FAQ Bodyguards

A FEW MYTHS ABOUT BODYGUARDS

They are hard as nails and will beat people up for you!

No, professional bodyguards will not be beating anyone up! A professional bodyguard or Close Protection Operative will act professionally at all times, will obey the laws of the country that he/she is operating in and will keep his/her client safe. Standing and fighting is the very last thing a bodyguard wants to do, or should do. A professionally trained bodyguard will know how to read people, how to read a situation, will try to defuse a situation and will remove you if required from that situation.

Bodyguards are untrained “hard men”

This is far from the truth; all professional bodyguards have to attend a number of training courses before they can work as a bodyguard. These courses cover all aspects of being a bodyguard, from what to wear, etiquette, including when dealing with members of a Royal family, firearms training, first aid, restraint, unarmed combat and defensive driving, plus many other skills.

Every bodyguard working in the UK must attend a Security Industry Authority (SIA) accredited Close Protection Course. They must also undertake a Disclosure Baring Service (DBS) check to insure that they do not have a criminal record.

All Bodyguards are armed

It is not possible to hire an armed Bodyguard in most European countries. Even in those countries worldwide where it is possible to hire an armed bodyguard, this cannot be done overnight, at short notice. Logistically, it can be a nightmare to provide armed security; due diligence needs to be carried out and permits often need to be obtained.

Bodyguards are not Police Officers and have no special powers of arrest or to act outside of the laws of the country they are operating in.

One Bodyguard is enough - he/she can drive me too!

A professional Close Protection Operative, no matter how skilled, cannot be all things to all people. He or she cannot safely drive a client, and protect the client at the same time. Very often one Close Protection Operative is not enough for a client and either two Bodyguards are required, or a bodyguard and a suitably trained (and licensed) Driver.

It is about being professional and knowing boundaries, bodyguards are keen to please but are not a jack of all trades.

Bigger is better

Just because someone is big, does not mean that they can protect you, are fit enough, or have quick reaction times. Often someone too big will stand out and draw unwanted attention. Being a professional bodyguard often means being the “grey man” and not standing out.

Does it matter that they are ex-Military or Police?

Being former Military or Police does not automatically make a person a good bodyguard. However, many companies (including Intelligent Protection International Limited) feel that the skills and discipline taught and acquired during service to the Crown, make for a better rounded operative. Most are able to operate under pressure, alone, or as a team member and have that “esprit de corps” you can only experience in the military.

All Bodyguards are men

Not all bodyguards are men, and not all situations, or clients, require having a man as the lead bodyguard. Many Royals prefer a woman as a lead in the team, as this looks a lot softer as a first impression; often with the rest of the team not in obvious sight.

Women are also a very popular choice when working with young families. Children seem to take to women easier. A point that is often not picked up on is that children have an ability to pick up on fear within the home - taking the right approach at what could be a traumatic period is what being professional is all about.