If you were wondering what exactly a bodyguard is, here is a simple definition: A bodyguard (also known as close protection officer/operant) is a kind of security officer, state law enforcement officer, or military member who guards a specific individual or a collection of individuals usually high-profile public figures or officials, usually in the presence of other law enforcers. But a bodyguard is not limited to protecting public figures or officials; a bodyguard can also protect anyone against theft or any form of burglary. A typical bodyguard wears tactical clothing that conceals only the upper half of their body. This way, if they are attacked by another person, they have nowhere to run and nobody can fatally injure them because their clothes do not cover the lower part of their body.
The job of bodyguards is usually to safeguard high-profile celebrities and public figures who visit dangerous or hostile parts of the world such as war zones, terrorism areas, and other war-prone locations. These officials are often the targets of random attacks by locals, and bodyguards can help them get away from these attacks safely. The job of bodyguards is to provide safety and security for such VIPs. However, being a bodyguard does not always mean you have to protect VIPs only; other ordinary people who are also in danger sometimes call for the services of a bodyguard. For instance, when traveling in a foreign country, a common mistake made by most people is taking pictures or videos with cell phones, and while this may seem harmless to a casual observer, it could very well be an invitation for a mugger or an assassin to make an attempt on the life of the target.
In today’s modern world, bodyguards are also commonly hired by sports teams to protect the players, coaches, and staff from random attacks or danger. As the name implies, a close-protection officer (CPO) works to provide close-protection to an officer, sailor, or soldier, in battle or peacetime. A bodyguard’s job is to provide first-aid and security to wounded soldiers, civilians, and terrorists. Bodyguards are especially useful at events like concerts and trade shows, large public gatherings, and other high-risk activities.
Bodyguards may choose to wear uniforms that vary according to the nature of their job, but the uniform of a bodyguard is still typically white. The color of the uniform should match the clothing and weapons that the bodyguard carries, so that it will provide the best camouflage. Although bodyguards may not carry guns, they may use pepper sprays and other self-defense products that may temporarily give the appearance of a weapon. Although bodyguards may not wear masks, they should remove their helmets and sunglasses before entering places where they might be identified. Finally, bodyguards should be familiar with emergency procedures such as CPR (Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation) and first aid before going on duty.
Bodyguards have a number of special duties when they’re escorting a client. When a client requests the driver-bodyguard to accompany them to an airport, for instance, a bodyguard will meet the client and help them enter through the front door; this ensures that no one gets injured while the vehicle is being driven. At a shopping mall, the bodyguard will escort a client into the store. If a bodyguard is called to the scene of a bank robbery, he will wait by the ATM to block the robber’s advance until the authorities arrive. If a bodyguard is called to the scene of a road accident, he will stand by the car to shield passengers from the accident.
Escorts and bodyguards must work together as a team. An escort needs to be able to communicate verbally with his bodyguards, to direct them into formation and to determine the next assignments for his escorts. It is also essential that a bodyguard be able to identify and meet up with his clients. Following are some more tips for coordinating a bodyguard’s escorts and clients.