other handgun of your choice.

2. A backup handgun if it is possible.

3. Your department issued sub-machinegun or assault rifle.

4. A concealed duty belt in order to carry the following items (if you are dressed

formally).

5. Your concealed inside pants holster. (if you are dressed formally)

6. Your dual extra magazines belt pouch. (if you are dressed formally)

7. A pair of cuffs, in order to detain the individual till the uniformed units arrives.


2c. Types of vehicles and operational usage

There are two types of vehicles that we can use during a VIP escort. Marked ones

and unmarked ones. And 6 types of vehicles, sedan, motorbikes, SUVs, helicopters,

limos and boats. We may use them according to the importance of the mission and

the threat level. All of the vehicles must hold a powerful engine, preferably with

automatic transmissions in order for the retreat maneuvers to be conducted easier

and of course bulletproof.

During escorts it is preferable for the escort team to use unmarked ones, because of

the fact that unmarked vehicles draws less attention to the public, and it is more

difficult for the assassinators or terrorists to understand on which car the VIP has

been placed. Now usually the SUVs and the sedans can be used to escort the VIP on

the ground, and ensure that the VIP will arrive at the desirable destination safely.

However the helicopters can be used as well if we want the VIP to be transferred

safely and fast to a specific destination in order to eliminate the fact of a ground

attack, if we have received intel that an attack will take place on his way in. The

motorbikes can be used for recon, that means before our convoy is ready to move

we can send the a couple of motorbikes to check the area before the VIP arrives and

gives additional detail besides the ASU. Also the motorbikes can be used during an

ambush as a very powerful tool against the attackers for the simple fact, that we can

have two individuals on the vehicle, one who is driving and one who is shooting. In

that case if the attackers are going to try to assassinate the VIP from inside their

vehicles the motorbike can be a very efficient weapon. However the motorbike is

not recommended for escort due the lack of safety that is riding on it.


3. Formations, tactics, kidnapping attempts, terrorist attacks

3a. Formations by foot or vehicle

This is one of the most important parts of this handbook. It is mandatory and crucial

to understand the importance of the formations that can be used during a

VIP/Witness escort operation.

First we will have a closer look on the positions of each officer that consist our team

in order to realize better the formations. Each officer holds a number and each

number has a list of specific tasks to perform during an operation.

Number 1: He is the team leader, the closest person to the VIP. Wherever the VIP

goes he is following as well, either if it is a very personal meeting in a public place

while the additional operators secures the perimeter, or inside the VIPs vehicle or

even during emergency getaways. That is why he is called The Best man in the

terminology of the VIP/Intelligence Protection.

Number 2: He is the co leader of the team, the second closest person to the VIP.

Usually if number 1 is not there he is the one in charge of the team. If number 1 is

next to the VIP in a personal meeting in his office or in a social meeting, number 2 is

the one who coordinates the perimeter and reports to number 1 the situation

outside in case something suspicious is going on.

Numbers 3,4,5,6: Those are the additional force of the team. They are the ones who

have to conduct multiple tasks during an operation, according on what is going to be

ordered by number 1 and number 2. However the fact this officers are not carrying

any leading roles, does not mean that theyre not important as number 1 and 2. All

officers are important and hold a key position in the mission, so it is expected by

number 1 and 2 to treat them accordingly.


There is a variety of formations during an operation that are categorized as:

1. Foot formations

A team can be composed by 3 till 6 operators. However it is strongly recommended

to have at least 5 operators in order to ensure the safety of the VIP by almost any

kind of potential threats.

a) Formation conducted by 3 officers:

In this graph we see a task conducted by 3 officers. However you can clearly see that

it not very efficient because of the fact that the side sectors on 3 oclock and 9

oclock are totally uncovered, so it is hard for the team to be aware of what is going

on all the time.

Pros: Enough protection in the front and the rear.

Cons: Side sectors are totally exposed.


b) Formation conducted by 4 officers:

In this graph we see a task conducted by 4 officers. However you can also clearly see

here that 3 oclock is totally uncovered, so there is a strong possibility for the team

and the VIP to be endangered by the right side, something that would be

catastrophic.

Pros: Covering most of the angles.

Cons: Right sector is still exposed.


c) Formation conducted by officers:

In this graph we see a task conducted by 5 officers. It is clearly indicated that almost

every aspect of the protection circle is covered. It is a perfect example of a

complete formation that ensures the safety of the VIP. That is why is recommended

that a team should be consisted from at least 5 officers.

Pros: All angles and sectors can be covered.

Cons: There is always the element of surprise so it is mandatory for the team to be

always on alert and never feel comfortable because of the fact that all sectors are

covered.

Tips: Radio communication needs to be accurate, and all officers needs to update number 1 if

something suspicious is going. However number 1 is the officer that coordinates on the radio at all

times. While the team is moving to an open area, the protection circle needs to be more open in

order to avoid potential collisions between the officers and VIP. However when the team is operating

in tiny areas where a lot of people are stationed, then the protection circle needs to close in order to

ensure that physical threats against the VIP will be successfully faced.


2. Vehicles formations

a) Formation conducted by 3 officers with 1 motorbike and 1 SUV:

In all cases the VIP is always located at the right back seat because of the fact that

the Best Man is located in front of him as a human shield. Officer number 2 is

driving the VIP vehicle and number 3 is using the bike in order to conduct recon

tasks. That means, number 1 is always requesting to number 3 by the radio to drive a

little bit faster that the VIP vehicle and report them a visual of what is going before

the convoy passes an intersection or a street that might be considered dangerous or

populated. In that case the Best Man will decide if it is safe to continue with the

original route or proceed to the alternative route (something that will be discussed

later).

Pros: It is a low profile fast convoy, for rapid deployment.

Cons: Totally exposed in the front and the rear, in case of an ambush or a kidnap

attempt it is highly expected for the attacker to succeed.


Tips: When the convoy reaches the desirable destination, the motorbike maintains in

the front of the SUV. The Best Man after receiving a clear code by number 3 that

everything is ok outside, he exits the vehicle, conducts a second check that

everything is ok and then he stands by the door of the VIP and opens it with his left

arm in order for the right arm that draws his weapon in case of attack to be free.

After the VIP exits the vehicle the Best Man is following him and officers 2 and 3

remains outside, observing the area and keeps the engines running.

Be aware and keep that always in mind, never let the VIP get off his car before

the protection team! That would jeopardize the entire mission along with the

VIPs life!


b) Formation conducted by 6 officers with 2 SUVs or 2 sedan.

This formation requires precision and speed. The VIP is always located in the right

back seat of the VIP vehicle. The Best Man is always in the front passenger seat

and number 6 is the driver of the VIP vehicle. In the back according to the figure we

can clearly see the rest of the officers. Number 2 is driving the Escort vehicle,

number 3 is in the front passenger seat, number 4 always in the right back seat and

number 5 to the left back seat. You might ask yourself if this is a random line up.

Well not at all like we said in the beginning of this handbook, every officer is been

placed at its position to execute a specific task. So once the vehicles will reach their

destination, concerning the escort vehicle numbers 3, 4 and 5 are exiting the vehicle

and each one are covering a visual sector of 180 degrees. Number 2 remains in the

car keeping the engine running and detecting any other potential hostile or

suspicious activity that the other officers might be unable to detect.

Now if everything is clear, number 3 approaches the VIP car and stands in the front

right side of the vehicle and taps the car with his fingers twice (that is a signal to the

Best Man that everything is ok), and then like in the pre-mentioned formation the

Best Man exits the vehicle, stands in the right side between the VIPs door and the

tire and opens the door for the VIP with his left hand in order for the right hand to

be ready to draw his weapon in case of an attack.

And now the 3rd phase, the escort of the VIP on foot from the vehicle to his

destination (office, event etc). Once the VIP is out from his vehicle the alarm level is

escaladed into red, which means that the Best Man maintains his position behind

the right shoulder of the VIP, number 3 takes the left side, number 4 takes the front

side and number 5 covers the rear.


3b. Escape and combat tactics

In case of an assault against the VIP while the protection team is escorting him,

numbers 3, 4 and 5 gets in front of the VIP and the Best Man, taking out their

weapons returns fire and provides cover to the 2 pre-mentioned officers. At the

same time the VIP and the Best Man are heading to the Escort vehicle and the

Best Man along with number 2 is securing the VIP. After this happens, elements 3,

4 and 5 are entering in the VIP vehicle handled by number 6. And they are retreating

as well. Both vehicles meet in the extraction point which has been indicated in

advance (a further analysis will be conducted in chapter 5).

(Tip to elements 3,4 and 5)

Remember your goal is to retreat in order to protect the VIP. Let the

additional units that will arrive take care of the attackers, your job is to

gain time till the VIP escapes from the ambush once he/she is secured

you retreat as well from the scene. Your safety is as important as the

VIPs.


4. Modus Operandi of the potential attackers

a. The 7 steps of an assassination

Every organized attack against an individual, takes time, organization, funds,

preparation and of course a lot of intelligence. A well trained and well armed

assassination group or terrorist organization will never risk their chances to fail on

their mission. They will calculate everything, they will be patient, they will analyze

the VIP as well as his protection team. They time of reaction, the everyday program,

the routes using to be transported from place to place. Remember the thing that

separates you from them and gives them a huge advantage against you(if they know

the identity of the VIP/Witness), is the element of surprise. That is why every single

protection officer needs to be always on alert and use common logic.

Those are the 7 steps that a group will follow most of times in order to execute their

task:

1) The selection of the target.

2) The selection of the team members that will take place in the operation.

3) The gathering of intelligence. (Anything that has to do with the VIP)

4) The preparation. (The weapons and the vehicles that will be used)

5) The practice. (They will go through the plan of the execution again and again)

6) The execution.

7) The escape.

Now keep in mind most of the times, assassinators will try to escape, that is why

they need to do it fast and violently in order to be lost from the local authorities.

Some other times might not, there can be also corruption inside their own

organization. That means that even those who will picked to make the hit, are going

to be double crossed by their own high ranks in order to avoid from having witnesses

at a later moment, so in this way they avoid the fact of extortion.


Solutions

In order to make their work as hard as possible, what we can do is a few simple

things but various for the safety of the VIP. Remember you might be a target as well

besides the VIP. They will follow you, they will analyze your moves, they will test you

reaction times, they will create potential events to come closer to you and be aware

of your methods.

1. Brake the routine, doing the same things everyday in regular basis makes you

predictable. That includes driving routes, points of gathering even information about

the VIP given in public(if he or she is a public person).

2. Ensure that the places where the VIP goes are safe and there is always an escape

plan along with an exit.


IU Strike Team Protection Handbook(1)

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