Level 3 Personal Protection for Public Appearances
Recognise - Respond - React
Time and distance are important factors when planning personal protection during events such as public appearances, directly influencing reaction capability and threat mitigation. Time management ensures proactive decision making allowing close protection operatives to anticipate threats rather than react under extreme pressure. Distance serves as a buffer, providing space to detect, assess and counter potential dangers before they escalate. incorporating both elements into effective planning reduces vulnerabilities and increases the chances of successfully protecting the principal.
Most days are good where 99.9 percent of the time the principal is happy, and everyone is safe, but if Murphy's Law was to strike would you be ready, and how quickly could you recognise a threat action and respond?
History of our course
This course was originally developed in 1996 by the training director at IPC. In 2008 Gavin de Becker released his book Just 2 Seconds bringing into play the "Time and Distance" principle. Along with transitioning articles, research and experiments from Force Science, the course has developed into what it is today - strategies for providing Personal Physical Protection.
The two-part course
This course highlights the critical importance of rapid perception, decision-making, and response in life-threatening encounters. By analysing scenarios and real-life incidents, the course emphasises the necessity of training that enhances the need for a high level of knowledge and skill in:
- Situation Awareness
- Counter-Surveillance
- Behavioural Detection
- Strategic Positioning
- Threat Analysis
- Security Planning for Events
- Communications
- Conflict Management
- Physical Intervention
- Defensive Skills
Certification
Part 1 Certificate - Completed and Passed
Part 2 Certificate - Attended and Passed
Training and Assessment
Part 1: Theoretical Foundations of Physical Protection
This section will focus on the theory principles of threat identification, reaction times, and effective protection strategies. Through in-depth analysis, you will explore case studies of historical attacks, examining the tactics used, vulnerabilities exploited, and lessons learned. The objective is to develop a strong theoretical understanding of risk assessment and rapid decision-making in high-stakes environments.
Assessment:
You will be required to complete an assessment pack designed to evaluate your understanding of threat identification, reaction times, and protection strategies. This assessment will contribute to your overall course evaluation.
Part 2: Practical Applications.
This section focuses on hands-on training through scenario-based exercises, reaction drills, and real-time decision-making under pressure. You will engage in controlled simulations designed to test and enhance your ability to identify threats, react effectively, and apply protective measures. Training will also include physical intervention techniques and defensive tactics to equip you with the necessary skills for real-world security operations.
Assessment:
Visual assessment throughout the practical course.
Scenario Based Training
Part 2: Practical
The practical part of the course includes baseline reaction tests, physical interventions and defensive strategies.
Realistic scenarios from meet and greet including MP surgeries, and book signings.
Red carpet events. live performances (stage), from security planning to scenarios where the attacker feels they have nothing else to lose.
Error analysis - freezing or poor reaction - startle response - use of force - poor positioning - poor team communications.
A Scientific Approach - Physical and Mental Reaction Assessm
Part 2: Practical
With the use of high-speed cameras, inertial sensors, and biometric data to track body mechanics, defensive reactions, and evasive manoeuvres in real-time, we can analyse response times under stress, this approach helps refine training protocols, improve threat recognition speed, and optimize tactical movement in high-risk environments.
Will you react to a threat fast enough?
- Reaction times after a pain stimuli
- Reaction times after confusion
- Reaction time after physical exhaustion
- Reaction time after mental fatigue
Just 2 Seconds
Reccomended Reading
We recommend you purchasing the book "Just 2 Seconds".