Private security firms sent to Haiti to hunt for missing clients

[TeeYiYi]

Source: Boston Globe

Florida university among those hiring companies to send operatives on quake-zone rescue missions

Megan Woolhouse
Katie Johnston Chase
Boston Globe
Published 46 minutes ago

<snip>

The firm, whose website says it is actively helping clients in Haiti, is one of several companies that assist people in high-risk situations like kidnappings, terrorist attacks and natural disasters. They thrive in regions of the world where police or government aid may be inadequate or non-existent. And they are often staffed by former members of the military or intelligence agencies.

"They're operating in trouble spots all over the world," said Kevin Lapwood, an analyst with Seymour Pierce Research in London. "They're in Afghanistan, they're operating in Iraq, they're operating in Somalia. They're in Sudan."

<snip>

"We call it the contingency operations industry," said Doug Brooks, president of the International Peace Operations Association in Washington, which represents about 60 companies worldwide that offer a range of relief services, including the quick delivery of field hospital set-ups, off-road vehicles and construction equipment to help save lives in the immediate aftermath of disasters like the Haiti quake.

Another security firm, Boston-based Global Rescue, is searching for hundreds of people in Haiti, some of whom work for corporations. Chief executive Daniel Richards said an insurance company asked it to find 200 people, but he declined to provide specifics.

The first Global Rescue team, led by two former U.S. special forces soldiers, arrived in Haiti Thursday, Richards said, and the company expects to have 30 people on the ground by this weekend. Richard said his clients include NASA, the U.S. State Department, NASA and The Chicago Tribune.


Read more: http://www.thestar.com/news/world/article/751783--private-security-firms-sent-to-haiti-to-hunt-for-missing-clients

---

"Private security contractors" and FEMA. Deja Vu all over again?...

TYY