Elements3 = MA + PT + BG

Summary

Why might one need to hire a Close Protection Operative or Bodyguard?

· Personal Security

· Family Security

· Corporate Security

· Close Protection—Vehicular, Team, Convoy, for individuals or Groups

· Peace of Mind at Home or Abroad

· Risk and Threat Assessment

· Operational Planning

· Route Selection

· Advance Venue Reconnaissance, Search and Security

· Surveillance

· Anti Surveillance

· Seminars on Self Defence

A presence in the foreground and an ability to blend into the background, or be totally invisible.

Nicholas JC Swinton:-Fitness for Health and Longevity

You will appreciate that, for a CPO, discretion and commitment to client confidentiality are paramount, therefore one can only speak indirectly.  Many CPO contracts can be quite mundane unless one has occasion to work with high profile clients within the TV, film and music mediums, politics, industry, and even nobility.  Venues may be indoor or outdoor, for a conference, for a rally or political meeting, and indeed for any corporate or social event.  One can even be hired simply to elevate a social profile.

 

Typically a contract is measured in days rather than weeks, and sometimes even hours.  Nick has colleagues that have been quite fortunate, or unfortunate as the case may be, to enter into year-plus contracts.  He is a firm believer that one can become a bit complacent under these conditions.

 

The role of the CPO calls for an ongoing and continual awareness, good observational powers and the ability to recognise potentially dangerous situations.  The capacity to adapt and improvise in response to situational developments, with quick reactions while remaining calm under pressure; these are the real tests of the seasoned CPO who should, justifiably, continue to attract a highly discerning clientele.  Beyond that, constant consultation with the principal, daily preparation and readiness, with feedback in the form of typed reports are normal.

 

Nick’s favoured area of expertise is driving and accompaniment of clients on ski trips.  He assures his clients that he is not one to lose control of a situation, nor will they feel as if they are in any danger.  Control and management is the key.

 

Today we live in a society which is far from ideal.  There are many situations requiring Bodyguard awareness.  A trained professional can highlight and effectively deal with these situations.

 

Sometimes all that is required is a periodical risk assessment and guidance for the client to take control of their own environmental issues.  A little forward planning can save much grief and simply adding changes of routine into the equation are just two valid areas for regular consideration.

 

Anecdotally, whilst protecting a recent client in London during a 16 day stint for meetings, Nick placed himself between his client and imminent danger.  It was raining and as they walked briefly from one meeting to the next a vehicle approached from behind.  Nick spotted an enormous puddle and quickly acted to take the largest share of the deluge and to cover the client with his umbrella.  Lesson learnt: Walk towards traffic and avoid puddles.

A female client of Syrian descent who was in London for about two months was a nightmare to protect.  Constantly failing to provide scheduled details of her intentions it became necessary to put her under constant surveillance and to follow her discretely.  Not the most efficient scenario but a continuance of protection was ensured.