By Doc Rogers
Motorcades have a particular configuration and organization of vehicles; this article will give you an understanding of the basic principals of a protective motorcade. This includes types of movements, types of motorcade and motorcade maneuvers and avoiding potential threats along the route.
Route Selection
Your job is to protect the client during motorcades and conduct route planning.
Evaluation
Evaluate the roads and the routes (primary and secondary) to avoid getting the client vehicle boxed in by other vehicles. Instruct your security drivers to leave an avenue of escape open should the need arise and get away quickly if there is a transportation threat.
Basic Rules
Vary the client’s route to and from work as well road movement times.
Route Planning
Advance bodyguard team establishes route planning and security operations prior to the client’s visit.
Route Security
On all road movements avoid all routines and maintain a low profile. Avoid roads, if possible, that could block or slow traffic such as roadblocks or detours.
Arrivals and Departures
Arrange for the client to enter and exit buildings through different doors, if possible. Vary the client’s arrival and departure times.
Three Car Motorcade
During a bodyguard assignment the motorcade should consist of three (3) vehicles minimum (moderate to high risk clients), equipped with two-way radio communications. The three car motorcade must establish 360-degree security, avoid choke points (bridges, culverts, excessive traffic lights, congestion, slow down points, etc.). Passenger bodyguards traveling in the motorcade should act as “spotters” for the security drivers. Ensuring that no lapses in protection occur while the motorcade is moving or stopped in traffic.
The Lead Car
The lead car in the motorcade should be an unmarked vehicle occupied by a security driver and one bodyguard seated in the front passenger seat. The lead car blocks and heads-off potential threats from the front of the motorcade as well as guides the motorcade to its destination.
The Client Car The client car (“the limousine”) should be an unmarked vehicle and positioned directly behind the lead car approximately four (4) feet away from the bumper. The vehicle is occupied by one security driver, one bodyguard seated (Detail Leader) in the front passenger seat and the principal seated in the rear seat.
The Follow-Up Car
The follow-up car should be an unmarked vehicle and positioned directly behind the client car approximately four (4) feet away from the bumper. The vehicle is occupied by one security driver, and at least one bodyguard seated in the front passenger seat. The follow-up car should provide close-in protection for the client car, as well as provide a reaction force to assist in repelling potential threats, providing a protective screen (flank and rear) for client car and to act as auxiliary client car in-case of client car breakdown.
Routes All Routes should be pre-checked prior to vehicular movement to ensure no obstacles or risks are on the road that could influence movement along route. A contingency plan should be in place for any transportation hazards. Wishing you a safe motorcade operation and God speed.
Doc Rogers is the author of Corporate Executive Protection – A Manual for Inspiring Corporate Bodyguards and president and CEO of International Corporate Executive Protection Ltd. Doc has earned a Ph.D. in Security Administration from Southwest University and he is SE Asia’s leading expert on executive protection and corporate security. To learn how to make a full time living as a corporate bodyguard visit the websites below for more information. http://www.trafford.com/Bookstore/BookDetail.aspx?Book=182707
http://www.amazon.com/Corporate-Executive-Protection-Inspiring-Bodyguards/dp/1425135927
http://international-corporate-executive-protection.com/order.asp
