Business Security Information

Do you travel a lot for business or pleasure, especially in foreign countries?  Do you ever think about being kidnapped when traveling?  I know this is a little off the regular topics I cover in my articles, but today, no matter the size of the business you may own, most people are doing some type of international business.  Since this may require you now or in the future to travel overseas, I thought I would share just a few tips from the experts in the area of kidnap prevention.

The information provided here is related to kidnappers who are motivated by money.  The kidnappers may or may not be terrorists, but their main motivation for kidnapping is monetary.  I will not attempt to touch on the issue of religious extremists and kidnapping because it is a totally different ball game.    Their motives are usually more religious or political, and the tips in this article may not be effective against such kidnapping.

What Can I Do?

• Do not be predictable as far as time or location.  Business people who always arrive on the same flights, stay in the same hotels, and use the same  travel routes to get from the hotel and their place of business will be easier targets.
• Limit those who have access to your itinerary.  This includes limiting information that you may provide on any of your social media sites such as Twitter or Facebook.  I just wrote an article on social media sites and security.  Please read that for additional details.
• Do not put laminated business cards on your luggage.  They tell anyone who is looking exactly who you are and your position in a company.
• Research the location to which  you will be traveling before arriving.  Awareness is key.  You can use the State Department’s site to research a country as well as any security or crime risks that have been identified.
• If you are in a high risk location or you are a likely target, establish a counter-surveillance program. This may involve the use of a security detail to observe or watch others in the area, especially those who are taking video or photos of you or your location.  Also, look for those counting steps to determine distance or someone that is in the area consistently.  Any of these could indicate that you are being watched or your location is being targeted.  You can also use security cameras to monitor the area and review them on a daily basis.  If you have none of the resources noted, then at least watch as you are going about your business to see if you observe the same person(s) where ever you go or other odd behavior that may be an indication of trouble.  Trust your gut on this.  If it does not feel right, err on the side of caution.
• Utilize a GPS transmitter to make sure someone knows where you are at all times.  Look for one that can also send out a distress signal.
• Receive training if traveling to a high risk location.  Know how to behave if a kidnapping attempt is made.  For example, in some cases if the potential victim ran away or made a U-Turn before the kidnappers had physical control of the potential victim, no pursuit was given by the kidnappers. I have read that some experts find that it is really infrequent that the kidnappers pursue the potential victim if they do run away.  Once they have physical control of you, and you are put in a vehicle or secured at another location, your chance of escape goes down dramatically.  Knowing how to react and when requires training from experts in the field.

What if I am Kidnapped?

• Keep hope knowing that there are people trying to secure your release.
• Try to keep to a sanitary and exercise schedule if possible.
• Gather as much information from your kidnappers as possible, but do not talk to them about religious or political issues.  These can be hot topics and can make the situation worse.  Also, try and get them to see you as a human being by talking about your family or any details that may get them to look at you as a person.
• Stay alert and look for situations that may be of an advantage to you.
• If a rescue attempt is made, stop moving and hit the ground.  Do exactly as you are told by the rescue team until they know you are friendly.  Anyone who is moving and does not have their hands visible may be identified as a threat.

It has been years since I have gone through hostage training, but the issue of staying on the ground and keeping your hands visible is key.  This is one of the first things they taught us.  When a rescue attempt is made, it will be chaotic, and anyone moving is usually looked at as the enemy.   Stay down and let the team finish their work and control the situation before trying to identify yourself.

Use the tips on the first half of the article so that you will never have to use the “What if I am kidnapped?” tips.  Anyone with additional ideas or stories for readers, please leave a comment and share your experience and knowledge.

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