The Cipher Brief spoke with Kathleen McChesney about hotel and personal security in the wake of the attack against the Radisson Hotel in Bamako, Mali. McChesney was the Vice President for Global Security for the Walt Disney Company and served as the Executive Assistant Director for Law Enforcement at the FBI, the Bureau’s third highest position.
The Cipher Brief: What does it take to secure a high-profile western hotel in place like Mali, where there are considerable security concerns?
Kathleen McChesney: For obvious reasons, security professionals should not reveal all of the security precautions they take to the public. It is important, however, that there be visible security measures in place which can be a strong deterrent against terrorist or criminal activity. It is also important that the security of any public facility utilize the best technical capabilities possible and that the facilities security professionals have collaborative relationships with law enforcement and first responders.
TCB: Generally speaking, what are the biggest vulnerabilities facing a hotel like the Radisson in Bamako?
KM: Every facility has its unique vulnerabilities. Most common is the lack of information available to the security professionals at the facility. That’s not because law enforcement does not share the information, but rather because the information does not exist or has not been fully analyzed.
TCB: How do hotels typically adapt their security practices in the wake of a major security incident?
KM: Although public facilities cannot plan for every contingency, there is something to be learned from each of these acts of terrorism or other criminal activity. Events like these are a strong reminder to security professionals and facility leadership to review contingency plans, train accordingly, and exercise those plans periodically.
TCB: What advice would you give westerners traveling in high-risk countries? What about businesses whose employees frequently travel overseas?
KM: It’s safe to travel to many international locations, although you should always be aware of your surroundings regardless of how many times you have visited a particular locale.
The US State Department continuously updates its list of countries where travel is considered unsafe - check that list before you travel and avoid those that are high risk if you can.
If you must travel to a high-risk country, register with the American Embassy, select hotels that have professional security, and ensure that your company has a Critical Incident Management Plan. It’s important to maintain more than one method of communications as well as copies of your passport. You also should have an alternative departure plan and, if possible, develop a trusted relationship with a local colleague or business.
Whether in a foreign or a domestic hotel, you should always learn the location of the exits and identify a nearby safe location for protection and for re-connecting with colleagues or family members should you become separated. Be respectful of the country's culture, maintain a low-profile and avoid boisterous, attention-getting behavior.
All companies that require employee travel outside of the United States should have a Critical Incident Management Plan. The plan should be updated regularly and communicated to traveling employees. Key persons responsible for managing incident response should conduct periodic exercises to ensure the plan is current and workable and that all persons understand and are capable of carrying out their respective responsibilities.
TCB: What is the most important thing to know about a kidnapping or a hostage situation?
KM: The most critical moments in a kidnapping are at the outset because it is the most chaotic and dangerous time for everyone involved. It is also likely the time where there is the best opportunity to escape.
Should you become a hostage, cooperate with the hostage-taker(s) and avoid ideological discussions. Experts recommend attempting to escape only if there is a reasonable chance of success.
