The largest American cities are conducting drills, beefing security and testing vulnerabilities revealed by the devastating terror attacks in Mumbai, and many hotels continue to play Ostrich.
Security personnel around the country and world are intensively reviewing what happened in Mumbai to learn more about terrorists’ tradecraft and shifting tactics.
The shift has already begun, Police are addressing Mumbai-like scenarios where teams of terrorists fan out and use small arms and explosives to lay siege to hotels, hospitals, and other major institutions, and take hostages.
“We look at these new kinds of tactics and the way they orchestrated this, and modify our approach,” Michael Downing, the head of the Los Angeles Police Department’s counter-terrorism unit, told the media. “We’re looking at it very closely.”
Close to 200 persons died in Mumbai in a series of coordinated attacks that terrorized the city for more than three days.
On Friday, New York City police conducted the first U.S. training exercise based on the Mumbai experience. “Our goal,” New York Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly told security officials, “is to find out as much as we can about terrorists worldwide, to understand who’s behind them, what motivates them, and what tactics they use.”
Other cities are responding to the Mumbai threat as well:
• In Boston, police have stepped up surveillance and are keeping an especially close eye on hotels.
• The Department of Homeland Security has warned hotels throughout the country to beef up security.
• Authorities at port cities are particularly concerned, given that the terrorists traveled to Mumbai by boat. “Our great vulnerability is the water,” Miami Police Chief John Timoney told USA Today.
• InterContinental Hotels says it has taken additional, unspecified security precautions in “high-risk markets” nationwide.
When the Los Angeles Times asked city Police Chief William J. Bratton the likelihood that city would face a Mumbai-style attack, he replied, “First off, we’re all surprised something has not happened since 9/11.”
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Monday, December 1, 2008
Terror and The Opportunist.........
What makes a terrorist choose one target over another
when planning to machine gun and grenade attack
innocent people in a crowded public place?
Is the target selection based on some perceived
geopolitical transgressions against the terrorists'
demented cause? The terrorist would like the world to
think so, but if that was the case, why didn't the
latest attack happen in a place like Israel? Why
Mumbai, India?
FYI
A recent ABC report should be of concern to all Americans and to our elected leaders. It regards Shirwa Ahmed, a naturalized U.S. citizen who is believed to have committed a suicide bombing in Somalia and – even more disturbing – may have been involved in the recruitment of young men of Somali descent here in the United States.
The news report further states that more than a dozen such men, perhaps as many as 40 and mostly in their 20s, have "disappeared."
Wakeup America if you see something say something!
Please do not play Ostrich, America needs more Eagles!
Stay Safe, Andrew
NYC Worried about Mumbai-Style Attacks
Saturday, November 29, 2008 4:17 PM
The terrorist attacks in Mumbai, India, have prompted authorities in New York City to beef up security at large hotels and Jewish centers, including the Lubavitch headquarters. We Knew this was coming....
Accrording to WCBSTV.com, the New York City Police Department had already been on high alert over concerns of a possible strike over the Thanksgiving holiday. But the attacks in India, which claimed about 200 lives, prompted enhanced security.
According to The Associated Press, victims of the Mumbai attacks include New York Rabbi Gavriel Noach Holtzberg and his wife, Rivkah, who were found at a Chabad Lubavitch Jewish center attacked by Muslim militants. Their son, Moshe, was saved.
when planning to machine gun and grenade attack
innocent people in a crowded public place?
Is the target selection based on some perceived
geopolitical transgressions against the terrorists'
demented cause? The terrorist would like the world to
think so, but if that was the case, why didn't the
latest attack happen in a place like Israel? Why
Mumbai, India?
FYI
A recent ABC report should be of concern to all Americans and to our elected leaders. It regards Shirwa Ahmed, a naturalized U.S. citizen who is believed to have committed a suicide bombing in Somalia and – even more disturbing – may have been involved in the recruitment of young men of Somali descent here in the United States.
The news report further states that more than a dozen such men, perhaps as many as 40 and mostly in their 20s, have "disappeared."
Wakeup America if you see something say something!
Please do not play Ostrich, America needs more Eagles!
Stay Safe, Andrew
NYC Worried about Mumbai-Style Attacks
Saturday, November 29, 2008 4:17 PM
The terrorist attacks in Mumbai, India, have prompted authorities in New York City to beef up security at large hotels and Jewish centers, including the Lubavitch headquarters. We Knew this was coming....
Accrording to WCBSTV.com, the New York City Police Department had already been on high alert over concerns of a possible strike over the Thanksgiving holiday. But the attacks in India, which claimed about 200 lives, prompted enhanced security.
According to The Associated Press, victims of the Mumbai attacks include New York Rabbi Gavriel Noach Holtzberg and his wife, Rivkah, who were found at a Chabad Lubavitch Jewish center attacked by Muslim militants. Their son, Moshe, was saved.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
The Ostrich and the Eagle..........
“THE OSTRICH & THE EAGLE”
As fellow instructor Brian Willis writes;
If you were to close your eyes and allow the image of an Eagle to come to mind that image would most likely be of a powerful creature soaring at great heights. The Eagle has served as a symbol of strength, power and majesty for decades.
Contrast that to the image of an Ostrich, with their head buried in the sand, as a symbol of those times in our life where we get caught up in that victim thinking and bury our head in the sand not wanting to face the world around us. For some people this is the way they live their life; for others it is occasional behavior.
When you find yourself in an important life and death situation, and you have a decision to make, you can choose to be an Ostrich or an Eagle.
We all make a conscious decision to be an Ostrich or an Eagle; the choice is yours and yours alone!
Stay Safe & Soar!
Andrew
www.personaldefensivetactics.com
PS Please visit Brian @
Brian Willis
Winning Mind Training
Legacy of Excellence Conference
www.winningmindtraining.com
Please Donate to the Wounded Warrior Project!
As fellow instructor Brian Willis writes;
If you were to close your eyes and allow the image of an Eagle to come to mind that image would most likely be of a powerful creature soaring at great heights. The Eagle has served as a symbol of strength, power and majesty for decades.
Contrast that to the image of an Ostrich, with their head buried in the sand, as a symbol of those times in our life where we get caught up in that victim thinking and bury our head in the sand not wanting to face the world around us. For some people this is the way they live their life; for others it is occasional behavior.
When you find yourself in an important life and death situation, and you have a decision to make, you can choose to be an Ostrich or an Eagle.
We all make a conscious decision to be an Ostrich or an Eagle; the choice is yours and yours alone!
Stay Safe & Soar!
Andrew
www.personaldefensivetactics.com
PS Please visit Brian @
Brian Willis
Winning Mind Training
Legacy of Excellence Conference
www.winningmindtraining.com
Please Donate to the Wounded Warrior Project!
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Today Home Security is a high priority element.....
Home Security
Today Home Security is a high priority element in the lives of many Americans. The broad spectrum of media bombardment keeps us all a little paranoid. I believe it is better to be safe than sorry (thanks mom & dad) and to be the Eagle and not the Ostrich. There are a number of home security products available that ensure not only the safety of the family, but also the valued possessions and belongings. Home security is as important for an independent home owner as for an apartment owner. In this current financial downturn, people are looking for security options that can alert the police or fire station, in seconds. Especially useful for the head of the household, who may travel a lot and spend time away from home. There is added peace of mind; though we never stop worrying about the safety of our loved ones it eases the burden. Growing up in a family with 7 children, seldom was the home left unattended, and when it was we always had the good old fashioned watch dog. The new age of high tech security systems ensures peace of mind as well as security to the dwelling’s occupants and belongings. The new age security monitoring systems have video cameras, sound transponders, etc. Installed and streaming live on the internet, which allows the home owner the ability to monitor the home from virtually anywhere on the planet?
Things to remember; your safety begins and ends with you, and like your sub-conscious mind Safety never Sleeps…………………
Stay safe,
Andrew
Andrew@personaldefensivetactics.com
Sergeant Andrew Hopkinson spent over 20 years with the Village of Mamaroneck, NY Police Department, his father Lieutenant Henry Hopkinson spent 37 years retiring as the Deputy Chief. Upon retirement, Sgt. Hopkinson was immediately hired as a training sergeant for the town of Rye (NY) department of public safety. As an active shooter instructor and nationally recognized defensive tactics trainer working for two world renowned law enforcement training companies, Sergeant Hopkinson has trained hundreds of law enforcement and military units all over the United States and Canada. As a supervisor of the Village of Mamaroneck Police Department Marine Unit, he developed a “Maritime Defensive Tactics” program that was taught to numerous police marine units around the nation. He is a New York state municipal police academy instructor. A licensed New York State Security Guard he is also a certified Tactical EMT and a CPR, AED and First Aid Instructor. Sgt. Hopkinson worked at Ground Zero after 9/11 and was employed as a private security contractor in New Orleans Louisiana in the aftermath of hurricane Katrina. Sgt. Hopkinson is a Federal Bureau of Investigation certified firearms instructor as well as a New York state certified firearms instructor. A New York state certified general topics police instructor and a Monadnock MEB baton instructor, and teaches Water Survival to Police recruits in Westchester County, NY. He spent 10 years as a search and rescue underwater crime scene diver & dive team commander. Sgt. Hopkinson has received instruction in responding to terrorist threats and first responder actions at bombing scenes taught by former members of the Israeli Special Forces. He has also attended training on multiple terrorist school siege doctrine taught by westerners who were allowed to investigate the Beslan (Russia) school massacre in 2004. He is currently working and instructing for Michael Stapleton Associates, a leading Counter Terrorism and Explosives Detection company in NYC, where he is teaching Security and Counter Terrorism. He is a charter member of ILEETA (International Law Enforcement Educators & Trainers Association) and a member of the International Counter Terrorism Officers Association.
Today Home Security is a high priority element in the lives of many Americans. The broad spectrum of media bombardment keeps us all a little paranoid. I believe it is better to be safe than sorry (thanks mom & dad) and to be the Eagle and not the Ostrich. There are a number of home security products available that ensure not only the safety of the family, but also the valued possessions and belongings. Home security is as important for an independent home owner as for an apartment owner. In this current financial downturn, people are looking for security options that can alert the police or fire station, in seconds. Especially useful for the head of the household, who may travel a lot and spend time away from home. There is added peace of mind; though we never stop worrying about the safety of our loved ones it eases the burden. Growing up in a family with 7 children, seldom was the home left unattended, and when it was we always had the good old fashioned watch dog. The new age of high tech security systems ensures peace of mind as well as security to the dwelling’s occupants and belongings. The new age security monitoring systems have video cameras, sound transponders, etc. Installed and streaming live on the internet, which allows the home owner the ability to monitor the home from virtually anywhere on the planet?
Things to remember; your safety begins and ends with you, and like your sub-conscious mind Safety never Sleeps…………………
Stay safe,
Andrew
Andrew@personaldefensivetactics.com
Sergeant Andrew Hopkinson spent over 20 years with the Village of Mamaroneck, NY Police Department, his father Lieutenant Henry Hopkinson spent 37 years retiring as the Deputy Chief. Upon retirement, Sgt. Hopkinson was immediately hired as a training sergeant for the town of Rye (NY) department of public safety. As an active shooter instructor and nationally recognized defensive tactics trainer working for two world renowned law enforcement training companies, Sergeant Hopkinson has trained hundreds of law enforcement and military units all over the United States and Canada. As a supervisor of the Village of Mamaroneck Police Department Marine Unit, he developed a “Maritime Defensive Tactics” program that was taught to numerous police marine units around the nation. He is a New York state municipal police academy instructor. A licensed New York State Security Guard he is also a certified Tactical EMT and a CPR, AED and First Aid Instructor. Sgt. Hopkinson worked at Ground Zero after 9/11 and was employed as a private security contractor in New Orleans Louisiana in the aftermath of hurricane Katrina. Sgt. Hopkinson is a Federal Bureau of Investigation certified firearms instructor as well as a New York state certified firearms instructor. A New York state certified general topics police instructor and a Monadnock MEB baton instructor, and teaches Water Survival to Police recruits in Westchester County, NY. He spent 10 years as a search and rescue underwater crime scene diver & dive team commander. Sgt. Hopkinson has received instruction in responding to terrorist threats and first responder actions at bombing scenes taught by former members of the Israeli Special Forces. He has also attended training on multiple terrorist school siege doctrine taught by westerners who were allowed to investigate the Beslan (Russia) school massacre in 2004. He is currently working and instructing for Michael Stapleton Associates, a leading Counter Terrorism and Explosives Detection company in NYC, where he is teaching Security and Counter Terrorism. He is a charter member of ILEETA (International Law Enforcement Educators & Trainers Association) and a member of the International Counter Terrorism Officers Association.
Security and the Down Market............
Security: WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST ASSET? THE MARKETS AREN'T YOUR ONLY RISK,
Featuring Andrew C. Hopkinson, CEO of Personal Defensive Tactics LLC
Security and the Down Market…………….As the nation’s financial crisis makes headlines, many of your family’s clearer and present dangers may be flying under the radar. Wealth brings considerable attention and security exposure to families across the globe, and many take appropriate counter measures only after costly, disruptive, or embarrassing events unfold. However with drastic times come increases in, crimes to the person, strong armed robberies, home invasions and abductions. So with that said, your family is your greatest asset, they are often the weakest link in your security blanket.
According to security expert Andrew C. Hopkinson, CEO of Personal Defensive Tactics LLC, a threat management and security consulting firm, “A lot of high net worth families are led to believe that security is a function of how much they spend. Quite to the contrary, true security is a function of putting countermeasures in place that specifically address the types of threats a family faces.” Andrew goes on to explain that some appropriate measures come at little or no cost, but families are often sold expensive equipment or monitoring services based on fear tactics.
A better approach is to consult a security expert who can evaluate your lifestyle and exposure to threats. Areas of particular concern to many families include:
Personal Security
• Protection of your home, family, valuables & possessions
• Monitoring of in-home service staff, trained personnel on staff; in CPR First Aid• Interior & perimeter monitoring, well lit areas are a deterrent…..
• Safeguard monitoring around swimming pools, driveways & play areas
Identity Theft Protection• Safeguarding against the loss of wallets and purses, proper home office document shredding!
• Monitoring credit bureaus for suspicious credit activity
• Implementing cyber-security measures to prevent hacking of personal information
Background Investigations• Comprehensive investigations of work history, criminal history, credit history, education and credentials of prospective domestic or corporate employees
• Deep assessments of character, integrity, and personal history through interviews of associates and former employers
Special Event Planning
• Minimizing the risk of a crime, unwanted exposure, or terrorist activity through site planning, technology assessment, access controls, and transportation planning
• Providing incident response in the event of a threat, having trained personnel on staff; in CPR First Aid, Executive Protection/Personal Protection.
Security and the Down Market…………….
Global Travel Intelligence
• Assessment of your ‘value’ as a ransom target, bad guys will monitor private jet traffic……
• Assessment of the political, criminal, terrorist and kidnapping risk profile of each destination
• Recommendations of hotels, airports, travel routes, have an EP escape an evasion trained driver.
Cyber Security
• Establishing an information security policy, procedures, and access control
• Assessing network vulnerability, children are always online……
• Acquisition, deployment, and maintenance of information systems equipment
• Response, investigation, and management of cyber attacks
• Monitoring of compliance to existing laws, guidelines, and industry best practices
Stalking Mitigation
• Consultation on prevention, detection, and avoidance, continue training household staff
• Advice on eliminating the stalking threat or ending stalker activity, if you see something, say something
• Coordination with Federal, State and local authorities
Workplace or School Safety• Threat assessments to your office, review of your child’s school safety procedures
• Violence avoidance, “The Ostrich and the Eagle” situational awareness
• Employee training, I will say it again; in CPR First Aid, Executive Protection/Personal Protection.
History has shown us what can and does happen in a financial crisis, ask your self this, Security, if not now then when? What are your greatest assets really worth? Don’t play the Ostrich……
Andrew C. Hopkinson
Can be reached Andrew@personaldefensivetactics.com
Sergeant Andrew Hopkinson
Sergeant Andrew Hopkinson spent over 20 years with the Village of Mamaroneck, NY Police Department before retiring in early 2007. Upon retirement, he was immediately hired as a training sergeant for the town of Rye (NY) department of public safety. As an active shooter instructor and nationally recognized defensive tactics trainer working for two world renowned law enforcement training companies, Sergeant Hopkinson has trained hundreds of law enforcement and military units all over the United States and Canada. As a supervisor of the Village of Mamaroneck Police Department Marine Unit, he developed a “Maritime Defensive Tactics” program that was taught to numerous police marine units around the nation. He is a New York state municipal police academy instructor. He is also a certified Tactical EMT and a CPR, AED and First Aid Instructor. Hopkinson worked at Ground Zero after 9/11 and was employed as a private security contractor in New Orleans, Louisiana in the aftermath of hurricane Katrina. Sgt. Hopkinson is a Federal Bureau of Investigation certified firearms instructor as well as a New York state certified firearms instructor. A New York state certified general topics police instructor and a Monadnock MEB baton instructor. He spent 10 years as a search and rescue underwater crime scene diver & dive team commander. Sgt. Hopkinson has received instruction in responding to terrorist threats and first responder actions at bombing scenes taught by former members of the Israeli Special Forces. He has also attended training on multiple terrorist school siege doctrine taught by westerners who were allowed to investigate the Beslan (Russia) school massacre in 2004. He is currently instructing for Michael Stapleton Associates, a leading Counter Terrorism and Explosives Detection company in NYC, where he is teaching Security and Counter Terrorism. He is a charter member of ILEETA (International Law Enforcement Educators & Trainers Association) and a member of the International Counter Terrorism Officers Association.
Featuring Andrew C. Hopkinson, CEO of Personal Defensive Tactics LLC
Security and the Down Market…………….As the nation’s financial crisis makes headlines, many of your family’s clearer and present dangers may be flying under the radar. Wealth brings considerable attention and security exposure to families across the globe, and many take appropriate counter measures only after costly, disruptive, or embarrassing events unfold. However with drastic times come increases in, crimes to the person, strong armed robberies, home invasions and abductions. So with that said, your family is your greatest asset, they are often the weakest link in your security blanket.
According to security expert Andrew C. Hopkinson, CEO of Personal Defensive Tactics LLC, a threat management and security consulting firm, “A lot of high net worth families are led to believe that security is a function of how much they spend. Quite to the contrary, true security is a function of putting countermeasures in place that specifically address the types of threats a family faces.” Andrew goes on to explain that some appropriate measures come at little or no cost, but families are often sold expensive equipment or monitoring services based on fear tactics.
A better approach is to consult a security expert who can evaluate your lifestyle and exposure to threats. Areas of particular concern to many families include:
Personal Security
• Protection of your home, family, valuables & possessions
• Monitoring of in-home service staff, trained personnel on staff; in CPR First Aid• Interior & perimeter monitoring, well lit areas are a deterrent…..
• Safeguard monitoring around swimming pools, driveways & play areas
Identity Theft Protection• Safeguarding against the loss of wallets and purses, proper home office document shredding!
• Monitoring credit bureaus for suspicious credit activity
• Implementing cyber-security measures to prevent hacking of personal information
Background Investigations• Comprehensive investigations of work history, criminal history, credit history, education and credentials of prospective domestic or corporate employees
• Deep assessments of character, integrity, and personal history through interviews of associates and former employers
Special Event Planning
• Minimizing the risk of a crime, unwanted exposure, or terrorist activity through site planning, technology assessment, access controls, and transportation planning
• Providing incident response in the event of a threat, having trained personnel on staff; in CPR First Aid, Executive Protection/Personal Protection.
Security and the Down Market…………….
Global Travel Intelligence
• Assessment of your ‘value’ as a ransom target, bad guys will monitor private jet traffic……
• Assessment of the political, criminal, terrorist and kidnapping risk profile of each destination
• Recommendations of hotels, airports, travel routes, have an EP escape an evasion trained driver.
Cyber Security
• Establishing an information security policy, procedures, and access control
• Assessing network vulnerability, children are always online……
• Acquisition, deployment, and maintenance of information systems equipment
• Response, investigation, and management of cyber attacks
• Monitoring of compliance to existing laws, guidelines, and industry best practices
Stalking Mitigation
• Consultation on prevention, detection, and avoidance, continue training household staff
• Advice on eliminating the stalking threat or ending stalker activity, if you see something, say something
• Coordination with Federal, State and local authorities
Workplace or School Safety• Threat assessments to your office, review of your child’s school safety procedures
• Violence avoidance, “The Ostrich and the Eagle” situational awareness
• Employee training, I will say it again; in CPR First Aid, Executive Protection/Personal Protection.
History has shown us what can and does happen in a financial crisis, ask your self this, Security, if not now then when? What are your greatest assets really worth? Don’t play the Ostrich……
Andrew C. Hopkinson
Can be reached Andrew@personaldefensivetactics.com
Sergeant Andrew Hopkinson
Sergeant Andrew Hopkinson spent over 20 years with the Village of Mamaroneck, NY Police Department before retiring in early 2007. Upon retirement, he was immediately hired as a training sergeant for the town of Rye (NY) department of public safety. As an active shooter instructor and nationally recognized defensive tactics trainer working for two world renowned law enforcement training companies, Sergeant Hopkinson has trained hundreds of law enforcement and military units all over the United States and Canada. As a supervisor of the Village of Mamaroneck Police Department Marine Unit, he developed a “Maritime Defensive Tactics” program that was taught to numerous police marine units around the nation. He is a New York state municipal police academy instructor. He is also a certified Tactical EMT and a CPR, AED and First Aid Instructor. Hopkinson worked at Ground Zero after 9/11 and was employed as a private security contractor in New Orleans, Louisiana in the aftermath of hurricane Katrina. Sgt. Hopkinson is a Federal Bureau of Investigation certified firearms instructor as well as a New York state certified firearms instructor. A New York state certified general topics police instructor and a Monadnock MEB baton instructor. He spent 10 years as a search and rescue underwater crime scene diver & dive team commander. Sgt. Hopkinson has received instruction in responding to terrorist threats and first responder actions at bombing scenes taught by former members of the Israeli Special Forces. He has also attended training on multiple terrorist school siege doctrine taught by westerners who were allowed to investigate the Beslan (Russia) school massacre in 2004. He is currently instructing for Michael Stapleton Associates, a leading Counter Terrorism and Explosives Detection company in NYC, where he is teaching Security and Counter Terrorism. He is a charter member of ILEETA (International Law Enforcement Educators & Trainers Association) and a member of the International Counter Terrorism Officers Association.
The Ostrich & The Eagle.......
"The Ostrich and the Eagle"
As fellow instructor Brian Willis writes;
If you were to close your eyes and allow the image of an Eagle to come to mind, that image would most likely be of a powerful creature soaring at great heights, a commanding presence. The Eagle has served as a symbol of strength, power and majesty for decades.
Contrast that to the image of an Ostrich, with their head buried in the sand, as a symbol of those times in our life where we get caught up in that victim thinking and bury our head in the sand not wanting to face the world around us. For some people this is the way they live their life; for others it is occasional behavior.
When you find yourself in an important life and death situation, and you have a decision to make, you can choose to be an Ostrich or an Eagle.
We all make a conscious decision to be an Ostrich or an Eagle; the choice is yours and yours alone!
Stay Safe, Soar!
Andrew
As fellow instructor Brian Willis writes;
If you were to close your eyes and allow the image of an Eagle to come to mind, that image would most likely be of a powerful creature soaring at great heights, a commanding presence. The Eagle has served as a symbol of strength, power and majesty for decades.
Contrast that to the image of an Ostrich, with their head buried in the sand, as a symbol of those times in our life where we get caught up in that victim thinking and bury our head in the sand not wanting to face the world around us. For some people this is the way they live their life; for others it is occasional behavior.
When you find yourself in an important life and death situation, and you have a decision to make, you can choose to be an Ostrich or an Eagle.
We all make a conscious decision to be an Ostrich or an Eagle; the choice is yours and yours alone!
Stay Safe, Soar!
Andrew
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