Former CIA and Military Officer Writes Book Series On Personal Safety
by Alex Lloyd Gross
Tim Beard used to work for the CIA and the U.S. Marines. He is highly trained in security and personal safety. He has taken that knowledge and written a three-book series called Look Twice.
“You have to get into the ‘look twice’ mindset,” Beard said.
The advice in his books is common sense. “You have to plan for the possible versus the probable. If you drive through areas like Frankford and Cottman or Five Points, chances are nothing is going to happen. If you do not follow sports and you do not know or care about a Philly sports team in the championship, you may get caught in a celebration or traffic jam.”
“Now is not the time to vacation in Mexico. If you are going on vacation, ask yourself: Why this place? What is going on there? Why do I need to be there? And what happens to me if something goes sideways? Planning and preparation are key,” Beard said.
Imagine you are in Mexico and you see what looks like armed civilians in the street blocking it. A truck with heavily armed people is trying to box you in. What do you do?
According to Beard, “You are now in what we call the X — a spot where people have prepared for you to be attacked. Your best bet if you are there is to keep moving — not speeding — but grip your steering wheel and get out of there. If you are in an area that is rough, it’s great to have private security with you,” Beard said.
He talks about civil unrest at home and abroad. A heated protest can be dangerous. In his books, he also discusses your home. “You never want to live in a prison, but always lock your doors, even if you are on the top floor of a high-rise.”
A single-family home is more vulnerable than a townhome. A townhome has a front and back entrance. A single-family home has entry points on all sides, according to Beard.
“Light helps keep bad people away — they run when a light comes on,” Beard said.
These books are much more than common-sense tips. The second book talks about online safety, viruses, and hacking. It also covers protecting you and your family from scams and things that can impact your system.
The books are available on Amazon, or you can go directly to the author’s website: https://timbeardauthor.com.
The books are available in hardcover, paperback, and audio book formats. The third volume is out on March 10, 2026.
They are worth the read.