Maelstrom – Security Division of Organization Matters Ltd
by Anna Toon

Business is under siege in this increasingly dysfunctional world. Darren Hickey, Stanley Shaw, Rudolf Petschi and Peter Kennedy of Granger Telecom lost their lives to kidnappers. Sainsburys targeted with extortion demands by the Mardi-Gras bomber.

Sancho Sia, 62, was the 40th kidnap victim of 1998 in the southern Philippines and more than £4 million has been paid in ransom between January and April of 1998. With the global nature of companies, executives are required to work in far more turbulent parts of the world. Highly paid and highly visible expatriates can be vulnerable in low wage volatile economies. The threat to business can also include theft of material and electronic eavesdropping, which can compromise highly sensitive business information. Executives are often not fully aware of the threat to themselves and to their families. MAELSTROM is a niche market provider of specialist security services, delivering total security management.

MAELSTROM services are designed to meet both individual and corporate requirements. Our services range from full projects to individual short-term assignments. MAELSTROM does not provide licensed door persons for clubs, nor are we a commercial supplier of non-specialist security products.

MAELSTROM has been formed to operate in the ever-expanding risk market and will apply a fresh, innovative and dynamic approach to security related problems. There is a wealth of in-house experience that can be utilised for any potential project. This fresh approach has come from an amalgamation of individuals from different security disciplines. This allows cross-fertilisation of thought and concepts backed by sound technical support. Effective security in now recognised as a prerequisite and is quintessential for any successful business, whether at corporate or international level. MAELSTROM provides services within areas of operations, training and consultancy

OPERATIONS
 
RISK ANALYSIS AND ASSESSMENT

Risk analysis and assessment is used as the foundation for any MAELSTROM task. The process we use involves examination of the asset, its value, the threats against it and the vulnerability. A risk analysis is made, following which a total security plan is formulated in full consultation with the client, which effectively manages the risk. All operations and investigations are followed up by full reports including observations and recommendations.
 
EXECUTIVE PROTECTION
Designed to be used by executives, senior managers, celebrities, VIPs, diplomats, civil servants, visiting the UK or abroad, who may be perceived to be at risk from physical attack, kidnap, unwanted attention or embarrassment. This involves high or low profile, individual or team protection of the client, which is commensurate with our risk assessment and in accordance with the client's requirements.
 
ASSET PROTECTION
Countering the threat against property, installations, materials, information and the subversion of personnel. Designed to complement physical barriers in order to create a safe security zone. This is achieved by an initial survey and regular systematic inspections of the asset. A system of defence is formulated starting with the item and immediate protective measures, then working outwards, layers of defence are built within a comprehensive security plan. 

COUNTER SURVEILLANCE
In this specialist area MAELSTROM provides a covert means of identifying any unwanted attention directed against the client, or their interests. A comprehensive report will be produced together with recommendations for countering the situation.
 
PROTECTIVE SURVEILLANCE
Another specialist service to work in conjunction with any Executive Protection package. Warning will be given of any potential threat developing so that it is countered before it directly involves the client. This is carried out according to the assessment of the situation as it develops. 

COUNTER ELECTRONIC SURVEILLANCE
The latest technology is available to detect hostile electronic devices that threaten the very core of an organization. Coupled with a full security audit, if hostile devices are detected it is possible to mount counter operations against these, both by way of deception or exploitation. 

SECURITY TEAMS MAELSTROM
Security teams provide an on-site security manager with a dedicated team to provide access control, patrols and advice designed to protect property and establish evacuation contingency plans for remote sites i.e. in hostile working environments. This provides a total security package and ' best advice' in high-risk situations. 

CORPORATE AND INDIVIDUAL TRAINING

MAELSTROM trains at both corporate and individual levels. All MAELSTROM training is interrelated. The training team provide a syllabus designed to the client's specific needs, thus ensuring maximum benefit and cost effectiveness. MAELSTROM training takes place in discreet locations with convenient accessibility. Competitive pricing and a dynamic but flexible approach ensures that MAELSTROM provides a service second to none. 

EXECUTIVE SECURITY AWARENESS
The object of this course is to provide a comprehensive training package designed for the modern executive; its content includes methods of identifying potential threats against individuals and their assets, and the implementation of the necessary defensive measures to protect the individual, their family and assets. At a corporate level this course is designed to equip the senior manager with knowledge of implementing procedures to reduce crime within the working environment, and reduce risks to their employees. 

EXECUTIVE PROTECTION
Close protection officers are trained to learn the skills required to ensure the physical protection of the client as well as ways to minimise the effect of any perceived threat against the client's business, domestic or leisure activities.
 
SURVEILLANCE
Covert passive surveillance is taught to operatives to gain information on a target, including their activity, associates and other factors to allow intelligence to be produced. Foot, mobile, video and photographic skills are taught. Two levels of training are provided - entry level and advanced. 

TRAUMA CARE/FIRE PREVENTION
These can be included in any training package as modules. Including fire prevention, health and safety awareness and certified courses in first aid, up to remote area trauma. 

CONSULTANCY SERVICE RESEARCH, RISK ANALYSIS AND ASSESSMENTS

In today's volatile society, there is an ever increasing need for corporate organizations and individuals to assess the physical risk factors involved in operating in certain areas of the world and just how viable it may be to carry out their projects. It has become standard practice for underwriters to be informed of the measures that corporations and individuals have taken to resolve risk, and assess feasibility.

MAELSTROM is able to supply the client with accurate, up to date, confidential intelligence in a variety of formats. This along with our recommendations, giving practical solutions, will enable the client to make informed decisions.