Threat Assessment Flashcards

What is the primary purpose of a threat assessment in close protection?

Answer: To identify, analyse and evaluate potential threats to the principal

A threat assessment systematically identifies, analyses and evaluates potential threats to the principal, enabling the close protection team to implement appropriate countermeasures.

In threat assessment, what does the acronym 'JTAC' stand for in the UK context?

Answer: Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre

JTAC (Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre) is the UK organisation responsible for setting threat levels and providing terrorism-related intelligence assessments.

What are the five UK terrorism threat levels, from lowest to highest?

Answer: Low, Moderate, Substantial, Severe, Critical

The UK's five terrorism threat levels are: Low (an attack is highly unlikely), Moderate (an attack is possible but not likely), Substantial (an attack is likely), Severe (an attack is highly likely), and Critical (an attack is highly likely in the near future).

What is a 'principal' in close protection terminology?

Answer: The person being protected

In close protection, the 'principal' (also called the 'protectee' or 'VIP') is the person who is being protected by the close protection team.

When conducting a threat assessment, what does 'intent' refer to?

Answer: Whether a potential adversary has the desire and motivation to carry out an attack

Intent refers to whether a potential threat actor has the motivation, desire, and willingness to carry out an attack against the principal. Intent combined with capability determines the level of threat.

What is an 'advance survey' in close protection?

Answer: A pre-visit reconnaissance of locations the principal will visit to identify threats and plan security

An advance survey (or recce) involves visiting locations before the principal arrives to identify potential threats, plan entry/exit routes, establish emergency procedures, and liaise with local security.