When you think of a close protection officer (or bodyguard as they are more commonly known), you probably think they are just for celebrities or high profile individuals, such as MP’s. However, this is not the case: anybody who has safety concerns can hire a bodyguard.
The role of a close protection officer (CPO) is often misunderstood, thanks to dramatisation in the media. Films often portray the career to be action-packed and full of danger; although this can be the case, the life of a bodyguard is usually a lot more mundane.
If you are considering hiring a bodyguard, always make sure they are thoroughly trained and qualified. To work in England and Wales, a Close Protection Certificate is required.
If you or somebody you know is currently at risk of danger and you are considering hiring a CPO, read on to find out more about situations where hiring a bodyguard could be beneficial.
1.You feel unsafe travelling
Travelling can be a daunting experience, especially if you are travelling internationally or to a high-risk area. For example, criminals in some countries are known to target business people, especially if they are alone and appear wealthy. Because of this, travellers can be at high risk of theft and even kidnap.
Hiring a bodyguard for travel would make all the difference when ensuring your business trip is safe and trouble-free. They can help in every aspect from planning your trip to searching your vehicles, safety guaranteed.
2.You have received threats
Have you had a fallout with a violent friend? Or have you ended an abusive relationship? You are never alone. If you feel threatened by somebody, help is always available. A fully trained CPO will ensure any potential violence is avoided.
Harassment and threats are at an all-time high due to social media, and we should never ignore online threats. If you have been receiving threats and are worried for your safety, hiring a personal bodyguard means you can continue with your day-to-day life without worrying about harm.
3.You are worried about theft
If your job requires transporting large sums of money, valuable goods, or sensitive information, then you can be at high risk of attack and robbery. Hiring a bodyguard gives you an extra set of eyes; they are highly trained to look out for threats, things the average person could possibly miss.
If you want to get on with your job without worrying about your safety, or losing precious goods, hiring a CPO is the way to go.
4.You are in the public eye
You do not need to be an A-list celebrity to be well known in your community. For example, maybe you are a local MP who has recently caused a stir in the area, and you are afraid of harassment. Having a bodyguard will deter unwanted attention.
Everybody who is in the public eye should consider hiring a CPO. TV personalities, CEO’s, or even lottery winners can be at risk of attack, and the list does not end there.
5.You are concerned for a child’s safety
Are you worried about the safety of your child when travelling to and from school? If they are a victim of bullying and you are concerned, you can hire a bodyguard to provide secure transportation.
You can also hire bodyguards to monitor behaviour and bullying in school. More than a thousand children were caught with weapons in schools over the course of one year, according to a survey of 29 police forces in England and Wales. CPO’s in schools ensure that students are kept safe.
You need to remember that you are not alone; if you feel unsafe, you should seek help. No problem is too big or too small. Bodyguards are here to protect you and your family.
You can hire CPO’s to protect at certain times of the day, like travelling to work or for a specific event. They can also provide 24/7 protection if this is what you require. Bodyguards are not just for wealthy celebrities, and they likely won’t cost as much as you imagine.
If you want to enquire about close protection officers, contact K9 Security Services today. Call us on 0800 002 5761 or send us an e-mail. Fast reply time guaranteed. Your safety is our priority.