Business Notes Seminars

G. Gordon Liddy learned some lessons the hard way from Watergate, and now countless others can benefit from his experience. Starting in two weeks, the first students accepted by Liddy's new Academy of Corporate Security and Private Investigation will be able to study how to prevent third-rate burglaries and other offenses against their employers. For $2,700, participants in the three-week course, designed by the former Nixon aide who served 52 months in federal prison for his role in the Watergate break-in, will learn surveillance techniques on the streets of Miami, familiarize themselves with weapons on a nearby firing range, and practice defensive driving and counterterrorism in locations that the school refuses to name "for security reasons." Faculty members, according to Liddy, include "a ten-man Israeli commando team and two ex-British commandos."

More than 20 would-be sleuths have applied so far for the Miami course. Liddy plans to offer similar instruction in nine other U.S. cities in the coming months. Tuition includes ammunition but not room or board, and Liddy requires an extensive personal-background check before anyone is admitted to his course. Says Liddy of the new academy: "The need is obvious." He should know.