A convoy, defined as a group of vehicles travelling together, often towards the same destination and offering each other protection. In many cases, the vehicles in the convoy contain heavy armour used in the event of attacks by enemies or trouble from crowds. Convoy protection involves secured and armed escort of individuals or cargo through high-risk areas. In the UK, convoy protection begun after the Second World War was declared, prompting protection for all merchant ships due to the increased attack from enemy fire. Afterwards, it was adopted at a non-military level, ranging from VIP to cargo security. Today, the field of cargo protection is heavily invested in and diversified.
VIP convoy protection
Prominent figures like celebrities and politicians are likely targets for terrorists and religious extremists. Safety measures for VIP convoy protection include the use of decoys to disguise the actual vehicles being used for the transportation of the particular individual or group of people. Apart from that, VIP protection services make use of heavily customized armoured vehicles to repel trouble. A primary concern with VIP transport is crowd trouble. Experts trained in managing riots and crowd troubles are tasked with the duty of moving ahead of the convoy and snuffing out any emerging problems. Sensor systems are used to sense heat changes that may herald the presence of machine gun fire or mines in the path of travel.
Cargo convoy protection
Sensitive cargo is transported in escorted convoys. Currently, there is the emergence of companies providing protection for vehicles carrying cash, precious metals and classified documents. Banks feature prominently in the list of industries employing this kind of service. In cargo security, the most important security aspect is the make-up of the vehicles used. Most are customized to repel bullets and neutralize the heat generated during attacks. They are equipped with sensors and alarm systems to alert the authorities in cases where adversaries outnumber the members of the convoy.
Military convoy protection
The military is considered a primary user of convoy protection services. This is essential especially when travelling through high-risk areas where military vehicles are vulnerable to attacks. Tactics used by military units rely on counter fire measures such as bomb jamming systems and counter fire vehicles. The military also uses acoustic firearms in case of heavy attacks. A standard method involves securing an area and then keeping an eye out for possible attacks on vehicles in the convoy.
Since early 2000, the use of convoy protection services has become essential. This is due to the emergence of a hostile environment occasioned by terrorism, political dissidence and extremism at the turn of the century. Security firms are currently collaborating with governments and financial institutions to adopt foolproof methods of countering convoy attacks and ensuring the safety of the people or cargo therein. Vehicle manufacturing companies are also trying to produce quality, secure vehicles to match the security needs of the convoy security sector. Heavy steel and bulletproof glasses are some of the current additions in vehicles customized for convoy security and protection. In addition to the physical structure of vehicles, GPS systems have become very popular for tracking vehicles in convoys in cases of kidnapping or takeover by enemies. Hire your own convoy protection team today; just contact us for more details on how to do so.