Bodyguarding Is The Work Everyone Is Interested In Hearing About
Have you ever wonder what it is like to be the main person who stands between the celebrity and the superfans around them? That is exactly what a close protection officer (CPO) does. In simple terms they are the professionals who ensure that high-profile people or wealthy individuals such as politicians, royalty, executives or celebrities can go about their daily business without worrying about their safety.
The role is far more hands on and requires more critical thinking than people expect. A close protection officer in the UK is often ex military or ex Police and is trained to assess threats, defuse tricky situations, and sometimes, even save lives. Whether it is a planned trip to a public event or a last-minute emergency, close protection officers are there to manage every risk. There is also a lot that training can't do and experience is required for effective conditioning to be in place to give a good personal protection service.
Let’s break down what a bodyguard job involves and what skills you need to get into it if you want to and also how much you can expect to earn from working in this field.
What Does Close Protection Involve?
At its core, close protection is all about keeping one person safe no matter what. Unlike typical security guards who might patrol buildings or monitor CCTV, a close protection officer works directly with a client. Their job? Make sure nothing happens to them.
It could mean escorting a client to a high-profile event and making sure the venue is safe for them upon arrival and then driving them from the one place to another. In a CPO job you need to anticipate problems before they arise and have solutions ready to go.
Close protection is a lot about prevention. Instead of reacting when something goes wrong, these professionals spend their time making sure nothing goes wrong in the first place. This might mean checking out venues ahead of time, assessing risks at public events, and constantly keeping an eye out for any unusual behaviour around their client.
What Exactly Does a Close Protection Officer Do?
Close protection officers wear many hats. They’re not just bodyguards standing next to their client; they’re planners, observers, and problem solvers. Their duties vary depending on the client, but here’s a snapshot of what they get up to:
Risk assessment: Constantly scanning the environment for any potential risks, whether it’s a crowded space, a suspicious person, or even unexpected media attention.
Venue checks: Making sure the locations the client visits are safe. This could be anything from a concert venue to a private dinner.
Safe transport: Driving the client securely from one place to another, often using techniques to avoid dangerous situations on the road.
Personal security: Protecting the client from physical threats, whether it’s an overly excited fan or something more serious.
Accompanying the client: Whether it’s a social event or a business meeting, the close protection officer sticks with their client to ensure they’re safe at all times.
The role of a close protection officer requires a lot of trust. These professionals often work very closely with their clients, becoming a part of their day-to-day life and taking on whatever challenges come their way.
What Makes a Great Close Protection Officer?
So, what kind of person does it take to be successful in close protection? There’s a lot more to it than just being physically strong. Sure, fitness is important, but there’s also a need for sharp observational skills, quick decision-making, and calmness under pressure. Here’s a list of the key skills you’ll need:
Attention to detail: Being able to notice the small things that could indicate a problem. Whether it’s a slight change in someone’s body language or a sudden shift in the crowd, close protection officers need to be aware of everything.
Physical fitness: You’re likely to be on your feet for long hours, sometimes in intense situations, so staying fit is key.
Strong communication: This job involves a lot of coordination with the client, security teams, and even the authorities. You must be able to converse in the local language and communicate effectively.
Quick thinking: You don’t have the luxury of time when things go wrong. Close protection officers need to make fast decisions and take immediate action.
Calm under pressure: It’s a job that can get stressful quickly, especially when you’re responsible for someone else’s safety so a calm demeanour is needed.
How Much Do Close Protection Officers Earn?
Working as a close protection officer comes with a decent pay packet, especially if you’re working in high-profile circles. After scouring the internet for Close Protection Jobs In the UK, the average salary for a CPO is between £40k-£60 per year, but this can jump significantly to £100k plus if you’re working in places like London or for wealthy individuals.
Those who work with high-risk clients or in places where security threats are more prominent can earn even more. It’s not unheard of for some officers to make upwards of £150k or more when working maritime or abroad in hostile environments especially if they’ve got specialised training or experience in counter-terrorism or hostile environments. Domestic bodyguard work obviously pays less and less risk, less reward.
What Steps Do You Need to Take to Become a Close Protection Officer?
If you think you’ve got what it takes, becoming a close protection officer isn’t too complicated, but it does require the right training and a licence. Here’s how to get started:
1. Get an SIA Licence
To work legally as a close protection officer in the UK, you need to be licensed by the Security Industry Authority (SIA). The SIA licence currently costs £184 and lasts for three years. You’ll also need to pass a criminal record check.
2. Complete the Necessary Training
To qualify for an SIA licence, you’ll need to complete a Level 3 Certificate in Close Protection. This training covers everything from risk management to tactical defence. You’ll also need to take a first aid course, as knowing how to handle medical emergencies is part of the job.
3. Pass Background Checks
As well as a criminal record check, you’ll need to undergo various other checks, such as mental health assessments. This is to ensure you’re fit to handle the stresses of the job.
4. Driving Licence
While not mandatory, having a driving licence will make you much more employable. In many cases, close protection officers double as drivers for their clients, so having a full licence and experience in defensive driving is a big plus.
Do Close Protection Officers Carry Guns?
In the UK, strict gun laws mean that most close protection officers are unarmed. Instead, they’re trained in self-defence and use non-lethal methods to keep their clients safe. In other countries, such as the United States, it’s more common for close protection officers to carry firearms, especially in high-risk situations.
Is This a Job for Men Only?
Not at all. While close protection has traditionally been a male-dominated field, more women are stepping into the role. In fact, there are some situations where female clients may prefer a female officer for personal or cultural reasons. Women bring their own strengths to the role and are just as capable as their male counterparts when it comes to providing top-level protection.
Is a Career in Close Protection Right for You?
Being a close protection officer is definitely not your average 9 to 5. It’s a job full of variety, challenges, and a sense of purpose. You’ll need to be on your toes, ready to face any situation that comes your way.
If you’re someone who thrives in high-pressure environments, enjoys problem-solving, and wants to make a real difference in people’s lives, then close protection could be the perfect career path for you. And with salaries that reflect the responsibility and risk involved, it can be a rewarding job, both financially and personally.
Close Protection Officer vs Bodyguard: What’s the Difference?
You might be wondering if there’s any real difference between a bodyguard and a close protection officer. While the two roles are similar, close protection officers generally receive more in-depth training and are skilled in areas such as threat analysis and emergency planning. It’s a more formal, professional role, often associated with high-end clients or corporate environments.
In short, a close protection officer brings a higher level of expertise and planning to the table, ensuring that the client is protected not just from immediate threats, but also from long-term risks.
The role of a close protection officer is all about keeping people safe, whether that’s in public or private settings. It’s a job that demands vigilance, quick thinking, and the ability to stay calm when things get intense. If you’ve got the right skills and training, it’s a career that offers both financial rewards and the satisfaction of knowing you’re helping to protect those at risk.
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