Are you a celebrity or a high profile figure? Are you been stalked or threatened and you think you need a bodyguard? Do you want to learn what it takes to hire a personal security? Then I advice you read on because you have just stumbled on a definitive guide on how to hire a bodyguard.
Agreed, dogs are very selfless when used for personal protection. But some people don’t like the idea of keeping dogs – they prefer humans.
Of course, dogs cannot speak and are far less intelligent than humans are. So, those who prefer to hire bodyguards instead of keeping guard dogs have a good point. If you need to hire a bodyguard (or personal security) and you really want someone who is professionally trained to protect your life and well-being, then follow the tips below:
How to Hire a Bodyguard for Personal Security in 2023
Table of Content
1. Know what suits you
In case you do not know, working as a bodyguard is a professional service. Yes, bodyguards are offering what is called “protective services”. And this specialty is divided into various categories – depending on the type of individual being protected.
For instance, the “executive protection” category comprises bodyguards trained to protect corporate executives, dignitaries, politicians, and high net-value families. In the “talent protection” category are bodyguards trained to handle celebrities, professional athletes, actors, and musicians.
Professional bodyguards are trained to keep a visibly low profile and can adapt to and remain as unobtrusive to your lifestyle as possible. So, decide on which type of bodyguard you need before actually hiring one.
2. Decide on physique
For personal reasons, you may prefer to hire a 400-pound thug-like but courteous bodyguard. On the other hand, you may rather prefer one who would pass for an ordinary young man. The choice is yours.
If your chances of being attacked are high, and you think someone with a huge frame would help scare assailants away or offer you better protection, then go for a hefty-looking guy. But if you are not likely to face any threat, but only need a bodyguard to keep your company and handle some tasks for you, then hire someone with an average frame.
3. Check the web for requirements for private security licensing
Check your state or country’s requirements for a bodyguard license. Some states or countries may issue licenses to bodyguards who lack the proper professional training. So, don’t just hire a bodyguard based on a state-issued license. You may end up hiring someone whose skill levels fall far below what you expect.
4. Check certification
Note that there is a difference between holding a license and being certified. A license is a government issued permit, which may be given to even unskilled bodyguards – depending on licensing requirements. On the other hand, a certificate is a proof that a bodyguard has received full professional training.
In the United states, the following training centers issue certificates to professional bodyguards:
- United States Secret Service
- US State Department’s Diplomatic Security Service
- Federal Law Enforcement Training Center
- US Army Military Police School’s Protective Services Training Course
- US Army Criminal Investigation Division
- US Naval Investigative Service
- Executive Security International (Colorado)
- Executive Protection Institute (Virginia)
- R.L. Oatman and Associates (Maryland)
- Gavin de Becker and Associates (California)
- National Protective Services Institute (Texas)
- International Training Group (California)
If you are in the US, and the applicant presents a certificate from other than the above institutions, find out if the instructors are reputable and have 10+ years of experience.
5. Conduct a criminal check
Search the web for any criminal records. You can also pay for a simple criminal history check. This is to confirm that you are not hiring a criminal as bodyguard.
6. Check skills
Don’t just believe it when an applicant tells you that he has all your required skills. Ask for examples of how he had showed proficiency in such skills in the past. Here are skills you may want to check:
- Knowing how to sit, stand, and, walk with you without being obtrusive
- Working in advance to prepare for trips and events ahead of time
- Ability to deal with an attack or security threat whenever there is one
- Knowledge of access control systems and physical security
- Martial arts skills and other defensive tactics (including handling firearms)
- Driving skills
- Computer skills
7. Check portfolio
Ask your applicant about any big figure he has worked with in the past and why he stopped working with that employer. (You can call the past employers on phone for confirmation.)
If an applicant has a proven record of accomplishment with past employers, chances are high that he will make a very good bodyguard. Finally, look out for qualities such as integrity, confidence, candor, intelligence, patience, commitment, experience, discretion, responsiveness, flexibility, and attention to detail.
In conclusion, if you keep all these tips in mind and apply them when you are hiring a bodyguard, you’ll certainly hire one that you’ll always be pleased with.