specialised security solutions for the most volatile
and high risk areas
Bidvest Protea Coin > Security Services and Sectors > Specialised Operations And Tactical Unit
Specialised operations and tactical unit
Special Operations Unit
The South African marketplace can be characterised by high levels of crime, labour unrest and protest action. Consequently, Bidvest Protea Coin has an established division to deal with specialised security operations required in the most volatile and high-risk areas of our country.
We offer Special Operations support solutions in the most complex situations and environments such as illegal mining, underground operations, industrial action, rioting, looting and protest actions.
Our Specialised Operations resources include a fleet of more than 68 armoured personnel carriers (APCs), a water cannon, a mobile sleeper/accommodation unit and razor-wire trailers. Our trained and experienced troop of more than 300 Special Operations members use ultra-modern equipment including night-vision cameras, non-lethal weapons, and Track & Trace technology. Our tactical/armoured vehicles are equipped with video and audio recording devices.
All Special Operation services are executed in a safe, ethical, and compliant manner with full observation and understanding of the voluntary principles of human rights (VPSHR) and the basic principles of the international code of conduct.
Tactical Unit
Our Tactical Unit is another specialised division within Bidvest Protea Coin, which offers proactive and reactive security to customers in the most challenging urban and rural areas. Services included are dedicated armed tactical reaction, armed escorting, scouting and security reinforcement.
These services are typically required in industries such as remote telecommunications or warehousing and logistics. They may include the escorting of vehicles and cargo (high-value and/or vulnerable goods) and are often used in commercial and lifestyle precincts, mines, and at special events.
Soft-skin and hard-skin vehicles equipped with dash-cams, tracking devices, emergency and tactical equipment are used. These units may be further supported by our Airwing, drones, motorcycles, and mobile control rooms.
Secure Mobility and Close Protection
Bidvest Protea Coin has a successful track record in the field of secure mobility and VIP protection. Our close protection officers (CPO) are specially recruited with the appropriate training qualifications, skills, and experience to handle this niche requirement in the South African marketplace. Their skills include tactical and advanced driving techniques, the use of necessary force, first-aid, protocol and etiquette, and the ability to assess risk and threats. Our services are tailored to each customer’s unique requirements and include:
- Journey management (local and international) including route and venue reconnaissance,
- Airport-specific and general transfers,
- Airport meet and greet,
- Secure/ Chauffeur drivers,
- Journey management (local and international) including route and venue reconnaissance
- Airport-specific and general transfers
- Airport meet and greet
- Secure drivers
- Armed/unarmed close protection officers (CPO)
- Soft skin and armoured luxury vehicles
- Extractions and evacuations including land and aerial services
K9 Unit
The Bidvest Protea Coin K9 Unit services several customer-specific requirements including general patrolling, human-scent tracking, detection of narcotics, explosives, ammunition, rhino-horn, abalone, and general cargo screening.
We don’t compromise when it comes to quality-bred dogs and the comprehensive training of our handlers.
Worldwide statistics confirm the efficacy and cost efficiency of using security dogs to reduce and prevent crime. Their heightened sense of smell, hearing and sheer presence is proven to deter crime.
The K9 unit is registered with the safety and security sector education training authority (SASSETA) and operates within the prescribes of the Animals Protection Act.
Airwing & Drone Support
Two dedicated forward-looking infrared (FLIR)-equipped helicopters with dedicated full-time pilots are owned by Bidvest Protea Coin. In addition, 15 helicopters and pilots are available when required.
Bidvest Protea Coin own two helicopters with dedicated full-time pilots. In addition, 15 helicopters and pilots can be made available when needed.
The Airwing service is primarily utilised for emergency evacuation, surveillance, air-to-ground operations and the transportation of persons and assets. Our Helicopters are equipped with FLIR (Forward Looking Infrared) thermal-imaging cameras as approved by the Aviation Authorities. These are the first of their kind to be used in Africa and feature auto-tracking and laser pointing which significantly enhances our ability to provide special operations support at night and during the day.
Bidvest Protea Coin is honoured to boast the highest number of helicopter-flying hours per month in the Southern Hemisphere by any private security operator.
Our drone technology adds a further dimension to specialized tactical support and surveillance. With a FLIR platform for night vision and a high-end daytime camera, the drone’s ability can be customized to the exact mission specification and is always used in strict accordance with all aviation laws.
The Airwing service is utilised for emergency evacuation, surveillance, air-to-ground operations and the transportation of persons and assets. It is fitted with a FLIR thermal imaging camera approved by the Aviation Authorities. This is the first of its kind to be used in Africa featuring auto-tracking and laser pointing, significantly enhancing our ability to provide special operations during the daytime and at night. Bidvest Protea Coin has the highest number of Helicopter flying hours per month in the Southern Hemisphere by a private security operator.
Our drone technology adds a further dimension to specialized tactical support and surveillance. With a “FLIR” platform for night vision and a hi-end day camera, the drone’s ability is customized to the exact mission specification and is used strictly in accordance with all aviation laws.
Event management
Bidvest Protea Coin has been securing events for decades. These range from large sporting events to big concerts but also include events such as fashion shows and launches.
The key objective in managing a successful event is safety and security. Securing a large-scale event requires tremendous expertise and years of experience.
Precision planning including understanding the layout of the venue, entry and exit points, emergency exits, nature of the event, demographics of the crowd, expected crowd numbers, parking areas and ticketing are some of the critical factors to consider.
Successful collaboration with emergency services such as medical, fire departments and the local SAPS or metro police is very important.
All event security guards or men-in-black (MIBs) are closely managed and supported by a dedicated on-site management team. They remain in constant communication via two-way radios and are equipped with batons and pepper spray where required.
In certain instances, our K9 unit as well as our fully equipped mobile control centre may be deployed. Our services extend to providing VIP protection to high-profile guests, sports teams, or celebrities.
