Select your personal bodyguard
Searching and hiring a professional to protect your environment and your life can be a challenge. Especially in a sudden threatening situation. You want to make sure you make the best choice, and you want to make it fast. There is no education in selecting bodyguards. We designed some guidelines to support you in the process.
Advice stage 1
1: Make a short list of the threat you are aware of (against life, business, or ells)
2: Write down consequences you will face when things go south (Death, Damage, Loss)
3: Set a time limit for you to start with the bodyguard
4: Budget, in a later stage I will explain the budget, just be sure you have one.
5: If the threat you face is realistic or high, move to another location NOW and continue the search until your protection detail arrives.
History
Bodyguarding is the second oldest profession in the world. Bodyguards have long been associated with society’s Governmental elite, politicians, high-end level executives and celebrities. Today 2021-2022, the need for a personal guard or CPO (Close Protection Officer) has increased and extended to members of the population at large. The old-school heavy-weight angry looking mobster bodyguard is history. The global threats developed over the years, the personal protection profession got more recognition and had to improve their skillset also.
The bodyguard you want to select must be able to understand your unique situation and environment. A footballer or company Manager has only maximum value when placed on the correct position. There is nothing like an all-round bodyguard. Specialism is requested.
The celebrity bodyguard needs a different skillset as the Ambassadors close protection officer in a hostile environment. Both bodyguards doing a great job on their own platform.
Do you need a bodyguard?
A bodyguard can be need short or long-term to protect those who handling your money or valuables, maybe you or your family are a target of (possible) negative attention such as a witness to a crime, a divorcee, or a victim of a domestic dispute, maybe you are a wealthy individual or a high profiled Official working for a government, you all might feel the need for personal protection. Maybe you want it for your children when travelling or support them to school. Every human being has the right do protect his or her environment.
But how do you find the perfect match?
Assess your need
There are many different types of bodyguards, all suitable for different scenarios and preferences. The first thing you will want to look at is your specific need. Would a professional a driver do ? You want protection on a event or is there a serious threat and you need personal protection? Examine your lifestyle, your schedule and your preferences. Know critical moments and situations that may require heightened awareness. Think about size and physique as relates to your need. A professional highly skilled bodyguard is trained to blend in and adjust to your lifestyle or the event you are holding. Or do you need personal protection to rise your importance and maybe impress a new business associate? Analyse your need.
License vs. Certification
A license is government-issued and could be given to bodyguards, depending on the country and state’s requirements. A certificate, however, is given to bodyguards only after having completed a commercial professional training. If they have a certificate, you will also want to make sure it is coming from a reputable institution with adequate experience. This process is time consuming and most certificates are for one country only.
Imagen travelling to different countries and continents, by law your bodyguard should have a certification in every single country. This is absurd and impossible.
In our opinion any certification will do for your selection. This proofs that the bodyguard followed the local law-requirements but not that he is experienced and knows how to handle a life threatening situation. Be aware of that!
Being an ex-member of a Special forces unit, a Special Police department or any other similar profession you still require the local 3 weeks commercial bodyguard course before you may work as bodyguard.
• Does your bodyguard need a certificate and why?
• Yes, otherwise he or she is not allowed to work as bodyguard.
• Does that mean I found the perfect professional match?
• No, you just got somebody with a license to work as bodyguard, you need somebody with a certificate and experience.
Background and Skills Check
You can look for a bodyguard by contacting one directly or by consulting a security company.
Make sure either you or the organization you are working with have completed a background check on your bodyguard as far as possible. When the bodyguard worked mainly for Governments you probably might get less information.
The last thing you want is to entrust your life in the hands of a criminal, a present Police record can be requested for the individual of choice. Google the name of the bodyguard and check the level and secrecy of social media exposure from Linkedin, Facebook to Instagram. A personal reference from the last client is always welcome.
First meeting
When you interview a prospective candidate, the first impression is the most important.
De you feel confident, is the chemistry good, would you introduce your business partners or your family to this individual without knowing his or her skills?
Let the bodyguard introduce him or herself.
Explain the skills you will need, support it with the threat assessment. Talk about working unobtrusively, handling threats, preparing for trips or events, combat/defence skills, computer knowledge, cooperation with employees, driving, report writing, Intelligence, Police and other contacts and whatever else is important to you. Take note of professional expressions and explanations about procedures. Your aim is to feel confdent.
• Ask for old and present references with similar threats and risks.
• Ask for the reason the latest employment ended. You might want to check ithis.
• Try to find out if he or she is trustworthy, skilled, intelligent, and have the experience to handle whatever situation that may arise. You need to feel confident and secure in the person whose sole task is to protect you of your family’s life.
Budget
You want the bodyguard around you and your family 24/7. The bodyguard needs a place to rest and store his equipment and travel bag. This can be a guesthouse a Pension or Hotel in your vicinity.
Most Security companies or bodyguards work for a hourly rate. This requires a lot of bookkeeping, confirmations and other time consuming loss.
We only work for a dayrate, this is easy for all parties to calculate. The dayrate is for 24 hours availbility. Depending on the duration of the task the dayrate can be discussed.
Price indications
€ 550,00 for Medium risk tasks in a none hostile environment
€ 680,00 for High risk tasks in a none hostile environment
€ 1.150,00 Extreme risk in a none hostile environment
Hostile environments + 25-50% – all plus tax.
Tip 1
Implement an NDA as part of the agreement to secure your personal issues.
Tip 2
You have your NDA with the bodyguard but be sure of it he must report all details to his Boss on the Security company. Extend the DNA that this also includes communication between the bodyguard and the Security company.
Tip 3
If you are looking for bodyguard for an Arabian or Asian speaking Family consider a bodyguard that does not speak your language as extra security measurement. English will do all over the world.
Choose the Most Suitable Candidate
Take the time to vet each candidate to make sure they are certified to work and have the background and skillset you need. Check their references and the experience to handle your unique situation. We offer bodyguards in several countries and only those with an extensive background of SF-military, law enforcement or Hostile environment operations experience as bodyguard for Governments.
We also provide worldwide Security Assessments for various circumstances. CONTACT US for more information about a Security consultant for advice on how to hire the right personal bodyguard for you.
–