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PERSONAL SECURITY AWARENESS
A guideline on keeping yourself safe
A short review on being out and about in
Kingston, Jamaica and taking care of yourself
anywhere in the world
Nicholas Stephenson
Version 1, 1999
Version 2, 2001
Version 3, 2008
Version 4, 2011
Version 5, 2015

2. SECTION 1
ABOUT JAMAICA
Jamaica has a population of approximately 2.8 million people, the majority being of African descent. There are
also Chinese, Indian, Middle Easterner, and Caucasian etc representing about 7% of the population. The word
Jamaica comes from the Arawak Xaymaka, meaning “land of wood & water”. Once a Spanish possession known
as Santiago, in 1655 Jamaicabecame an English(later onaBritish) colony
GEOGRAPHY
Jamaica is the largest English-speaking island in the Caribbean and the third largest in the region. The
island is 146 miles (233 km) long with widths varying between 22 and 51 miles (35 and 82 km),
covering a total of 4,442 sq. miles or 10,991 sq. km.
CLIMATE
Jamaica has a tropical climate at sea level and a temperate climate towards the highlands of the
interior. The temperature ranges from 19 degrees Celsius (66 degrees Fahrenheit) to 32 degrees Celsius
(99 degrees Fahrenheit) throughout the year. November to February are the cooler months of the year.
Some regions on the south coast, such as the Liguanea Plain and the Pedro Plains, are relatively dry
rain-shadow areas. Jamaica lies in the hurricane belt of the Atlantic Ocean and because of this the
island sometimes experiences significant storm damage. Hurricanes Charlie and Gilbert hit Jamaica
directly in 1951 and 1988, respectively, causing major damage and many deaths. In the 2000s,
hurricanes Ivan, Dean and Gustav also brought severe weather to the island.
TIME ZONE
Jamaica falls within the Eastern Time Zone (UTC/6MT - 5 hours) but does NOT observe Daylight
Savings Time.
ECONOMY
Jamaica is classified as a developing country. We have a free market economy consisting of a
combination of state-owned entities and private sector organisations. Our most important economic
sectors are tourism, mining, agriculture and manufacturing. Tourism and mining are responsible for
earning most of the valuable foreign exchange needed for trade.
THE GOVERNMENT OF JAMAICA
The island was a British Colony from 1655 until 1962 when it was granted independence. After
independence, Jamaica chose to be a part of the British Commonwealth and is governed by a
Westminster style of government.
POLITICAL PARTIES
There are two main political parties – the PNP (Peoples National Party) and the JLP (Jamaica Labour
Party). The parties and their supporters’ vigorously contest elections.
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3. LANGUAGE
The official language of Jamaica is English, although most Jamaicans speak a local patois influenced
by a combination of several different languages. It may take some time for you to become accustomed
to it.
BANKS/CURRENCY
Licensed cambios and bureaux de change are easily and readily accessible, and just about all currencies
can be exchanged in the banks. The official rate of exchange varies daily, so it is not a bad idea to shop
around for a rate that suits you.
COMMUNICATIONS
Jamaica is well connected to the rest of the world. Direct international telephone service operates in all
areas 24 hours a day, and telephone operators will gladly facilitate collect, third party or credit card
calls. International faxes, cables and telegrams can be sent from most post offices. Email and Internet
access is available too. There are currently two cellular providers (Digicel and Lime {Cable &
Wireless}), and a few cable television companies, the largest being FLOW who also provide reliable
fast internet services
ELECTRICITY
The electrical supply in Jamaica is 110 volts/50 cycles standard, and electrical appliances use plugs
that are two-pronged and flat (such as those used in the United States and Canada). Most laptop
computers have built in converters and can be used with an adaptor.
WATER
All drinking water in Jamaica is purified and filtered by modern methods. Our water is safe for you to
drink, clean your teeth, bathe and wash clothing. Some people are still wary about drinking the water in
a strange country. If you choose not to drink the water, there are many brands of Jamaican &
international spring water available that meet the highest international standards.
DRUGS
In Jamaica, the use, sale and possession of drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, crack, ecstasy, heroin and
any other substance is ILLEGAL. Violators are subject to severe punishment specifically arrest, fine and
imprisonment.
DRIVING
The most important thing to remember when driving in Jamaica is that we drive on the left as in the
UK. The speed limit is 50 kph (30 mph) in built up areas and 80 kph (50 mph) on highways. The new
toll road system permits speeds up to 110 kph (70 mph). Jamaica recognises valid International
Drivers' Licences with Photo ID.
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4. CRIME IN JAMAICA
Like any capital city, gang violence and shootings occur in inner-city areas. The high murder rate in the
island is actually confined for the most part to these inner city areas, and is a result of gang violence -
territorial disputes, the drug & gun trade, and the extortion rackets – in other words, gangs in crime-
for-profit violence.
The gangs are embedded in communities, control communities, support communities - and are
protected by communities which benefit on the one hand from the criminal enterprise while paying a
heavy price on the other for their criminalisation. Many of those communities - too many - are political
garrisons with the gangs and the dons first rising to prominence and dominance as political enforcers
during the late 60’s and into the late 70’s/early 80’s.
Some inner-city neighbourhoods are occasionally subject to curfews and Police searches.
Impromptu demonstrations sometimes occur, during which demonstrators often construct roadblocks
or otherwise block the streets.
The crime problem in Jamaica has changed radically in the past three decades and is now more
complicated than ever. A lot of people assume that the 1970's saw the creation of political tribalism.
The reality is that political tribalism started as far back as 1949, when both parties ensured their
supporters had the tools to secure votes.
The early to mid seventies witnessed greater growth of political tribalism, a proliferation of gangs led
by dons/community leaders/activists, and street/territorial warfare. Numerous garrison communities
were established.
There are now a recorded 268 gangs in operation in Jamaica (5 to 20 persons per gang). The urban
Policing divisions of Kingston and St. Andrew, Clarendon, St. James and St. Catherine account for 74%
of the total number of gangs.
When the money, benefits and spoils from politics began to dry up, the gangs evolved into extortion &
protection rackets, the drug trade (marijuana & South American cocaine), gun trade etc and took
control of constituencies/communities.
There was also a shift in the nature of violent crime from inter-personal to inter-group violence.
Violence became much more organized and is now an activity and a form of ‘self-help’ in dealing with
social conflicts.
The balance between recorded violent and property crime shifted. While property crimes of theft and
burglary halved between the 1970s and the 1990s, violent crime increased by 50 per cent.
This shift is most marked in relation to homicide, with rates per 100,000 population rising from 3.8 at
independence in 1962, to 17.6 in 1976, 43 in 2001, to 2009’s figures of 61 in 100,000. Police-led efforts
to curtail gun violence have been mitigated in the past by political party’s direct/indirect financial
support to criminals via works and other programmes. This pays off during election campaigning!
There is a relationship between ‘garrison communities’ - the single-party political strongholds in urban
centres - and the high rates of crime that occur in and around them.
The majority of gangs have, for the most part, a local orientation, albeit there are some with
multinational links.
Successive Government’s behind the scenes interactions with gangs have prompted suspicions of
complicity with the gangs’ criminal agendas.
Major changes are taking place and both parties realise they need to control/eliminate
the monster they both created.
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5. Gangs have also been exploited by South American drug cartels wishing to utilise the Caribbean ports
for transhipment purposes. Since 1999/2000 this has steadily decreased due to efforts to secure the
ports, and an increase in personnel assigned to deal with this problem. There has also been a lot of
assistance from the US & the UK to reduce Jamaica's role as a transshipment port.
The gun trade is now linked to the marijuana trade with Haiti. Boats take marijuana to Haiti and
return with guns. Most of our illegal firearms are initially from the US, but find their way to Jamaica
quite easily – it is estimated that 80% of illegal firearms in Jamaica originate in Florida
Jamaica has approximately 9,000 Police personnel (we require 12,000); there are also 38,000
licenced firearm holders – Jamaica allows citizens to bear arms, after a 6 - 9 month investigative
process into an individual’s background, interviews, a written and a practical test after training by
approved trainers. The Firearm Licencing Authority was created in 2006 to manage this process.
Gang related killings are territorial issues in the extortion & protection rackets - each gang stakes out
its area and fights to retain control. Businesses most affected are smaller entities - wholesale outlets,
shops, bus operators etc, - normally in downtown Kingston and in areas such as Spanish Town,
Clarendon and St. James (Montego Bay).
Gangs have names like One Order, Stone Crusher, Klansman, Gideon's Warriors, Fatherless, Umbrella,
Rat Bat etc. Of interest, if we double the numbers in each gang, then there are an approximate 8000
gang members in Jamaica. This equates to 0.29% of our population
Guns for rent are common - fees are charged, and can be based on the size of anticipated earnings. The
gun has become a tool of communication - “badness honour” is a ‘cultural style’, a repertoire of body
poses, assertive mien, & menacing gestures, that can be found in urban ghetto cultures around the
world. A young criminal gains a lot of respect if he goes out with a leased firearm, and returns with an
extra one that he has stolen from someone (Police, security officer, licenced firearm holder). Normally
his victim will be dead.
Violence occurs mainly amongst the island’s urban poor, and is not a Jamaican phenomenon. It has
been established that 80% of crimes are committed by males aged 15 to 25.
Deportation from First World economies has also increased Jamaican crime levels. Individuals, who
have spent time in the US or UK engaged in illicit activities, and the lifestyles enjoyed as a result,
continue in crime once deported.
JAMAICA UPDATE 2011 ONWARDS
Even in the absence of empirical data the dramatic drop in crime, especially murders, is a direct
derivative of the May 2010 security operations in Tivoli Gardens, West Kingston.
We are now celebrating a 44% drop in the number of murders committed over the first three months of
2011, as compared with the similar period last year. That represents a fall from 426 in 2010, to 238 in
2011 - a total reduction of 188.
When the figures are further broken down across Police divisions in the Corporate Area, we see
reductions well above 50 per cent, with some of the stand-out areas such as the St Andrew North Police
Division - 78 per cent reduction in murders; the St Andrew South Police Division - 58 per cent decline;
Kingston Central and Kingston Western - 60 per cent declines, and Kingston Eastern - 50 per cent
reduction.
Night life, particularly in Kingston, has begun to revive
Jamaica has paid a high price for crime, and Tivoli Gardens has provided haven for some of the most
horrendous criminal elements over the years.
But the point is not just to look back. Rather, it is to take stock of what we have lost to crime and to
help us appreciate the relative calm that we are now enjoying.
The brave work of our security forces, some of whom have lost their lives safeguarding the citizenry,
and their continued work to keep our society safe, must be appropriately recognised and rewarded.
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6. CAUSES OF CRIME IN JAMAICA
 Ineffective Criminal Justice System
 High rates of youth unemployment
 Weakened family structures. 85% of children are born into a fatherless environment in areas
of economic deprivation
 Poor education
 Deportation of criminals from US & UK
 High availability of illegal firearms
 The power of organised crime and gangs and their entrenchment in urban areas
 Community self-regulation and the non-cooperation with the authorities
 Incapacity of formal institutions to cope with crimes
 Drug trade
 Extortion and protection rackets – supported wrongly by businesses that pay rather than
report these rackets to the Police.
 Increase in corruption
 Materialistic obsession - the dominance of money as the single most important currency of
influence, power and status and the decline of respectability as a status defining factor have
promoted increased and rampant corruption both in Government and in the private sector
corporate world
 General indiscipline
 Political tribalism
It should be noted that 2010 saw a decrease of 15% in all major types of crime.
This downward improvement is expected to continue in 2011, and started with the US extradition
request for a known “don” (community leader/activist), followed by the West Kingston incursion in
May 2010 and the declaration of a State of Emergency (lasting 2 months) as follows:
2010 2009 2008
Drug Related 11 28 17
Gang Related 374 882 736
Domestic 59 68 61
Other Criminal Act 540 611 691
Not Yet Established 446 93 113
TOTAL 1430 1682 1618
The Police have stepped up their campaign of targeting/dismantling gangs, responsible for
approximately 84% of all murders in the island.
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7. For 2013 there was a 9% spike compared to the previous year. 1200 murders as opposed to 1097 for
2012
A number of recognised 'hot spots' have remained murder free as the Police continue the fight to cut
crime - among the usual problematic areas not yet to record a killing is West Kingston, covering Tivoli
Gardens, Denham Town, Matthews Lane and Hannah Town; and the Kingston Central Division,
covering South Side, Tel-Aviv and parts of downtown Kingston.
CRIME INFORMATION
Crime, including violent crime, is a problem in Jamaica, particularly in Kingston, and though the vast
majority of crimes occur in impoverished areas, the violence is not confined there.
The primary concern of a visitor is being a victim of theft. Though rare, in some cases, armed robberies
of visitors have turned violent when the victims resisted handing over valuables.
Crime is exacerbated by the fact that the Police are under resourced. Therefore, visitors should take
their own precautions and always pay extra attention to their surroundings when travelling, exercise
care when walking outside after dark and always avoid areas known for high crime rates.
As a general rule, applicable everywhere, valuables should not be left unattended, including in hotel
rooms and on the beach. Care should be taken when carrying high value items such as cameras, or
when wearing expensive jewellery on the street. Women's handbags should be zipped and held close to
the body. Men should carry wallets in their front pocket. Large amounts of cash should always be
handled discreetly.
The Company advises its staff to avoid inner-city areas of Kingston and other urban centres whenever
possible. Particular caution is advised after dark in downtown Kingston.
The Company also cautions its staff not to use public buses, which are often overcrowded and are a
frequent venue for crime.
Visitors should avoid buying, selling, holding or taking illegal drugs under any circumstances. There is
anecdotal evidence that the use of so-called date rape drugs has become more common at clubs and
private parties. Marijuana, cocaine, heroin and other illegal narcotics are especially potent in Jamaica,
and their use may lead to severe or even disastrous health consequences.
The loss or theft of a passport should be reported immediately to the local Police and the nearest
Embassy or Consulate. If you are the victim of a crime, in addition to reporting to the local Police,
please contact the Corporate Security team for assistance. We can assist you to find appropriate
medical care & to contact family members or friends.
Although the investigation and prosecution of the crime is solely the responsibility of local authorities,
Corporate Security can help you to understand the local criminal justice process and to find an
attorney if needed.
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8. CRIMINAL PENALTIES
While in a foreign country, a visitor is subject to that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes
differ significantly from those in your country. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than
in your country for similar offences.
Persons violating Jamaican laws, evenunknowingly, maybearrested, expelled or imprisoned.
Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking illegal drugs in Jamaica are strict and convicted offenders can
expect jail sentences and heavy fines. Airport searches are thorough and people attempting to smuggle
narcotics are regularly apprehended.
GENERAL INFORMATION
MEDICAL FACILITIES
Medical care is limited, comprehensive emergency medical services are located only in Kingston and
Montego Bay, and smaller public hospitals are located in each parish. Emergency medical and
ambulance services are limited in outlying parishes. Ambulance service is limited both in the quality of
emergency care and in the availability of vehicles in remote parts of the country.
TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS
While in Jamaica, you may encounter road conditions and traffic regulations that differ significantly
from those in your country. The following information concerning Jamaica is provided for general
reference only, and it may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.
Safety of public transportation - poor
Urban road conditions/maintenance - fair
Rural road conditions/maintenance - fair
Availability of roadside assistance - fair
Drivers and pedestrians should remember that driving in Jamaica is on the left-hand side of the road.
Breakdown assistance is quite limited in urban areas and virtually unavailable in rural areas. If you are
provided with a company vehicle the package includes GPS tracking, panic alarm & roadside
assistance.
Drivers and passengers in the front seat are required to wear seat belts, and motorcycle riders are
required to wear helmets. A number of foreign citizens who have rented motorcycles and scooters have
been seriously injured, often because the riders were not wearing a helmet and other motorcycle safety
gear. Extreme caution should be used in driving motor driven cycles.
Drivers should make every effort to avoid areas of high crime and civil strife. Residents sometimes
employ roadblocks as protests to draw attention to particular issues and require extreme caution by
drivers.
The Company advises its staff to exercise caution when travelling in areas described in the section on
Crime. The Company also advises its staff to always keep their windows up and doors locked when
driving and to leave enough distance between themselves and the preceding car at intersections to
allow a roll forward in case of harassment by pedestrian panhandlers.
Most roads are paved, but some can suffer from ill repair, inadequate signage and poor traffic control
markings. City roads are often subject to poorly marked construction zones, pedestrians, bicyclists,
and occasionally livestock.
Hustlers, window washers and beggars frequent street corners and traffic lights (a polite greeting or
refusal will usually suffice to deter them).
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9. Drivers should be aware of roundabouts, which can be poorly marked and require traffic to move in a
clockwise direction. Motorists entering a roundabout must yield to those already in it. Failure to turn
into the correct flow of traffic can result in a head on collision.
A number of highways have been constructed over the past few years. Some are toll roads; others are
not. These roads connect the major tourist and other areas and have improved our road
infrastructure greatly. The B highways and other rural roads are often very narrow and frequented by
large trucks, buses, pedestrians, bicyclists and open range livestock. Highways are travelled at high
speeds, but they are not limited access and are subject to the hazards outlined above.
In Case of an Accident
STOP IMMEDIATELY
Switch off the engine. The law requires that you STOP if you are involved in an accident. Take all
necessary precautions to prevent further accidents at the scene. If necessary, take steps to warn other
traffic of an obstruction; use the car's hazard warning lights and ensure that they can be seen.
If you are in an area that you consider unsafe DO NOT STOP; go to the nearest Police Station and
report the accident.
Injuries
If anyone is injured ask someone to summon an ambulance and the Police. Movement of
injured persons should not be undertaken especially if likely to cause further injury; get
uninjured passengers to leave the vehicle.
Send for Help
Try to get the Police to come to the scene of the accident. If you are not successful, report the
accident to them within 24 hours or call your security representative
GET NAMES AND ADDRESSES OF WITNESSES
Exchange Information
You must exchange names, addresses and insurance details with persons involved in the
accident. Do not admit any fault. If the vehicle does not belong to you, give the registration
number and the name, address and contact details of the owner.
Information to Exchange:
1. Owner(s) of Vehicle
2. Address
3. Phone Number
4. Driver's Name
5. Address
6. Phone Number
7. Name of Insurance Company
8. Year of Vehicle
9. Make of Vehicle
10. Model
11. Registration Number
12. Injured Passenger(s) Name(s)
13. Address
14. Phone Number
15. Witness
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10. Information from Witnesses:
1. Name
2. Address
3. Phone Number (Home/Office)
4. Did you see the Accident?
5. Remarks
REPORT THE ACCIDENT
HIGH RISK AREAS
High Risk Areas are areas prone to violence at any time. These are inner city communities.
The map shows those areas that you should avoid travelling in at all times unless you are escorted or
travelling with persons familiar with the area.
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11. DISASTER PREPAREDNESS
Jamaica, like all Caribbean countries, can be affected by hurricanes.
The hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30 each year. The Office of Disaster Preparedness
and Emergency Management (ODPEM) has put measures in place in the event of an emergency or
disaster.
The Company encourages long-term residents of Jamaica to prepare sufficient supply of food, water
and other necessary supplies in the event of a natural disaster.
General information about natural disaster preparedness is available from The Office of Disaster
Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) via telephone # 928-5111 or 928-5747 or 928-
8942.
You are also encouraged to refer to the RESIDENTIAL
HURRICANE PLAN that gives details of how to prepare
and plan for a hurricane.
Red Stripe has a well-established Hurricane Business
Continuity Plan and a trained and very capable Crisis
Management Team.
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12. SECTION 2
PERSONAL SECURITY AWARENESS
FOREWORD
We are committed to your safety and security and offer this guidance as a help to personal security,
whether at home, during travel, or abroad.
Our purpose is twofold:
1. To caution the reader that the best advice is not to assume anything, but to anticipate one’s
response to potentially risky situations and avoid being a creature of habit
2. To provide an easy to read guideline so as to responsibly advise you on sensible precautions
that can be taken.
We cannot address all security concerns, particularly where the threat is deemed to be high.
Please remember that Embassies and Consulates are there to provide advice to their own nationals on
the possible threats in their host country.
We are committed to being charismatic, proactive, persuasive and positive and in the changing world
environment we are asking you all to stop, take a deep breath, take a step back and think…
We hope you find this helpful
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13. WHY THE THREAT?
Companies and individuals are not immune to criminal activity, be it from a terrorist, an extortionist
or a common criminal.
Risk varies from country to country and depends to a great extent on the stability of the local
government and the degree of frustration or greed felt by groups or individuals.
Economic circumstances of an individual or a people can lead to drastic decisions and at times fatal
consequences.
Throughout security two principles are widely accepted:
1. INDIVIDUALS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR OWN PERSONAL SECURITY.
2. SECURITY MEASURES SHOULD BE COMMENSURATE WITH THE RISK.
No person can have a greater interest in protecting the life or property of an individual than the
individual him/her self.
Depending on your role in an organisation, others may assist in assessing a particular vulnerability,
though ultimately it is for you to make your own decision.
Good planning can identify weaknesses and provide for a greater degree of awareness and safety.
WHY ARE WE AT RISK?
 Travellers are often targeted because of their appearance or because they are perceived as
wealthy. This holds true in all less developed economies, where even the poorest visitor is
perceived as having wealth.
 Travellers are targeted because of their nationality.
 Travellers are targeted because they are unprepared for foreign travel. Get to know the culture
of the country you are visiting before arriving there.
 Travellers assume that geography has nothing to do with crime yet there is a significant
difference between crime at home and crime abroad, and the response of local authorities may
worsen the situation.
It is vitally important to understand that what you take for granted at home is in most cases not the
same when you are abroad.
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14. THREAT ASSESSMENT
 What is the political, economic, social and civil climate where you are going?
 What is your role as an individual within the Company? Are you in a position of authority and
power? May others perceive that you are? Will criminals stand to gain a significant amount
for your safe return?
 Have any specific threats been made? Has anyone shown an unusual amount of interest in
you or your family’s movements? Have you seen anyone following you? Have you received
unusual telephone calls or visitors at home or at work?
It is vital to keep a sense of perspective. It is impossible to stay on alert 24 hours a day, but taking
sensible precautions can minimise the risk.
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BE AWARE

15. TRAVELLING AND LIVING ABROAD
PRE-DEPARTURE CONSIDERATIONS
The following tips should be observed, no matter how frequently you travel.
FOR REGULAR TRAVELLERS, YOUR WORST ENEMY IS COMPLACENCY.
 Learn about the country you are visiting.
 Ensure all personal affairs are up to date.
 Ensure that proper power of attorney arrangements have been made.
 Ensure all immunisation injections have been taken.
 Drink only bottled water.
 Never carry anything for anyone, unless you are sure of the contents of the package.
 Obtain a briefing for the country you are visiting, especially where the criminal risk is high or
there is political instability. This is especially true for all less developed economies.
 Place a photocopy of your passport in your checked luggage. Place one in your wallet/purse as
well.
 Travel on reputable airlines, those that have a good safety and maintenance history. Have
insurance to cover personal effects.
 Ensure you have a comprehensive medical and hospitalisation plan applicable worldwide.
 Find out about the country’s customs and behave accordingly.
 Dress casually.
 Obtain foreign currency prior to leaving your home country.
 Avoid routine as this provides the opportunity to identify fixed times and places.
 Ensure you have left full details of your itinerary with someone who will know what to do if
you fail to arrive.
 Do not advertise your status when making travel arrangements. Do not unnecessarily
advertise your journey.
 Ensure that known and trusted people are meeting you at your destination. A company car
and trusted local driver is invaluable.
 Where possible avoid night arrivals.
 Use sturdy lockable luggage. Ensure luggage is locked before checking in.
 Never leave your luggage unattended. Do not place your home address on luggage tags. Use a
business address without the name of the business.
 Do not walk around chatting away on your cellular.
IF TRAVELLING TO A HIGH RISK COUNTRY.
 On arrival, buy a good map of the city. Mark hotel, office, embassies and police stations on the
map. Look at alternative routes to and from places you are travelling to. Identify points of
significance.
 Learn how to make a local telephone call, and what currency is used.
 Be aware of what is happening around you. Practise looking up and down the street before
you enter or leave a building.
 Avoid jogging or walking in an unfamiliar city. Do not jog or walk alone at night.
 Again, do not walk around chatting away on your cellular.
 Forget habit.
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16. BUSINESS STAY
 Select a hotel close to your appointments, one that caters to foreign visitors & get a room
between floors 3 and 6.
 Ensure fire emergency precautions are visible. Know the location of all exits, the nearest
elevator and stairwell.
 Good door locks. If a door chain is attached, use it.
 Lockable room windows
 Leave TV or radio on when you are away from the room.
 Do not turn the key in to the lobby desk until you are checking out.
 Do not conduct sensitive conversations over the hotel telephone.
 Maintain a low profile.
 Use taxis from a reputable company.
 Do not travel on foot alone, especially when it is dark.
 Do not discuss your itinerary with hotel staff.
 Do not open your door without seeking confirmation of identity.
 Exercise care when striking up casual friendships, even with a fellow countryman.
OFFICE SECURITY
You should be aware of your surroundings in and near the offices you will be working in. Keep the
following in mind:
 Discuss your travel plans with as few people as possible.
 If the media must know about your visit or stay, do not disclose where you are staying or your
arrival or departure times.
 Provide your local contact with home, office and mobile telephone numbers, and instructions
on whom to notify in the event of an emergency.
 Be conscious of loiterers.
 Avoid ground floor window seats in countries where bombings or protests are likely.
 Do not reveal personal information about staff members to unknown callers
MEETINGS ABROAD
All security-related issues should be considered in preparation.
 Call on the local Security Team.
 Inform local Police authorities. Request traffic and other assistance
 Utilise local contract security personnel to provide on site security.
 Arrange for a Company representative to liaise with the Airport Authorities to facilitate
immigration and customs formalities, and transport from the airport.
 Avoid using the Company’s name in making airline reservations.
 Identify the best medical facilities locally.
 Prepare a brief handout on security advice – safe and unsafe areas, personal security, etc., etc.
 Ensure conference or meeting facility has adequate fire emergency features.
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17. RESIDENCE IN A FOREIGN COUNTRY
HOME
This list is not exhaustive, and should you wish to discuss any of the following points, please do not
hesitate to contact us.
 Think continually of your personal security and safety. Be aware of your surroundings. No
person has a greater interest in protecting your life and assets than yourself.
 Keep a record of all essential telephone numbers with you at all times. Code them into your
cellular.
 Ensure your children have been educated on the basics of not talking to strangers and how to
contact the Company’s Security team or the Police. It makes common sense to let them have
your cellular numbers, those of your close and trusted friends and contact numbers for the
Company's Security team.
 Give clear and precise instructions to the principal of your child's school on the appropriate
action to be taken if your child fails to attend classes, or if a stranger arrives to collect your
child from school.
 Decide on a simple code word or signal to be used on the telephone or in eye contact between
yourself, your family and your staff such that it would alert them of danger.
 Get to know your area, identifying places of safety e.g., Embassies, Consulates, Police Stations,
Hospitals, Churches etc.
 Ensure your buildings and premises are well protected and appear to be well guarded. Contact
your local Security team for advice and assistance if in doubt. All premises must be audited
prior to occupation.
 Ensure adequate outside lighting that should include not only the immediate environs of the
house but also the grounds. All outside lighting should activate automatically as darkness
falls. Fit timer switches on a few random internal lights.
 Ensure you lock up your house securely. Do not leave grill doors open even while you are
inside the building. If your property has a gate, keep this locked while outside in your yard.
 Account for all keys. Do not leave them under doormats or in flowerpots. If you lose a key,
change the lock. Do not tag keys with your name and address.
 Do not allow trees to grow too close to your house. Prevent access to low or flat roofs.
Overgrown shrubbery provides concealment, so keep your garden trimmed.
 Inspect your fence line periodically. Repair as necessary.
 Dogs are excellent security. Just by barking they can alert you to a stranger’s presence. In
many cases they will scare away possible intruders.
 Do not admit service people into your house without full identification. If necessary,
telephone their business address to double check.
 Do not allow strangers into your house to use your telephone. Regardless of how distressed
they may seem, or what emergency they may say has occurred, it is advisable to dial the
number for them and relay the message.
 If you are going away for a few days, cancel newspaper and other deliveries. If at all possible,
ask a friend or acquaintance to oversee the house during your absence.
 If you hear suspicious sounds outside, call your neighbours or the Police. Do not go out to
investigate.
 Have all household staff vetted meticulously. The company will assist with this.
 Be observant. Notice events or people out of the ordinary
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18. ROAD TRAVEL
 Ensure that your vehicle is roadworthy at all times.
 Keep the gas tank full at all times. Pre-check your vehicle before opening the door. Have the
locks been tampered with in any way?
 Ensure that spare tyre and accessories are in good working order.
 Ensure a small fire extinguisher is fitted.
 Carry a working flashlight in the glove compartment.
 Carry a local road map.
 When getting into your vehicle, be observant.
 At all times LOCK your door once you get in your vehicle.
 Do not get into a company vehicle unless you recognize the driver. Ensure that drivers do not
leave the vehicle unattended.
 Be alert to motorcycles that stop next to your vehicle,
particularly if there are two riders.
 Always park with the front of the vehicle facing
outwards
 Where you are provided with a security person, do not
change your schedule without notifying him.
 If you are provided with a company car, remove all
stickers, emblems, etc., that may identify the owner as
being from a particular country or company.
 In a high-risk environment, we recommend anti-hijack
vehicle training.
 Communicate travel plans and arrangements to close
friends or associates.
 Avoid routine. Learn different routes to and from
places you regularly travel to or visit.
 Keep car doors locked and windows closed except for essential ventilation. If
travelling alone, ensure the passenger windows are up and all doors locked.
 Do not offer a lift, or open doors or windows to anyone.
 Do not get too close to the vehicle in front of you. When you stop in traffic give yourself
enough space to enable you to manoeuvre without having to wait for the vehicle in front of
you to do so.
 Do not stop to provide assistance if you see an accident. Rather call the Police Authorities.
 When stopped at traffic lights, do not open purses or wallets in front of windscreen cleaners or
newspaper sellers. If you regularly buy a newspaper this way, or have your windscreen
cleaned, keep small change in the ashtray or dashboard.
 Keep to busy main roads and thoroughfares, especially at night.
 Ensure all bags, packages, briefcases etc., are kept on the floor of the vehicle, preferably under
the seat and out of sight.
 If travelling to rural areas try to restrict travel to daylight hours.
 If you are on the road late at night or early in the morning (before daylight) take the following
precautions at traffic lights:
 If the lights are red, stop and proceed forward cautiously, keeping the car in a
low gear and in readiness to move off if it becomes necessary. If there are no
vehicles approaching, keep driving. If there is a Police car present,
abide by regular rules of the road. Watch for persons hanging
around or loitering.
 Familiarise yourself with a local road map. Learn to avoid areas prone to trouble.
 Stay out of depressed communities, especially at night. Contact the local Security team for
advice.
 When parking your vehicle at restaurants, bars or clubs, park in sight of the security
personnel or in car parks manned by security personnel. If necessary, ask for an escort to your
vehicle when leaving.
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19.  When approaching your vehicle always have the door and ignition key in your hand.
Remember to lock your car doors once you are inside.
 At all night entertainment locations, whether restaurant, club, bar, etc., there are numerous
entrepreneurs/hustlers who will offer to watch or wash your vehicle for you. If you do not
require this service say so firmly and politely. If you are going to tip them do not display
wallets, purses, etc. Always keep small change readily available.
 If your vehicle is hit at night do not stop and get out of your vehicle. Drive to the nearest
Police Station and make a report. If it is possible for you to identify the vehicle that ran
into you do so, but not if you compromise your situation.
 If on returning home there are any strangers at or nearby your gate, do not stop to investigate.
Call the Police immediately.
 Take notice of vehicles driving behind you. If the same vehicle has been with you for a while
do not stop at your gate. It is better to drive around the block to ensure your safety.
 Keep a list of all emergency telephone numbers in the glove compartment of your vehicle.
 Should your car tyre be punctured late at night, it is safer to rim your vehicle to a secure area
rather than stop and attempt to change the tyre. A secure area could be a nearby hotel, petrol
station, Police Station, etc.
 Cellular phones should be carried at all times. Ensure batteries are fully charged. Do not leave
cellular phones in parked vehicles. Learn to carry your cellular phone with you.
 DO NOT USE your cellular while driving. You easily lose 50% of your concentration and
become a danger to other road users & pedestrians.
 Always carry a small amount of cash that can be handed over if confronted by robbers. Do not
overtly display valuable personal property such as jewellery, cameras, etc.
 Avoid confrontation if at all possible.
NATURAL DISASTERS
EARTHQUAKES, HURRICANES, MONSOONS OR TROPICAL STORMS (For a more
concise plan see RESIDENTIAL HURRICANE PLAN)
 Stay away from walls and windows.
 Keep under doorways or under furniture.
 Avoid beaches, waterways and windowed areas.
 Remain indoors.
 Store water and a variety of tinned foods
 Have a battery operated radio & keep tuned in.
 Listen to & follow local advice.
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20. STREET WISE
Street crime is inevitable where unemployment, poverty and political instability exist. Being prepared
for any eventuality means knowing where you are.
 Local newspapers provide a glimpse into where crimes occur, and one should be read
immediately on arrival.
 Leave your passport in the hotel safe. Carry a photocopy.
 If carrying a street map, put it in the middle of a book or newspaper.
 Do not make direct eye contact with individuals.
 Do not walk around with personal stereos/headphones.
 If you have to make a cellular call, be brief. Do not walk around with the cellular glued to your
ears!
 Walk in the middle of the sidewalk.
 Stand back from the curb when crossing the street.
 Do not wear expensive jewellery.
 Carry small denomination bills in one place and larger bills in another.
 Avoid walking or jogging alone at night.
 If you feel you are being followed, cross the street or change direction. Seek areas where there
are lots of people.
 Carry a personal attack alarm - it can provide a few seconds distraction and allow you to get
away.
 If a robbery does occur, do not resist. Immediately cancel all credit cards and notify security of
any loss of keys, codes, etc. Report the incident to the Police.
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21. SURVIVING AS A HOSTAGE
Sometimes the intended target is not actually the victim seized. We hope it never happens and the
possibilities are miniscule, even to the most high profile of employees. The following are some
recommendations from some of the 80 plus per cent people who have survived such an ordeal.
 Do not fight back or resist.
 Organise your thoughts. Try to determine where you are being taken.
 Make a mental note of your captors.
 Anticipate isolation.
 Exercise daily.
 Be mentally active.
 Ask for everything you want.
 If you speak the kidnappers’ language, use it.
 Eat what you are given.
 Maintain your dignity and self-respect.
 Keep faith in self, in those who are attempting to rescue you, and faith in a supreme being.
 Remain calm, cooperate, and take one day at a time.
 Know that senior management will be working for your release.
 Remember that your family will be well protected and looked after fully.
 Unless you have a clear opportunity to escape, you should not resist your captors. Co-
operation is the name of the game.
 Establish a rapport with as much good-natured humour as you can summon. This rapport is
well known and its psychological roots well established.
 Personalising yourself and your family will help. Find positive things to do.
 Provocative and uncooperative behaviour is counterproductive.
 Play down your importance to the company.
 Remember as many details as you can.
 If you are moved from one location to another try to leave something behind.
 If you have the opportunity to communicate with those seeking your release, try to pass on a
message.
 Should you recognise your captors, try not to let them know.
TERRORISM AND BOMBINGS
It is predicted that terrorism and bombings will continue to confront the world in the future. Though
UK residents have been used to bomb attacks over the years, the September 11th
attacks in the
United States, Bali & other bombings since, & the July 2005 attacks in London brought a new
dimension to the tactics that extremist organisations will use to convey their message. Their
aim is to inflict as much damage on as many people as possible, so as to create maximum
impact.
HOW DO WE PREPARE OURSELVES?
As there is no such thing as 100% security, we can only take precautions against such attacks. For
business it means ensuring that security and business continuity plans are relevant and implemented.
For the individual it means being aware.
 Be alert and vigilant at all times. Notice “out of ordinary” things.
 If travelling in a high-risk country where car bombs have been used, use a vehicle that can be
searched quickly for explosive devices.
 When travelling in a vehicle, always keep the windows up.
 Don’t loiter in hotel lobbies or other public places, especially in countries where hotels and
other public places have been the targets of terrorist bombings.
 Don’t open packages delivered to you unless you are aware of their arrival beforehand.
 Bomb threat telephone calls should be carefully analysed and search procedures initiated.
 Ensure the relevant authorities are made aware of any unattended packages.
 Ensure the relevant authorities are made aware of people behaving suspiciously.
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22.  Listen to local news
 Listen and be advised by the local authorities.
 If it looks suspicious, it probably is.
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23. WHAT TO DO IF?
YOUR PASSPORT IS LOST OR STOLEN.
 Report it to your embassy as soon as possible.
 Always carry with you a photocopy of your passport, your birth certificate, visa and extra
passport photos.
YOU ARE ROBBED.
 Do not resist and report the incident immediately afterwards to the local Police.
 Obtain a copy of the Police report.
YOU ARE ARRESTED.
 Ask permission to notify your employers and your embassy. If you are refused, keep asking.
Be polite but persistent.
YOU ARE CAUGHT UP IN POLITICAL UNREST.
 Register your presence in that country on arrival.
 Ask your embassy what evacuation procedures exist.
 Seek a hotel away from trouble spots.
 Leave the country as soon as possible after the break down of law and order.
 Stock clean water and food supplies
STRANDED IN YOUR HOTEL
 Stay in your room and try to contact your embassy.
 Seek out other guests to build a support base.
 Learn your escape routes.
NOT AT YOUR HOTEL.
 Call your embassy.
 Do not attempt to run roadblocks.
 Avoid the scene of disturbances.
WHAT YOUR EMBASSY CAN DO FOR YOU.
 Provide you with a list of local attorneys.
 Visit you, advise you of your rights under local law, arrange for the transfer of money, food,
etc.
 Advocate on your behalf if you are held under inhumane conditions.
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24. FOUR PRINCIPLES OF PERSONAL RISK AVOIDANCE
AWARENESS
 Be alert that a risk exists not only in unfamiliar environments but also in familiar locales.
LOW PROFILE
 Do not draw attention to yourself by ostentatious dress, displays of wealth, loud talking or
mannerisms that may attract criminals or terrorists.
UNPREDICTABILITY
 This is a key element in reducing risk. You make yourself a target when your movements
become routine.
BUDDY SYSTEM
 Few travellers become victims when they are in the company of others.
CONCLUSION
With this booklet we have attempted to make you aware of some simple but practical steps that can be
taken to reduce the risk of both the common criminal and the determined terrorist.
It is not a definitive list of do’s and don’ts as no two incidents are the same.
We hope that none of the situations described in this booklet should happen to you, but feel confident
that the advice given, if taken, will substantially reduce the risk to you, your family, and your friends &
colleagues.
Nicholas Stephenson
Risk Manager
Red Stripe Diageo
Jamaica
[876] 579 7954
Nicholas.stephenson@diageo.com
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Nicholas Stephenson