Despite their definition as job descriptions defining skills that save lives, Security Driving and Executive Protection have been misrepresented by social media as marketing terms. Training is taking place in a situation where unsuspecting individuals receive training for skills that have no market value for security driver. Students are complaining about social media about certification, standards, and pay scales.

The security driving job description is not the same as driving a vehicle, as some in the industry, especially those just entering the business, are misinformed about the job definition. The security driver is on much more than driving a vehicle. Managing principals in different settings and environments safely and securely require skill and knowledge.

It is more accurate to refer to the work as secure transportation because it involves in-depth knowledge and skill in conducting route surveys, recognizing and constructing safe havens, creating alternate route plans, and implementing emergency evacuation plans. Proficiency in advanced first aid is also essential for security driving. CP/EP training doctrine suggests security driving is a secondary skill, which is often described as something you can learn after attending CP/EP training.

Skills needed for the security

The skills needed for employment don’t originate from training centers. They’re determined by the job market. Security-related jobs have been provided by decision-makers within the protection industry for decades. They recognize that those who are providing secure transportation are significant value-adds to the security team. There is no doubt that most events that have remained problematic involve vehicles.

History and common sense support the idea that security professionals should target incidents with the highest likelihood of occurring. Security-related risks are much more prevalent in vehicles than at any other time or location, based on the findings of this study, which examined more than 1,000 incidents worldwide. IntelCenter, a private agency providing intelligence to both private and public sectors, published a study on April 20, 2014, which revealed 34.15 percent of targeted kidnappings worldwide occurred in the first months of 2014.

Protective service by security

In addition, IntelCenter expects this trend to continue for quite some time. Given the distinct risks associated with all car trips, it stands to reason that managing these risks should be a priority. In the EP industry, standard discussions seem to be endless. EP practitioners want standards, but standards that are compatible with their training. Also, remember that the employer’s need for skills and experience is determined by the job market, not the training provider.

A government agency, the IRS, has standards that a significant segment of the job market has to follow although there is no federal license for EPs. Personal security is intended to mitigate the risk of an incident. The job market should focus on incidents with the greatest chance of occurrence. A large number of security incidents have occurred when the principal was in or near a vehicle. History shows that the market is seeking those who can mitigate the likelihood of such incidents.