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The Challenges of Security Guards at Embassies

The classic depiction of American embassies in movies with heavily armed Marines at every gate is irrelevant to the vast majority of diplomatic missions in the world. Embassies often prefer to entrust their security to private agents, who understand the atmosphere a diplomatic mission wants to convey to its citizens and other visitors.

Here, we analyze the requirements asked of these security agents and what skills they must possess to hold a position which is far more subtle than it may appear.

In Mexico, Grupo Irena personnel currently protect the embassies of several European countries, such as France and the Netherlands, as well as the European Union.

Instead, guarding an embassy is a multi-faceted role, presenting challenges the public may not be aware of. Agents are a first line of defense, screening access to embassy or consulate grounds. These missions are considered part of the sovereign territory of the nation they represent, making this job very sensitive.

Needed skillset

They must be familiar with common consular services (passports, visas, birth certificates, etc) and know where to direct visitors within the embassy. They are trained to aid in the evacuation of the embassy in case of a threat such as earthquakes. In extremely rare occasions, a person may even approach the embassy to request political asylum, and agents must know how to handle this situation.

Consulates also provide crucial help for their citizens and aim to be seen as welcoming, as providing a touch of home when far away. As such, our personnel is trained to be courteous and friendly while maintaining a professional demeanor.

TRAINING

  • Screen visitors and guiding them within the embassy

  • Entrusted with checking ID documents

  • Direct visitors within embassy based on their need

  • Help evacuate embassy in case of natural disaster or security risk

  • Provide reassuring presence to diplomats and staff

However, Grupo Irena’s mission extends beyond the daily work of embassies and consulates. France maintains a vigorous cultural presence abroad, through worldwide institutions such as l’Alliance Francaise and local structures (Casa de Francia).

In Mexico City, the former embassy building is a beautiful turn of the century compound which is perfect to provide a haven of French culture. Acting as a library, an exhibition space and more, the Casa de Francia receives a constant stream of cultural aficionados from Mexico, France and beyond.

Naturally, such spaces are very welcoming to the public, similar to museums or libraries. However, Casa de Francia remains an embassy space. In this context, Grupo Irena staff maintain optimal security levels and strict protocols (ID check, metal detector, bag check) while also being discrete and accessible.

Grupo Irena is proud to have been tasked with these sensitive missions, helping European communities in Mexico to feel safe.

 

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Grupo Irena: Our Role in Large Infrastructure Projects

In recent years, Mexico has become an ever more constant destination for infrastructure investments. From major railway programs to improved highways and ever more frequent renewable energy plants, these mega-projects have sought out reliable partners to plan for and handle potential security issues.

Grupo Irena’s expertise lies in helping its clients put in place security plans for infrastructure projects in high-risk areas. These plans are always tailor-made and can cover a wide range of needs, from appointing full-time personnel such as security managers and coordinators to managing human resources (security guards and drivers) as well as technical requirements (GPS system with panic button, alarms and CCTV cameras, etc).

One of our more successful sectors has been the setup and construction of wind farms in Mexico, Brazil, Peru and beyond. Mexico’s Energy Reform has opened up investment in the energy sector to private, foreign firms who are building wind farms in risky zones such as Tamaulipas and Oaxaca, where Grupo Irena can provide valuable support.

No matter a project’s operational complexity, technical requirements, budget or other challenges, Grupo Irena relies on rock-solid processes which have seen us be trusted by Fortune 500 companies.

  1. Early planning

When we are first contacted by a client, we understand that the full scope of the project, such as the precise timeline or the number of people involved is not always finalized. As such, Grupo Irena defines an early plan across a number of risk factors, including an on-site analysis, tracking the local security situation, identifying potential targets for criminal groups, and how other important projects have worked in the area.

  1. Putting in place a security strategy

Once the project moves to an active phase, deploying its staff and setting up operations, Grupo Irena and the client finish defining the strategy, taking into account many variables. These include:

– How can the safety of the project be maintained at all times?

Different kinds of projects present very different but equally challenging risks. For example, transportation networks can involve separate sites up to hundreds of kilometers apart. Separately, wind farms also cover vast areas of open terrain, which are difficult to monitor all at once.

Our expertise lies in identifying what risks each type of project presents, familiarizing the team on site with said risk, and designing a safety policy that works for all involved.

– Where will the staff be staying and how can this best be secured?

This involves the securing of hotels, houses, flats, or on-site accommodation, usually with our own personnel and agents.

– How will the staff be transported to and from the site and what risks does this expose them to?

Grupo Irena provides a range of options here, such as active monitoring of specific vehicles, offering trained drivers or shuttles, or arranging for staff to travel in a convoy.

– What materials will be used for the project and how likely are they to be targeted by thieves?

Raw materials for a new subway system differ drastically to those for a power plant yet may be equally tempting for theft. Grupo Irena designs specific protocols and trains personnel on how to secure and track all such materials.

  1. Information gathering

Once a project has begun, Grupo Irena keeps its finger on the pulse of the local situation. This is done in a blend of two important ways. Our in-house analysts constantly monitor potential risks while we create local information gathering network by getting to know local authorities, economic actors, and stakeholders.

We also recommend the placement of a security manager or coordinator on site, who becomes the nerve center for any issues relating to security. This person is in charge of rolling out and supervising security plans designed by Grupo Irena and adapting these to the needs of the operation, such as peaks of activity, nighttime work, site visits by VIPs.

Furthermore, the coordinator also seeks to build another layer of information-gathering and garnering trust with local workers on site.

Key information is then relayed to Grupo Irena, with decisions able to be checked with the client’s security director at the corporate headquarters abroad

  1. Local trust, global reach

There are broad misconceptions about what it is like to work on the ground in Latin America, about how to prevent or dissuade being targeted by gangs, about how to work with police and authorities, and far more besides.

Grupo Irena’s responsibility is not only to provide security on a project site. Corporate security directors are usually based abroad while their visits to a project site are expensive and can only go so far. As such, Grupo Irena’s executives act as a crucial information resource. Regular communication is maintained, including regular visits to company headquarters to brief our clients in person.

Over the years, Grupo Irena has gained the confidence of multinational companies such as Thales, Air France, Alstom and Suez Group through providing both rock-solid security planning and excellent communication with all stakeholders.

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