This is understandable in view of the lack of privacy inherent in personal security missions.
Security personnel must be aware of this natural reaction. They must anticipate it, and adhere to strict
policies of nonirritating conduct. In the initial planning stages, all potential embarrassment should be
avoided. It is normally good policy to avoid direct contact with the dignitary on details of arrangements.
The SAC, DL, or PSO should coordinate with a member of the official party who is designated for this
purpose prior to the actual start of the mission.
Restrictions on the movement of persons should be strictly enforced. Before anyone is allowed to
approach the dignitary or his effects, the person is checked carefully for identification. The authority for
his presence is established. Protective personnel should quickly learn to recognize all employees and
regular visitors calling on the dignitary.
Access rosters should be obtained when a group of visitors is expected. Arrangements should be
made with a member of the official party to identify and vouch for any unrecognized visitor.
Visitors should be admitted only at specified entrances. Control should be kept to ensure that they go
directly to their approved destinations. Members of the security detail must be especially tactful and
diplomatic in performing this function to avoid offending some unrecognized dignitary.
Military Police are stationed so that they can observe everyone and everything near the protected
person. For example, if the dignitary is in a motorcade and MPs are lining sections of the route all will
face the crowd so they can observe any suspicious actions tactfully and promptly. MPs place
themselves between the protected person and any person acting suspiciously. They precede the
protected person into buildings, crowded areas, or dangerous places. They also flank and follow him.
Do not enter into conversation between the protected person and other persons. Information should be
given only when requested. All dealings with the protected person and his associates should be on a
formal basis. Never become involved with providing personal services for dignitaries or members of
their parties. Attempts to ingratiate only serve to degrade the security mission. This results in a poor
relationship. If the protected person or members of his party are friendly in their approach to the
security detail, security personnel should react accordingly. An impersonal, businesslike approach to
personal contact should be the rule.
8. Use of Weapons. There is always the danger of accidental discharge and injury of innocent
persons when weapons are carried. All protective personnel must be qualified to fire the weapons with
which they are armed. The numbers and types of weapons carried should be appropriate to the
situation and any indicated threat based on intelligence reports of the situation and the mission. In a
security mission, the weapons should be ready for use.
MP2001
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