What Is Executive Protection? Who Needs It And Why?

Executive Protection (EP) and/or Close Protection (CP) is a specialized aspect of security involving a wide range of physical and technical measures for mitigating dangers facing an individual. Speaking of terminology, although these two terms are used interchangeably, there are some slight differences. The main one is the fact that close protection security is for any at-risk person, whereas executive protection is for high-profile and high-ranking people (i.e., VIPs). Also, the latter is used in the United States, while the former is more common in the UK and the rest of the world. Anyhow, despite their distinctions, both EP and CP share the same goal; that is to say, ensuring the privacy, personal security, and safety of a protectee referred to as a Principal and/or VIP.

People and organizations hire personal security services because of two main reasons — luxury and necessity. The former means that clients, often celebrities and rich people, are not at actual risk but want to have a personal bodyguard to show their status symbol; in other words, bodyguard services add up to a person's public image. As for the latter, it relates to high-risk individuals who need close protection services because they are exposed to credible threats — which is by reason of a profile, profession, environment, affiliation, wealth, or any other cause that could make them a possible target of violent crime, kidnapping, robbery, extortion, and blackmail. Anyway, EP/CP is important and in high-demand due to growing instability, insecurity, and constantly developing threats; it is a must-have service, especially for today's public figures. For example, Jeff Bezos spends over a million dollars a year on private security services.

Regarding perils, they can be potential and imminent. Thereby, a VIP engages a bodyguard as a precaution to prevent security incidents (e.g., a crime of opportunity) or as a security measure to lessen a real risk (i.e., a direct threat). Whatever the motive for VIP security services, please continue reading our article on modern executive protection: how to hire bodyguards for more information on this matter.

How To Get An Executive Protection Service?

When considering getting private security, whether for yourself or your clients, you must understand how it works. The main purpose of EP/CP is to protect a VIP's life, most valuable assets, and all other things that can be in jeopardy because of the Principal's status, activities, and environment. For instance, a CEO of a multinational corporation could employ a close protection officer to mitigate the kidnapping threat. A public figure could need a bodyguard to minimize the harassment risk. An individual traveling to a trouble spot could require an executive protection specialist to ensure a hassle-free trip. Although hiring an executive protection service is a straightforward process, as a result of many shady bodyguards flooding today's industry, finding the right EP provider has become challenging. Since your financial safety and personal security are at stake, you must be very careful when looking for a CP service. For obvious reasons, companies with proven experience are the pick of the litter.

What Are The Services Of A Personal Bodyguard?

A close protection officer and executive protection agent or widely known as a bodyguard is a security specialist responsible for keeping VIPs safe. Speaking of what bodyguards do, they conduct a threat assessment to identify all probable menaces and produce appropriate security solutions to reduce personal, financial, and reputational risks associated with Principals. Their job is very complex. Aside from personal protection, personal security guards also take care of the following.
 

• Event security
• Residential Security
• Private investigation/Private investigator service
• Surveillance and countersurveillance
• Celebrity protection
• Corporate security
• Travel security
• Yacht security
• VIP security transports.

It is important to point out that a professional close protection officer (CPO) is not all brawn and no brain. In other words, CPOs are able to deliver exceptional customer service and possess a high level of physical, mental, and technical resources. The key task of every CPO is to recognize and alleviate a threat before it eventuates. In such a manner, CPOs don't need to use brute force but be proactive and prudent.

If An Executive Protection Agent Cannot Possess A Firearm What Will He Do?

Generally speaking, all EP agents are highly skilled at firearms and mixed martial arts. However, it doesn't mean that they only use guns and fists. Violence is the last resort in close protection. Conflict management, communication, intelligence, and detailed planning are primary tools of every professional. The crucial point is to be one step ahead of the game. Thus, it implies that if a VIP security guard needs to use weapons, an incident has already occurred, and a personal security officer lags behind and has failed in its core responsibilities.

Nevertheless, an attack is inevitable sometimes, such as in high-risk assignments in hostile environments. So, in an emergency, the primary objective is not to fight but to evacuate a Principal out of harm's way and to prevent an incident from escalating into a severe crisis. That is why all bodyguards must plan in advance, be proficient in handling weapons to fight their way out, evasive driving to escape danger, and tactical medicine to patch themselves, team members, and VIPs.

Where To Hire Bodyguards?

As for how to hire a bodyguard, as already said, be aware of the many bogus bodyguards saturating today's industry. For this reason, it is recommended to always do your due diligence and check who you are hiring. As well, it is always safer to engage a private security company instead of hiring a bodyguard on your own. Companies are more accountable. Nonetheless, be sure to select a credible firm since inept services will put you at higher security risk, provide a false sense of security, tarnish your reputation, and cause unnecessary costs.

For instance, let's take last year's incident with Jordanian Princess Haya bint al-Hussein. A security breach took place when a wiretapping tool (Pegasus) was employed to eavesdrop on the Princess. Although it seems like cybersecurity jurisdiction, preventing intrusion into privacy is an integral part of close protection. Wherefore, modern executive protection must be adept at dealing with the menace of cybercrime.

In addition, please stay away from amateurs who share every moment of their professional and personal life on social media, posting sensitive task details, pictures with their clients, their whereabouts, and so on. It might sound harmless, but it is reckless and an infringement of privacy (privacy equals security). Keep in mind that threat actors always prepare carefully; searching for open-source intelligence is part of their game plan. Hence, you are a sitting duck with wannabe bodyguards.

How Much Do Bodyguards Cost?

Concerning costs, the pricing of a professional bodyguard varies and is correlated with risk level, threat type, the operational environment, and clients' needs. For example, a celebrity bodyguard in San Francisco can charge from 250 USD to 500 USD hourly, while executive protection detail in Washington DC can cost up to 2,000 USD daily. These are the average rates in the United States (take a look at our services in New York). For the rest of the world (check out our services in Thailand, the Philippines, Nigeria, India, and Malaysia), estimated prices are between 100 USD and 500 USD per day for a single close protection operative. Additionally, the best quality-price ratio is with CPOs possessing experience in law enforcement, military, and government agencies.

Remember, when having security, it might be tricky to comprehend financial advantages, at least not at the outset. It takes time to perceive the benefits of protection. Unfortunately, people only realize the importance of protective service when they are up the creek without a paddle. Besides, many clients tend to be restrictive and cut expenses for security services as much as possible. Don't get me wrong, being economical is always recommended. As a matter of fact, professionals are always cost-effective. In any case, cutting spending at the expense of protection is not a good idea. Therewith, restrain from hiring cheap bodyguard services and always opt for professional executive protection agencies.

Bodyguard Services: Should I Get One?

In the event that you are wondering why you need a security professional to look after your personal security, here is why having a professional bodyguard is a good strategy.

Reasons:

• You are one of the following: a high-risk individual (in peril), a high-profile person (celebrity or high-net-worth individual, therefore, vulnerable/facing possible risk), or traveling to a high-threat environment (exposed to looming dangers).

Benefits:

• Be safe at every step, anytime, anywhere, but without compromising your privacy (security is felt, not seen).
• Travel with peace of mind worldwide.
• Focus on your vital matters (business, family, personal affairs) and be more productive.
• Protect what you value the most (welfare, reputation, finance, critical infrastructure).
• Secure your privacy and hinder the loss of important information.
• Avoid unwanted costs arising from post-incident remedies, amateur services, and neglected risks.

Needless to say, there are even more advantages to doing business with a professional bodyguard company such as Nemesis Protection. More on that in the next heading.

Executive Protection Services: Why Choose Nemesis Protection?

It follows that if you are susceptible to risk and looking for a tier-one close protection company, then your best course of action is engaging Nemesis Protection — a global industry leader. We are formed by a close protection specialist with vast experience, still operational. Our security personnel is thoroughly vetted, carefully selected, and highly trained by our human resources. We only hire former military and police officers with impeccable records in the private and public sectors.

Our modus operandi is what sets us apart, resting on a low-profile approach, protective intelligence, covert protection, and a grey-man attitude. Consequently, for professional, capable, and no-nonsense bodyguard service, get in touch with us today.