What Does a Professional Bodyguard Do?

When bodyguards are mentioned, what comes to mind is a very important person (a VIP) who needs protection. The list includes politicians, celebrities, and business leaders.

So is bodyguard protection a reserve for the elite?

No, it is not. You, too, can hire a professional bodyguard to secure yourself or your loved ones. Per the data from the American Psychiatric Association, for two in every three anxious Americans, security is at the top of their list of concerns. Therefore, if you secure yourself, your family, and your business interests, you will enjoy the peace that allows you to pursue other interests. With a trained professional as your bodyguard, you are assured of an extra set of eyes and an individual trained to protect and handle emergencies properly.

The specific duties of a bodyguard vary depending on their client's needs and the level of security required. We have addressed some of the common tasks below.

1. Providing Personal Protection to the Client

Providing personal protection to the client is one of the primary responsibilities of a bodyguard. It involves using various tactics and techniques to protect clients from threats or risks. These include physical attacks, kidnapping, or harassment.

A bodyguard's primary objective is to offer personal protection. They will perform an extensive risk evaluation to identify possible hazards and devise strategies to minimize them. Additionally, they could provide physical security to their client, utilizing techniques like defensive driving, close protection, and crowd control.

In addition to physical protection, a bodyguard provides other personal protection. You can expect your bodyguard to offer cyber security, travel security, and reputation management. This will involve monitoring the client's online presence, ensuring the safety of their travel arrangements, and managing any negative publicity or media attention.

2. Preparing for Any Situation

Bodyguards protect their clients in various situations, including being prepared for emergencies, potential threats, and other unexpected events.

To stay prepared, bodyguards conduct risk assessments of their clients' environments and develop security plans and procedures to minimize risk. They also stay informed about current events and potential threats in the area, maintain physical fitness and situational awareness, and have the necessary skills to handle emergencies.

As part of the preparation, bodyguards conduct advance inspections and security sweeps to identify and mitigate potential threats before a client enters a room, vehicle, or building.

In addition, bodyguards must be versatile and able to adapt to changing circumstances. This includes assuming different roles or disguises to blend in with the client's surroundings or to avoid drawing attention. Bodyguards must also be prepared to handle last-minute changes or unexpected events, for example, route changes or emergencies.

Bodyguards also often work closely with other security personnel, like event planners or venue security teams, to ensure a coordinated and effective response to any situation.

3. Evaluating the Effectiveness of Security Measures

A bodyguard could be called upon to evaluate the security measures at a client's home, office, or other locations to ensure that they are adequate for the level of protection required.

Assessing the strength of security involves identifying potential vulnerabilities and weaknesses in existing security systems and procedures and evaluating the effectiveness of those measures in protecting the client. It could include checking access control systems, reviewing security camera footage, and assessing security personnel's response times.

Based on their assessment, the bodyguard could recommend additional security measures or modifications to existing procedures to improve the overall strength of security. The aim is to establish a multi-layered security approach encompassing different measures to identify, prevent, and react to possible hazards.

4. Monitoring the Client’s Environment

Bodyguards are always on high alert and trained to be incredibly observant. They can pick up on small details and quickly identify potential threats or dangerous situations. This heightened awareness comes from extensive training and experience in personal security.

Bodyguards receive training to detect warning signs like abnormal conduct, questionable movements, or potential risks to their client's well-being. They can assess their environment quickly and make split-second decisions to protect their client from harm.

This level of observation and situational awareness level is essential for providing adequate personal security. Bodyguards can help prevent dangerous situations from escalating and keep their clients safe by constantly scanning their surroundings and identifying potential threats.

Besides their capacity to identify possible risks, bodyguards are also equipped with the expertise and practical knowledge to handle various circumstances. This includes physical attacks, cyber threats, and other forms of danger.

When a possible hazard is detected, a bodyguard can implement different measures to avoid harm to their client. These include:

• Positioning themselves between the client and the potential threat.
• Escorting the client to a safer location.
• Alerting law enforcement or other security personnel.
• Using physical force to protect the client if necessary.
• Evacuating the client from the area if the situation warrants it.

5. Driving the Client’s Vehicle

Driving the client's vehicles and ensuring their safety from one location to another during transit is another responsibility that falls under the job description of a bodyguard.

Bodyguards must have advanced driving skills and experience with defensive driving techniques to navigate traffic safely and efficiently. In addition, they must know about the layout of the city or area where they work. They, too, must understand alternative and escape routes well in case of an unforeseen situation.

During transportation, bodyguards must remain vigilant and aware of potential threats or risks to the client's safety. This involves:

• Maintaining a safe distance from other vehicles on the road,
• Scanning the environment for potential hazards, and
• Staying alert for suspicious activity or behavior.

In addition to driving the client's vehicle, bodyguards must maintain the vehicle's safety and security. They should conduct regular maintenance checks, ensure the car is adequately equipped with safety features, and install additional security measures like bulletproof glass or reinforced doors if necessary.

6. Emergency Response

Bodyguards must be ready to respond swiftly and resolutely to safeguard their clients and themselves from harm if the threat becomes a reality. This involves using defensive tactics, firearms, or other tools to neutralize a threat and ensure their client's safety. Furthermore, bodyguards should have a background in first aid and be equipped to administer medical assistance if their client sustains injuries during a threat or attack.

The Advantages of Hiring a Bodyguard or a Personal Protection Officer

As part of the broader conversation about what personal bodyguards do, it is equally important to consider the benefits these highly trained individuals offer. By factoring in the following benefits in your decision, you will better understand why people have found value in bodyguard protection over the years.

1. Quick Response Time

A bodyguard's wide range of skills includes combat, firearms, and first aid training, which enables them to handle various dangerous situations. They react quickly and decisively to neutralize any potential threat to their clients' safety, keeping them secure.

Reacting swiftly and efficiently is crucial in high-risk situations. Bodyguards undergo training to maintain a composed and attentive demeanor even in high-pressure situations. It empowers them to quickly evaluate the circumstances and take the necessary measures to protect their clients.

Along with their physical response, bodyguards receive training to develop a heightened level of situational awareness. This helps them anticipate potential threats and proactively prevent hazardous situations. This can include everything from performing advanced security assessments to monitoring their clients' surroundings and identifying potential risks.

2. Surveillance Services

Bodyguards are often trained in surveillance techniques, allowing them to monitor their clients’ surroundings and identify potential threats.

Surveillance takes many forms. They range from physical monitoring of a person or location to using advanced surveillance technologies, including CCTV cameras, drones, and GPS tracking devices. Bodyguards can utilize their surveillance skills to collect information regarding potential threats and evaluate the risk level of a given situation.

Besides detecting potential threats, surveillance can also be used as a deterrent to discourage potential attackers or criminals. The knowledge that a bodyguard monitors their actions can dissuade potential attackers from attempting to harm their target.

3. A Versatile Set of Skills

Bodyguards receive extensive training in a variety of skills. Examples include self-defense, first aid, and crisis management.

Bodyguards are frequently assigned various duties, including accompanying clients to events and meetings or ensuring their safety in hazardous circumstances. These duties demand diverse skills and expertise, including physical fitness, combat training, and firearms proficiency.

In addition to their physical abilities, bodyguards are often trained in crisis management and conflict resolution, allowing them to handle potentially volatile situations calmly and effectively. They are also skilled at assessing risks and developing strategies to prevent dangerous situations from materializing.

Bodyguards also have additional skills and qualifications, including language proficiency, driving skills, or experience in specific industries or environments, which is a big bonus.

4. Exceptional Ability to Assess People's Character

Another benefit of having a bodyguard is their ability to be an excellent judge of character. Bodyguards are trained to read people and assess their intentions quickly, which can help identify potential threats or dangerous situations.

Bodyguards often work with clients in the public eye, notably celebrities, politicians, or high-profile business executives. In these situations, it is important to have someone by your side who can quickly assess the people around you and determine whether they pose a threat.

A bodyguard's ability to judge character can also be helpful in more everyday situations. For example, if you meet someone for the first time, a bodyguard can observe their behavior and body language to determine whether they are trustworthy or pose a potential risk.

5. Increased Peace of Mind

Having a bodyguard gives you the increased peace of mind that comes with knowing you have a trained professional by your side who is dedicated to your safety and well-being.

Whether you are a high-profile individual in the public eye or just someone who wants added protection in certain situations, having a bodyguard can help to alleviate anxiety and provide a sense of security. You can feel confident knowing you have someone with the skills and expertise to identify potential threats and respond quickly to dangerous situations.

Having a bodyguard can also help reduce the likelihood of becoming a victim of crime. Criminals are less likely to target someone with a visible security presence, as they know it will be more difficult to carry out their plan without being detected.

Who Requires the Services of a Bodyguard?

Safety is not the preserve of the elite, even though they make up the bulk of people hiring bodyguards. Anyone can access protection services, depending on their needs. Individuals who particularly benefit from having a bodyguard or personal protection officer include the following:

1. High-profile Individuals

People in the public spotlight often need personal protection services, including bodyguards. This includes politicians, entertainers, athletes, winners of a lottery jackpot, and other public figures subject to threats, harassment, or violence due to their high-profile status.

Individuals or groups often target public figures with an agenda or motive, for example, political or social activism, revenge, or personal obsession. Bodyguards can provide a physical barrier of protection and act as a deterrent to potential threats. They can also help with crowd control and manage interactions with fans, reporters, or other members of the public.

In addition to physical protection, bodyguards can also provide other security services, including risk assessment, security planning, and surveillance. These services can help public figures stay safe and minimize the risks associated with their public profile.

2. Business Executives

Business executives hold high-level positions in a company or organization, like CEOs, CFOs, or other senior management positions. Due to their role and often high net worth, they can be targets of threats like kidnapping, extortion, or corporate espionage. Therefore, many business executives hire bodyguards or personal protection officers to provide added security and protection.

3. Individuals With Significant Wealth

Individuals with significant wealth, for example, entrepreneurs and high-net-worth individuals, can be crime targets due to their perceived wealth and status. Most of these individuals hire bodyguards or personal protection officers to provide added security and protection.

4. Victims of Stalking or Harassment

Victims of stalking or harassment are at high risk of being targeted and harmed. While it is not always clear who the perpetrators are, the following are the likely culprits:

• Former partners or spouses — This is one of the most common types of stalkers, where a former intimate partner continues to harass, stalk, or threaten the victim.
• Obsessive fans or admirers — Celebrities or public figures are often targeted by individuals who become obsessed with them and engage in stalking or harassment behaviors.
• Co-workers or employees — Workplace harassment, including stalking and bullying, is common. It can be perpetrated by colleagues or employees.
• Strangers — Stalking and harassment can also be perpetrated by strangers, like in cases of random attacks or online harassment.

Cyberstalking and harassment are becoming increasingly common forms of harassment. They can be just as dangerous as physical stalking and harassment. The protection provided by bodyguards or personal protection officers can extend to cyberstalking and harassment.

5. Schools

Recently, there has been an increased demand for personal protection services. Schools have also expressed a need for personal protection services. This is due to increased school shootings and other violent incidents on school grounds.

Bodyguards in schools are often referred to as school resource officers (SROs) or security officers. They are trained to identify potential threats and respond promptly and effectively in emergencies. They can also help maintain order and discipline on school grounds and guide and counsel students.

School resource officers could be armed or unarmed, depending on the policies of the school district and state laws. They work alongside local law enforcement agencies and school administrators to develop emergency plans and conduct drills to prepare for potential threats.

While some could claim that having armed security personnel in schools makes students feel unsafe or contributes to a "school-to-prison pipeline," proponents of these services argue that they can provide a necessary layer of protection and deterrence against potential violence on school grounds.

6. Individuals With a High-Risk Occupation

Individuals with high-risk occupations, for example, journalists, diplomats, aid workers, and executives working in conflict zones or high-crime areas, require the services of bodyguards for personal protection. These professionals can protect against physical harm and kidnapping and assist with securing travel arrangements and work premises.

For example, journalists working in conflict zones are at risk of abduction or physical harm due to their work covering sensitive topics. In these cases, bodyguards can provide protection and help ensure the journalist's safety while they carry out their duties.

Similarly, executives working in high-risk countries require the services of bodyguards to ensure their safety while traveling or working in these areas. Aid workers also need personal protection because they work in unstable or conflict-prone regions.

Contact a Los Angeles Security Expert Near Me

The need for personal bodyguard services is at its highest today. The risks make a case for why you should enlist the services of a personal bodyguard. However, you can only access these benefits if you settle on a Los Angeles security firm with a proven track record of offering comprehensive security packages.

At Green Knight Security, we customize our services to suit your needs at a fair price. We also bring our expertise and experience to better protect you. Contact us today at 844-457-8326 to join the growing community of satisfied clients.