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Personal Safety Basics While there are certainly many aspects of personal safety that are unique to the expatriate experience, the fact is that many of the recommendations made by security experts should be followed regardless of whether you are living overseas or at home.

For example, guidelines include very basic tips:

1. Be aware of your surroundings and who is around you.
2. Make sure you are familiar with the routes you travel.
3. Stick to well-lit streets that have many other people present.

If you combine common sense with the right amount of country and culture-specific homework, you'll minimize your chance of any unpleasant events while you are abroad.

Emergency Preparedness & Evacuation Planning In many countries, you will be advised to have an evacuation plan due to the threat of terrorism, political unrest, anti-American demonstrations, violence and natural disasters. There are companies that specialize in establishing evacuation plans and arranging evacuation services. Even if you or your company decides against the enlistment of such services, you should have a plan in the event of an emergency.

Below is a list of things that every expat should do to prepare for an emergency:

• Register with and know how to communicate with and get to your nearest consulate or embassy. Make sure that you update your registration if your contact information changes.
• Visa processing can take several weeks. Immediate family members should ALWAYS keep their U.S. visas current and apply for visas with as much time in advance of planned travel as possible.
• Check the Web site of your consulate or embassy regularly for security updates.
• Assemble all vital documents such as passports, birth and marriage records, vaccination, insurance and bank records in one readily accessible location
• Photocopy your vital documents and keep a copy separate from your originals. If your passport is stolen, for example, the copy will accelerate the replacement process.
• Maintain a complete inventory of your household effects, in duplicate.
• In addition to your documents, prepare a lightweight evacuation kit that includes food, water and any other essential items necessary to get you from your place of residence or employment to an evacuation point. Carry it with you when the security situation dictates it.
• Maintain an adequate supply of food, water, and necessary medications in your home. Make sure your car is in good working order. Keep the gas tank full and check oil, coolant, tires, and battery.
• Learn as much about the country and culture as possible, including the basics of the language. The more you know in an emergency situation, the better off you will be.
• Evaluate ALL of the communications and transportation options you have, and keep in close contact with those that monitor them should the security situation in your country of residence deteriorate.
• Go over your evacuation plan with all of your family members to ensure that they know what to do in the event of an emergency.

Attack Recognition

No matter how many personal security, or martial arts classes you take if you can not recognize pre-threat indicators prior to a kidnapping, car jacking, armed assault, or robbery the chances of avoiding, deterring, and surviving an attack are limited. Attack recognition is one of the most important elements in any personal security strategy. By being able to correctly correlate movements to determine if they are hostile or not is simply imperative to avoiding and escaping an attack.

So what is attack recognition? In short it is the mental preparedness necessary to reacting to an attack. When pre-attack indicators are recognized, pre-planned avoidance maneuvers are employed to escape the attack

Criminals have certain advantages at the attack site. They will select the target, the time, and location of the attack. By analyzing current criminal trends, planning security responses, and being aware and alert at all times you will be able to significantly reduce any advantages a criminal will have. Included in these steps is "Reacting" once you feel an imminent attack, or are attacked. Important here is analyzing trends such as: 1) Are more attacks occurring randomly at night? 2) Are traveling roads at certain times becoming dangerous? 3) What stretch of road is more dangerous? 4) Are Americans being targeted more frequently? 5) Are attacks being committed by multiple individuals? 6) Are weapons being utilized more frequently and what types?

Just as there are advantages for criminals there are also disadvantages. These are often recognizable and evidence of an impending attack. Prior to an attack, "target identification" must be verified.

Usually this will involve a criminal possibly giving away his / her intentions by focusing too much on the target, or by signaling another attacker.

Attacks can also be disguised by ruses such as asking for directions or a cigarette while nervously looking around, or engaging in conservation while hiding their hands from view. If more than one attacker is used one will be obvious so that your attention is solely focused on that individual while another attacks from an advantageous angle.

The correlation of movement is another factor that needs to be recognized. An example is when you observe an individual looking at you but then suddenly look away when you observe him. Then as you cross over a street the potential attacker moves directly towards you or at an angle. In these situations you have to trust your intuition and instincts. If you feel that something is not right it usually means it is not. At this point you have to react by moving to a more advantageous position. What you want to do is separate yourself from your attacker by trying to place distance or something between you and the criminal such as a vehicle. Remember a criminal has to transition towards you to execute the attack. By being alert and aware to correlation of movement you will be in a position to recognize pre-threat indicators and respond decisively. Your ability to exploit the inflexibility of your attacker is paramount. If they are planning on attacking you in front of an alley but you recognize this and cross the street while moving towards a different direction you will exploit their probable lack of readiness and ability to execute a change in plan.

Think about this.

While enjoying a relaxing day of shopping you observe the same individual or individuals at each location, this is probably not a coincidence. What you need to focus on is your response to this situation. If your intuition is in a heightened state and telling you that things are not right, trust your intuition. Many victims of prior attacks later admitted that their instincts were warning them but they disregarded the warning only to be attacked.

Attack recognition is a big part of your personal security strategy. Being able to correlate movements, trusting your intuition, and reacting decisively are the keys to survival. So remember the next time your instincts are telling you that you are in, or could be in a bad situation trust your instincts and "REACT", move toward safety. It does not matter whether you're walking or driving always trust your intuition. Remember security is your responsibility. Be prepared for the unexpected!

Identifying Law Enforcement Personnel in Mexico

By Juan A. Garcia Jr.

Within the last year, American expatriates living throughout certain states in Mexico have experienced an increase in home invasions, armed assaults, and vehicular attacks. Many have reported that the attackers were dressed as police officers and initiated the attack by conducting a police like function.

So how can expatriates living in Mexico distinguish between an actual law enforcement officer from one masquerading as one? Is there any surefire way that we can determine whether we're a victim of a scam or really facing a hard working Mexico City police officer? Are there any identifying items that distinguish a real police officer from a criminal disguising himself as one?

The answer to these questions is yes and no. Yes there are certain patches, badges, and colored uniforms that should identify an actual police officer, but the problem is that any of these items mentioned can easily be bought for the right price by a willing criminal. Corrupt police officers are also part of the problem in facilitating the acquiring of official law enforcement items.

Many Mexican police officers are hard working professionals who are doing a very tough job during difficult times. The majority of them are smartly dressed and take a lot of pride in presenting themselves as professionals. The next time you are walking down the street and see an officer take a look at his uniform. They will be wearing a dark navy blue uniform with a black duty (gun) belt similar to what you will see in the United States. They will have a star shaped badge and patches on their upper arms that will state what city they work for. If you know a bit about handguns most carry Beretta 9mm pistols -- they will also have radios.

If they have no badges, patches, and are wearing a non- looking law enforcement type duty belt then you need to start questioning the situation. So if you're stopped in Tijuana and the badge does not state the city and the officer is wearing a revolver in a brown holster you are most likely being targeted in scam.

If an officer stops you because of a speeding violation they will explain why they stopped you and the procedures. They will also show you a booklet listing the fines. It will and should be done professionally. I was stopped a few months back and this is exactly how the procedure was followed, there were no questionable policies. What I did was make sure that the officer did indeed pull up behind me in a marked vehicle, that his uniform items were all present such as patches, badges, and that he had a law enforcement type duty belt, and was behaving normally, like a police officer. That is pretty much all you can do short of following him to the police station and having someone verify his identity, or having a superior officer come out to the scene and verify his identity.

On the negative side, many of the items mentioned can be bought in the open market. What you look for then is the way the officer is acting and conducting himself. He is nervous and looking around? Is he having a hard time explaining the offense, especially if he speaks good English? Are you being asked to come with him to a less populated area? Did he pull up in a marked vehicle? Are there other officers around and are they acting strange and nervous? Does the whole situation seem staged? Follow and trust your intuition!

This is a tough situation because of the corruption problem affecting Mexican society and government.

Express Kidnappings in Latin America

Traveling or living in Central and South America should be, and usually is a wonderful experience. With its vast cultural and environmental resources Latin America offers something for every traveler and expatriate. Thousands of individuals especially Americans live permanently as expatriates throughout the region because they have been captivated by its beauty and its citizen's hospitality. Unfortunately throughout the Latin American a dangerous and deadly reality is can also make living in paradise a potential hazard if not careful, "express kidnappings".

Today it is estimated that 85% of all kidnappings throughout the world occur in Latin America. It is also not uncommon for corrupt law enforcement personnel to be criminally involved in kidnapping operations. It is estimated that a large percentage of all express kidnappings go un-reported.

An express kidnapping occurs when a victim is abducted and is forced to withdraw money out of ATM's. Kidnappers will also take possession of all valuables such as watches, credit cards, cash, cellular phones, and jewelry. It is also common that family members are also ordered to make ATM withdraws in order settle the abduction. Once the kidnapper is satisfied the victim is usually released.

Another technique that is utilized is where the kidnapper abducts a victim and negotiates with family members for a smaller amount of money. The goal is to earn a quick and easy payoff without protracted and complicated negotiations. Violence has been used in express kidnappings to impose a fast payoff. The victim is again usually released after payment.

Even though these are alarming facts there are steps that can be taken to protect yourself or a loved one from becoming a victim of an express kidnapping.

Here are some prudent tips:

1) Dress conservatively. The flashier you dress the more likely you stand out as a possible target. Blend in with the environment as best as possible.

2) Be aware and alert to your surroundings at all times, especially when using an ATM. Know who is around you and what's going on in your immediate area. Look for signs that a possible attack is imminent. Never withdraw money from an open ATM at night. Be prepared to REACT.

3) Limit what valuables you have on your possession to a minimum. Keep the expensive watch and multiple credit cards at home.

4) Use only well-established facilities to withdraw money and only during day light hours and in populated areas.

5) Avoid traveling alone if possible. This makes the kidnapper's plan much easier to execute. Multiple individuals present a harder target.

6) Do not become confrontational; your life is worth more than a few dollars, or a watch. NOTE: Each situation will be different. You have to gauge your immediate position and determine if escape or fighting back is to your advantage. This can and will potentially be a life changing decision especially if you have little to no combative skills and training.

7) Take personal security training courses or seminars when possible. Learn about awareness, avoidance, and attack recognition skills.

8) Do not become complacent. Just because you have not been a victim of a violent attack does not mean that you should just disregard fundamental security concepts.

Individuals traveling or living throughout Latin America should always exercise an increase level of awareness regardless of their familiarity with the region.

It is too easy to just say that "nothing ever happened so why do I need security". Being prudent and aware will always be the best course of action. Your experience should be one filled with wonderful memories and experiences. It is up to you to be prepared for the unexpected. Remember security is your responsibility. 

Emergency Evacuation Planning

For many expatriates living overseas, the prospect of conducting an emergency evacuation might not seem like an important issue to worry about. Too many times complacency sets in and this aspect of one's security posture is put on the back burner of things to do. This can definitely lead to a disastrous situation for you and your loved ones if the social and political situation of the country you reside in becomes unstable, or if massive natural disaster strikes. During the 1989 invasion of Panama by American forces and 1990 Kuwaiti invasion by Iraqi forces, many unfortunate foreign citizens found themselves stuck in a precarious situation. Some citizens had pre-planned evacuation plans in place and left in time while others did not have any feasible evacuation plan and were stuck in country. History shows us that chaos can occur within a moments notice. This chaos can turn a calm lifestyle into a nightmare situation. Emergency evacuation planning has to be a big part in your security posture while living overseas.

When it comes to an emergency evacuation plan it is better to be ready and not need it, than to need it and be un-prepared. When living overseas you must always assume that an evacuation could occur at a moments notice. If you're an executive working for a large multi-national corporation it is likely that there is an evacuation plan already written up and ready to implement (you hope). Most corporations should have a crisis management plan and team in place. If you've never checked ask your section supervisor, in-country officer, or check your company's internal web-site.

If you work for a multi-national company it is your responsibility to provide and maintain accurate information such as your correct address, contact phones numbers, emergency contacts back home, personal e-mail address, dependent names, any health problems, passport information, and vehicle information.

It is your responsibility to keep your information current. You also need to take a vested interest in reading and understanding your company's evacuation procedures if possible. When a crisis starts that is not the time to start reading in hopes to familiarize yourself on what to do. Know it by heart and be ready to implement it once your company tells you it is time to depart the country.

So what if you do not work for a large multi-national corporation with a crisis management plan in place? This should not matter because the only difference then is that you take more ownership of the evacuation process and planning. Even with a corporate plan in place what if a terrorist attack severely damages the capability of the corporation to execute the plan then what do you do?

The starting point is to be keenly aware of the political and social situation of the country you live in. This will allow you to monitor the situation and know when a potential flare up is in the making. Keeping abreast of the situation on the ground is key. Some resources include: English / local newspapers, State Department / embassy web-sites, "Oversea Security Advisory Council" (OSAC) website, shortwave radios, and web-sites that provide security reports and up-dates such as "Air Security International" (ASI). Some of these companies might require a paid subscription, but some will e-mail you free news updates.

Crisis indicators that should alert you include:

1. Noticeable increases in radical political activity.
2. Anti-foreign and anti-business movements.
3. Political oppression.
4. Deterioration of social infrastructure.
5. Large and violent protests.
6. In the case of a natural disaster, impending storms.

There are also planning considerations that you need to adhere to in order to insure that you are ready to execute an emergency evacuation.

1. Keep personal documents such as passports, birth certificates, insurance forms, and contact information up to date and in an accessible place so that you only have to grab them and go.
2. Always have copies of your important documents, not only in country but also at your home of record. Another good idea is to scan and keep copies on a CD.
3. Have emergency cash (smaller denominations), currencies where you think you might evacuate to, traveler's checks, and credit cards available.
4. If applicable have visas for potential safe haven countries.
5. Have a bag packed with clothing, baby items if applicable, extra medication, first aid kit, bottle water, small compass, shortwave radio, and a flashlight packed and ready to go. The best things to use are backpacks and not suitcases. Another good idea is a universal adapter to plug electronic devices such as cell phone chargers.
6. Have your vehicle filled up with gas and in good working order in case you have to drive out of the country. Have primary and alternate routes. Know where the hospitals, police stations, and other key institutions are located. Know what the border crossing procedures are.
7. Know what your primary followed by secondary means to evacuate are: air, followed by car, followed by boat.

Know what the safest routes are to get to your exit point.

1. Alert phase - situation needs to monitored and precautions taken.
2. Readiness phase - have personal affairs in order and be ready to move.
3. Movement phase - movement to pre-arranged staging area for final exit.
4. Transit - embarkation of exit site.
5. Arrival / settlement - arriving at safe area.

Remember security is your responsibility.  Be prepared for the unexpected!

Related Links:

US State Department: General Advice For Americans Resident Overseas

US State Department: Crisis Preparedness

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