Bodyguard The Misconception

Author: John J. Kearney I.C.P.S.

The role of the bodyguard is often misunderstood by the public, because the typical layman's only exposure to the profession is usually in highly dramatized action film depictions of the profession. The exciting lifestyle depicted in the movies. When the average person thinks of a bodyguard, too often they picture a stereotype that needs to be changed. The typical misconception pictures the bodyguard as a large 300lb bouncer who doubles as a pro-wrestler on weekends. The next picture that flashes across the mind is the gunslinger with a .357 magnum under his jacket ready to take arms against an entire army of villains. Finally the karate type who is prepared to chop his way through armed adversaries. None of these are the true picture of the profession.

The encyclopedia defines “Bodyguard” as: a type of security guard or government agent who protects a person—usually a famous, wealthy, or politically important figure—from assault, kidnapping, assassination, stalking, loss of confidential information or other threats.

Because of these misconceptions the true professionals have started calling themselves Close Protection Specialists.

Most important public figures such as heads of state or governors are protected by several bodyguards or by a team ofbodyguards from a private agency or police force. Less-important public figures, or those with lower risk profiles, may be accompanied by a single bodyguard who doubles as a driver.

The role of a real-life bodyguard consists of planning routes, pre-searching rooms and buildings where the client will be visiting, researching the background of people that will have contact with the client, searching vehicles, and attentively escorting the client on their day-to-day activities.

The main objective of the real-life bodyguard is to keep the client from harms way. The knowledge to be able to perform this task correctly with out flaw can only come from many years of training. The main reason the true professionals want to be called Close Protection Specialists.

A fast growing number of high-profile celebrities and CEOs are beginning to use Protection Specialists as part of their everyday routine. There are individuals and companies that specialize in catering to their every day security needs. This means the specialists have to work long shifts in order to provide 24-hour protection, and shifts often include evenings, weekends and holidays. Since the Protection Specialists follow their clients throughout their daily activities, the work locations may range from indoor office settings or social events to outdoor rallies or concerts. Protection Specialists often have to travel by car, train and airplane to escort their client. In many cases, international travel is required. This can take a toll on the Specialist as well as their families.

As times continue to change the field of Protective Services continues to grow and is not expected to slow down any time in the near future. Many opportunities for the newcomer to the profession are opening up worldwide. Those considering entering the field should do there research before jumping head over heels into a field where one mistake is an instant career ender.

A good place to start researching the field is to attend a seminar ... Research the different aspects of the career and plan a solid course of action to obtain your goals. The job and the hours may be long and hard but the lifestyle and benefits are just as rewarding.