Global Security Associates Provides Insight Into Terrorism Threats to World's Largest Events

Security threats are a concern to international events as witnessed by the recent cancellation of the Dakar Rally. Security expert, Victor Anderes comments on Rally's cancellation and Global Security Associates' President William McGuire offers advice to future planners of such large-scale events.

New York, New York (PRWEB) January 29, 2008 -- As an international authority on security threats and a provider of security protocols, Global Security Associates' Vice President of Emergency Response Planning, Victor Anderes was recently contacted to comment on the recent threats and eventual cancellation of the Dakar Rally.

The Dakar Rally, a 30-year tradition held on the western tip of Africa, had been canceled by organizers who feared there would be a terrorist attack. The cancellation came about after organizers deemed the risk was too great to hold the race. According to organizers, the rally is one of the biggest competitions in automobile racing. Victor Anderes, of Global Security Associates LLC, a New York-based firm that provides security for high-profile events including the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin, Italy, called the cancellation unprecedented.

Global Security Associates works with clients around the world to rethink their approach to preparing the security plan of large-scale events. Some of the considerations that should be thoroughly analyzed are the size of the events and the crowds that are anticipated. With this in mind, those attending could have a protest message they could use a world event to spread or get attention from. "Security does not only involve protecting those attending the event it needs to
look at the event and discover what the threat levels are from the outside. Who will this event attract? Are just one of many questions that need to be answered," states William McGuire, president and CEO of the company.

Planning accordingly takes months, according to McGuire. There is a great deal of research into groups that pose a threat and understanding how that could translate into a risk, coordinating with police agencies and international agencies, having exit plans and a means to secure the area should a problem arise.

Global Security Associates is known throughout the world for its security approach and programs. GSA works with a host of clients in the U.S. and around the globe to develop the right approach to security while adapting tailored security measures to meet their needs. "Events of this kind in an unpredictable region can be very problematic and would take a thorough security overhaul to pull-off," states McGuire.

GSA approaches every event in the same fashion, regardless of size or venue, with an initial site survey in advance of the event. "While clearly this rally, when it came down to the wire, what worked in prior years was not going to this year. Providing the necessary security in the future for all events needs a window of time dedicated to just the security aspect," states McGuire. After the initial site assessment other details are worked out such as the overall threat assessment for the event followed by government officials, royalty and celebrity targets in attendance.

As with their involvement with the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin, Italy and other events on the world's stage, McGuire says months and months of planning must take place. This involves he says, working with regional and international police organizations and government agencies as the only way such high profile events, in many parts of the world, could possibly continue. "Terrorist threats unfortunately are a part of our world and it is just another component of what needs to be planned for when moving forward with large-scale international events, a favorite for many groups to target."

About Global Security Associates:
Global Security Associates, LLC, (GSA) is recognized as a leading aviation and executive protection security firm. The company provides security reviews and personnel to companies and it's executives throughout the world. Most notably known for its work with national and international airlines, with locations around the globe; companies depend on Global for providing daily security operations, on-going security design protocols, updates and training. GSA has also been a major security supplier to government agencies, Fortune 500 companies and international clients at locations in Europe, the Caribbean, North & Central Africa, South Africa, South America, Mexico, Asia and the Middle East including Saudi Arabia, Lebanon and Jordan.

William McGuire, president and CEO of the company, has spent nearly two decades in the security industry. McGuire is a strategic partner with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) as well as an active member of the American Society of Industrial Security (ASIS), the National Cargo Security Council (NCSC), and the International Association for Counter-terrorism & Security Professionals.

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