Security magazine Book Review: Philip Grindell’s “Personal Threat Management: The Practitioner’s Guide
Philip Grindell’s “Personal Threat Management: The Practitioner’s Guide to Keeping Clients Safer” offers a comprehensive and practical approach to protective security and personal safety.
Drawing from his extensive experience as a Metropolitan Police Officer and founder of a team protecting MPs following Jo Cox’s murder, and now leader of a security consultancy, Grindell provides insights into threat assessment and management.
The book is well-organised, divided into two main sections: Understanding the Threats and Managing the Threats.
Grindell’s writing style is clear and accessible, interspersed with examples, anecdotes, and case studies that bring the concepts to life. His stated purpose is “to demystify the subject, clarify some terminology, and explain how and why someone might pose a threat”. He shares his knowledge – the result of years of field experience, combined with the study of contemporary research on threat assessment, standards of professionalism.
Grindell covers a wide range of topics, including the RARA model (Reduce, Accept, Remove, Avoid) for personal safety, the National Decision Making Model, and targeted or intended attacks. The book covers fixated threats, stalking, harassment, and workplace hostility.
A key section is on behavioural threat management, emphasising that “actions speak louder than words”. Grindell introduces the “Detect, Report, Act” framework, which is particularly useful for security professionals. The author provides an insight into distinguishing between genuine threats and those that can be dismissed.
The section on safer events and functions covers critical areas of risk and providing practical advice on security planning, discussing various scenarios, from terrorist threats to insider attacks and lone actors.
Overall, “Personal Threat Management” provides a thorough introduction to threat management principles and practices for security professionals. Grindell’s ability to clarify misunderstood terms and provide actionable advice makes this book valuable for security practitioners seeking to enhance their understanding of personal threat management.
Andrea Berkoff. Editor
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