The Pinkerton Dedicated Professional (PDP), or Embedded Subject Matter Expert, is an esteemed member of the Pinkerton team, delivering world-class risk management expertise. These SMEs are embedded into a client environment allowing them a deep appreciation for the client’s culture, organizational objectives, and risk landscape. Tasks and scopes of work vary widely within our embedded security personnel population, the underlying proponent of each embedded Pinkerton is to directly contribute to the client’s risk mitigation strategy. Pinkerton has developed a robust platform to support this program — with direct access to our global infrastructure, enterprise-wide institutional knowledge, and Account Management teams.
The term PDP is relatively new, coined in just the last 10 years with the inauguration of our new Embedded SME program, but the function is not.
Throughout our history, we have embedded tactical and strategic SMEs with clients at technology organizations, banks, hotels, and retail stores; in warehouses and distribution centers; on trains and stagecoaches; at racetracks and entertainment venues; at high-target munitions factories and industrial plants (especially during WWII); at automobile manufacturers; and other places like the 1964/65 World’s Fair — as essential personnel such as ticket takers, exhibit security, detectives, police officers, and firefighters.
Even our founder’s son, Robert Pinkerton was embedded at a jewelry store in Chicago in the 1880s. He was the store detective watching for pickpockets, swindlers, shoplifters, and forgers.
“Not only are we security experts, but we are also skilled at finding the best available security personnel for the task at hand,” said Pinkerton Senior Vice President James McClain. “We work with clients to understand their needs and source top-tier talent aligned with our client’s objectives.” (Read more of what James said about our Embedded SME Program.)
There’s always been an air of mystery about the work we do — or so we’ve been told — and we’re guessing you want to know what it’s like to be one of those Pinkertons. Four former embedded SMEs, who have since moved into corporate, give us the low-down and tell us why they chose Pinkerton.
Joseph Montgomery, Pinkerton Protection Services (PPS) Managing Director | Pinkerton since 2007
What was your position?
I served in a tactical role on a client’s security/fire brigade team, and we responded to all emergencies on the client’s campus, which included the largest single-story building built at that time.
Early in my career, I worked as an emergency responder/security professional for a previous employer in Florida. I always enjoyed the protection piece and dealing with the public. I really liked that we were helping our client with their health and safety, and the constant certification and live-fire training aspect definitely kept me on my feet.
I was embedded for a total of 8 years. I rose through the ranks to shift supervisor and then to site supervisor. After our client decided to move fire responsibility over to the local fire station, I served as an embedded facility security coordinator before transitioning to a global account manager position.
Were there other Pinkerton Embedded SMEs embedded at the same organization? Was there a sense of comradery?
At this particular location all client employees had a certain color of badge and all contractors, like embedded SMEs, had another. We had a wide range of embedded employees from security professionals to Global Security Operation Center (GSOC) managers to strategic intel analysts. There was a different “feel” of us. We were Pinkertons.
After I moved into the global account manager position, it was a point of pride to hire and promote from within. We were a trusted partner, and I took that very seriously in the way that we recruited, hired, and trained the best candidates for the best possible outcome. Most of the embedded staff felt like a part of a greater team and less like individual people. This was very important in keeping our turnover low and productivity high.
How did you stay connected to Pinkerton?
Whenever Pinkerton account managers came to the client site, I connected with them. I introduced myself to everyone I could. I wanted to make sure they knew my name. Fortunately, we had a good number of Pinkerton managers coming in and out of town for different meetings.
Pinkerton management noticed that the client trusted me operating certain “high level” responsibilities and asked me to join some of these meetings. I also had a manager above me that did everything he could to get me into the same meetings and set me up as a next-in-line. He truly lived the “next person up” mentality and trusted those around him to help drive success.
Once I realized the scope and mission of Pinkerton, I was hooked. We work in so many different industries and in so many different areas of the world, and I was interested in learning and experiencing as much as I could. The teams and people that I have met over the past 15 years has only intrigued me more due to the different expertise and history of fellow Pinkertons.
Do you have any advice to future SMEs?
My advice to any future SMEs is to learn your position, set clear goals, and take all the training and continuing education available to you. Determine if your position is a stepping-stone to another organization. We’re happy to be a part of your journey. However, if you want to be a Pinkerton, there are opportunities both in the field and internally. Be open and communicate your intentions.
I was able to complete my degree while working with Pinkerton. That, as well as all of the other training (FEMA, DHS, and Incident Command) offered by Pinkerton, rounded out a nice balance of education and practical skills.
I am proud of representing Pinkerton and always ask any candidates “what would you bring into Pinkerton as a new employee?” and “What would you want to leave with Pinkerton after your time is over?” If your intent is that you want to leave Pinkerton better than when you came in, welcome!
Do you have any advice to future clients?
Pinkerton is not a staffing agency, it is, however, a wonderful partner in achieving your goals and expectations. We will do things the right way and bring in the best SMEs.
Richard Gurley, Vice President Strategic Managed Services | Pinkerton Since 1997
What was your position?
I was hired as an operations specialist. I then became a section account manager, a director, and a senior director. I worked in guarding, investigation, executive protection, and security police, and I staffed several Global Security Operation Centers (GSOCs).
Later I moved to another account where I was involved in negotiating multistakeholder guard force contracts. I was an embedded SME for 15 years.
Were there other Pinkerton Embedded SMEs embedded at the same organization? Was there a sense of comradery?
Being conservative, there were approximately 200 Pinkertons in various roles from guard force management to executive protection, investigations, and inspection/compliance. We also had x-ray technicians for explosives, EMTs and firefighters, and canine units, not to mention the Pinkerton security police and staff. There was also a GSOC and a command center, both staffed 24/7. At the time, this was the largest security contract in the business.
There was a strong sense of comradery. Our roles were very clear and defined by the legal departments at the organizations where I served, as they should be. However, I could see how it could have been easy for employees to become separated from Pinkerton and feel more like direct client employees. That is why it is essential for periodic team building or “spirit” sessions for embedded employees.
With that said, the client with whom I was embedded was very generous in sharing resources and facilitating training not only for their employees but also for embedded professionals. I was also afforded the opportunity to travel the US, Mexico, and Canada extensively. In addition, I participated in several high-profile entertainment and sporting events.
Do you have any advice to future SMEs?
Opportunities are there. They don’t always come to your door, but you must be vigilant and proactive in your quest. Also, realize that the opportunities may not be 100% of what you want, but the variance in experience can only enhance your background.
Christy Williams, Pinkerton Director, Illinois | Pinkerton since 2018
What was your position?
I was the security operations coordinator for a large organization for one year. I assisted with coordinating training requests and required monthly training, acted as records retention administrator, supported monthly Global Operations metrics, provided document review for Global Investigations, created and implemented the onboarding process for Global Security personnel, and supported regional security operations team members with compliance activities.
Were there other Pinkerton Embedded SMEs at the Same Organization?
There were multiple Pinkertons embedded with the client. There was a strong sense of comradery with those in similar roles as my own. I liked working with the other SMEs; they all had interesting backgrounds and unique skillsets. Everyone was always happy to help and share their experiences.
How did you stay connected to Pinkerton?
I had strong ties to Pinkerton, but while I was an SME, I was immersed in the client’s day-to-day. It’s a delicate balance. For this client, the Pinkerton global account manager was also in the same facility as the embedded SMEs. We had daily interactions and frequent touchpoints to ensure we were in alignment with meeting the client’s needs and in the loop on Pinkerton updates.
When our contract ended, I decided to stay with Pinkerton. Pinkerton always supported me, and I trusted they would have my best interest at heart while I looked for a new role within the company. I was able to transition to project management and operations at Pinkerton, where I assisted with the expansion of Pinkerton Deployable Assets into Mexico and with the implementation of agent staffing and vendor management processes, the establishment of after-action report protocols, and travel security programs and everything in between.
In 2021, I became the director for Illinois. I have the unique perspective of understanding the Pinkerton global infrastructure, having worked in the field and at corporate.
Do you have any advice to future SMEs?
Build and focus on your relationships with fellow Pinkertons as much as you do with your client contacts. It’s important to maintain both levels of relationships, especially with other SMEs who understand the unique dynamic.
Do you have any advice to future clients?
Be very clear about your needs and goals when speaking to the director. Ensure Pinkerton has a defined scope of work, qualifications you would like to see in the candidate, and any work experience that is important to you.
Chris Hammond, Director of Risk Advisory | Pinkerton Since 2000
What was your position?
I was a project manager, and I was responsible for supporting security systems projects, standards, and processes across multiple countries for one of Pinkerton’s clients.
How did you stay connected to Pinkerton?
I was embedded for about 11 years. During that time, I felt very aligned with the client’s business, but I maintained a strong bond with the account management team. We had a large SME team. I went out of my way to be involved with peers on-site and on other accounts, and I made an effort to be strategic and visible to leadership beyond the account team. I attended meetings with Pinkerton every chance I had. I met high-level leadership, and that eventually led to an executive role in Pinkerton.
What did you like about your position?
I participated in client-sponsored training that helped me become an industry expert, all thanks to our partnership and value in their embedded resources. I also had the opportunity to travel around the world to places I'd never have gone otherwise, Brazil, France, England, Egypt, Canada, and Germany — I saw a camel on the beach in Dubai and giraffes in the wild in South Africa — These world experiences gave me a great perspective on global business.
Do you have any advice to future SMEs?
Learn the client's expectations and how they interact with their direct employees. Align your objectives to help the client reach their goals beyond just security. As embedded SMEs, we did our part to help prevent losses and help the client sell more of their products. If you want to stay with Pinkerton, network and make yourself known.
Do you have any advice to future clients?
Your embedded SMEs can have as much impact on the culture and reputation of your organization as your employees. Respect the value they bring and welcome them.
