What is Close Protection?
Close protection is the provision of physical security services to an individual or group of individuals in response to a real or perceived threat. It is also referred to as executive protection or bodyguard services. As threats from around the world continue to increase and modern technology makes it simpler for criminals to identify and target people and businesses, the need for close protection has grown more important. Close protection services are designed to protect the individual(s) from harm or harassment while they carry out their regular activities. Services are provided by professionally trained and experienced security personnel who can anticipate and respond to risks posed to the individuals or groups being protected.
What is a Close Protection Officer?
Close protection officers (CPOs), also known as bodyguards, are typically hired as individuals or as part of a team to provide personal protection services to protect a client from physical assault, harassment, or any other form of unwanted attention. The duties of a CPO may vary depending on the client’s needs and specific threat levels.
Close protection or bodyguard services are typically associated with royalty, politicians, high net worth individuals, business executives, film stars, music artists and others in need of protection. Close protection agents are professional, highly-trained, and invariably have a credible history in the military or law enforcement.
What role does a CPO play?
The primary responsibility of a CPO is to protect the client from physical threats, theft, attack, injury harm, or harassment but they can also help to protect the client’s lifestyle, property, business, image and reputation, reducing stress and anxiety, providing advice on security measures, and responding to any threats that arise. Additionally, CPOs are responsible for conducting risk assessments and researching the areas they visit with their clients to make sure they are aware of any potential dangers.
What characteristics should a CPO have?
Contrary to popular belief, close protection should be proactive as opposed to reactive, and whenever possible, avoid any kind of confrontation. This calls for more intelligence than strength. Additionally, rather than reacting after an incident has occurred, a significant amount of time is spent planning tasks or routes in advance to reduce the likelihood of any potential incidents.
CPOs must be extremely knowledgeable and able to adapt quickly to changing environments. Adding to this, in order to be successful in this role, close protection officers must possess strong interpersonal skills and the ability to make sound decisions in high-pressure situations.
How Capcon can help?
Capcon has been providing Security advice to companies and individuals across the globe for over 40 years.
When the need arises, the availability of highly skilled close protection personnel is a crucial component of this.
For further information on close protection or any of our other services please get in touch.