In today’s world of mp3’s, iphones, tablets and gadgets, it’s easy to be engrossed in emails, games or movies while on the train, sitting in the pub or waiting at the bus stop. Did you have a quick look around before you got your ipad out?

Being aware of your personal security doesn’t mean that you have to be in a paranoid state of mind. You risk assess things every day – is it safe to overtake this vehicle on the motorway? Can I make it on to the Tube before the door close?  Being security aware just means that you might question whether it’s a good idea to listen to your mp3 when you leave for work early on a winter’s morning.

One thing I hear is ‘I know martial arts so I can look after myself!’. It’s great that people take the time to train, but if you have to use it then something has gone wrong. Learning how to defend yourself teaches you about what to do as the last line of defence; Being aware of your personal security means that you will see the signs that will lead up to potentially dangerous situations, so that you can avoid them BEFORE they happen.

Below are a few important points you should take in to consideration when thinking about your personal security. Please feel free to copy them and send them to colleagues, add them to company newsletters and pass them on to loved ones.

There is no such thing as random crime
It may be opportunistic, but it is never random. Criminals target people because the opportunity SUITS THE CRIMINAL. This could be due to the location, time of day, physical state of the victim or many other factors, but the thing you can be sure about is that it will favour them and not you.

YOU are in charge of your own security
Know your limits, tell people where you go and who you meet. You don’t have to do this all the time, but if you are going somewhere new or meeting unfamiliar people then it’s a good idea. Even people who hire close protection officers must understand that they are still in charge of their own security. Knowing that you need extra security means that you understand there is a need, but don’t now think you can do nothing as you have hired people to do it for you as it removes an important layer of your security.  Don’t be drunk and incapable, alone and asleep on a train!

Don’t look like a victim
The way you carry yourself can say a lot about you. You have probably heard people say you should act confident, walk upright and never appear to be lost or confused which you should do, but there are ways where you can also project security. For example if a criminal sizes you up and notices a small black clip on your pocket (just a torch) that looks like it could be something to defend yourself with, he will most likely choose someone who doesn’t look like they have something to put up a fight with.  Don’t let pride or embarrassment stop you from using good security precautions.

Spot trouble before it happens
There are usually indicators that can warn you of potential trouble. There are many, but ones you have probably come across might be when a stranger tries to initiate conversation that makes you think ‘this is strange!’ or when you see someone whos movements make you think that something about them just isn’t quite right. Any physical contact by strangers should raise your awareness.

When you develop a good level of personal security awareness you will notice that you become more situationally aware and more confident.  You can apply this knowledge where ever you go in the world and pass it on to the people you care about.

We have been working in various countries all over the world, on some very specialist security operations.

It has been great to meet new people and form new ties with other professional security companies, who we look forward to working with in the future.

We would also like to say Thank You to the clients of Capitol Risk.

While August remains our quiet time, even with the current situation in London, the outlook for the rest of the year looks very good.

If you would like to get in touch with Capitol Risk Security Risk Management, please email.

With so many security companies to choose from, how do you select a goood one? Or more importantly, the right one for your security task?

I can’t tell you how you do that, but I can tell you about Capitol Risk and how we do things.

At Capitol Risk, we still have old school values when it comes to the security officers we use, no matter what the task is.

We don’t believe that just because a security officer is ex-special forces or police, makes them the right choice to be placed on your security detail. We don’t try and force that point on potential clients either. If the security task requires someone to stand in the same place for 5 hours, you still need the right person for that task.

People who are unfamiliar with the UK security industry may think that just because a security officer holds a valid Close Protection licence, they are qualified and experienced enough to give you the level of protection you require. On paper, these security officers are qualified, but the unfortunate reality is that many people who hold SIA Close Protection Licences have never worked in the security industry, and many CP licence holders who do work in the security industry may never have worked as part of a real close protection detail.

This is where our experience in the security industry and our values really come in to play. We only use professional career security officers who we have personally worked with, or who have come through our network of professional security officers. Professionals will never risk tarnishing their reputations by recommending someone who might be below standard, so to us it makes perfect sense to hire using this format.

There are many factors that go into team selection, but when you use Capitol Risk, you can rest assured that we will have found the best people to suit your security requirements. We have never placed someone on a security team just because they have the right SIA licence.

Capitol Risk are very well connected in London and work with the best supplementary services in the West End. We have access to a  fleet of brand new, very high spec Mercedes, at your disposal, with a brand new Bentley for that special occasion, and other vehicles available on special request. We have access to a Box at the o2 Arena and can usually arrange tickets for booked out shows and restaurants in the West End. Offering more than just personal security services, we can assign a personal assistant to the team who will manage your complete visit.

Contact Capitol Risk to find out how we can help you with your next security task.

contact @ capitol risk. co.uk

As a Security Company and a Security Training Company, we want to finally make having an SIA licence useful!

If you have an SIA licence you will be able to save 10% on ALL our security training courses.

This discount also extends to frontline public sector workers.

Our NEW Personal Security Training website will be going live soon.