Up close and personal

The words close protection or 'personal protection' conjure up an image of the bodyguards that one might see, for example, surrounding celebrities like David and Victoria Beckham. Such a perception of the protection process, so often purveyed by the tabloid media, actually gives the wrong impression of what personal or close protection is all about.

Just as importantly, it detracts from the highly skilled job undertaken by those security professionals who afford a high degree of personal security to businessmen and women all over the world.

In truth, a 'horses for courses' syndrome is very much in evidence when it comes to the close protection function. Only recently I read an article in a business magazine about a company director who'd attracted the attentions of a group of young militants who were posing a threat to himself and his firm as a whole. He sought advice on how to deal with the situation, and was advised to employ a personal security/protection officer.

The blue chip mogul was concerned that by doing so he may end up drawing even further attention to himself. What the gentleman concerned actually needed was someone who would be discreet in every respect, and have the ability to blend in with his employer's lifestyle without drawing any unnecessary attention to himself.

Of course, there are those individuals who'll pay for protection when the threat to them is in fact minimal, just so that they can enhance their image among an immediate circle of friends and their acquaintances.

The necessary skills set In examining the skills that you should be looking for when employing a close protection professional to 'guard' someone on your Board of Directors, the words 'discreet' and 'low key' readily spring to mind. The ability to blend in with the client's lifestyle and – more importantly – to 'gel' with him or her as a person are essentials. At the same time, the protection officer would be trained to spring into action when necessary, and deal with situations as they arise.

Becoming a good close protection specialist does not happen overnight. To begin with, most of those who enter the profession stem from average backgrounds, so they must be able to adapt quickly to whatever way of life the client leads. The latter will see their 'bodyguard' first thing in the morning and last thing in the evening. They'll become a fixture in their client's everyday life, and will inevitably be seen as an invader of privacy.

If you're a member of the Royal Family, you'll receive protection from cradle to grave. On the other hand, if the client is a business mogul and suddenly requires protection, that can be something of a shock to the system. Thus discretion and trust on the part of the close protection professional will be vital.

Knowledge of the perceived threat is vital to a successful operation. That will also determine at what level the protection is pitched. The bodyguard may be dining with your Director in a top London hotel, or attending a lavish reception. The protection professional must therefore be comfortable in this environment. Feet must be kept firmly on the ground, as this is a lifestyle. Albeit a false one for the individual responsible for security.

Close protection professionals must always be made to dress for the environment in which they'll be working. If it's Black Tie, then Black Tie it is. If the client is going for a day at the races, then their 'minder' should also be dressed for the races (whether that be at Royal Ascot, the Grand National or a local course).

There are two very good reasons for this. First, by dressing appropriately the protection specialist will be able to blend in with the crowd. Second, they'll also be more at ease and able to do the job that much better. That said, they shouldn't outdress the client.

In examining the skills that you should be looking for when employing a close protection professional to ‘guard’ someone on your Board of Directors, the words ‘discreet’ and ‘low key’ readily spring to mind. The ability to blend in with the client’s lifes

Communication abilities are vital
When first working with the new client, the bodyguard should instigate first class communication and look to develop confidence and trust as a two-way deliverable. That is vital.

When the time comes for action to be taken during an emergency scenario, and the client has to be moved to a place of safety, there must be no hesitancy on the part of the principal because they are lacking in trust of the security professional. Such hesitancy could prove fatal.

At all times, it's important for the protector to remember that the client will not want to be reminded that said individual is there to see that no harm comes to them, as this could make them very nervous indeed.

The medical history of the client is also very important. Particulars of his or her blood group should be carried by the close protection professional at all times, in addition to details concerning any medication that the client is currently having to take. In this way, the bodyguard can inform medical staff in the event of an emergency. A sound knowledge of life-saving techniques is also essential.

Fitness in both body and mind is also vital. Most of today's executives are regular visitors to the local gym, and their protection staff should be too. Personal problems should not be allowed to interfere with the protection professional's job. Their mind must always be on the task at hand.

Given that many clients require their protection officers to drive them from time to time, security managers might want to insist on courses in defensive driving, anti-ambush and anti-terrorist skills before employment.

The legalities of close protection
Anyone who has knowledge of the protection business will be well aware of the legal side to all this. For example, in this country the law allows the protection specialist to protect their client by using as much force as is deemed necessary at the time.

Ultimately, it's essential that the protection officer employed knows the law, and also the implications of breaking it.

Explosive devices attached to vehicles or sent through the post could be some of the many possible ways in which a client might be threatened. A protection officer may therefore be called upon to advise or act in this situation.