Defensive Countermeasures Institute —

Have you ever entered a familiar room and felt that something was out of place but could not quite put your finger on it?  Did curiosity win out causing you to enter the room in an attempt to uncover the mystery?  Consider the following the next time this occurs.

1. No matter how careful an intruder is, he is bound to leave something disturbed that a security minded person will seize upon on immediately.  It may be as subtle as tracking fresh grass clippings to the threshold of your front door—clearly you would never leave such a mess—or, perhaps the presence of a foreign fragrance that is not your own. In each instance, your senses are working overtime and with practice, you can learn not to ignore them. The first step involves the understanding that we adapt to our environment, and this adaptation is an instrument of our survival. From use of our senses we are able interpret sight, sound, taste, touch and smell.  Once stimuli is identified, we process the information and place it into two categories—Threat and non-Threat.

A problem occurs when we are unable to recognize stimuli or we improperly categorize the information—e.g. the fresh grass clippings at the threshold.  Clearly, in this instance we must conclude that someone unbeknownst to us has waltzed across our freshly manicured lawn and has at least proceeded as far as the front door to our home. 

As we work to acknowledge our senses and categorize the stimuli correctly, we begin to increase our security posture and enhance our well-being.

2. Now, for those individuals who need a little boost or advantage in this area, there are some simple tricks practiced by security-minded professionals.  They are referred to as ‘Traps.’  Traps involve prearranging items in a manner known only to the person who sets them.  For example, personal items in a hotel room may be laid out in a pattern you establish prior to heading out for the afternoon meeting, or an evening meal.  Should you return to your room and notice the pattern has been disturbed, alarms bells sound indicating that someone has been in the room during your absence, or worse, is lurking in the closet or bathroom.  Who among us hasn’t seen the savvy foreign agent, dressed in his tux, pluck a strand of hair from his head and tack it skillfully across the doorframe before heading to the hotel casino?

These simple security practices can be applied at home as well.  The ‘Traps’ can be as intricate as you like.  However, simple traps work best and should employ redundancy.

Try it, and remember the next time something seems out of place it probably is.  Be Safe!

As we approach the sixth anniversary of one of the darkest days in American history, we cannot help but to reflect on the tragic events of September 11, 2001.  For many of us it will remain a period frozen in time; serving as an ever present reminder of the great lengths our enemies are willing to go to demonstrate contempt for the American ideal. 

Citizens of this great nation were joined around the world by our friends and allies—as smoke and ash drifted from the rubble of ground zero—and swore a solemn pledge, “Never Again.” 

John F. Kennedy once said, “I am certain that after the dust of centuries has passed over our cities, we, too, will be remembered not for victories or defeats in battle or in politics, but for our contribution to the human spirit.”

As we reflect on our personal lives—and how each of us was affected by the loss of so many innocent souls—let us not succumb to complacency.  Our vigilance is as important today as it was the hour the twin towers fell. News making events around the world serve as a reminder that our enemy is weakened, but not defeated.

In the days following 9-11, President George W. Bush addressed the nation before a session of the U.S. Congress.  His speech renewed our spirit-describing the difficult road ahead. His words that evening were heard around the world.  And to our enemies he spoke directly of American courage and fortitude, promising, “We will not falter, and we will not fail.”  This message exemplifies the efforts that we here at DCI strive for every hour of every day. 

Our fellow Americans and honored guests must not be allowed to forget the danger that continues to fester in the hearts of those that wish us harm.  Reach out today and each day ahead to touch the life of someone close to you—whether family or friend.  Compassion is food for the soul and the world we share is our common bond. 

Share your experiences. Let us never forget the lives that have been sacrificed so that others may remain safe and free.  DCI wishes to extend profound gratitude and support to the untold numbers of men and women around the world that serve as our nation’s vanguard.  Stay safe!