What does a Close Protection Officer do?

Working as a Close Protection officer brings with it a varied set of responsibilities. The job largely revolves around ensuring the safety of a celebrity, UHNWI, VIP, diplomat, dignitary, royalty, politician and other high-profile individuals and their family, it can be rewarding career for those interested in security and surveillance or who are ex-military.

A Close Protection Officer or Bodyguard’s main duty will be to protect the principal and their family members (and assets). However other responsibilities might include travel planning, protection while travelling in transit and on the ground, plus crisis management. This could include responding to medical emergencies, communicating with family members and establishing relationships with local authorities.

Often a Close Protection job will be a live-in role and the employer will provide either separate on-site accommodation or a room within the household. Live-out Close Protection roles do come up too, with the requirement that the candidate is flexible and available when needed.

A Close Protection Officer will need to provide a discreet and efficient security service. Drawing minimal attention to your clients as you go about our business of protecting them is key. You will need to understand the business, lifestyle and routine of your employer so you can carefully plan and create relevant contingencies to help minimise the potential threats and risks to them.

It is also becoming more and more important for Close Protection Officers to be up to date with complex security technology, particularly as security systems become more advanced. This includes CCTV, surveillance and fingerprint technology.

Being physically very fit, extremely professional and medically trained is a prerequisite for working as a Close Protection Officer. Candidates will need to be well-presented too as sometimes the role is combined with other roles such as Chauffeur or Butler.

Hours vary from job to job, as do salaries, but Close Protection Jobs tend to pay upwards of £45,000 depending on experience. Training course and good holidays are also a perk of the job.

• To possess an up to date Close Protection License through the Security Industry Authority.
• To be able to think quickly on your feet and react to ever changing situations.
• To possess a full valid/clean UK Driving License.
• To be physically fit.

• Providing full security protection for the principals’ family and guests while at home, plus protection when they are outside, on social occasions, and travelling as and when required.
• Ensuring the household you are in is secure, and everything is locked and alarmed at the close of each day, all doors and windows are locked, and all live-out staff have left for the day.
• Liaise with all relevant members of the household team about the scheduling of security duties.
• To be fully aware of schedule/diary of the principals and the family/household, including travel plans, guests, visitors, and events.
• Assisting with the compiling of security risk assessments.
• Providing tactical advice for the principals and the company concerning security.