David Hopps

Consultant

Email: d.hopps@berwicksconsultants.com

David Hopps spent 18 years in the British Army before retiring in 1994. Commissioned into the Royal Army Ordnance Corps (later the Royal Logistics Corps) he specialised as an Ammunition Technical Officer and spent the majority of his service in Bomb Disposal and Counter-Terrorism duties. He completed three operational tours in Northern Ireland. Additionally he was selected for specialist duties working with the Maritime Counter Terrorism Group. He was ‘Mentioned in Despatches’ for his work in Northern Ireland.

He was the commander of all Army Bomb Disposal Teams in Northern England and Scotland and was responsible for extensive risk assessments for the protection of high ranking members of the British Royal Family, foreign dignitaries and senior government ministers. In co-operation with the UK Police Forces, he arranged tabletop and field training exercises to test operational skills and Crisis Management techniques.

He currently works as a specialist Security Management Consultant, working world-wide on Risk Assessment and Crisis Management operations including Bomb Disposal operations and training, explosive effects analysis and kidnap for ransom negotiations. He advises on and assists with the production of crisis management plans, contingency training and operational planning. He has carried out surveys and advised on security for government buildings and departments, international banks, corporate headquarters and private homes and estates.

Training experience:

• Commanding and training Bomb disposal teams in N Ireland 1986-90
• Attendance at Canadian Armed Forces Staff College 1980-81
• Instructor on Biological and Chemical Munitions disposal