NIGHTTIME SURPRISE

Robert Arabian

Covered 6

This is a true story. Last night, an intruder came into the upscale home. Everyone in the house was asleep. On the couch was a small child, spending the night after the party went longer than anticipated. Normally, the alarm is on and the doors are locked. But tonight, that was not the case.

The normally secured doors were closed, but one was unlocked. The alarm was not turned on. Everyone was just too tired to take the vigilant steps normally taken to ensure security because of the “get together” party the homeowners hosted. The house was quiet, as everyone settled in for the night.

Then it happened. The meth using mentally unstable boogey man was lurking through the neighborhood. An opportunist. A predator.  He picked the house, not by choosing it, but by a drugged lotto-happenstance. He got into the gated community when a car drove in, and left the slowly closing electric gate that “secures” the complex and gives the weary owners their sense of security.  Using the cover of night, our drug crazed loser started picking his target. The side gate was open because the Dee Jay left it that way when he hurriedly packed his truck.

He continued into the back yard, located the first door, and noticed it was locked. He moved further into the yard and tried the next door. To his surprise, it was unlocked and he entered the house. He sees the child on the couch asleep. What goes through his mind at this point is unknown, but for some reason, he intrudes further into the house, bypassing the vulnerable child.Thank God!

With no dog to alert the home owner, and the cat sleeping soundly, the intruder continued up the staircase, passed the other rooms where the other children were soundly asleep. He penetrated into the master bedroom, seeing two sleeping bodies.  He stared at them, pondering his next move.

Luckily, something stirred the homeowner. The homeowner who though he was safe, behind a gated community; a security door and an alarm system. The homeowner who thought, “it won’t happen to me.”  But that primal drive awakened him, and through the fog of grogginess, he saw a figure in the room that doesn’t belong. As reality sets in, and questions mentally get asked and answered, the homeowner reacted due to his prior training and he grabbed his pistol by the bed. Go time!

The muzzle of a semi-auto and some choice words luckily forced the fried brain freak to comply with the order to lay on the ground or be shot. A pivotal decision, potentially his last.

The wife, now awakened to her mates frantic voice, dials 9 1 1. After the barrage of questions, and answers that can’t get out of her mouth in a cogent manner, the police eventually arrive in 3-5 minutes. They were delayed by the gate guarding the “Gated Community” since they didn’t have the code. If you were wondering,and we know you are, she told us “that was the longest 5 minutes of my life.” The perp is taken away to the local joint, and the homeowner is left trying to figure out what went wrong. Facebook postings followed.

There are many lessons here. First, you have to protect yourself, cause nobody is going to protect you. Having appropriate weapons, ammunition and desire are important parts of this equation. However, all the Roscoes in the world won’t help you if you don’t train and train some more. If you don’t rehearse the potential scenarios in a non-stressful situation, or even a semi-stressful situation, maybe you won’t be as lucky as this homeowner was. If you aren’t willing to commit, then you are deciding to allow someone else to control your destiny. In short, you have become the sheep in the world of wolves. I commend this homeowner, who has decided to protect himself and his family.

The “homeowner” in this story is a longtime friend of mine and former cop, now attorney. He admits that even though he has had training, it had been a while since his family discussed this type of scenario.

At Covered 6, we can help prepare you to take on the wolf. Be a sheepdog, stay vigilant and watch your flock!  Peace.  6/12

Executive Protection and Personal Defense? Which option is most viable and how do you choose?

Robert A. Arabian, esq.

So you have purchased a firearm and gone to the range to cap off a few rounds at a target. A paper target that does not threaten you from a sound sleep and isn’t charging at you with a knife. Are YOU prepared to handle this situation? Most of us aren’t, but many are starting to learn these valuable skills to defend themselves and their loved ones.

Of course, it is easier to hire a professional to guard you 24/7. If money is no object, then I would always rather have someone ready and willing to be my private “Secret Service,” willing to take a bullet or knife to the heart to protect my family and myself. The average cost for an armed guard who isn’t an off-duty cop is about $25.00 per hour on the lower end of the spectrum. That cost adds up daily, and the number is daunting when compounded annually.

Unfortunately, in desperate times, people resort to violence in the workplace. You are allowed to protect yourself, either with a quality executive protection firm, or by your own means. Active shooters do not just infiltrate college campuses. They find hair salons, banks, jewelry stores and every other business where we shop, work and play.

We are all familiar with the availability of new technology; smart phone controlled alarm systems; fancy surveillance from your ipad and the ability to be in near constant communication with each other. However, the police are generally only 3-16 minutes away once you call 9-1-1 for the emergency. It’s like holding up a paper restraining order to the restrained party as he or she is standing on your doorstep with a loaded firearm. Facebook can’t save you and your “Tweets” will not get help there any faster.

With thousands of our fine troops coming home from our longest war, many companies are advertising their “executive protection” options, utilizing their “military” experience as a hook. These military types are flooding the market with executive protection offerings and sexy military based security consulting companies. Saturating an already filled market, it is harder for the average person to decide what level of private security is appropriate. Even worse, you have to figure out how military special operations training relates to home security in Beverly Hills. Is the enemy really hiding in your bushes awaiting the perfect opportunity to ambush, or can you handle this yourself?

“Do I buy a gun?” is a commonly asked question. The short answer is, “only if you are mentally prepared to use it.” If you are mentally prepared, then you have already committed to yourself that you refuse to become a victim, and are willing to protect those you love. You are the sheepdog, and no predator will enter through your door. Having a concealed weapons permit will make you more prepared to handle any dangerous situation, but how do you get one?

Many people buy a firearm based upon what someone told them; their police officer friend’s advice or what the gun store recommended. Unfortunately, what works for one person does not work for another. Size. Grip. Capacity. Caliber. Color. Most cops know what they know from the academy, and what works as a “duty pistol” isn’t always the best for your personal protection. Gun stores work on commission and incentives much like car dealers – rotate the inventory to find out who is “salesman of the month.”

The point is, if you are in the market for personal protection, home defense, and or executive protection it is best to consult a verifiable expert with a proven track record, established business site, and a client list that does not fall under the usual “non-disclosure”.

While military experience and law enforcement backgrounds add unique and pertinent perspectives, it is best to seek out organizations with several different instructor backgrounds. Take into considerations like the types of programs offered. Do they offer “Solo Man Tactics”, “Simulator Training” or “Force on Force” training?

You won’t have a full SWAT team defending you in the middle of the night during a break in, so why train like you will? Video simulators create stress in a controlled environment allowing you to practice making decisions that have ramifications beyond the use of deadly force for self-defense. What legal experience do they have to train you to win the battle in court, which may be the real fight for your life?

It is one experience to shoot bullets at a paper target. It is adrenaline overload to shoot at each other with realistic firearms that won’t harm you. Your best training happens when you are put into realistic situations and have to rehearse what “could” happen. Your heart pumps; your hands shake; your decisions are tested. You become ready.

Once you have built a solid foundation of confidence, you will have the skill set to defend yourself in a legal manner without hesitating.

Your best decision starts with a quality training company. Don’t end up on a dirt lot and a “square” range with little versatility. These companies limit themselves to donning cool gear, running relays and shooting expensive ammunition. While it is fun, it isn’t preparing you for the “Fight of your life.” Good firearms training is important, but it plays smaller part than you think in surviving an actual hostile encounter at your residence or workplace.

It is a well-known fact that millions of gun owners normally acquire their life or death gun fighting skills from Uncle Buck. I have often told my students that the physical fight or the deployment of a firearm is only part of it…what you do before and after the encounter is more significant to the final outcome. Survival of the encounter in my mind encompasses the aftermath in court, the media, your family and your moral convictions.

Ultimately, the question is what makes a good personal security expert? Be wary of the guy or gal who says they have “twenty years of experience.” Make sure his or her experience is not twenty years of mediocrity. Experts that continue to update their expertise with actual profession of arms details or active duty training are the ideal choice. Once you retire, the clock starts ticking on relevance and current tactics. Make sure what is being taught makes sense to you and your ability. Most of all know yourself and your limitations.

Oh yeah, I mentioned you’re in a “Fight for your life.” Police Officers around the world spend numerous hours of training to prepare for that day. The day of the ultimate fight, when somebody challenges you, threatens your life, and you emerge victorious. As the perpetrator is lying in their own pool of blood, breathing their last gasps of cold sweet air, knowing that on their very best day, they could not beat you. That is your day in the sun. Are you prepared?

www.Covered6.com

Defend Guard Protect

NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH NEWS

DEVONSHIRE Senior Lead Office (818) 363-1726

Dear neighborhood watch members,

This is a follow up email to the alert I sent out a few weeks ago regarding increased residential burglary activity in the Granada Hills and Porter Ranch, particularly affecting the areas North of Rinaldi Street.

The Burglaries are occurring during the daytime (generally between 9AM and 4PM ). The method of operation revolves around an initial door knock followed by a forced entry from a side or rear window/door. Property being taken is jewelry, money, firearms and at times electronics.

Based on some witness accounts there is not one particular suspect responsible for these crimes. Instead it appears there are several crews (generally made up of at least 2 or 3 individuals) carrying out the burglaries.

As a reminder, the best way to prevent these crimes is to always remain alert and vigilant with a genuine interest not only in protecting your property but your neighbors as well.

Look for vehicles and activity which is unusual for your neighborhood. Take the time as you go in/out of your home to scan the street; you are looking for something that looks out of place.

It could be a parked vehicle with people just sitting in it; it could be an unfamiliar vehicle in a neighbor's driveway; it could be a pedestrian going from door to door.

If you see this type of activity pay attention and evaluate the situation. The question is "what do you think is going on?" If you suspect criminal activity don't hesitate and phone the police right away.

Use 911 for all emergencies and crimes in progress. Use the direct dispatch line for all non-emergency calls by dialing 1-877-275-5273.

Everyone should have the direct dispatch number on their cell phones. Do not call Devonshire Desk or any other number to get police response. You should only be using 911 or direct dispatch, depending on the urgency of the situation.

Don't confront or expose yourself to danger. Don't leave your front door open or unlocked but do announce you are home if you get a knock on the door.

I'll be up in the Porter Ranch area this Saturday to do some community outreach. Rest assured the police department is using every possible available means to address this issue and apprehend the people responsible for these crimes.

I'm reviewing crime and patterns on a daily basis, doing follow ups on possible leads and deploying police resources for the areas affected.

You may see increased black and white presence or plain vehicle/undercover officers operations. I've also solicited air support patrols and as a result you may see the helicopters up more often.

As an tenured officer and for many years as a local resident of the area I can tell you that police presence makes a huge difference in crime affected areas.

Bad guys know where cops live and don't want to be where the police is present, plain and simple. It is not just a coincidence that when police activity decreases or officers move out of the area crime increases. And right now we are living through difficult economics times that impact crime in several different ways.

On the same token local residents play just as big of a part by being alert, being visible and reporting any suspicious activity to the police.

I'm out in the field in a marked police vehicle for most of my shift mainly during the weekdays patrolling the affected neighborhoods. Don't hesitate to waive or to approach me if you any questions or concerns.

My cell phone number is 818 634-0577.

Standing by my oath to always protect the righteous,

Best regards to you all . SLO Dario Del Core

“Why can’t I find a job?” This is a common response coming from combat veterans recently discharged from United States Military Service. It is more prevalent from those who are seeking employment within a very competitive and now heavily regulated industry that is turning away the “Non-Professional” or egotistical individual who has expectations of earning a high dollar six figure salary upon being discharged with common U.S. Defense Contractors. Such reputable defense contractors as Triple Canopy and DynCorp International are now being more selective as to who they hire. Especially since the United States Government has started pulling the leash on the “Cowboy Up” and “Fly By Night” operational mindsets that several contracting companies as well as operators themselves have been prone display in “Red Zones” today. There is an obvious new standard of operations that current and future operators must have if they intend to succeed as a defense contractor. Simply put education and different specialized training is a necessity in today’s civilian market.

Since most defense contracting jobs include protection of personnel or PSD (Protective Security Detail) work, contracting companies are looking for operators with the combat mindset and basic infantry skills, as well as the quiet professional types. Humble individuals that possess the essential infantry skills, interpersonal skills expected by high dollar clients and the close personal protection skills that are required in a new urban conflict zone. These same skill sets are essential to use in “Green,” non-hostile areas such as the United States for protecting similar clientele in a more evasive, less war-like environment.

Executive Protection training certainly isn’t new, yet it is a transitional skill that can be used overseas as well as in a professional protection occupation in the United States or around the world. Combining the infantry skills and discipline that is hard-wired into most GI’s today allows them to take a step into another aspect of security that keeps them with their families and loved ones; and ultimately allows them to go home at the end of each day after work. These EP skills are not typically taught to today’s soldiers because they are simply not a necessity to have in today’s military. However, they are quickly becoming a necessity for contracting and security firms that operate both abroad and within the U.S.

To make things easier on veterans stepping away from the military and trying to step into such careers as Executive Protection; companies like Covered 6 are providing transitional executive protection courses that will fill in the missing pieces that vets need to dive into such a career. These courses are taught from simple to advanced stages, usually lasting a minimum of 2 days to complete a level 1 course. After which a new foundation is laid for further training and advancement within the industry. Covered 6 even offers job placement assistance and works very closely with Executive Protection firms who are looking to hire professional’s right after successful completion of the course.

Covered 6 is offering these classes at realistic costs for veterans and is fighting hard to ensure these classes get reimbursed by the EDD (Employment Development Department) of California so that today’s veterans have a better chance at getting hired faster right out of the military.

Veterans beware; you’re not done training yet. Take advantage of companies that are offering you the knowledge you need to get your foot in the door with security firms everywhere. Covered6 will not only train you, they will encourage and mentor you to attain the right EP job with the right company.

Thanks for reading.

Derek Porter – Former Military Contractor

C6 Business Development and Special Projects