Q. What is your opinion/experience regarding the dress of executive protection agents working overseas? Do most companies normally expect the security driver and EP agent to dress in business attire or in regional dress in an attempt to not stand out? For example, would a protection detail in Saudi Arabia dress in traditional Arab dress or a business suit?
A. I don’t think there is any one absolute answer to your question. What would be considered appropriate dress for a protection agent would depend upon the person, assignment or duties (driver/specialist/guard) as well as the particulars (setting, purpose, destination, client, profile, visibility) of the specific protection detail. What may be appropriate dress for one assignment, person or detail may not be for another. For instance, a protection agent on assignment at a beach resort providing protection services to a teenaged client would most likely dress differently than one providing protection services to a business professional attending a formal event, or a day at the market with a small group of people. Some situations may call for highly visible protection services (uniform) while others dictate a low profile (casual regional) dress.
Like most security situations the “best” solution will be situation specific, choosing the options that best support situational objectives and settings. When arranging for protection services, be sure to clearly state assignment objectives, provide a complete itinerary, describe client preferences and indicate assignment expectations; all of which will help determine the most appropriate agent dress throughout the assignment.
Answer provided by Kenneth Kasten, Security Executive Council Emeritus Faculty.
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