Personal protection officer: everything you need to know!

by Executive Protection Institute EPI was founded in 1978

The term “professional bodyguard” is often used widely in the industry, although it is now somewhat outdated in the world of personal protection. Previously, the term bodyguard was applied to anyone hired to protect an individual, with a mental image of a strong, muscular man presenting an intimidating barrier between their client and the general public. Nowadays, even though bodyguards still exist, the industry has become much more regulated, with the most qualified personnel going by the name of professional close protection officers.

The role of a bodyguard

A bodyguard tends to have a physically imposing personality and appearance and acts as the primary deterrent to any unwanted attention from the public. A bodyguard works reactively to any threats to their clients and ideally undertakes a high-profile role. Even if they do carry out security driving roles, not all bodyguards offer qualified advanced driving tactics. In many cases, you can hire a professional close protection officer with real qualifications and documentation for such advanced driving tactics and skills.

Close, executive, and VIP protection

Nowadays, VIP protection is ideally carried out by a professional executive and close protection officer. They are professionals who offer a somewhat different set of services, as characterized by the following:

Identification and mitigation of any risk to their client
Carry out an unobstructed role that allows their clients to go through their day-to-day life
Professionally trained in unarmed combat, risk assessment, intelligence gathering, and surveillance
Defensive driving techniques (professionally trained in a protective driving course)
Provide insurance and fully checkable credentials
Compliant with all state and country laws

What does VIP bodyguard training include?

The switch from a bodyguard to professional executive protection or close protection officer involves a lot of training. Several regulated courses involve training in numerous areas, including the following:

Health and safety
Roles and responsibilities of the private security sector
Communication skills
Surveillance awareness
Risk analysis and threat assessment
Journey management and route selection
Operational planning
Venue security
Search procedures
Technology and security system training
Conflict management
Incident management
Communication, reporting, and record-keeping

There are numerous additional elements too that a VIP protection officer may have training in, such as firearms, first aid, and first responder training, concealed weapon and tactical shooting, and more.

Every state in the US tends to have slightly different laws regarding the legalities of executive protection or close protection officer. As the industry grows and becomes better regulated, the importance of training bodyguards for VIP protection also increases. If you want to hire such services, you must select someone who has all the relevant experience and qualifications to ensure you get ultimate security.

Keep in mind that a professionally trained executive protection officer will have much more to bring to the table, such as high-end security solutions for anybody in need of protection services. Whether you require high-profile protection for a single individual or a tailored package to provide safety to your entire team during all aspects of traveling, hiring an executive protection officer is the ultimate trusted solution.