Close Protection Principles & Threat Assessment Flashcards

What is a 'threat matrix' used for in CP planning?

Answer: A tool for ranking threats by likelihood and impact to prioritise resources

A threat matrix plots potential threats by their probability of occurring and the severity of their impact, allowing the team to focus resources on the highest-priority risks.

What does 'non-confrontational' mean in a CP context?

Answer: Avoiding direct engagement with threats, preferring evasion and extraction over fighting

Non-confrontational CP practice means avoiding situations where physical conflict might occur, preferring evasion, route changes and rapid extraction to confrontation whenever possible.

What is the 'arc of responsibility' for a CPO in a protective formation?

Answer: The sector of the surrounding environment each operative is responsible for monitoring

In a protective formation each CPO is assigned an arc — a sector of the environment to monitor continuously — ensuring 360-degree coverage around the principal without gaps.

What is the purpose of 'drills' in close protection training?

Answer: To rehearse responses to specific threats until they become automatic under stress

Rehearsing responses to scenarios — attacks, medical emergencies, ambushes — until they are automatic ensures the team reacts effectively and quickly under the stress of a real incident.

A high-profile executive receives an anonymous written threat. What is the first step for the CP team?

Answer: Assess the credibility of the threat and brief the client and law enforcement

Any written threat must first be assessed for credibility and specificity; law enforcement should be informed and the client briefed so decisions about protective measures are made on sound intelligence.

What does 'need to know' mean in a CP information security context?

Answer: Information about the principal's movements and plans is shared only with those who need it operationally

The 'need to know' principle limits disclosure of sensitive information about the principal's schedule, routes and security arrangements to those with a direct operational need, reducing the risk of leaks.