Everything You Need to Know about Executive and Dignitary Protection
Some people make a living protecting other people’s living. Some of those people are private personal security guards.
Did you know: Private security guards actually outnumber police in most countries – including the U.S. Part of the reason is because there are several types of security guards you can employe in different situations. Just one of those is executive protection or personal security.
Executive protection services are sought by high-profile people whose lifestyles put them at high levels of risk on a regular basis. These services include “close protection” or “bodyguard” services, although these titles are only one small part of comprehensive executive and dignitary protection.
Who Needs the Services of Executive Protection Agents?
There are essentially 4 categories of people who benefit from full time or part time professional armed security services:
1. Celebrities
Celebrities are regularly spotted with bodyguards. People are fascinated with celebrities, sometimes to the point of obsession, so much so that eager fans have been known to endanger or injure their beloved celebrity. That’s why most celebrities have a security detail when they are out and about, as well as high-security homes.
Personal security isn’t restricted to big guys in black with guns. Even when you don’t see a celebrity’s bodyguard near them, they are likely to have a low-profile protection agent around in case of overeager fans or dangerous stalkers.
2. Political figures, government officials, and foreign dignitaries
Men and women of high social standing in political and governmental spheres, especially those with radical viewpoints, are often in danger just by the nature of who they are. You can probably think of several social or political leaders whose lives were taken by people with opposing viewpoints. It’s hard for a prominent figure to live safely when they have dangerous opinions.
Behind-the-scenes corruption isn’t restricted to spy movies, either. High-ranking political figures are sometimes in as much danger from those in their own spheres as they are from a dissenting public.
3. Corporate executives and persons of high net worth
Anyone known for their wealth and in the public eye is at risk, if not for their life, for their money. CEOs and other high-worth, high-status individuals need executive security with a low profile – drawing attention with overt personal protection can make them even more of a target.
Like other high-profile people, persons of wealth typically employ 24-hour security for their residences as well, to keep their homes, families, and possessions safe.
4. Average people in unusual situations
Sometimes the average person can find themselves in a not-so-average situation requiring round-the-clock protective surveillance. Some of these circumstances could include:
- Winning the lottery
- Escaping domestic abuse
- Divorce-related conflict
- Witnessing a crime
- Becoming victim to a stalker
In these types of situations, a person can hire a short-term armed security officer for personal protection. Other types of security including installing security cameras for video surveillance and hiring private investigators to resolve the situation.
What Does Executive Protection Services Include?
The short answer: Anything you need.
The long answer: Everything you need. When their client’s life is on the line, an executive security agent is prepared to handle any threatening situation. The capabilities and abilities of an executive protection agent are the result of years of highly-skilled training and include skills that are beyond the scope of an average armed security guard.
Executive Protection Is Comprehensive Personal Security
A professional Executive and VIP Security Service extends well past the scope of straight close protection agents. Think along the lines of the Secret Service. Personal security agents are assigned to ensure total security of their clients’ person, location, travel, technology, and family, including measures such as:
- Secure transportation
- State-of-the-art video surveillance
- Advanced risk identification
- Diplomatic security services
- Threat neutralization
- Discreet surveillance
- Physical protection
- Emergency medical response
- And more
To achieve such a high level of security, executive and VIP protection uses highly-experienced, often armed guards to oversee every aspect of an at-risk person’s protection, including identifying and neutralizing risks and providing electronic and video surveillance systems for comprehensive security.
This type of exclusive, intensive training is not necessary for many types of security situations, but when you’re looking for the highest level of personal protection, executive personal security is your best bet.
How to Hire A Personal Security Agent
If you’ve read the above and decided it’s time to hire executive protection either for yourself or for your client, you can follow these steps for moving forward:
1. Do Your Research
Good news – you’ve already begun by starting here. Look up executive security professionals online and find out which companies are most trusted, and which services they offer.
2. Find Your Best Fit
If you need to hire your own personal security guard, you have several options for available services and a range of price points. Ask yourself “What level of protection do I need?” You might not need all of the services listed above.
3. Get a Quote
Next, ask “What does my budget allow?” Pricing will depend on the type of service you need, as well as the company you hire. Security is not something you want to skimp on, but don’t be taken in by the assumption that premium prices = premium service, either. You want a fair rate from a well-trusted company.
4. Protect Yourself
The last step is to actually hire your security agent. Call the security service professionals, settle on details, and be sure to ask any questions you may have before you finalize the arrangement. When you’re really looking for total protection and peace of mind, you should also consider other services like professional security camera systems and extra insurance coverage.
Personal security can be a complex topic. Hopefully, this general overview was able to answer some of your questions. If you have more questions about executive or dignitary security services, browse through our blog or give SMART Security Pros a call at (301) 388-8487.
Remember, it’s better to have more protection than you think you need than not enough.
