OK Acropolis ... I guess I owe you a better answer than what I provided. I can get a specific response on who does the training classes for reporters. It would take a day or two to get an answer for you. In the mean time, do me a favor and don't pack your bags for a flight to Syria. Skip Mexico too.

I know one guy who does an on- foot surveillance course for journalists. They just ran it in Santa Monica, California. The point of that course is to teach journalists a higher level of street awareness so they can avoid being kidnapped. I know for a fact that the last two people who went through it found it to be humbling and a real education. The average person does not realize the skills that pro surveillance people have.

In addition, there are training courses put on by security professionals to teach journalists "what mistakes not to make" in war zones.

Let me know what works for you.

Pete