Travel Security

Most of the security resources you can depend on at the office and at home are nonexistent when you travel. Your greatest security asset is yourself - take precautions, vary your routines, keep a low profile, and be alert to suspicious people and circumstances.

Risks of Vehicle Travel

Passenger vehicle travel has many inherent security risks. Vehicles are easily recognized by year, make, and model. The criminal knows specifics about how to gain entry as well as operation of security devices. Cars can be followed discreetly, with a very low risk of detection. You may not know you were targeted until its too late. Vehicles are often parked in public areas with no control or protection, affording easy access to intruders. Criminals who assault a vehicle rely heavily on the element of surprise. They aim to catch the victim “off balance” and scare them into acting irrationally. The shock of a car jacking attack is greatest at points of changing surroundings, such as entering or exiting.

Daily Travel Precautions

• Travel in a group whenever possible.
• Never overload a vehicle, all persons should use seat belts.
• Keep the vehicle in good mechanical repair.
• Don’t let the gas tank get too low.
• Install a vehicle alarm to discourage tampering, or use a steering wheel club.
• Keep the ignition key separate from other keys, never leave the trunk key or other keys with the parking attendant.
• Do not hide a spare key under the floor mat or under the hood.
• Always park in areas that are locked or attended, avoid parking on the street overnight.
• Inspect the vehicle carefully before entering, look for evidence of tampering, but do not touch any suspicious items. Check the hood latch, exhaust pipe, trunk latch, fender wells, tires, gas cap, and finally the underside of the car.
• Do not leave windows down, or doors unlocked.
• If the car breaks down, raise the hood and tie a white cloth to the door handle. Remain inside with doors locked, if someone stops to offer assistance ask them to call for help.
• Never pick up hitchhikers.
• Know your route and the locations of secure places along that route.
• Have a car phone or CB-radio. Communicate frequently, let others know your location and destination and when you are expected to arrive.
• Use public transportation where available. When taking taxis, make sure the driver uses the most direct route, yet follows any directions you give.

Emergency Procedures When in a Vehicle

• Review mental preparations of what you would do were an attack to take place.
• Be alert to possible surveillance, if you suspect you are being followed, go to the nearest secure public place.
• Avoid driving in the far right-hand lane when possible to prevent being forced over.
• Be aware of minor incidents that could block traffic along your route. If you see a suspicious road block or detour, take an alternate route.
• Try to carry a portable phone, and have it accessible for emergency calls.
• Inform another person of your travel plans, so they will expect you at a certain time.

Going Out of Town

• Restrict travel plans to a need to know basis.
• Keep your itinerary and travel documents locked in a safe place until needed.
• Provide a copy of your itinerary to your family and your office. Call in from time to time.
• When traveling abroad, carry a civilian passport as well as an official one. Keep the official one in checked luggage, memorize the passport number, use the civilian one at hotels, or other places that request identification.
• Never leave your luggage unattended if possible.
• Know who to contact if you should lose any official documents, or credit cards or if they are stolen. Report such losses immediately.
• After using a credit card, make sure you get it back, your receipt, and the carbons.

Staying in Hotels

• Make your choice of hotels and rental cars low key.
• Keep your room key or card on your person when you leave. Inside the room always put it in the same place.
• Do not give your room number to anyone you do not know well.
• Keep your room and personal items neat and orderly so you’ll recognize if something is out of place when you come back.
• Check the locations of emergency exits and fire extinguishers.
• Don’t admit strangers to your room. If you must call room service, confirm when they will be arriving and ask for identification.
• Know the number and location of hotel security