A3P
Agent of physical protection of people (also called APR).
Authorization to operate
In accordance with Book VI of the Internal Security Code, private security companies must obtain an authorization to operate issued by the CNAPS before starting any activity.
Authority
Person to be protected, Client, VIP.
Professional Card
In accordance with Book VI of the Internal Security Code, the practice of the private security profession is subject to obtaining a prior dematerialized professional card issued by the CNAPS.
Protection Circles
Refers to the different circles composing the protection system. The first circle being composed of agents closest to the client.
CNAPS
National Council of Private Security Activities, a public administrative establishment under the supervision of the Ministry of the Interior, responsible for the accreditation, control, and advice of private security professions.
Authority or security driver
Agents of physical protection of people with security driving skills. They can drive the S1, S2, or the authority’s vehicle. This job is an integral part of the protection system and should not be confused with the job of a chauffeur.
Authority driver in an armored vehicle
Same activity as the authority driver with a specialization in driving techniques and specific safety rules for armored vehicles. It should be noted that these drivers must hold a C license and an up-to-date FIMO.
Counter-targeting / Counter-surveillance
Early detection of threats and suspicious behavior by observing the surroundings of the places where clients are located. Agents performing these types of missions operate independently in public areas or private places, either in static or dynamic positions.
Convoy
Refers to a group of vehicles traveling together under the protection of an escort. Sometimes called a motorcade.
Protection system
A system involving several A3P and several vehicles.
Advanced element
Refers to the agent who, during movements, is ahead of the team. They secure entrances/exits and doorways. They are responsible for all surveillance of the “front” sector.
Rear element
Refers to the agent who, during movements, is at the rear of the team. They are responsible for all surveillance of the “rear” sector. They are also called the “left flank.”
Shoulder
Agent closest to the person being protected. Also called “back” or “right flank.”
Dusting or TSCM / OSE/OSI (electronic or computer security operations)
Counter-espionage activity aimed at detecting and eliminating listening or capturing systems implanted by malicious individuals within a building, room, or vehicle.
Kevlar briefcase / Kevlar
Ballistic protection briefcase, bulletproof briefcase.
Forerunner
Designation of the agent(s) responsible for reconnaissance and securing routes and locations planned during the client’s movements.
Physical protection of people
The physical protection of people, also known as “close protection,” can be defined as follows:
“A set of human and material measures aimed at ensuring the physical integrity of a person or a group of identified people; as well as the protection of materials whose degradation would have direct consequences on the physical integrity of the protected person.”
Collection
Secondary system provided in case of an anomaly in the main system. The collection can be a second extraction vehicle, a safe-room, or an A3P team designed to facilitate the departure of the main team in case of an anomaly.
S1
Leading car, also called “security.”
S2
Following car, also called “security 2.”
Seat
Name given to the agent positioned next to the VIP’s driver.
Protection triangle
Refers to the basic system of physical protection of people. Agents form a triangle around the client (shoulder, rear element, and advanced element).
VIP Vehicle
Vehicle transporting the authority to be protected.
Work zones
Protection zone (in contact with the authority) Control zone (near the protection zone) Observation zone (visual control zone)