Close Protection Officer/Bodyguard

The Job and What's Involved

Close protection officers (CPOs), or bodyguards, keep clients safe from unwanted attention or physical harm. They are responsible for assessing security measures and providing discreet surveillance. Their work includes:

  • Protecting their clients from threats of physical violence.
  • Checking out premises, such as hotels, restaurants and theatres, before the client arrives.
  • Installing surveillance equipment.
  • Surveying the layout of venues, noting potential hazards and exposure to risks.
  • Accompanying the client on business and social trips.
  • Driving the client to and from venues.

Threats to clients could come from a range of sources including terrorist organisations, political opponents, stalkers or over-enthusiastic fans. Their clients may also face acute dangers, such as kidnapping attempts. CPOs are often contracted to work for people in the public eye, including:

  • Royal families.
  • Foreign dignitaries.
  • Diplomats and politicians.
  • High-profile business people operating in potentially hostile places.
  • Legal professionals, such as barristers.
  • Sports, music, film and TV celebrities, and their families.

Specialist duties may include residential security, making sure the client's premises are secure. Some CPOs may train to be chauffeurs, specialising in defensive and evasive driving.

Although much of a CPO's time can involve periods of inactivity, they must be constantly alert and ready to respond to a threatening situation. To achieve this, they liaise constantly with other security professionals. They may work in teams, using specialist communication equipment to maintain contact.

Close protection officers work around their clients' schedule, which will vary depending on the length of contract and their clients' work and leisure activities. Offering 24-hour protection means that this is rarely a weekday nine-to-five job. It can involve early starts, potentially lots of travelling, maybe abroad, and late nights accompanying clients to functions.

CPOs work both indoors and at outdoor venues, such as rallies, political meetings, conferences and premieres. Public outings, such as shopping trips, can be arranged at short notice. Some work in very hostile countries, where risks are high.

When on duty they spend long periods standing in a fixed security position, sometimes seated overnight outside a hotel room. Travelling for long durations in cars, trains and aeroplanes is normal. Frequently, clients ask for a CPO they trust to accompany them on international trips. A CPO on a film set or music tour could be away from home for 18 months, or more.

Close protection officers need a driving licence.

Many CPOs are self-employed and are recruited for short to long-term contracts by agencies. Most are paid an agreed daily rate.

Salaries vary depending on experience, contract lengths and the risk involved, but may start at around £18,000 a year.

Getting Started with this Career Choice

There are around 5,000 close protection officers working in the UK. Although demand is steady, there are more applications for jobs than vacancies. Being mostly freelance, employment stability for CPOs can vary. Reputation and experience are important.

CPOs employed by the state are usually specially-trained police officers or military personnel, often from the Royal Military Police or Special Forces. Commercial firms and agencies also employ CPOs on a contract basis. Again, they are mostly ex-police or military personnel.

Most close protection agencies are based in London. However, there is contract work available around the UK, as well as overseas.

Opportunities do arise for experienced CPOs to specialise in surveillance, driving and residential security. Female CPOs are increasingly in demand to accompany and protect celebrities.

Job vacancies are rarely advertised. Contacting security agencies directly is usually the best route in.

Education and Training

All CPOs in the frontline working in England and Wales now need a Security Industry Authority (SIA) licence. It is a criminal offence to operate without one. To get a licence, applicants must be aged over 18 and:

  • Have a first aid at work qualification recognised by the SIA, such as the First Person on Scene (FPOS) Intermediate Award (Edexcel/Institute of Health and Care Development).
  • Pass a close protection qualification recognised by the SIA for licensing - depending on previous training or experience this will involve either a one-day written and practical assessment, a 24-hour (three-day refresher) with a written and practical assessment, or 150 hours of practical skills and knowledge training, with assessment (see the SIA website for further details)
  • Pass a criminal records check.
  • Provide proof of age and identity.
  • Have the right to work and remain in England and Wales.

If an applicant has a criminal record, it does not necessarily mean that they will not be issued with a licence. The SIA takes into account how relevant, serious and recent the offences are.

As a background in security planning or decision making is needed, close protection is usually a second career for entrants. People under the age of 21 have little chance of finding employment and successful completion of a course does not guarantee work.

Young people can gain some background experience by joining the Territorial Army or volunteering as a police special. Uniformed services also offer tuition in close protection after basic service has been completed. Police officers can apply to join one of the close protection courses run by National Police Training. This experience will help, but all entrants still need to do SIA-approved training.

A basic knowledge of languages such as French and Spanish can be an advantage.

A Few More Exams You Might Need

Training is a combination of on-the-job training and specialist courses, arranged privately or through employers.

Appropriate close protection qualifications include:

  • Certificate in Close Protection Security from Buckinghamshire Chilterns University College.
  • BTEC Certificate in Close Protection Operations Level 3.
  • City & Guilds Level 3 Certificate in Close Protection.

People with previous close protection training, which is recognised by the SIA, may be exempt from some of the SIA-approved training. However, all CPOs need to pass the minimum knowledge and practical assessment. The SIA publishes a list of training providers approved by awarding bodies.

Skills and knowledge covered by the qualifications approved for the SIA licence include:

  • Introduction to the roles and responsibilities of the close protection operative.
  • Threat and risk assessment.
  • Surveillance awareness.
  • Operational planning.
  • Law and legislation.
  • Interpersonal skills.
  • Close protection teamwork.
  • Reconnaissance.
  • Close protection foot techniques.
  • Route selection.
  • Use of close protection vehicle techniques.
  • Search awareness.
  • Incidents and dilemmas.
  • Venue-based security.
  • Communication and conflict management skills.

Completion of a close protection qualification approved for SIA licensing will earn students 15 credits towards the foundation degree in Protective Security Management.

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Skills and Personal Qualities Needed

Close protection officers need:

  • Good physical fitness.
  • Excellent observation skills to spot potentially dangerous situations.
  • Confidence to react quickly using their own initiative.
  • Good vision and hearing.
  • To be able to work as a team.
  • Strong verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
  • The ability to remain calm when under pressure and surrounded by dangerous situations.
  • Discretion, respecting client confidentiality.
  • The ability to integrate with clients' lifestyles.
  • Common sense and an understanding of the risks involved.
  • Knowledge of law related to security.

Your Long Term Prospects

There may be opportunities to progress and lead a team of CPOs on assignment. There are also opportunities to specialise in surveillance, driving or residential security. Highly experienced CPOs may move into risk assessment consultancy work.

Some set up their own companies providing protection services and training courses to commercial clients.

Get Further Information

British Security Industry Association (BSIA),
Kirkham House, John Comyn Drive, Worcester WR3 7NS
Tel:0845 389 3889
Website: www.bsia.co.uk

Close Protection Services and Security Training Courses,
Phoenix Group, The Penthouse, 15th Floor, 62 Hagley Road
Birmingham B16 8PE
Tel: 0800 1244 616
Website: www.phoenixgroupplc.com

Eventure Security and Logistics Training
The Powerhouse, Teesside International Airport, Middleton St.George DL2 1TS
Tel: 03333 442806
Mobile: 07375 371582
Website: www.eventuresecurityandlogistics.com/

For careers information about the Military Police visit the local army careers office or website: www.armyjobs.mod.uk

For police careers, contact your local police force or website: www.joiningthepolice.co.uk

Security Industry Authority (SIA), PO Box 9, Newcastle upon Tyne NE82 6YX
Tel: 08702 430 100
Website: www.the-sia.org.uk

Skills for Security, Anbrian House (First Floor), 1 The Tything, Worcester WR1 1HD
Tel: 08450 750111
Website: www.skillsforsecurity.org.uk

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