When it comes to the provision of any type of service, cost often tops the lists for clients looking to retain them. And while cost is genuinely important, it should never be prioritised over quality – close protection services are no exception to this rule. Before choosing a provider, it is important that you have an opportunity to meet and ask plenty of questions, cost related or otherwise.
No two clients are ever the same and, for that reason, a reputable operator will always request an initial discussion or face-to-face meeting, during which the following can take place:
- The thorough communication of all your needs and requirements
- The execution of a brief, initial security assessment
- Both parties suss out their comfort levels – the provision of security is not just business, it’s highly personal and requires trust and comfort within the working relationship
Before making any decisions on the right team for you, here are some things to consider:
Your profile
Your operatives must be able to adapt to your lifestyle and unique needs. Experienced close protection experts will be agile enough to provide the nuanced services required for each type of client. For example, the skillset needed to protect a corporate executive, politician or royalty is different to a sports star or celebrity. True professionals will also have a firm understanding of the etiquette required in all environments including royal standard, highly formal or relaxed. Another important factor to consider involves whether you would be more comfortable with an overt or covert security team, in other words – do you want your protection to be highly visible, discreet or entirely undetectable?
Your location
Different geographical locations present different threats. For example, carrying out close protection in a busy, metropolitan city won’t require the same approach as working in a rural domain. Should you require services in a highly remote or hostile area, medical training and security driving skills may be of particular importance. It is worth noting here that, in the UK, private security operatives are unarmed.
Service duration
Ask yourself how long do you require protection services for? For example, the cost of an ad-hoc detail can be more expensive compared to a long-term, contracted service. Operatives with a particularly niche skillset are highly sought after and so, sourcing them for shorter periods or at short notice can present more of a challenge than sustained projects.
It is also important to note that day rates, rather than hourly rates, tend to be the industry standard.
Selecting the right expertise
The level of protection and the combination of services you require will often be tailored to the degree of threat involved. Security comes in many forms and, where appropriate, a standard bodyguard service can be blended with other services such as protective or countersurveillance. There are also multiple types of operative available to use either in isolation or as a combined team.
- Civilian trained bodyguard
- Ex-British military and police
- Ex-British military and police protection specialist units
Female bodyguards or female only teams are also an option to consider as well as operatives with specific, specialist language or sports skills.
Additional expenses
An additional factor to be aware of are the expenses associated with retaining protective services and it is always wise to be up front about discussing these before entering into an agreement.
Expenses may include:
- Flight expenses
- Taxis
- Food
- Hotels
- Other ad-hoc items
Ultimately, retaining a bodyguard or close protection team should always be done through a reputable organisation on which you can carry out adequate due diligence. Please refrain from hiring any operative that cannot provide adequate evidence of licensing, experience and insurance.