1. RESOURCE UTILIZATION - BUILDING AN EFFECTIVE
SECURITY PROGRAM OVERSEAS
By Scott M. Bernat
Effective security programs depend on a comprehensive working knowledge of available
resources, to include the identification and development of strategic security
relationships. This is especially important for companies operating in foreign countries,
where customs, culture and language barriers challenge even the most experienced
security professional. Resources include security personnel, websites and organizations
associated with diplomatic establishments, host country security services, private security
companies, expatriates as well as local citizens. The safety and security of company
personnel and operations depend on the knowledge and assistance gained through
interaction with and utilization of these resources.
DIPLOMATIC ASSISTANCE
One of the first and foremost sources of security related information of importance to
companies operating in a foreign country is the U.S. Department of State (DoS).
Through Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC) meetings, members can directly
interact and network with both private sector and U.S. Government security personnel.
U.S.-registered companies with an interest in security can join and attend these meetings,
usually alongside representatives from the U.S. Embassy or Consulate Regional Security
Office. Members have the added benefit of presenting and discussing security issues of
concern, as well as sharing lessons learned and solutions. The DoS OSAC internet
website can be found at http://www.osac.gov. Information available on this site includes
safety and security issues, public announcements, travel advisories, significant
anniversary dates, terrorist group profiles, country crime and safety reports, special topic
and foreign press reports. Many foreign diplomatic establishments also maintain internet
websites on which is posted travel advisories and safety/security related information.
BUSINESS ORGANIZATIONS
Chamber of Commerce organizations are an excellent networking resource and often
include a safety and security committee dedicated to ensuring its members receive timely
and accurate threat information. The U.S., Britain and Australia are the most common
Chambers of Commerce found overseas and allow associate membership for
organizations not directly affiliated with the Chamber country. Many countries also have
Rotary Clubs and business/organization specific associations, focusing on the in-country
interests of a particular industry. An example of this is the Bangkok Ship Owners and
Agents Association (BSAA), based in Thailand, wherein members join together to
promote their industry and share information of mutual interest. These types of groups
can also be valuable sources of safety and security information.

2. ASIS INTERNATIONAL
The American Society of Industrial Security (ASIS) International provides security
professionals the opportunity to network and share information of mutual security interest
among its members. Regional conferences highlight key interest items through
professional presentations and vendor exhibits, promoting innovative ideas in an effort to
solve shared security problems. The ASIS internet website is located at
http://www.asisonline.org. Membership is open to all security professionals, as well as
those interested in the security field.
HOST COUNTRY SECURITY SERVICES
Conducting business in a foreign country can be difficult without a well-rounded
knowledge of the operating environment. Key to this is the relationship you build with
your host country law enforcement and security services. It is in this arena that many
company security professionals fail to establish an effective relationship. The importance
of relationship building within the host country’s security services can never be
underestimated, as this can enhance mutual cooperation and increase understanding of
potential threats. Liaison efforts must go beyond dinner and drinks. Through the
presentation of security seminars and subject matter expert exchanges, companies can
establish their team as experts, gain mutual respect, heighten information sharing and
focus local security services on areas of industry interest. These activities can be cost
effective by drawing on staff knowledge and skills, as well as industry experts. One
example is where Company A, a major maritime shipping agent, is concerned about
recent thefts in and around a primary port area. Company A’s security department or
designate engages port security personnel and develops a seminar/subject matter expert
exchange focusing on port and supply chain security. Participants include not only port
and local security/law enforcement personnel, but also Company A’s designated security
personnel. End result is a sharing of information regarding safety and security concerns
and relative problem solving discussions, all leading to a safer and secure port. A “win-
win” situation for both the company and host nation.
PRIVATE SECURITY COMPANIES
Depending on your budget, private security companies can be an excellent source of
information and assistance in the establishment and operation of an effective program,
especially when your own security department is limited in personnel or specific
skills/expertise. Security companies are usually staffed by former military, law
enforcement and/or security service personnel with specific skills, country and regional
expertise. Private companies can provide a wide range of services, to include personnel
augmentation, consultations, security/vulnerability/threat assessments, due diligence and
other investigations, instruction and the presentation of seminars or subject matter expert
exchanges. Representatives of these companies can be found at the various OSAC,
Chamber of Commerce or industry-specific organizational meetings.

3. EXPATRIATES AND LOCAL CITIZENS
One of the most cost effective security resources are expatriates and local citizens within
your country or region. Developing and maintaining social relationships with these
individuals can lead to a wealth of “ground truth” information, depending on a person’s
local knowledge, access and status. If your industry is port or maritime related, it would
be a good idea to have friends or contacts in and around the port areas. Dependent on
your industry focus, areas of interest can also include airports, other transportation hubs,
factory districts, oil, gas and/or mining sites. The information you receive through casual
conversation can be of value when weighed against official information obtained through
private or governmental organizations. The old adage “Listen, you might hear
something” certainly holds true here for the security professional.
SECURITY SUCCESS
The integration and utilization of the above resources, strengthened by the resultant
development of mutual respect, understanding and information sharing, is the recipe for
security success. A proactive security professional will ensure that all available resources
are engaged, positive relationships are formed with counterparts and the company assets
are protected. This is the gold standard for security overseas.
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Scott M. Bernat is a civilian Special Agent of the U.S. Naval Criminal Investigative
Service (NCIS), currently assigned to the U.S. Embassy Jakarta, Indonesia Force
Protection Detachment as the Resident Agent in Charge and Chief of U.S. Military
Security. He is directly responsible for the organization, implementation and
management of U.S. Department of Defense programs focusing on threat awareness and
mitigation, physical security, risk assessments and vulnerability studies, emergency
preparedness and crisis response, executive protection and investigations relative to
personnel and assets deployed to and/or transiting through Indonesia. During his 21-year
career, he has worked as a security professional throughout Asia, Australia/Oceania,
Central America, Europe, Middle East and the United States.
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** This article is scheduled to be published in the upcoming edition of the American
Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) Indonesia magazine – “The Executive Exchange”.