§01Start with a threat assessment.
The output of a proper threat assessment determines posture, staffing, and equipment. Assessments consider media exposure, litigation profile, family visibility, and travel patterns.
§02Discretion over spectacle.
Well-executed EP looks like a business associate walking alongside the principal. It should not look like a movie set. Operators wear tailored civilian clothing and blend into the venue.
§03Advance work.
Route surveys, venue reconnaissance, medical-facility mapping, and secondary-exit identification — done before the principal arrives. This is where most agencies cut corners.
§04Residential integration.
EP for HNW families is 24/7. It includes residential coverage, staff vetting, and technology-stack security (Crestron/KNX/Control4 hardening). If the operator doesn't understand the residence stack, they can't secure it.
§05Credentials.
Look for EPI, ICON, or PSC credentials — recertified annually, not one-and-done. Verify with the issuing body.