An expatriate's guide to personal residence security

The following advice on security measures recommended for an expatriate employee's personal residence is excerpted from the book The Overseas Assignment: A Professional's Guide for Working in Developing Countries, published by PennWell Books, Tulsa, 1995.

SOME PEOPLE SIMPLY DO NOT LIKE TO DISCUSS home or personal security as it conjures up unpleasant visions. This is unfortunate, since such persons will not be mentally prepared should an incident arise. When not prepared, the usual result is panic and mistakes, sometimes at the expense of other family members...This information is not intended to cause concern but to present realistic considerations that should be addressed. One does not have to be any more afraid in most developing countries than in any developed country, and in some cases a lot less. In both worlds, being observant and prepared goes a long way towards prevention. No criminal is going to break into facilities with good security provisions when there are less secure places from which to choose. Therefore, think of the following as you would information concerning winter driving hazards and how they can be avoided.

Security guards are a necessity in most developing countries. Depending on the particular circumstances, such as location of the house, local crime rate, and the political situation, guards may be needed both day and night, perhaps more than one guard on each shift if the property is large. To obtain personal effects insurance, the employee will likely have to verify the existence of security guards on duty 24 hr/day at the residence. Make a special note to verify this with the insurance company.

Security services have to be chosen carefully just as in any other part of the world. The best guards will probably be professional military or police, either retired or "moonlighting." The employee should not consider using the gardener, house boy, or some similar person for this task unless living inside a high-security compound. Even then, the employee should think long and hard about this choice.

There are definite reasons for choosing professionals. The typical nonprofessional will sleep at night unless the employee makes a habit of getting up at all hours to check. This, of course, isn't realistic if the employee has to be well- rested each morning. Typically, nonprofessionals don't want trouble with intruders, especially with the possibility of getting injured, and will tend to look the other way when it is evident that a confrontation is about to occur. If the nonprofessional does confront an intruder and calls for help, the police may not respond enthusiastically because he isn't part of the "professional" fraternity.

When a crime is committed, the police may take the attitude that the crime would not have occurred if security had been provided by professionals; therefore, the police do little to solve the case. When the nonprofessional does sneak off to sleep (typically under a car in the garage), he will often leave garage door and house keys in obvious view in hopes that the benevolence of the gesture will prevent any aggression being directed his way. No matter how great the salary this employee may receive, it won't be enough if he or she does not feel personally secure.

Obviously, this possibility is not uncommon in developed countries. The difference is that in developing countries the employee is noticeable, is a relatively easy target, and will generally have more valuable personal property. Also, employees are seldom allowed to own or keep firearms, which means there is little danger to anyone who wishes to enter the premises, especially if professional security guards are not present. Besides, if the employee isn't trained in the use of firearms, it can be more of a liability than help in a confrontation.

In many countries there are laws that actually defend the person who assaults or robs (even murders) an employee. The principle is that if the employee wasn't there, then the confrontation couldn't have taken place. In such countries the employee may be (automatically) judged to be the one wrong and asked to leave the country while the criminal (by any other standards) may be punished minimally or even set free.

Where it is legal, security guards should be armed with a handgun kept loaded at all times. This needs to be at least .38 caliber or larger. A smaller caliber weapon does not have reliable "stopping" power. It is not unusual, if lucky enough to hire military personnel, that they will be allowed by their commanding officer to carry their service weapon while performing off-duty security services. Very often this weapon will be an M-16, AK-47, or similar firearm. Needless to say, if a confrontation occurs, and the guards are carrying such firearms, it's important to stay out of the line of fire.

The employee should pack several professional-quality flashlights in his or her sea shipment. The best are the black-anodized aluminum type typically used by police units in the United States and available through most sporting goods stores. The five-cell size is the best. These should be equipped with the so-called krypton bulbs. Several extra bulbs should be purchased for each flashlight. These special bulbs give off a brilliant light. A flashlight is needed for each security guard, one for each bedroom, and at least one spare. One manufacturer also makes a small miniature of the big ones that fits neatly into pocket or purse.

All of the employee's household staff should be registered with the local police or similar authority applicable to the particular country. A list of each staff member's local and permanent home address, telephone number (rare for staff), next of kin, and references is also necessary. Also, make photos to go with these records. The employee should keep one copy at home, give one to the authorities, and put one in a safe deposit box or similar secure place.

Knowing that the employee and the employer take security seriously and that suspects can be easily identified and traced will reduce the probability of household staff being involved. The employee should be firm about relatives and guests of household staff who come to visit, especially entering the house. The number of such visits should be limited and a specific place set aside (other than inside the expatriates residence) where meetings will take place.

The employee should not discard personal letters, bank statements, packing boxes in which electronic equipment or similar were packed in the garbage. Instead, shred and burn or dispose of these off the premises. Clues as to what is in a house are often dug out of the trash by persons working with criminals.

Before admitting any workmen such as plumbers, electricians, pest control personnel, and so forth, the employee should verify that they are registered with their employer, carry identification, and have a work order signed by their employer authorizing the work. The names of all workmen should be listed on the work order. A copy of this should be retained by the employee. If the employee can't personally stay home while the work is being done, the most trusted member of the household staff should be there. This will usually be the cook, who is typically considered the senior person. Note that the pest control man normally has access to every room (nook and cranny) and will know the entire house layout as well as where all the valuables are likely to be kept.

If the employee's home has been selected for a robbery, entry may be attempted during a rain storm. The sound of the rain tends to conceal noise, and footprints are soon lost in the mud. Identification through fingerprinting is not yet widespread in many developing countries, and it is not considered a major hazard by intruders. It is a good practice to lock all doors, even to rooms not in use, because this will slow an intruder down, although it may not stop him. Children are often instructed not to leave their bedrooms no matter what they hear or how scared they may get unless given a specific verbal signal from a parent (with the exception of a fire).

At least one dog should be obtained as a security aid. Some employees have one dog that stays in the children's bedroom area at night and one in the parents' bedroom. The dog(s) should be trained and disciplined and not allowed to run around the neighborhood or become friendly with strangers. (Also, in some countries, dogs are still a delicacy.)

One final comment about security. Thoroughly check the roof for loose tiles, vent screens, etc. because burglars can gain access to these areas from adjacent structures and trees. Remove trees or branches that may provide access to the roof. Add barbed wire or metal grills in other locations. Check roof tiles and attic vents to be sure they can't easily be pried loose. Where the roof has a large overhang, ensure that the ceiling or soffit material under the overhang is secure.

In closing this commentary, I want to again emphasize that attention to security matters should be of no more concern than daily hazards one might encounter in any country. Being prepared and observant is the best formula for peace of mind.

The Author