Fred Talks with InformationWeek about the Current Threat Landscape

"Predicated on our dynamic threat landscape underway in America today -- violence, elevated tempo of mass shootings, protests, riots, social and racial justice issues -- how many of these potential issues will manifest [themselves] in the workplace with staff back?" said Fred Burton, executive director for the Ontic Center for Protective Intelligence. "How are you seeing around corners? Do you have a program in place to hunt for physical threats against your personnel and executives?"

Planning for such outcomes should have been on every company's radar before the pandemic, before the 250% jump.

"Perception is reality," said Burton. "The work norm has been changed forever whether we like it or not. However, there will be one constant going forward: People will want to work in companies that are perceived to be safe, healthy and secure."

Protective Intelligence Lessons From The U.S. Capitol Riot For Companies

Here’s an article published with Security Magazine on the U.S. Capitol riot -

After a lifetime in the protection business, the one constant in Washington that I’ve learned is that it takes tragedy to force change. The January 6 Capitol riot is not an enigma. This was a clear protective intelligence failure.

With The Capitol Riot In The Rearview, Companies Should Prioritize Domestic Threat Vigilance

As a former police officer in the Washington, D.C., area and a special agent in the U.S. State Department, I never would have considered the possibility of mob violence overrunning the Capitol. On a basic level, the egregious January 6, 2021, events were a protective intelligence failure and an explicit example of what happens when there is a lack of protective intelligence analysis (not collection), contingency planning and a quick response force.

Protective Intelligence Honors: A Tribute to Clint Hill

When we first started thinking about the Protective Intelligence Honors program, Clint Hill was the first person that came to mind. Some may not recognize the name, but anybody who has ever stood watch on protection or is a student of American history has seen Hill’s heroic reaction in Dallas, Texas. In 1963, shots rang out into the motorcade carrying President John F. Kennedy, and from the left-running board of the follow car in the motorcade, Hill jumped on the back of the moving limousine to form a human shield over the First Lady and the President. Hill’s lightning speed reaction was credited for saving the life of Jaqueline Kennedy.

Fred Featured on SEAHOLM in the Field

I’m honored to be featured on the SEAHOLM blog. I have the Diver’s model in black which I use as my daily timepiece. My SEAHOLM is built like a tank and extremely robust for any kind of outdoor activity. The founder of the company is an all-around great guy with operations based in Austin, Texas. Knox Kronenberg was the photographer for the shoot and takes amazing photographs. Check out the watches - you won’t be disappointed.