Obama Inauguration Highlights Executive Protection

Between the pending presidential inauguration and roiling anti-corporate sentiment, executive protection is more critical than ever. Expert Robert Oatman explains the elements of a good program, the impact of technology, and more.

CSO: What are the absolute basics of a good executive protection program?

Robert Oatman: I have been a strong advocate of concentrating on the fundamentals. It is the foundation of any serious executive protection program. It is all about the details. If you conduct your mission with purpose and a plan you will be successful.

My first challenge is based on the risk assessment. How can you protect any principal if you can't identify the risk? You then work from a starting point so that your protective effort is realistic and reliable.

We see serious issues when the proper planning has been left to chance. You need to gather the facts and build your program on sound principals so that you execute in a reasonable and correct manner. I like to use the analogy of constructing a building: Without a professional architect the structure automatically is in jeopardy. Without proper planning you are placing your principal in harms way.

Proper training is necessary so the EP specialist knows how to blend into the C-suite environment. A close connection with the protectee and his or her inner circle: spouse, executive assistant, drivers, housekeepers, closest colleagues, and others who inhabit the protectees daily orbit. This connectedness greatly increases the EP specialists ability to protect the principal.

Another important component is access to the necessary information, such as the principals daily schedule, upcoming travel plans, both work and non-work, work activities that might generate special risk, and any odd or threatening communications.

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