Moving from old fashion methods to a trained professional
This topic rattles a number of cages and should open the eyes of some company managers.
What Is an Emergency Management Unit (EMU) operative?
The next time you look at a picture of a security operative that looks like he is wearing an updated version of gladiator armor and weaponry, ask yourself how he can hear, defend properly, or quickly move in and out of areas. Then ask yourself what tactics is he using? Are they new or old? The point is a picture never tells the whole story.
Over the years, we have termed these kinds of teams as "hat and bat" or "goon squad." In the past, we've just derided and dismiss these kinds of teams. We've been wrong to do that, very wrong. Over time, we've learned these kinds of teams are even worse: They're dangerous to fellow members, to the administration and to the task they are there to perform.
Tactics that call for a team to stand in formation and wait on offenders who throw liquids, objects, spears etc. at this supposedly powerful line are dangerous. What do you think is happening to the team member on the other side of that shield, getting pelted with liquid that, oh by the way it's coming, and is sure to include bodily fluids which carry blood borne pathogens. While they're standing in formation, the fluid is soaking into their mask filters and uniforms, unnecessarily exposing themselves to life-threatening heath hazards. Ask the countless members over the years who've suffered from using such "antiquated tactics."
Who in their right mind would volunteer for a team when they know the odds are stacked against them? Anyone reading this should really consider how you view your team development and-if necessary-bring on new leadership to raise your performance level.
Good leaders should understand that the team brings the fight to the offenders on the team's terms-not vice versa.
New leaders who aggressively and confidently seize the initiative and deploy with the latest training, using the latest techniques, are truly worthy of being a leader.
When you consider that the majority of demonstrations/riots that take place are strategically planned and backed by a controlling body, the "hat and bat" or "goon squad" approach is dangerously obsolete. Today's situations demand a new type of response.
Do Numbers Count?
I have heard commanders and trainers brag about how large their teams are. Some years ago a commander said proudly that he had a team of more than 100 members... He was asked a question about what kind of weapons does his team have: The response was "a couple of these and a couple of those and one of this." He was also asked what type of team training and protective gear his team member's used, to which he responded, "adhoc training and they use turtle vests or a ballistic vest." As if these stop attacks by knives, arrows, spears, razors, picks, etc.! I just shook my head and walked away.
If you think numbers mean a lot, honestly consider these questions and facts:
- How long does it take you to assemble your unit or squad?
- Answer: The larger the team the more time it is going to take.
- Are your tactics based on large numbers?
- Answer: If so you are restricted right out of the box.
- The larger the team, the more it costs to train and equip them.
- The larger the team, the higher the potential liability.
- The larger the team, the more training funds and time they require.
Just because your team is large doesn't make it better. In fact, it may make it worse. Larger teams require more managing, more paperwork, and more resources. They're tougher to deploy and-most importantly-they take longer to get in or out the door at the critical moment. Better a thousand enemies outside the camp, than one in.
We understand that some people justify their existence with large teams. Even if they do, it still doesn't excuse carrying on with old school tactics.
Not Robots. Operators.
Your team members are not punching bags, nor are they expendable in any way.
The true EMU operative doesn't need to be micromanaged. He is trained in a tiered system of Close Quarter Riot Control (a term and tactics that was developed by A.I Security Group more than ten years ago), and skilled in multiple disciplines including Hostage Rescue, High Risk Transport, Officer Recovery Operations, Dynamic VIP extraction, High Risk Security K-9 Patrol Operations and many more.
We have said this in the past, and it bears repeating. If there are trainers out there that teach better tactics, weaponry and training techniques that can save lives and reduce liability, then why would business managers stubbornly stick to the old routine and continue gambling with their employees lives?! It's only a matter of time.
A recent conversation was held with a couple of private security managers and the issue of training came up. One manager told us that he was about to go into another battle with his administration. He said, "I fight the carpet battles so my men can fight the field battles." That's a commander! Your men are worth every battle regardless of size. At the end of the day their lives are on the line.
Emergency Management Training Programs.
For the teams which attend our EMU training program, this is not a fad or a new trend. It actually represents a move on the part of innovative management to become more "full service" units as well as highly specialized, "emergency response" units. The most progressive teams are developing a full service emergency prepared special operations mindset, taking on emergency service roles. The EMU assists police as an integral part of specialist operations. This is critical as ALL emergency response units will be called upon in a security crisis.
One Team One Fight
