Many people believe that an executive protection program is the same thing as just hiring a few bodyguards.
But in reality, executive protection agencies go several extra miles in ensuring their clients’ safety. Also known as close protection companies, executive protection agencies usually cater to clients who are at increased security risk due to celebrity status, wealth, power, or their geographic location.
As a result, they usually work with business executives, politicians, athletes, and celebrities. It’s become a highly specialized industry that has been thriving since the 1970s.
Furthermore, executive protection companies will ensure that you are kept safe 24/7, including when you are at home, going to events, or traveling around the world.
Here are the top attributes an executive protection program needs to have:
Night and Day Security
First and foremost, the executive protection program you choose needs to offer night and day security, meaning they will literally protect you 24/7.
This is a major difference between normal bodyguards. Whereas executive protection programs will literally ensure that you are kept safe around the clock, bodyguards will usually only show up when you call them, and even then they rely mainly on physical deterrence only, and not on weapons or personal defense if they have to.
Personal Defense Proficiency
Next, each member of the executive protection unit who will be committed to your security needs to be very well versed with firearms for self-defense, in addition to good martial arts skills.
Hopefully the situation will never present itself, but there are certain life-or-death situations that will necessitate the use of firearms in order to protect yourself. A true executive protection professional will conceal carry firearms on his or her person, and be very experienced and well rained in their use.
This is why going with executive protection professionals with a background in either the military or law enforcement is very critical (more on this in a bit).
Take note that depending on the country, city, or building you are in, it may not be allowed for either you or your executive protection personnel to carry firearms, even if they are concealed. In addition, in other instances, firearms or lethal weapons will not be necessary to save your life.
This is why executive protection personnel should also be well-versed in martial arts and physical personal defense. Your executive protection personnel should also carry additional non-lethal weapons, such as tasers.
Excellent Driving Skills
Any personnel in an executive protection unit must be legally authorized to drive vehicles on public roads. They must have a valid driver’s license and know defensive driving skills (meaning they need to know how to drive to save your life).
Military or Law Enforcement Experience
A background in the military and/or law enforcement should be a requirement for any executive protection unit that you consider working with. At the bare minimum, they should have experience working as a security guard.
This should be for hopefully obvious reasons. People with this kind of experience will simply be more adept to defend you in life-or-death situations.
On top of that, they will also have a much easier time adapting to their environment and to working with you.
Solid Communication Skills
Rock solid communication skills is another must have with any executive protection unit. These skills don’t just include verbal skills, but also written and gestural skills as well.
Each member of the executive protection unit needs to be able to communicate confidently and effectively. When interviewing any potential executive protection agencies, pay close attention to how they speak with you over the phone, how strong their speaking skills are in person, and how they compose emails to you.
In addition, listening skills are another must have. Without solid listening skills, the chances of the executive protection personnel committing major blunders goes up tremendously.
Seeking Executive Protection
The last type of executive protection that you want is the kind that compromises your security. But the best executive protection agencies will be able to protect you regardless of whether it’s for individuals, families, CEO’s, celebrities, executives, politicians, or whoever else, and while you’re traveling, at home, at an event, or wherever else.
Regardless of why you personally need security, an executive protection agency that has each of the above attributes we have covered here today will be the most qualified to keep you safe.
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