Though the name “Spy Escape & Evasion” hints at learning to be the next 007, former CIA Agent Jason Hanson’s seminar is more than fun and games.
Hanson, who boasts a six-year career within the CIA, is bringing his skills to Las Vegas for a two-day seminar with plans for future seminars in the works.
Topics covered in the seminar include the following:
- Escaping duct tape, rope, handcuffs and zip ties in less than 30 seconds
- Picking locks
- How to react in a crisis
- Basic counter-surveillance
- Hotwiring a car
- Situational awareness
- Hands-on training
- Surviving a home invasion
Hanson explains that being prepared for an emergency allows a person the chance to survive. Most people, he says, give up in a situation, not understanding how easy it can be to escape.
The seminars come at a time in the world when attacks are happening at an escalating rate. The sheer number of victims in the Orlando nightclub shooting, the 2012 theater shooting in Aurora or the attack in San Bernardino, demonstrates the need to learn defensive tactics when out in public.
Hanson points out the need for situational awareness and watching the people around you for clues that something is about to go wrong. “You know if something looks right. You know an angry face anywhere in the world…,” he said. He also gives simple suggestions for survival such as knowing at least two exits when in a theater or mall.
Though Hanson’s show has been around since 2010, it is gaining attention thorough its Las Vegas production. It was originally aimed at executives that traveled to dangerous regions in the world but evolved into a show for the average citizen.
Hanson admits that the world is becoming more dangerous but says simple things like paying attention and not freezing up can save lives.