The public perception of the modern Bodyguard or Close Protection Officer is typically vastly different from reality. If asked, most people would describe a Bodyguard as a large, powerful man capable of pushing anyone away. The type of person you don’t want to annoy, speaking with a grunt and wearing large gold chains while going through the crowd. Nothing could be further from the truth. Discover the best info about celebrity bodyguard.
So, what is a contemporary Bodyguard? To begin with, we do not refer to ourselves as “Bodyguards” We are licensed Close Protection Officers by the SIA (Security Industry Authority) in the United Kingdom. A Bodyguard is a name given to the specific individual responsible for a client and is typically one member of a team of Close Protection Officers; however, this can vary depending on the training of the CP Team (Close Protection Team).
What does a Close Protection Officer or Bodyguard look like? Contrary to popular belief, you do not need to be over 6 feet tall, weigh 18 stone, and have biceps to compete with Arnold Schwarzenegger. However, having someone like this on your team could be advantageous in certain situations. Most CPOs (Close Protection Officers) are average-sized, average-looking, physically fit individuals of average height and build.
I hear you wondering how an average-sized man can serve as a Bodyguard or CPO. The explanation is straightforward but may not be readily apparent to those who do not work in the industry. The purpose of Close Protection is to safeguard your client from humiliation, harassment, and harm. As a Close Protection Officer, it is not your duty to assault anyone who stands in the way of your client.
Preparing for a safe day and avoiding conflict at all costs is essential. To be a successful Close Protection Officer, one must possess common sense and the ability to think creatively. You must devise the safest way for your client to perform his daily tasks without interfering with his routine. If you find yourself in a position where you must use force, you have already failed in part of your plan.
So, what happens if force is necessary? All Close Protection Officers receive training in some form of control, restraint, and hand-to-hand combat. Some possess martial arts training, while others have only minor skills that allow them to deal effectively with a threat. Once a Close Protection Officer is in a violent or aggressive situation, it is not his responsibility to stand and fight. Instead, he must eliminate the potential danger as quickly and effectively as possible to return to protecting the client. This requires a level head, as allowing your emotions to take over could cause you to lose sight of your goal, which is to protect your client.
Another fallacy is that all Bodyguards are former military or special forces personnel. This is also not the case. I can only assume that this misconception is attributable to the fact that effective bodyguards must possess common characteristics and skills among servicemen and -women. The ability to sit or stand in one position for hours without a break while remaining vigilant is a common trait and skill among military personnel. However, this does not imply that civilians are incapable of similar actions. Many civilian Close Protection Officers are as valuable as their former military counterparts.
In conclusion, Bodyguards/Close Protection Officers are competent and professional individuals with various skills. They are highly trained to put the client’s safety first and can assume multiple, often blending in as staff members or assistants. In addition, they are sensitive to client confidentiality and can maintain composure in the most stressful situations.
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