Pros of Close Protection Security

All there is to know about VIP protection.
When would close protection security be used?
Close protection security can be used to protect people of importance who may be recognised by the public and therefore are at higher risk. Having close protection minimises threats and means hostile situations can be diffused if indeed they were to occur. Samples of who may use close protection include:

Royal family
Celebrities
Members of Parliament (MPs)
The extremely wealthy
Families of those mentioned
Anyone needing additional protection during a high-risk situation
What are the benefits associated with using close protection security?
Reduces threat of attacks or harm
Rapid response to changing risks
Prevents life-threatening scenarios
Provides peace of mind
Protects any possessions
Helps disperse crowds
The expertise of skilled and professional staff
Support at any risk level
Freedom to roam in public areas
What do you need to check with a security provider before deploying close protection security?
Before engaging with a security company to arrange close protection security, it is usually best to conduct due diligence first:

Check they have the necessary accreditations and qualifications. Companies providing this service will need to have the British Standards 8507 (close protection) This shows they are suitable to provide close protection security to a steady standard.

Check the guards have an SIA Close Protection license, proving they can work in the private security industry as a bodyguard or close protection officer. This ensures have met requirements like having a first-aid certificate and a criminal background check.

Check that the company and close protection officers understand at least the essential laws that needs to be considered in the role like the Road Traffic Act 1988 or those around reasonable force and criminal harassment. This is important to ensure you get the best service possible.
With the rise in criminal activity, terrorism and specific threats, Close Protection officers give a high level of security to individuals and organisations. Close Protection officers, or bodyguards can have a high-profile role, even beyond the security industry, as they’re widely depicted in film and television for protecting VIPs, celebrities, and other important clients.

But what exactly is Close Protection? And moreover, how does it benefit you and your business? This article will make clear all you have to to recognise about Close Protection and the role it plays in your overall security arrangements.
At CTR Secure Services, we have provided specialist Close Protection services for over 24 years. We are confident in protecting our clients in a role, any industry, and in virtually any country. Our certified close protection officers can have Commercial, Government and Military backgrounds, as well as acquiring additional specialist training to supply the highest level of security to those who need it.

What is Close Protection?
Close Protection officers are also known as bodyguards. They may be a highly trained, specialist security officer who keep people safe from physical harm, unwanted attention and other threats to their safety or privacy.

Close Protection officers provide physical security, risk assessments, pre-emptive care and even discreet surveillance.

With the rise in criminal activity, terrorism and specific threats, Close Protection offers an excellent level of security to individuals, their families, and their business, political or financial interests.

Yet, the concept of Close Protection is not really a modern one. Actually, many historical figures employed bodyguards, even heading back thousands of years before civilisation as we know it. Roman Emperors employed the Praetorian Guard to serve as personal bodyguards, and Alexander the fantastic appointed ‘Somatophylakes’, which, when translated into English literally means bodyguards.

The nature of threats may have changed within the centuries, but the concept of protecting individuals remains the same.

Who needs Close Protection?
Historical figures aside, many notable and important individuals may necessitate Close Protection. Also, any individual who is at risk of harm may desire a Close Protection officer to aid them short or long-term.

Here are some types of those who require support from Close Protection officers:

Royal families
Politicians, dignitaries and diplomats
Music, film, TV or sports celebrities and their own families
High profile individuals attending potentially dangerous or hostile places
Journalists covering controversial stories
Barristers, Judges and sometimes members of an Jury
VIPs
Other high-profile media personalities
What threats do bodyguards protect you from?
Sadly, criminal activity takes place in all communities and a few individuals are more vulnerable to becoming victims of crime. Those who are in a position of influence, for example, celebrities with a lot of followers or international policymakers will probably need close protection in their day-to-day lives.

This may be due to previous incidents, having received direct threats, or simply being in a superior position of influence that naturally attracts attention.
Close Protection can protect you from threats such as:

Over-enthusiastic fans
Potential stalkers
Direct or indirect threats
Convert surveillance/invasion of privacy
Terrorist organisations
Organised crime
Political rivals or opponents
What do Close Protection officers do?
Close Protection officers are accountable for keeping their client safe from harm.

Close Protection officers have a variety of tasks and daily duties that range between project management, strategic planning, tactical driving, conflict management and even providing emergency medical treatment. Planning is crucial as it is challenging to safeguard resistant to the unknown.

However, thanks to just how bodyguards and portrayed in film and television, there’s a typical misconception that they’re frequently engaged in gun fights and nail-biting occasions of tension. You must allow the film industry some creative license with this, because so many Close Protection work involves strategically planning, researching, pre-emptive checks, travelling and escorting duties.

Despite this, a close protection in London officer’s job can be an extremely complex role that will need officers to be highly alert and ready to jump into action at any moment.

Here is an overview of the role of a Close Protection officer, and the amount of protection you can expect when in the care of a bodyguard:
Physical security and protection from harm
Close Protection officers provide physical, front-line protection from threats such as violent assault, harassment, physical aggression, kidnapping or even assassination attempts.
They are highly trained to respond and react quickly in potentially dangerous situations. With regards to the regulations, which vary widely around the world, bodyguards may be unarmed or armed with a lethal or non-lethal weapon.
Pre-emptive security
This includes pre-emptively checking venues, such as restaurants, theatres, hotels and other venues for potential threats. Pre-emptive work is an really important part of close protection security, as it can diffuse dangerous threats before they come to fruition.

When examining a venue or premises, bodyguards can look for potential weak spots in security, as well as entrances and exits, and members of staff who will come into connection with the protected individual.
Pre-emptive security also includes checking for threats to privacy, as well as physical safety. This implies that a bodyguard’s job goes much further than physical security alone, as their goal is to diffuse a threatening situation before it becomes a dangerous one.

Driving and travel security
Close Protection officers play an important role in assisting their clients to visit safely.

Whether it’s checking vehicles before a journey or escorting a person to/from the auto, their role is vital, as 60% of attempted attacks take place when the protected person is near to the vehicle. You will discover other vulnerable elements of a journey whereby a Close Protection officer must be alert all the time.

They will also assist with planning and checking routes or transport before trips and travel alongside their client to ensure a safe and hassle-free journey.
Highly trained chauffeurs and security drivers also are, or alongside Close Protection officers. They are experienced with tactical driving and in a position to use their skills to escape from threatening situations.

Deterring opportunistic attacks
Sadly, there are many opportunistic criminals who'll act on impulse. For these situations, developing a bodyguard present will often be enough to deter such attacks.
An opportunistic attacker is much less very likely to behave in a threatening manner within are security professionals present, as this by itself is a powerful deterrent.
Project Year: 2022
Project Cost: £7,501 - £10,000