Transporting sensitive materials in the real world requires specialized training that mostly revolves around knowing how to transport the item and how to protect the item, usually through common sense and managing of situations. In the world of fiction that's not nearly dramatic enough. So how do TV and movies like to portray security transports?
The heist film has grown in popularity in recent years. What started out as robbing trains and stage-coaches has moved on to elaborate plans involving high-tech computers and tools for relieving the wealthy and often corrupt of their money and precious items.
To achieve this goal of larceny, the heroes (which they always seem to be) must deal with security surrounding the object of their desire. In the case of the more recent heist films, this tends to mean taking out the security as they transport the target from a less secure location to one that's virtually impenetrable. While the "heroes" try their hardest to take what they want, the security team will often use vehicles resistant to weapons, guns of their own, and even multiple vehicles in a shell game, attempting to confuse the heroes.
Another way transport security finds its way into movies is when the heroes actually are the guys defending precious cargo being moved. This cargo can be money, jewels, gold, or even a person. The film Air Force One is a classic example of security, this time in the guise of the Secret Service, trying to protect the President when his plane is assaulted by armed men.
Obviously, given that the President was played by Harrison Ford in this movie, the Secret Service ends up needing the help of the President, but the idea of protecting precious cargo as it's being transported still holds up, even if that cargo does happen to be a person.
While the heist film has come a long way since the days of black and white films and great train robberies, it's a genre that has stood the test of time and given a glimpse into the more fantastical ways in which the viewing public believes that security is performed while in transit. While the action/adventure nature of these movies is certainly entertaining, the reality is far less glamorous and certainly far less exciting. Be honest, when was the last time you heard of four Mini Coopers hitting an armored truck in the middle of rush hour traffic and then disappearing into the sewer system? Exactly.
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