Historically, police departments across the country have been involved in the protection of at-risk persons. Politicians, celebrities, and persons in the forefront of controversy have the potential to generate negative emotions from the radical fringes of our society. Acts of violence directed at targeted individuals range from demonstrations to assaults to, at worst, assassination.

The need for sound protective skills is not a new requirement in our police departments. However, what is significant is the escalation over the last thirty years of potentially at-risk persons visiting our cities and towns and the dramatic increase in dangers these...

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Our nation is presently experiencing dramatic situations of workplace and school violence. These incidents, although not new to our culture, are troublesome in that incidents appear to be on the rise. Violent acts by adults and adolescents reflect similarities as perpetrators share commonalties in personalities, behaviors, and basic motives. The cost of violence is most apparent when viewed from the perspective of the victim. However, in a broader sense we are all victims, held hostage by fear and anxiety, in the anticipation of the next “event”.

After a twenty-five year career in the United States Secret Service, I have a unique perspective of the “targeted” violence occurring today in our society. These violent acts are similar to what my colleagues and I endeavored to prevent while protecting our president and vice president...

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