It was another busy day for the Signature security team on Monday the 14th November 2011, with a planned training day assigned to practice debus and embus skills using one of Signatures prestige vehicles, the Rolls Royce Ghost.
Drills like this are practiced with strict attention to detail so that the main protection officer assigned to the principle can carry out his role, along with an assigned team to perfection. The accompanying security team are either ahead of the entourage making sure the area is sterile and safe for the principles arrival, or with the backup team who follow close behind in case of any attacks and to provide additional manpower support.
The team started by carrying out a few practices in Hyde Park, close enough for us to drive the short distance into Mayfair for the real time practice at the Connaught Hotel in Carlos Place.
Our arrival was greeted by the professional concierge on duty, who recognised our convoy and understood that we were security officers. The main protection officer exited the car as it was coming to a halt so he could be at the principles door as the car came to a stop. The other security team created a sterile area around the whole car. The security escort forward team had already secured the inside reception area just before our arrival making sure it was safe to enter, they then dispersed to certain areas around the front door and externally making sure that the whole premise was secure. Being discreet and blending into the surroundings was a key part of the practice.
The principle then went inside the Connaught Bar for a period of time to relax, spending around 20 minutes before then exiting the building enabling the team to practice the reverse of the arrival.
Drills like this are routinely carried out to perfect the actions of all members of the security team. It also benefits our chauffeurs so they are aware of the security procedures carried out in scenarios like this, ensuring our service is professional and always runs smoothly.
This concluded another successful training day. The next training session for our team planned is to carry out some training at one of the many airports that Signature use for our clients, so that the team can train with both helicopters and aeroplanes picking up the principle and taking them to their destination.