Subject profiling is the last point of the threat assessment process. However, considerations on his or her nature may notably impact the list of specified dangers or methods that should be taken advantage of to minimize their severity. In fact,
security guards should know virtually everything about the protected individuals.
The more comprehensive the data, the easier it is to assess dangers. Each piece of information, even if it seems trivial, may be of immense importance for further actions and their effectiveness.
Therefore, the “Seven P’s” principle should be followed. It refers to:
- people; places; personality; prejudices; personal history; political and religious views, and private life.
PeopleThe protected individual is connected to other people, by means of family bonds, workplace relations, or otherwise. Such a relationship may be non-engaging in character. Some of them may, however, pose an additional threat. Those are dangerous lovers, jealous wives, heartless co-workers, etc. The security guard must check individuals the VIP contacts with.
PlacesIt should be established where the VIP was born, where he currently works, and how he spends his free time. Places that are considered safe by some may not be like that in fact. If you hire bodyguard, you have to keep in mind, that he must remember about the relation of the secured subject to the place and about the impact of the latter on the threat level.
PersonalityCertain personality types are inseparably connected with problems. It especially holds true for individuals that are rough, likely to argue, bold, and intelligent. The said characteristics are frequently identifiable in entrepreneurs and company owners. A bodyguard does not need to like and tolerate the person he works with, but the knowledge about his or her personality traits may come in handy and facilitate nullifying threats.
PrejudicesOnes deeply rooted in human nature are exceptionally dangerous. They are likely to provoke a chain relation. For example, if someone detests black race, he or she may be prejudiced against Afro-Americans. The safety expert should be familiarized with such problems and be capable of reacting to them quickly.
Personal historyIt should cover the names of all the individuals that have known the VIP, his former relations, marital history, military service, and professional career-related data. Such pieces of information should be afterwards juxtaposed with the ones available in other sources, such as the press, books, and encyclopaedias. The bodyguard should know VIP’s illness history, his blood type, allergies, and frequently taken medications.
Political and religious viewsThe protection professional should also familiarize himself with political views and affiliation of the VIP. His attitude towards certain political parties and religious organizations may be of importance in terms of danger level.
Private lifeMost controversial profiling related stage. It is highly recommended to know whether or not the secured individual overuses certain substances, visits prostitutes, has lovers, as well as what he eats and where he stays. The list should be made by the saviours from bodyguard companies by themselves and the answers to the questions must be provided truthfully. After assessing threat level, data can be finally collected and compiled to create an accurate
VIP protection plan.