Background
Integras Intelligence provides security consulting and executive protection services around the globe in partnership with carefully selected and vetted local partner firms. Every country, especially those deemed high risk, requires a different security strategy and plan. For organizations that require employee travel, that plan legally must meet standards called “duty of care,” defined as “a requirement that a person act toward others and the public with the watchfulness, attention, caution and prudence that a reasonable person in the circumstances would use.”
Situation
A global firm based in the United States believed its employees were at risk because of poor service from its security partner in West Africa. The firm was concerned that its security partner wasn’t meeting its duty-of-care obligations and endangering its employees because of the following:
- Several airport pick-ups were late, and others were missed completely. Despite being assured that these were aberrations, additional incidents occurred after the client met with the vendor.
- Vehicles used for transport were in very poor condition and, in the event of a breakdown, could jeopardize employee safety.
- There was no central point of contact.
- Real-time, on-the-ground intelligence was not provided to the client, which could adversely impact the safety and/or security of employees.
- Limited use of technology to monitor and communicate with travelers exposed employees to risk.
The global firm wanted an urgent solution to these issues before an upcoming election in the West African country led to potential civil unrest and violence.
Solution
Integras Intelligence completed a comprehensive security assessment of the company’s operations in that country. The strategy included a review of:
- The security atmosphere and concerns in cities in which the company operated, including company and client locations
- Physical security measures
- Key employee residences
- Area schools and hospitals
- Area hotels and accommodations
- Travel itineraries and management
The review identified several vulnerabilities. Integras formulated a plan of action that included the following:
- Transition to our local, vetted, trusted partner
- Clear, efficient procedures for requesting and managing travel itineraries
- A communications plan between client stakeholders and the local security partner’s management team
- Assignment of a dedicated local account manager
- Vehicles that met the client’s standards, which exceeded industry standards
- Daily, weekly and incident-based intelligence briefings for company personnel
- Regularly scheduled calls/meetings between client stakeholders, Integras management and local security partners
- Installation of a cell phone application to assist with geolocating, monitoring and communicating with travelers
- Reduced spending
Two sets of plans were developed: one addressed concerns prior to the upcoming election, and the second addressed post-election needs.
Conclusion
The client received security and protection that exceeded industry duty-of-care requirements at a lower overall cost. In addition, the company significantly reduced its liability by providing much greater security for employees.
Corporations and executives face significant potential liability when employees work or travel in another country. Companies are expected to fulfill a duty to protect their employees, and excuses, such as “This is how people operate in this country” or “You have to do business this way,” endanger both employees and organizations.
Before choosing a security partner that operates outside the U.S., organizations should ask themselves and potential partners critical questions, including:
- What trips are planned or likely in the foreseeable future?
- What steps has your organization taken to protect employees?
- Who will be providing security and what is their background and expertise?
- What are the potential risks of travel to, from and within the country and region?
- How will the nationalities/ethnicities/genders of the traveling employees affect security concerns?
- What events or political/social conditions might affect security within the country and region?
Are you or a colleague scheduling a business trip outside the United States? What steps does your organization take to ensure your safety while traveling? What are your biggest concerns when traveling to a high-risk country?
