Paul Kemppainen, known as “IX” (pronounced “nine”), has had a trailblazing career in the security field. In an interview with the ViewPoints team, he shared that he served with the Navy SEALs, in the U.S. Secret Service, the National Park Service, and at SpaceX before launching Las Vegas-based SISU Enlightened Protection with the objective of combining his security expertise with cutting-edge drone technology. In late 2023, SISU won the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce’s “Emerging Business of the Year Award”.
Drones, in particular, are an important part of his innovative workflow. IX and his team rely upon them to ensure the safety of high-profile clientele and large, complex events. Read the interview below to learn more about IX, his leading work in the security field, and his increasing use of drones to help keep people and places safe.
Hi IX, it’s great to meet you. Can you tell us about SISU’s approach to private security and how you use drones as part of your work?
As I see it, we’re on the cusp of a new era marked by rapid technological change and increasing complexity. It’s incumbent upon security professionals to lean into innovation to better protect people, places, and things. One area of immense benefit is high resolution imagery from drones and commercial satellites, which is now more accessible than ever.
My team and I specifically use DJI’s awesome small form factor drones to assist with what is referred to in the security world as “advanced work” - detailed walkthroughs in advance of a major event or visits involving high profile people. An image speaks a thousand words. Nowhere is this more true than in the protective world. It provides a comprehensive, multi-dimensional understanding of a space or situation.
Can you tell us more about the advantages drones provide in your line of work?
With high-resolution imagery, my team and I are better able to understand differing operational environments, identify vulnerabilities and optimize security measures. It specifically empowers us with shared situational awareness and to smartly collaborate on real time logistical changes — all from the palm of our hand.
Drone technology is helping an emerging tech company like ours see exactly where to intelligently position resources and provide an advanced look at what angles or images our equipment should capture, pointing out potential vulnerabilities. That’s powerful stuff!
DJI’s drones are incredibly powerful and simple to use. Their benefits are limited only by a practitioner’s imagination.
As a security expert, how do you manage the security of your drone operations and the data that gets collected as part of your workflow or procedures?
Drones provide an incredibly unique and immensely helpful capability when it comes to what I mentioned. We sophisticate the raw imagery we capture using a variety of software tools, overlaying text and varying markings. We protect these workups and keep our security-centric advantage using industry best practices.
We operate in alignment with established laws and regulations, and seek approval(s) from the parties we’re supporting - like the arena depicted in the image below. Of note, we typically share the data we collect with these facilities for their independent use after we depart.
Private security sounds like a fast-evolving and competitive industry. How do you keep SISU operating ahead of the curve?
I wish the industry was innovating faster. At its core, it’s naturally risk-averse and adoption of new techniques and tools is markedly slow. For me, it’s not just about staying ahead of the curve - it’s about helping shape it - leaning into innovation and redefining what’s possible. For me, DJI’s products are an invaluable part of that. They are small, kick-ass tools that fit in your pocket - the likes of which would make James Bond jealous!
As the security industry evolves, democratizing aerial photography and videography is crucial for top-tier security. DJI puts cutting-edge, easy-to-use technology in the hands of users like myself. The company is empowering a new generation of professionals in varying fields to push the boundaries of what's possible. Kudos, and keep at it!
