What Are the Qualities You Need to Become an Executive Protection Officer?

by Executive Protection Institute EPI was founded in 1978

Becoming a professional executive protection officer requires a great deal of training. If you have never done anything like it before, there really is a lot to learn. While some people feel that as long as they have the money to hire a trainer, then the trainer can do all the legwork and turn them into an executive protection officer... this is simply not true.

Sure, close protection is not "rocket science," but you do need to enlist yourself in a reputable bodyguard school as well as possess certain skills and attributes. This article discusses those skills and attributes which are essential if you wish to make it big as a professional close protection officer.

It goes without saying that you should be honest, punctual, and have a mature outlook; however, other essential skills and attributes have been outlined below.

1. Good Communication skills

The close protection officer has to display excellent communication skills throughout. He needs to be able to speak not only to his principal but to other team members as well as officials. You must be a "people person" because a bodyguard will find himself dealing with people at all levels, from heads of security to hotel chambermaids.

Without excellent communication skills, you will probably not be able to become a professional close protection officer; in fact, you are unlikely to get past the first interview for your first job.

2. Common Sense

You will need copious amounts of common sense. Close protection officers often have to "think on their feet," making decisions on their own, assessing situations, and working out the appropriate action to take.

Unfortunately, you cannot be taught common sense, you either have it, or you do not.

3. A Professional Attitude

Close protection officers need to project a totally professional attitude throughout their working day. You must display this attitude from day one. Anything less than a professional attitude will not see you through your executive protection training course, let alone a subsequent career.

4. Good Team Player

Close protection is a team sport - if you are not a team player, you should reconsider your career choice. There is absolutely no room for individuals who cannot function well as part of a team. Teamwork is everything, and if you do not function well within one, then close protection is probably not for you.

5. Confidence

Whether you have it or not, you must learn how to ooze it. Your client needs to trust that you will do the right thing in an emergency. The confidence that you show on a day-to-day basis will go a long way to you, earning the trust of your principal. Professional close protection officers that are not confident in everything they do will just not be taken seriously.

Working as a professional executive protection officer really can be the perfect job. Fun, glamorous, and endlessly exciting, it might be the perfect career option for you. If you think that you have the qualities mentioned above, then make sure you look into the different bodyguard courses available and give it a go.