http://www.articletrader.com/ Articles at ArticleTrader en-us http://www.articletrader.com/business/career/for-bodyguards-there-are-no-free-rides.html http://www.articletrader.com/business/career/for-bodyguards-there-are-no-free-rides.html Sat, 16 Feb 2008 00:00:00 -0600 A large number of people contact me daily about getting into the Executive Protection (Bodyguard) business. At the risk of bursting bubbles, I must tell you this: There are no short-cuts when you are protecting lives.
Think first about protecting yourself and your money when selecting a training program. This is your first assignment on this career path: Do the research and conduct due diligence in assessing schools and “employment opportunities.” Go beyond believing online hype and guarantees of employment. No program can promise you work upon completing coursework. If the school advertising or facilitators are telling you this–IT IS NOT TRUE!
There are countless unscrupulous and dishonest people out there who are taking advantage of people eager to get into this field. Do not be fooled.
First, understand that there are no shortcuts and that even with all the training in the world, without experience you will not land a $60K/year job straight out of the chute. It will not happen. Here are some points to consider:
• If it sounds too good to be true–it’s a scam
• Ask for contact info and speak with individuals who have completed the program, ask about both the positive and the negative aspects of the training
• Understand that the most preliminary and very basic EPS training will consist of at least 1 week of course work–that’s just scratching the surface
• Go to online industry forums and read what people have to say about
schools
• Use professional resources/individuals to ask questions or for referrals
• Training is ongoing and continuous–there are SO MANY aspects to
this career, as well as licensing, learning new technologies and procedures– you never really stop enhancing your skills and broadening your base of knowledge
• Training programs can be a great first step in developing a network, make the most of your time in training, and develop friendships
Remember, be patient! In this “get rich/get famous quick” world, it seems young people especially want everything to happen quickly with virtually no effort. That is not realistic. Starting out in this field (as in any career) involves a certain amount of “paying dues.” You don’t move to the top–and the top-paying jobs–without putting in the time doing some less-than-glamorous tasks. Expect to work for less in the beginning, with the goal of garnering real-world experience.
I will be truthful with you, it will take a few years before you start to build a reputation (as well as a resume) worthy of the big-dollar assignments. This work is like any other career–get into it first because it is something you have a real passion for and are willing to work at–and the money will follow.
Lastly, never pay a fee to an employment agency. That is not a reputable business, it is someone taking your money and taking advantage of you. A placement firm usually works out a rate with the employer in advance. You do not pay a fee for a background check. If you are a candidate who is really being considered for the job, the company hiring you handles the background check.
Hucky
Bodyguards


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Harlan V. Austin, a 20+ year veteran in the field of Protection Services. He is sharing his knowledge in the areas of theft prevention, evacuation and emergency planning and overall safety procedures in the hopes that others will benefit by being prepared for any emergency.
Home Security

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/home-security/doorknob-lock-out.html http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/home-security/doorknob-lock-out.html Sat, 12 Jan 2008 00:00:00 -0600
The latest trend in criminal activity is “lock bumping,” and it is something that very few people are aware of. It works like this: A would-be intruder has some modifications (a series of special cuts) made to a regular key, then inserts that key into a lock and taps the key with a solid object like a piece of wood, screwdriver handle, or small hammer. It forces the lock to “unlock” so the key can be turned and the door unbolted, allowing the intruder into your home in only a matter of minutes.

It is believed this method of entry works on 90% of locks–the locks we are using to secure our homes and families. Law Enforcement hasn’t shared a lot regarding their knowledge of this dangerous trend, but it is important that the public be informed.

There are a number of ways to help keep you and your home safe:

• Improve the lighting around the exterior of your home
• Keep a pet dog that will bark and warn you of intruders, keep
it indoors to discourage break-ins
• Switch from pin tumbler type locks to electronic locks
• Install a home security alarm

The good news is that if you can’t afford an alarm system presently, you could make an investment of around $150 to purchase a “pick-free” lock. Suggested brands include
Medeco and Primus lock.

Lastly, an important aspect of this crime is the fact that it doesn’t LOOK like someone broke into your home. This means that if a thief bumps your lock, and steals your possessions, the insurance company will probably not honor your coverage because there is no evidence of someone breaking into your home. An important consideration if you feel $150 is too much to spend on a pick-proof lock.

Home Security

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Harlan V. Austin, a 20+ year veteran in the field of Protection Services. He is sharing his knowledge in the areas of theft prevention, evacuation and emergency planning and overall safety procedures in the hopes that others will benefit by being prepared for any emergency.

Home Security

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]>