Kidnapping Protection Tips

  • May 19, 2008

The number of reported kidnappings of local San Diego residents in nearby Mexican cities doubled during 2007 from the previous year to a record 26 kidnappings according to the FBI San Diego Office.

Kidnapping for ransom and extortion is increasingly more common, especially in nearby Mexico, where several executives have been kidnapped during the past few months. Kidnapping is also a risk for family members. Although impossible to completely eliminate the risk, there are preventative measures companies can take to protect their employees:

  • Acknowledge the threat.
  • Conduct a risk analysis, a thorough assessment of the individuals at risk, the geopolitical environment and the possible hazards they may face.
  • Use the results of the risk analysis to develop a risk management strategy, which generally includes creating a contingency plan, purchasing quality insurance coverage and hiring executive protection professionals.

In the event of a kidnapping, families and employers should:

  • Regain composure and emotions.
  • If the kidnapper initiates contact, get as much information as possible.
  • Make the kidnapper aware of any special medical conditions the victim may have.
  • Do not make any demands, threats or promises.
  • Create a crisis strategy.

If you become a kidnapping victim:

  • Remain calm.
  • Be alert.
  • Assess the situation thoroughly.
  • Do not antagonize the abductor.
  • Do not make any promises on your end. They may conflict with the response team's negotiation.

Featured

  • Empowering and Securing a Mobile Workforce

    What happens when technology lets you work anywhere – but exposes you to security threats everywhere? This is the reality of modern work. No longer tethered to desks, work happens everywhere – in the office, from home, on the road, and in countless locations in between. Read Now

  • TSA Introduces New $45 Fee Option for Travelers Without REAL ID Starting February 1

    The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced today that it will refer all passengers who do not present an acceptable form of ID and still want to fly an option to pay a $45 fee to use a modernized alternative identity verification system, TSA Confirm.ID, to establish identity at security checkpoints beginning on February 1, 2026. Read Now

  • The Evolution of IP Camera Intelligence

    As the 30th anniversary of the IP camera approaches in 2026, it is worth reflecting on how far we have come. The first network camera, launched in 1996, delivered one frame every 17 seconds—not impressive by today’s standards, but groundbreaking at the time. It did something that no analog system could: transmit video over a standard IP network. Read Now

  • From Surveillance to Intelligence

    Years ago, it would have been significantly more expensive to run an analytic like that — requiring a custom-built solution with burdensome infrastructure demands — but modern edge devices have made it accessible to everyone. It also saves time, which is a critical factor if a missing child is involved. Video compression technology has played a critical role as well. Over the years, significant advancements have been made in video coding standards — including H.263, MPEG formats, and H.264—alongside compression optimization technologies developed by IP video manufacturers to improve efficiency without sacrificing quality. The open-source AV1 codec developed by the Alliance for Open Media—a consortium including Google, Netflix, Microsoft, Amazon and others — is already the preferred decoder for cloud-based applications, and is quickly becoming the standard for video compression of all types. Read Now

  • Cost: Reactive vs. Proactive Security

    Security breaches often happen despite the availability of tools to prevent them. To combat this problem, the industry is shifting from reactive correction to proactive protection. This article will examine why so many security leaders have realized they must “lead before the breach” – not after. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • Camden CV-7600 High Security Card Readers

    Camden CV-7600 High Security Card Readers

    Camden Door Controls has relaunched its CV-7600 card readers in response to growing market demand for a more secure alternative to standard proximity credentials that can be easily cloned. CV-7600 readers support MIFARE DESFire EV1 & EV2 encryption technology credentials, making them virtually clone-proof and highly secure.

  • AC Nio

    AC Nio

    Aiphone, a leading international manufacturer of intercom, access control, and emergency communication products, has introduced the AC Nio, its access control management software, an important addition to its new line of access control solutions.

  • Connect ONE’s powerful cloud-hosted management platform provides the means to tailor lockdowns and emergency mass notifications throughout a facility – while simultaneously alerting occupants to hazards or next steps, like evacuation.

    Connect ONE®

    Connect ONE’s powerful cloud-hosted management platform provides the means to tailor lockdowns and emergency mass notifications throughout a facility – while simultaneously alerting occupants to hazards or next steps, like evacuation.