Detail Pins

[DCJS Instructor]

I was just wondering as I just started a new detail with about 9 Agents.

The company I am working for is not using a detail pin.....My first exposure to this was at the State Dept. DSS then again when I was working for Blackwater.

How many of you actually use detail pins?

If so what kind?

Do you have different pins for DL, SL, AIC?

Thanks in Advance!

[mike booth]

I spent three years on a nine man, private security detail. One young guy tried to sell us on detail pins. One experienced guy pointed out we all knew each other on sight. It turned into a big debate. I picked up some cheap little alphabet beads and glued them to stick pins. Four with the letter A, for alpha team. Four with the letter B, for bravo team. One with the number 1, for the detail leader. It ended the debate. We looked like the Men in Black meet the Village People. Why make your self stand out when you are trying to blend in?

[DCJS Instructor]

Mike,

I agree 100% on a low Pro detail you don't want to stand out.

However on a High Profile detail with several Agents several principals and several protections teams. I think it helps knowing who is who.

Please also note in the Metro D.C. area you can't turn around without tripping over a protection detail.

So sometimes wearing a detail pin helps you blend in.

I'm interested in your thoughts about that aspect.

Tom

[jmaccauley]

I have seen the detail pin stuff get way out of control on occasion. Some details like to have a lapel pin indicating the company, with their cute, intricate logo that us more seasoned (OK, older) guys can read with a magnifying glass. If they are to be used, I like the simple, color coded pins that tell other details that you are working for somebody and gives you access to certain areas. These are the small details that usually get overlooked when planning an event. Change often, but cover the pin issue in your briefing.

Of course this is coming from a guy who generally has a 5 lb. badge stuck on his chest.

[mike booth]

Tom, thanks for the courteous response. I can't comment on high profile details. I've never worked one. I'm strictly Palm Beach and the Islands, a little Miami. I might get to some big events, with some big names, but domestic protection is very different from corporate, government or even celebrity EP. Most of the events I attend, the only team is the in-house detail. Guests drive themselves, use a limo service or chauffeur. If they come with a single security driver, the in house team make them right away. It would be nice to see the kind of inter-agency briefing and communication you get in government and business, even in other Domestic Protection markets like New York and LA. It hasn't come to South Florida yet, unless we get a visit by the President. Then we do what ever we are told. LOL

[DCJS Instructor]

Mike,


Any time you want to come to D.C. and work a High Profile detail give me a call.

P.S. I noticed you are on Get off the X! Yeager is a very good instructor! Are you TR Alumni?


DCJS OUT!

[mike booth]

Thanks. I don't have the licenses for DC, or the creds for high profile EP. I'm strictly Domestic Protection and Cultural Property, rich old art collectors and their multiple families. I never trained with Yeager. All my training was Nuclear Security, PA State Constable, DOC and the travel industry. At this point, all my add on training is non tactical, value added stuff for my clientele.

[DCJS Instructor]

Mike,


PM Sent!

DCJS Out!

[mike booth]

Thank you sir.

[dla4079]

These are the only "detail" pins I wear, lol:
http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o249/dla4079/capt.jpg
http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o249/dla4079/myspace/11.png

[AWoffard]

I agree about the pin and placement of pins being an issue - to many Ranger Joe catalog warriors out there trying to look like EP's because they all bought and wore 5.11 Tactical Vests' - we actually use Woolrich!

Most of our detail is identified by our watches and placement. We all wore the same watch and changed it as neccessary floating from Suuntos to Timex and Casios. The type of band indicated who had what position (metal, leather, nylon, etc.). As so many people had similar watces in a public setting we had an additional identifier on the face either in the form of a colored sticky dot or placement of "white out" in two different locations, and since we were always watching for hand placement locating was easy.

When you see the pins you know who the team and the support elements are - just pick something less obvious.

[Swifty]

What amazes me is that the secret service still uses the bulky old ugly pins. I have done very little EP and it has all been on the low profile side with the exception of a few celeb's doing public events and signing autographs but I figured the secret service would have upgraded to a new system by now.

[tacticalguy]

Tom, thanks for the courteous response. I can't comment on high profile details. I've never worked one. I'm strictly Palm Beach and the Islands, a little Miami. I might get to some big events, with some big names, but domestic protection is very different from corporate, government or even celebrity EP. Most of the events I attend, the only team is the in-house detail. Guests drive themselves, use a limo service or chauffeur. If they come with a single security driver, the in house team make them right away. It would be nice to see the kind of inter-agency briefing and communication you get in government and business, even in other Domestic Protection markets like New York and LA. It hasn't come to South Florida yet, unless we get a visit by the President. Then we do what ever we are told. LOL

Mike,
I too, worked on the Island. I was at Mar-a-Lago. Know of any work for someone that has done both close protection and tactical? I know that Season is just coming in... Thanks.

[mike booth]

Tactical Guy, I've got a few temp gigs lined up, where I may need a little help to cover. Maybe we should meet.