The Bullet Proof Blog

AirTran Airways charging extra for fat suitcases

info@sextonsecurity.com (John Sexton) — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 04:58:00 +0000

It seems that there is no end to the way in which airlines will find to charge us to help their bottom line.

I was checking my bag on AirTran Airways this morning at Dulles airport when the ticket clerk told me that my bag looked too wide and he would have to measure it. He told me that if it was not in compliance, there would be a $49 surcharge.

Mind you, I had already paid $15.00 for the suitcase when I checked-in online the night before. Fortunately, my suitcase has zippers all around it and I was able to zip it up to slenderize it.

As I stood there watching the clerk record the dimensions of my case with a tape measure, I could only hope that my week's worth of clothes was not going to force me to pull out my credit card.

We are constantly being told by airlines that they have to charge more due to the high cost of fuel. We've had to put up with foodless flights, charging for pillows, weighing bags and now measuring the width of a bag. What is next, a color surcharge?

The days of stuffing a case to fit everything in appear to be gone. Unless you don't mind paying extra. In any case, you'd better not leave home without your credit card. You never know what you'll be asked to pay extra for these days.

Bodyguards for India's not so rich and famous

info@sextonsecurity.com (John Sexton) — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 02:13:00 +0000

It seems that you don't have to be rich and famous to hire a bodyguard in India these days.

The Times of India reports that ordinary people are willing to pay Rupees 5,000 ($106.00)per day for a bodyguard. While this may not appear to be much compared to rates in the U.S. or Europe, it is very significant for India where security officers work 6 days a week (up to 12 hours a day) and earn approx. $125.00 per month.

It is almost ironic to see Executive Protection gaining in popularity in India, a country with the most law abiding and gentle people that can be found anywhere. They do however have an internal terrorist problem and the carnage in Mumbai is no doubt causing people to think more about their personal security.

Civilian Police International employee pleads guilty to engaging in "kick-backs" in Afghanistan.

info@sextonsecurity.com (John Sexton) — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 22:54:00 +0000

An employee of CPI, a Virginia based private security consulting firm, plead guilty yesterday to soliciting a kick-back on a USAID private security contract.

In August 2006, USAID awarded a $1.4 billion contract known as the Afghanistan Infrastructure Rehabilitation Project. The Virginia company, Civilian Police International are one of the companies benefitting form that large contract as they provide training to Afghan Police Officers.

Ryan Scott McMonigle of Oklahoma, worked for CPI in Kabul. He admitted that he assisted in the solicitation of a kick back from a private security vendor involved with protecting USAID personnel and contractors under the AIRP contract.

Ironically, CPI's website states; "CPI stresses discipline, integrity, accountability, ethics..."

Or should that read...."getting contracts no matter what is involved".

Security companies may not be able to hire Afghan police in future.

info@sextonsecurity.com (John Sexton) — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 03:11:00 +0000

This Canadian report states that the Government of Afghanistan may start cracking down on security companies who lure Afghan police officers away for bigger pay.

It is little wonder why police officers would be enticed to resign - they are currently paid approximately $160 a month by the Afghan Government, but they could make quadruple that by working for private companies.

Afghan officials put the figure of lost police at around 19% of the Force. With a total force opf 97,000, those leaving account for nearly 20,000. One measure they may introduce is to put a "cap" or ceiling on the amount that police may be paid if they leave.

When I headed up the United Nations' Special Investigations Unit in the former Yugoslavia, we also had former Balkan Police working for us. One young guy who acted as our official interpreter/police liaison in Croatia had only earned about $100 a month from the Croatian Government, saw his earnings skyrocket overnight when he began working for the U.N. for around $700 a month.

Hopefully both sides can come to some kind of mutual agreement so that the locals will be able to make and save a bit more money than they can now and thereby improve their living conditions and better help their families.

Smith & Wesson come out with a "bodyguard"

info@sextonsecurity.com (John Sexton) — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 20:16:00 +0000

Smith & Wesson announce that they have come out with a new semi-automatic and revolver aimed at Executive Protection. The line is beng called the "Bodyguards".

CEO, Michael Golden, said that Smith & Wesson engineers worked closely with end users to design and produce an innovative line of personal protection firearms. The 380 semi and 38 revolver were debuted at the 2010 SHOT show in Las Vegas.

Sexual deviants come in all shapes, sizes....and occupations

info@sextonsecurity.com (John Sexton) — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 03:11:00 +0000

Former U.N. weapons inspector Scott Ritter, has been arrested by PA authorities for sending sexual explicit messages to an undercover Police Officer posing as a 15 year old girl. Charges include; corruption of a minor, criminal solicitation and indecent exposure.

You have got to ask yourself; "what was he thinking"? From 1991 to 1998 he was the Senior U.N. official in charge of the weapons inspection program in Iraq. Today he is a defendant in a twisted sex case.

I wonder what the Iraqis are saying about him now?

Is Gilbert Arenas prepared for life as a convicted felon?

info@sextonsecurity.com (John Sexton) — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 02:15:00 +0000

Whether or not Gilbert Arenas, former Washington Wizzard basketball star, is prepared for life as a convicted felon, that is what he faces after pleading guilty to felony gun possession in D.C. court today.

Arenas was lucky to get away with only one felony count. Apparently, the bag which he carried into the Verizon Center on December 21, had contained five illegal pistols. He could have been charged with five individual felonies.

Eventhough his lawyers and the prosecutor agreed in a plea deal to seek a maximum 6 month jail term, the judge today advised the court that he was under no obligation to honor their agreement. Superior Court Judge Robert E. Morin told the court that when sentencing takes place on March 26, Arenas could receive anything from probabtion to the maximum 5 years.

It is unlikley that many who have been following this story would agree with Arenas getting probabtion and not serving time. Whether Arenas is arrogant or just plain stupid, he showed no signs of remorse for his actions and actually acted in a bragging fashion. His "finger pistol" actions at a subsequent game was just one of a number he had been rehearsing.

WTOP radio today reported that Arenas had prepared at another game to stage a fake "duel", where he and another player would line up back-to-back and after walking ten paces away from each other, would spin around and shoot as if they had guns. He was suspended indefinitely by the NBA in the weeks following the gun incident.

There was no smiling or idiotic hand gestures from him today. Maybe a few months or years in lock-up will help him mature. Maybe he and Plaxico Burress can become pen pals. After all, they do have the "gun thing" in common.

F.B.I. warns internet users to beware of scams when sending money for Haiti disaster relief

info@sextonsecurity.com (John Sexton) — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 23:15:00 +0000

It's a sad reflection on society when the F.B.I. has to issue an alert warning good samaritans to beware of scams when responding to pleas for help from Haiti, but it needs to be said.

Other great tragedies such as 9/11 and Katrina have taught us that there are those in society who are so bereft of morals that they will prey not only on the generosity of decent people, but also on the grieving victims themselves.

Do your due diligence and be sure that your money is going where it will do the most good and not into some parasite's pocket.

If you can't do the time, then don't do the crime

info@sextonsecurity.com (John Sexton) — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 19:02:00 +0000

Richard Heene looks to be a strong contender at this stage for this month's "crying wimp" award. Before he left this week to begin his wimpy 90 day sentence for pleading guilty to a felony count of "attempting to influence a public servant, he appeared on "Larry King" to try and win the Nation's sympathy.

His acting could just be medicore enough to win him a spot on a daytime soap opera. It hardly convinced many viewers of his innocence though. At least he did get another crack at his fifteen minutes of fame and this seems to be what this guy is all about.

Now that his wife has come clean and said it was a hoax and his son has said that they were doing it "for a t.v. show", Heene himself says they are mistaken. According to him his wife is afraid of getting deported to Japan and his son only learned to speak English a few years ago.

Larmier County Sheriff though is having none of it. Shriff Jim Alderden told Larry King that he was shocked that Richard Heene is now protesting, since "the evidence against Mr.Heene and Mayumi at this point is really overwhelming". The sheriff added that this was an elaborate hoax perpetrated by both of them.

Sadly, there is probably some television station out there who will hire this guy when he gets out of jail. Fortunately, viewers can "vote with their remote" and take his face off the screen. His children are not so lucky in their choice of a "role model".

Move over criminals and make way for; "America's dumbest cop"

info@sextonsecurity.com (John Sexton) — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 15:10:00 +0000

Washington D.C. police officer, Reggie Jones, a six year veteran was arrested and charged with felony murder for his part in an armed robbery in South East D.C..

D.C. Police Chief, Cathy Lanier, pulled no punches during the press release when she said that Jones had "desecrated the very office he had sworn to uphold". Apparently Jones had teamed up with a criminal gang headed by convicted murderer, Arvel Alston, who was himself on parole for a murder he had committed during an armed robbery 17 years earlier.

Alston had brought his son into the "family business", not that he would have known much about him since the young guy was born six months after Alston was jailed on the murder charge. Jones, who was said to be having financial difficulties, was on duty and in plain clothes but driving a marked cruiser with flashing lights.

Jones' supervisor was to later say that he didn't see Jones that night, but figured he was busy doing paperwork. Jones was assigned to a special narcotics unit. It later transpired that Jones took out a marked police cruiser as he was to act as "look-out" for the others and to scare off any rival drug dealers.

It would seem that Jones' financial decisions were not the only bad choices he made. Along with "desecrating his office", he also joined up with the gang "who couldn't shoot straight". During the armed robbery of the suspected drug dealer, Alston's son pulled his gun and accidently shot his own father, who died on the scene.

One wonders if Reggie Jones is an exception to the rule, or has corruption seeped back into the Metro D.C. Police Department as it had in the late 80's and early 90's. Back then, in an effort to appease Congress, the police department lowered their hiring standards and recruited drug dealers, rapists and murderers. Many of these were brought on as Police cadets and graduated as Police Officers.

Perhaps an overhaul of the Department is now appropriate. It would definitely appear that proper supervision is not taking place. If it was, somebody would have wondered why a plain clothes undercover cop was signing out a marked cruiser. Big white cars with "POLICE" written all over it and red and blue lights that continually flash are not ideal undercover cars.

Maybe there is a lack of supervisors...maybe there have been cut backs or they are understaffed due to retirements, but the fundamentals still need to be followed. This type of behavior may be perfectly "normal" in Mexico, but it should be stamped out before policing in the Nation's Capital becomes the laughing stock that it was in the nineties.

Research reveals disgusting results

info@sextonsecurity.com (John Sexton) — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 06:24:00 +0000

The next time you go to a restaurant, you may want to consider ordering a drink that comes out of a bottle or can. This ABC news report reveals that you may be getting something in your drink that you had not bargained for.

The research found that fountain drinks being served in Roanoke, Virginia, contained Coliform Bacteria - or bacteria associated with fecal matter. 70% of beverages had bacteria contamination and nealry half, 48%, had Coliform Bacteria contamination.

The water supply was tested, but it was not to blame, so the conclusion was that the soda fountain lines became contaminated from lack of proper maintainance. There is nothing particularly unique about Roanoke - if it is happening there, it could happen anywhere.

Disgraced Illinois Governor to appear on Donald Trump's "Celebrity Apprentice"

info@sextonsecurity.com (John Sexton) — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 18:14:00 +0000

Rod Blagojevich, the former Illinois Governor who was removed from office last January, is to appear on Donald Trump's show; "Celebrity Apprentice".

Not one to shun the spotlight, Blagojevich attempted to appear on another celebrity show last year but was barred from doing so when a Federal Ruling went against him as it would have involved his traveling overseas to Costa Rica.

Celebrity Apprentice is based on how much money teams and individuals are able to raise for charity. In the past, it involved well known boxers, singers, actors, models and sports people who would leverage their wealthy contacts in oder to bring in the most money.

It will be interesting this time around to see just how "Blago" will go about bringing in the "moolah". Some people are betting that he will start calling in favors. Hopefully the show will allow the viewers to listen in on this part as they have in the past.

Maybe viewers will be treated to hearing the former Governor on the horn to "associates" with names like "Tony two fingers" or "Joey the Greek"...."yo Tony....remember that permit I fixed for ya? well I need a little favor...yeah, the usual...small bills in a brown bag".

Not everyone is happy with the idea of the former Governor appearing on television though. Illinois Senator, Dave Syverson sent a letter to Donald Trump saying; "Illinois lawmakers already told Mr. Blagojevich; "You're Fired", he doesn't need to hear it from Mr. Trump".

Whatever the feelings of the voters in Chicago, Donald Trump had better get this series in the can, or can the ex-Governor quickly. Blagojevich's trial is set for 6/3/2010. It would make for very interesting television if the Feds were to march on set and slap a pair of Government "bracelets" on the disgraced Governor.

Donald Trump is a very shrewd businessman and the thought has most likely crossed his mind. Maybe that's what he's hoping for? The show's ratings would most assuredly shoot through the roof.

If anyone can pull it off, no doubt "The Donald" can.

Is it time to consider Mexico a hostile nation?

info@sextonsecurity.com (John Sexton) — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 05:36:00 +0000

This sad story from the L.A. Times tells of a popular Los Angeles school teacher and community leader, Roberto Salcedo, being kidnapped and murdered while having dinner with his wife and friends in Mexico.

These past years we have become focused on radical islamic terrorists, but should not the drug and death dealing vermin on our Southern Border be also classified as terrorists? Not only do they terrorize their own citizens, but they have no reservations about kidnapping and murdering law abiding visitors.

If we have the ability to close down the U.S. Embassy in Yemen and call in successful air strikes that take out several suicide bombers, shouldn't we also be able to call in strikes on Mexican terrorists? Like some other "governments" around the world who do not appear to be able to police their own country and problems, Mexico appears to have lost the plot when it comes to law and order.

Pouring billions of U.S. tax payer's dollars into a country infamous for its corruption and disregard for human dignity doesn't seem to be working. Perhaps the time has come to deal with the problem directly.

Washington Wizzards players pull guns on each other over gambling debt

info@sextonsecurity.com (John Sexton) — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 20:27:00 +0000

As I listened to the report on WTOP radio this morning, I couldn't understand how such stupidity is allowed to continue in professional Sports. "Continue", since this problem keeps rearing up its ugly head.

To clarify, for those who are reading the blog outside of the United States, I have to add; professional sports in the U.S.A. What is the fixation that NBA and NFL sports stars have with guns? Gentlemen, this is not the Wild West and we are not in the early 1800's.

The Huffington Post reports that Gilbert Arenas and Javaris Crittenton of the Washington Wizzards drew guns on each other over a gambling debt owed by Arenas. Whilst Arenas appears to be the one making the headlines, Crittenton seems to be no less accountable as he must have had a gun on his person or within easy reach of his locker to be able to respond in kind.

In the same report, Arenas seems to be treating the whole thing as a bit of a joke. Maybe Plaxico Burress did too, but that was before he was locked away in a jail cell for two years. Washington D.C. is anything but a gun-friendly type of town. Possession of a firearm is a felony charge and each bullet carries a separate felony charge.

He (and the NBA) make it sound like it is all just a "misunderstanding", since he claims to have taken the guns to work in order to turn them over to the Police. Oh, by the way, they weren't loaded. I wonder if the gun he got into trouble with in California back in 2003 wasn't loaded either?

Mark Heisler who writes for the Chicago Tribune Sports sums it up well when he says that these young stars who reach dizzying heights just don't have the common sense it takes to remain grounded.

Its a shame that their associations aren't willing to do more for them. There are so many alternatives to carrying an illegal firearm in order to protect yourself, especially when you are earning $111 million dollars.

Then again, maybe a few years of mandatory jail time will help them wake up and smell the coffee....jailhouse coffee....they may even be brewing it themselves.

Tiger's popularity drops

info@sextonsecurity.com (John Sexton) — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 00:22:00 +0000

The New Year is a fitting time to reflect and think what could have been done differently. What better case study to use, then golfing great and ex-nice guy, Tiger Woods.

We have to say; "ex-nice guy" since recent events show Mr. Woods in a different light than was heretofore imagined. Tiger Woods appeared to epitomize all that was good and great about golf. If there was ever a sports super star who personified calm, grace and dignity, surely it had to be Tiger Woods.

According to The Huffington Post, four years ago Woods' "unfavorable" rating was only 8%. After his admitted infidelity, it surged to 57%. This is the reason that many of his sponsors like; Accenture, ATT, Gillette (his sponsorship deals amounted to $105 million last year)have dropped him or are reconsidering their association with the once great Mr. Woods.

Initially, many were saying that this was merely a "storm in a teacup' and wagered that his future earnings from endorsements would not be at risk. Soon after though, the fall-out began with Gatorade cancelling their Tiger drink and even the neutral Swiss stopping to re-think his endorsement by Tag Heuer.

Perhaps the saddest loss outside of losing his family, must be the cancellation of his nomination for the Congressional Gold Medal - the highest award a civilian can achieve from the house of congress.

This is the reason why we emphasize growing and protecting your REPUTATION at every training course put on by SEXTON. It doesn't matter if you are the world's greatest golfer, footballer or E.P. agent, at the end of the day, if you don't have a great reputation, what good is it?

How old is too old for a bodyguard?

info@sextonsecurity.com (John Sexton) — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 06:16:00 +0000

Billy Smith is Coach Bobby Bowden's bodyguard. Billy Smith is younger than coach Bowden. Billy is 78 and the coach is 80 years old. Billy is a retired State Trooper, having joined more than a half century ago.

Mike Casazza of the Daily Mail produces a feel good type of story, but one wonders just how capable a bodyguard Mr. Smith can be at nearly eighty years of age. Guys half his age will often ask; "am I too old to be an E.P. Agent?"

I am not entirely sold on the idea of still working details at such an advanced age, but it does show you what can be achieved if you take care of yourself, both physically and mentally.

Of course we would be remiss if we didn't recognize the fact that Billy Smith has been working for zero salary for the past 34 years. If they were paying for the protection, I'd have to believe that they would have somebody much younger in the position.

I think there is a very good chance that Mr. Smith could qualify for the Guinness Book of Records. Amazingly, he is not yet ready to step down and is considering the possibility of working for the new coach when Coach Bowden retires next year.

In another interview, he spoke of keeping his options open!

Confusion on Captiol Hill

info@sextonsecurity.com (John Sexton) — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 04:19:00 +0000

I would agree with Glen Thrush of Politico.com, when he states that a series of false reports led to the closing down of the Capitol Hill area of Washington D.C. yesterday.

It would appear as if a passenger on the bus had observed an undercover or off-duty Police Officer's service weapon and then reported "a man with a gun". Whether or not that initial reporter blew it out of proportion, is unknown at this stage.

Apparently though, someone called in that the man had an M16 rifle. Of course that had Law Enforcement worried and hence the reason for the tactical response.

That is quite understandable - until they knew what they were dealing with, they did not take any chances. Had it been a crazed gunman with an M16 rifle, they would have been prepared.

It's just a shame that the same sense of seriousness did not prevail in Amsterdam when a suspected terrorist was allowed to board a plane bound for Detroit AFTER purchasing a ticket for cash and NOT having any luggage.

Fortunately, there were brave passengers on board willing to repsond to the threat, but the bottom line is that they should not have had to take it upon themselves. Surely, anyone who is already suspected of terrorism should receive a full body scan and if there are still any doubts they should be strip searched. Full body cavity search? Sure, why not.

It seems that Scotland Yard are now working with U.S. authorities to learn more about the suspected bomber; Umar Farouk Abdul Mutallab, since he was a student at University College London.

The phrase; "Those who cannot learn from the past, are doomed to repeat it", springs to mind.

Violent felons can now wear body armor in California

info@sextonsecurity.com (John Sexton) — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 16:52:00 +0000

Robert Faturechi of the L.A. Times reports that a California Appeals Court has overturned the 1998 ban which made it illegal for felons to wear body armor.

This overturning by the 2nd District Court of Appeals in Los Angeles must surely rank as the most stupid legal decision of 2009...maybe of the whole decade. Decisions like this give credence to the Dickensian phrase; "the law is an ass".

For those who don't remember, the 1998 ban arose as a result of the 1997 shoot out in North Hollywood between Police and two heavily armd bank robbers who wore body armor. Police and civilians were killed in that violent incident caught on camera for the whole world to see how much devastation could be caused by someone with bad intent, but well equipped.

Why, you may ask, would the courts make such a poor judgement call? It has to do with the court's fear that the wording "body armor" was too vague. Apparently, the 2nd Court of Appeals was afraid that a violent felon might be confused by the vagueness of the words; "body armor".

I have long heard jokes and commentary about strange legal and policital decisions made in California, but I figured that most of them were over-blown by late night talk show hosts and comedians. After this recent decision, I have lost all respect for the system in California.

Maybe it's now time for Californian Police to re-think the way in which they train to shoot. Maybe they should be taught to take "head-shots" like E.P. agents are taught in our advanced firearms training.

Hopefully the courts would not be able to screw that up as well.

Another airline bombing attempt?

info@sextonsecurity.com (John Sexton) — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 15:59:00 +0000

The attached article from The Huffington Post of a Nigerian male setting off some type of explosive on a flight from Amsterdam to Detroit yesterday, raises as many questions as it does concerns.

Early reports state that the man made claims that he was acting on behalf of Al-Qaida. While bringing down airlines is something that A.Q. are known to be interested in, there appears to be something nearly retarded about this man's approach.

According to eye-witness reports, the Nigerian seemed to have ignited something which burned his clothing and legs. Brave passemgers in the vicinity overpowered the man until he could be handcuffed and immobilized.

It is being said that tighter controls at airports will be enforced as a result. Bomb-sniffing dogs should greatly assist when it comes to detecting explosives.

For those involved in air travel over the holiday period, extra time should be factored in when it comes to checking in for security screening. the heightened alert is bound to mean much longer and slower lines than usual.

Maryland Attorney General releases Task Force report on Electronic Control Weapons.

info@sextonsecurity.com (John Sexton) — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 23:25:00 +0000

WTOP radio yesterday reported that the Maryland Attorney General's office had just released the Task Force report regarding the use of Electronic Control Weapons (ECWs).

ECWs are more commmonly referred to as; TASERs. They have become very popular with Police Departments as a less lethal weapon. They have also been adapted in other parts of the world.

As a matter of fact, over 14,000 Law Enforcement Agencies in more than 40 countries have invested in TASERs...406,000 of them and counting. Many people might be surprised to find out that they have also become very popular amongst civilians. More than 196,000 have been sold to non-Law Enforcement personnel.

Sexton Executive Security is one of the few security companies in the World to not only have TASERs, but to also be equipped to offer training. Our Training Academy boasts of a former Law Enforcement Trainer who is also certified by the manufacturer themselves.

Our latest acquisition is a high-tech weapons simulation system with over 300 reality based scenarios, containing hands-on TASER training. The training provides for reality based scenarios and induces the same stress conditions and real life situations that can occur on the job and in defending one's self.

The AG's Task Force report is extremely comprehensive and contains more than 60 specific recommendations. These recommendations include extensive training requirements for Police and civilians alike.

Surprisingly, there are little to no current training requirements for civilians who wish to purchase, carry and use TASERS as a self defense tool. This despite the fact that the civilan model, the C2, has a 30 second electric shock cycle which is 6 times longer than the Police cycle of 5 seconds!

Anyone considering purchasing a C2 Taser, would do well to read the Task Force report. The full report can be viewed at; www.oag.state.md.us/reports/ecwreport.pdf.

For training questions, feel free to contact the SEXTON training unit by e-mailing; training@sextonsecurity.com.

Detective pulls gun at snowball fight on the streets of D.C.

info@sextonsecurity.com (John Sexton) — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 16:30:00 +0000

So it's not World news...it is still causing a lot of commment in the D.C. area as evidenced by the article in the Washington City Paper.

I watched the various videos and read the witness reports on places like the Huffington Post and Washington Post and I have to say, it really does appear that the Police Detective jumped out of his vehicle to try and catch or lecture whomever threw snowballs at his Hummer.

I have heard that there was a report of someone having seen a male with a gun during the snowfight - prior to the detective's arrival. If that was the case and if the detective did respond to that, then that would make a difference in how he handled himself.

Speaking as a former Police Officer, Police Detective AND snowball thrower, the detective in question did not appear to be responding to such a call. Not once did he mention it or question witnesses to determine if anyone had seen a male (other than himself) with a gun.

It does appear however, that he lost his cool, jumped out of his vehicle and pulled his weapon. He will have to answer why he found it necessary to pull his gun at that point in time. It didn't appear neccessary or the right call to me...but then again, I have the benefit of Monday morning quaterbacking this from my keyboard.

From a personal safety point of view, his actions were poorly orchestrated. At no point in time did he appear to be anything other than a male with a gun. He was dressed in plain clothes, drove a Hummer (which looked nothing like a typical unmarked Police car)and did not identify himself as a Police Officer when he drew his weapon.

The uniformed officer onscene who attempted to calm the crowd acted very professional and seemed to keep the situation from escalating. This goes to show the need to keep one's cool during a dangerous or volatile situation and the importance of proper communication.

It's very difficult to watch your back once "tunnel vision" syndrome has set in and your heart is racing. This applies the same to Executive Protection agents as it does for the Police Officer on the street.

Welcome to the E.P. Graduates of Las Vegas, 2009

info@sextonsecurity.com (John Sexton) — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 02:48:00 +0000

Sexton Executive Security held the last E.P. training class of 2009 in Las Vegas, Nevada last week. We welcome new professionals from Las Vegas, Oregon, South Carolina, Los Angeles and Illinois into the fold.

It is such a rewarding feeling to start out with a group of people who do not know each other, with varying levels of experience and watch how they come together over the training course. By the time graduation comes long, they look like they have been working together as a team for months.

The team were protecting some "Principals" headed into the Bellagio on Friday night after witnessing the fountain display outside. As they walked in through the revolving doors, Chris "Jesus" Fergusson, the famous Poker Star walked past them, about three feet away.

Not one of those protectors took their eye off the Principals during this training exercise, eventhough a famous personality walked right by them. That is a great sign and shows that they are true professionals and have a bright future ahead of them.

Later in the weekend, on Sunday afternoon I was playing a few hands of Texas Hold'em in the Hard Rock with a colleague. Matthew Bellamy, lead singer and guitarist with "The Muse" was playing at the table with us. When he got up to go cach his flight for Los Angeles, most of the other people at the table got up to have their picture taken with him.

Myself and my colleague continued about our business. If you are going to work as an E.P. agent, you have to learn not to be distracted by personalities and remember that you have a job to do and that your Prinicpal always comes first.

Most of us know of agents who have been fired for thinking they were on holidays because they were accompanying a client on a trip or who got carried away in the moment. Stay strong and stay focused.

Don't be distracted even if "Jesus" does walk past.

Baltimore City Mayor found Guilty of Embezzlement

info@sextonsecurity.com (John Sexton) — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 02:09:00 +0000

On December 1, Baltimore Mayor Sheila Dixon, was found guilty by a jury of embezzlement. CNN has more on the story.

The guilty verdict came as a result of the Mayor being indicted back in January on 12counts including; perjury, theft and misconduct. This all stems from Mayor Dixon asking a land developer (who was involved in a development deal with the City - imagine that)by the name of Patrick Turner to "donate" $1,000 worth of gift cards for the needy.

One of the gift cards which the Mayor is alleged to have used for her own personal use was a $500 gift card to Best Buy. Call me crazy, but I would have thought that needy families could better benefit by a gift card to their local supermarket rather than thinking of picking up a wide-screen television.

After the guilty conviction, Mayor Dixon had the audacity to make the following statement; "I remain focused on keeping Baltimore on course in these trying ecomomic times" and "we won't miss a step". I would think there are a lot of needy families in her City who would say she is way out of step and out of line.

If I were the Baltimore City Council, I'd be asking the Mayor to submit to a drug test since she sounds like she's been smoking some of that stuff that her D.C. counterpart, Mayor Barry, got into hot water for using.

Ms. Dixon's legal troubles are far from over. She returns to court in March to face a second trial for her alleged financial disclosure violations and perjuries. Sounds like Ms. Dixon may have forgotten to tell some people (like the IRS) about those gifts she "re-gifted".

The smart money is betting that Uncle Sam might have a problem with that.

From Chattanooga To Cairo - Its a Small World Afterall

info@sextonsecurity.com (John Sexton) — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 04:45:00 +0000

I was recently invited to attend a luncheon at the Ritz Carlton hosted by a trade delegation from Egypt. It was a nice event and all was going fine until a fire alarm broke out just as we were getting ready to meet with the delegates, one on one.

Having spent many years living and working in areas of civil unrest and war, I look upon a fire alarm as more of a nuisance than anything else. I was looking out a window of the Ritz to see if there were any signs of billowing smoke when I was joined by one of the Egyptian delegates.

He wanted to know if I was going down to the lobby. I told him that without smoke, I didn't feel there was fire, so no, I would just wait for the noisy clanging to stop. After he composed himself and found out where I was from he replied; "I should have known, you Irish are crazy".

I was wondering just how many Irish people this chap could have known back home in Cairo when he informed me that he had a friend from Northern Ireland who invited him over to Belfast in 1970. "Those were pretty wild times in Belfast", I reminded him.

He then told me how the two of them would be drinking in the pub and how they had to leave their drinks behind when a bomb warning would be called in telling them they had so many minutes to clear the bar before it was blown up. The Irish must have been starting to rub off on him as he seemed sad at the idea of having to leave the drink behind.

When you travel or when you work with someone from another country, remember that you are an unofficial Ambassador. Don't have the opinion; "I'll never see them again" as you never know when your paths will cross again. Let their view of you be positive so that when they come across one of your fellow countrymen in the future, they will have good memories.

It really is a small world afterall.

Are DynCorp the "New Blackwater" and How Long Will it be Until They Have to Change Their Name?

info@sextonsecurity.com (John Sexton) — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 02:10:00 +0000

Of course we know that you can't believe everything you read, but this article found linked to the International Analyst Network (an online portal for analysts in the area of Counter-Terrorism),makes for very interesting reading.

A few thoughts jump to mind after reading it. Firstly, could those moving around Pakistan to accomplish whatever was their goal, not have done it in a more discreet manner?

Secondly, are Blackwater, or Xe, or whatever they are called this month, really such a key player that they have to keep popping up all over despite the fact that they carry around some pretty heavy baggage?

I think the fact that they hired Wackenhut to watch their backs over there is nothing short of comical. Are funds really that tight? I mean, I know there is a world wide recession, but really...Wackenhut?