Close Protection Officer

Typical job description and responsibilities

Following training for this role, you will be equipped with the skills to:

• Ensure the safety of a designated individual(s)
• Monitor surrounding activity and be able to detect suspicious or aggressive behavior
• Drive the designated individual(s) to their destination
• Control crowds around your client

The main objective of a Close Protection Officer is to ensure that the individual or individuals that they have been assigned to are protected from any danger or threat. Due to the nature of the job you will be trained to be able to respond quickly to life-threatening situations. Your decision-making skills will also be tested as you may have to alter plans at the last moment if you believe that a new threat has been detected. You will be required to stay near your client at all times while remaining observant about the surrounding area and possible threats.

Another important part of your job will include ensuring that a building or meeting place is secure for your client. You will have to assess exit points and other strategies to ensure that you can protect your client. In some cases, you may be required to safely drive the client to and from an event. In this instance you will be required to carefully map out the route you will take and try as best as possible to ensure that the person will not be in harm’s way.

There is no set standard for this aspect of security as it depends heavily on who you are assigned to.

Close Protection Officerss are also responsible for:  

• Conducting background checks on new employees or an individual that your client has to meet
• Ensuring the safety of your client in a public setting like an award show
• Remaining vigilant to be able to spot suspicious behavior
• Checking a client’s home for anything that might have been planted to cause the individual harm

Working Conditions

Probably the most important aspect of becoming a Protection Security Officer is your level of fitness. You will be required to be agile and always ready to defend your client in the event of danger. This means long periods of time on your feet.  You should be able to remain active for long periods of time without getting tired to the point that your concentration level drops. 

The duties that you will have to perform will largely depend on the nature of your assignment. For example, a bodyguard who is protecting a celebrity or a politician will have to have good crowd control skills and must always be on high alert. However, in both instances, you may not be required to drive. In other assignments, you may be called upon to do all of the above mentioned.

Skills and personal qualities required: 

A Close Protection Officer needs to be:

• Always alert of their surroundings
• Dedicated to observing the behavior of individuals at a meeting place or venue
• Detail-oriented 
• Physically fit
• A quick problem solver
• Able to quickly communicate with the rest of the team and coordinate safe escape routes quickly
• Able to detect suspicious movements and behavior
• Knowledgeable of licensing laws and health and safety regulations
• Able to write basic reports and detail events accurately

Education required

While there are no specific qualifications such as GCSEs required to take your SIA course you will be expected to be in very good physical condition. Since a huge number of people from countries who have the right to work in the UK can also apply for the licence, your physical ability and problem-solving skills can set you apart. It’s also important that you have a good command of English as you will need to effectively communicate with your team and/or client. You may also be required at times to write reports and communicate with your team.

Employers also look favorably on candidates who possess some or all of the following skills:

• Security or law enforcement experience
• Can assure an authoritative presence 
• First aid skills 
• Active listening skills that can help them jump into action if they detect a disturbance
• Excellent communication skills 

Benefits of the job 

There are many benefits to becoming a Close Protection Officer. Some of them include

• Increased earnings
• Management of the safety of a celebrity, politician or sports star
• Developing real investigative skills
• Potentially meeting new famous people 
• Getting to see new places
• The chance to stay at upscale hotels and locations 
• Depending on the assignment you get free meals 

Life skills you will acquire:

Being a bodyguard for someone is a very demanding and fulfilling job where you will be able to challenge your physical health as well as your investigative skills. In this role, you are the line of defence between your client and danger. You will learn to use your senses to detect any danger early and to effectively eliminate any threat.

It will also help with your problem-solving skills as you will often be required to come up with plans that ensure the individual’s safety. Through training you will also:

• Learn about working in the Private Security Industry
• Learn about working as a Close Protection Operative
• Conflict Management

If you should choose you can also opt for additional courses like: 

• Evasive Driving and/or Convoy Driving
• Introduction to Short Firearms
• Close Combat Training
• Anti-Ambush Training