High Risk Dignitary & Witness Protection Security Course

April 5-9, 2010 - Lebanon, Missouri

ABOUT THIS COURSE:

This is a five (5) day, 40-hour course designed to prepare law enforcement personnel to mitigate threats against high value targets such as Mayors, Governors, Judges and high risk witnesses. The student will learn advanced firearms, driving, and site survey skills directly related to the protection mission. Attack recognition and prevention, mission planning and organization, as well as movements on foot and in vehicles will be taught through a series of drills and practical exercises, culminating in a final simulated protection mission. Due to the advanced nature of this course, students must be in good physical condition, have previous driving and firearms training. Topics of discussion will include:

  • Introduction to dignitary/witness protection
  • Surveillance detection & route analysis
  • Security mindset & case studies
  • Attack recognition & defense
  • Security formations
  • Arrivals & departures
  • Vehicle training & motorcade operations
  • Weapons training
  • Coordination & mission planning
  • Advances & site surveys

PREREQUISITES:

Any local, state, federal, law enforcement or military personnel charged with protection of dignitaries, elected officials, or high risk witnesses. Private persons wishing to attend training will be evaluated on an individual basis based on clearance level, current employment and skill level.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

Students must participate in lecture and practical exercises. A culminating practical exercise "mission" will be conducted at the end of the course and some of the exercises associated with this course involve a significant amount of physical activity. Driver training can involve aggressive acceleration, abrupt stops, skidding, sliding and spinning of vehicles. Persons with current or previous neck, back and/or shoulder injuries/problems are encouraged to consult with their physician before attending this course.

EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS:

  • Comfortable slacks (511) and shirts (polo or t-shirt) for classroom instruction and driver training
  • Soft-soled footwear is recommended for driver training (cowboy boots are not recommended)
  • Seasonal clothing/footwear appropriate for outdoor training involving physical activity, physical contact, running, falling and jumping
  • Seasonal clothing/footwear appropriate for weapons training; jacket to conceal holster/weapon required
  • Duty weapon
  • Concealable hip holster (not cross draw type)
  • Two-magazine ammo pouch
  • Wrap-around ballistic eye protection
  • Hearing protection
  • Concealable ballistic apparel (Organization option)
  • Suit and tie (business attire) for final practical exercise
  • Two-way radio communication with surveillance kit/remote push-to-talk type microphone or ear piece
  • DOT approved open face helmet (3/4 style preferred) for driver training
  • Motion sickness medications

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTORS:

Mr. C. William "Bill" West:

Mr. West has over 30 years of military and civilian Law Enforcement, Security Operations, Force Protection, Protective Services, and instructional experience. He is currently the Chief of the Protective Services Training Branch of the United States Army Military Police School at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Mr. West is responsible for conducting the U.S. Army’s three-week Protective Services Training Course which teaches members of the U.S Armed Forces how to conduct all aspects of protection for military and civilian dignitaries and their spouses. He also teaches the High Risk Personnel Security Course which teaches military services members how to conduct protective operations in combat and high-threat environments.Mr. West retired from the United States Army after 20 years. He began his career as a Military Policeman and eventually joined the Criminal Investigation Division where he specialized in Dignitary Protection. He has conducted protective operations in over 100 countries for U.S. Military leaders which have included the Secretary of Defense, Dick Cheney; Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff, Colin Powell and retired General H. Norman Schwarzkopf, as well as select high-ranking foreign dignitaries.

He began a career in teaching with the military at the United States Army Military Police School in 1995 where he was the senior instructor and Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge of the three-week Protective Services Training Course. Upon his retirement in 1999, he took a civilian instructor position with the MP School teaching the same course.Between 2002 and 2004 Mr. West stepped away from the MP School and served as the Director of Protective Operations and lead instructor for Special Tactical Services, LLC, in Virginia Beach, Virginia. While there he established a highly successful Protective Services and Evasive Driving training programs. In 2004 Mr. West was selected to his current position. During his combined 14 years as an instructor Mr. West has been directly responsible for training over 8600 students which include all branches of the U.S. military, Army Special Forces and Navy SEAL Teams, local state and federal law enforcement to include FBI, DEA, DOE, US Customs, US Marshal Service, and foreign officers. Mr. West has written several articles for the National Tactical Officers Association Magazine, Tactical Edge on Protection and Protective Services. He is an active member of the Fraternal Order of Police, a Committee member for the National Tactical Officer Association, and VFW Lifetime Member.

Mr. Alan Earl:

Alan Earl is currently a Team Leader/ Instructor for the Protective Services Training Branch, Special Tactics Training Division, U.S. Army Military Police School at Ft. Leonard Wood, MO. Mr. Earl is responsible for instructing and coordinating training for all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces and DoD Civilians in Protective Services Training, High Risk Personnel Security and Anti-Terrorism Evasive Driving Courses.Mr. Earl is a nationally recognized use of force trainer and expert witness who has trained over 8000 students. Mr. Earl designed the Defensive Tactics Program for Protective Services that he teaches to special operations teams from all branches of the Military and Law Enforcement. He is an instructor for GRASP and CLAMP, PPCT and SPEAR. Alan has designed and taught officer survival and other related courses internationally and in the United States. He created handgun retention and knife defense training using these systems. Motivated to always provide reality based training, Alan draws on his experience as a Police Officer, Swat Team Member, Training Coordinator/ Instructor for Eastern Missouri Police Academy, and Deputy U.S. Marshall. As a Missouri Post Certified Instructor, he has served on the POST Commission as a committee member and use of force expert. Mr. Earl is also CEO of Defensive Applications, LLC and the inventor of the CUFF-GRIP and other tactical equipment.

ENROLLMENT INFORMATION:

Advance registration is required and you may download enrollment forms by clicking on the "Enrollment" link. Email, fax or call in your registration. This course is limited to 18 participants and is first come, first serve. Tuition is due prior to training. This is a 40-hour Missouri POST approved course of instruction and participants will receive continuing education credit in the following areas: (Technical Skill: 10-hours &Skill Development: 30-hours)

TUITION FEES:

$599 per officer & payment is accepted via check, PO or credit card. For credit card payments, visit our "Tuition & Fees" section.