I N D U S T R Y
UPDATE
WE KEEP WATCH SO YOU DON’T HAVE TO
Things change constantly and rapidly within the contracting industry so this month in the first of a
series of regular columns we’re very pleased indeed to have Paul Hutchinson, MD of Associated Risks
Group based in the UK, join us to keep everyone updated on legal issues.
INDUSTRY UPDATE
O
ver the years I have seen many individuals
comment on social media about carrying a
“Concealed Firearm” whilst on a Protection Detail
in Europe, the majority of individuals remarking
on how it will never happen.
”You will never carry a weapon. Fact”
Well, that’s quite wrong. Carrying a concealed
firearm in the UK is in fact a criminal offence, it’s true. Carrying a
firearm in other countries in Europe as part of a Protection detail
though is not! Yes, every country has its own laws on who can
possess, carry and use a firearm, and these laws are there to
protect the citizens of that country and identify those that are
deemed responsible to own a firearm.
Let’s take France as an example; the centre of Paris this summer
will be highly populated with wealthy individuals and their
families. Some of these individuals will be Heads of States or
members of Royal Families from around the world staying in
possibly their second or third homes.
High net members of Arab Royal Families and Presidents of
African countries will travel with Diplomatic Protection teams
that are not necessarily members of their own Nation. More
often then not these operatives come from the UK. The reason?
Well a number of issues. British Operatives are normally amongst
the most experienced and highly trained in matters of Protection
and Risk Management; this and despite the Hollywood image
of CPO’s, the majority of High Risk VIP’s prefer to be surrounded
by Quintessential Gentleman or Ladies who can blend into the
background in a non-intrusive way and still provide the necessary
protection whilst allowing the client to live their lifestyle. But
that’s not the whole reason. It is more often than not the fact
that a UK passport holder allows UK Citizens to enter most
countries without hindrance allowing the administration process
of protecting these individuals to be a much simpler one.
This process is much simpler then people think. Lets hypothetically
take the Prime Minister of Bahrain wants to travel to Paris. The
Bahrain Office will inform the Kingdom of Bahrain Embassy in
France on the details surrounding the visit, and who will be
protecting him on the visit. The personal details from the Passport
of each protection member will be passed to the embassy along
with the full details of the personal weapons carried by the team.
A letter stating the above, the reason of the visit and the time
frames involved is then issued to each member of the team who
will carry a copy this letter and their passport with them whilst
they are on the Task.
And it’s as easy as that, social media has a lot to answer for but
that’s all for now!
Stay safe
pmcimagazine.com