o Ideological - Sometimes ideas expressed by people in power threaten belief systems of others.
If the threat is strong enough, it can be the reason for a threat or attack on the person
expressing the idea. Martin Luther King, Jr had been receiving threats on his life for years
before his assassination.
o Personal - Some assassinations have been motivated by purely personal drives. These can be
real or imagined. The assassin related to the victim through revenge, jealousy, hate, or rage.
o Mercenary - In some cases, attacks have been made strictly for a monetary award.
o Psychological - These factors tend to be complex. They seldom are the only motivating factor.
Usually, a psychological factor is present with one of the other factors listed above. An assailant with
such a problem might not even be aware of the real motivating factor for his attack.
3. Group Modus Operandi. This element involves finding out how the group that poses a threat to
your principal operates as a whole and their particular methods of operation. You must weigh such
factors as:
o Strength - size of group and availability of support.
o Equipment - capability of equipment and associated firepower.
o Training levels - group training and level of commitment.
Each group that could pose a threat to your principal usually has their own pattern of activities. This
pattern made up of the above factors should be noted. Take it into account in planning your protective
service mission.
4. Mass Media. To better understand the situation that surrounds your principal, you must be familiar
with the media. It provides inexpensive, but valuable, information which can assist your threat analysis.
Information on political climates, economics, and populace attitudes, can all affect your principal as a
representative of the government. The newspaper in particular can be of great help. Not only does it
provide great detail on the many potential hazard situations, but past attacks and threats on your
principal or others are recorded in detail. They can be used to plan your current protective mission.
Remember to be as detailed as possible when examining such information. The more you know about
possible threat groups and conditions, the better your preparation will be.
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MP2001
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