A bodyguard (or "close protection officer") is a type of security guard or government agent who protects a person—usually a famous, wealthy, or politically important figure—from assault, kidnapping, assassination, loss of confidential information, or other threats. A security guard or security officer is usually a privately and formally employed person who is paid to protect Property, assets or people Assault is a Crime of Violence against another person. In some Jurisdictions including Australia and New Zealand, In Criminal law, kidnapping is the taking away or Asportation of a person against the person's will usually to hold the person in False imprisonment AssassiNation is the sixth album by Krisiun, released in 2006 on Century Media.
Most important public figures such as heads of state or governors are protected by several bodyguards or by a team of bodyguards from an agency, security forces, or police forces (e. A government agency is a permanent or semi-permanent organization in the Machinery of government that is responsible for the oversight and administration of specific functions g. , in the US, the United States Secret Service or the Bureau of Diplomatic Security). See also Diplomatic Security Service The Bureau of Diplomatic Security, more commonly known as Diplomatic Security or DS is the security and law enforcement arm of the In countries where the head of state is a military leader or dictator, the leader's bodyguards may also be part of an elite military unit. A military organization is a way of structuring the armed forces of a State as a need to offer Military capability required by the National defence policy Less-important public figures, or those with lower risk profiles, may be accompanied by a single bodyguard who may double as a driver. A number of high-profile celebrities and CEOs also use bodyguards.
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Threat Assesment
All protective details are undertaken after a thorough assessment of the threats facing the principal (source: Basic Bodyguarding Skills 2008 by Craig Pedersen). Threats are evaluated and countermeasures implemented according to the assessment.
Roles
Bodyguards often have training in firearms tactics, unarmed combat, tactical driving, and first aid. Hand-to-hand combat (sometimes abbreviated as HTH or H2H is a generic term for Close quarters fighting, particularly when the outcome is potentially fatal as in Melee Driving is the controlled operation of a land Vehicle, usually a Motor vehicle such as a Truck or a car. First aid is the provision of initial care for an Illness or Injury. In multi-agent units (like those protecting a head of state) one or more bodyguards may specialize in specific tasks, such as providing a protective escort, crowd screening and control, or searching for explosives or electronic surveillance devices ("bugs"). Head of state is the generic term for the individual or collective office that serves as the chief public representative of a Monarchic or Republican Nation-state Crowd control is the controlling of a Crowd, to prevent the outbreak of disorder and prevention of possible rioting Bodyguards may also work with other security personnel to conduct threat or risk assessment and analyze potential security weaknesses. Risk is a Concept that denotes the precise probability of specific eventualities For other uses of the word "Vulnerability" please refer to Vulnerability (computing You may also want to refer to Natural disaster.
Bodyguards often examine a premises or venue before their clients arrive, to determine where the exits and entrances are, find potential security weaknesses, and meet the staff (so that a would-be attacker cannot pose as a staff member). As well, some bodyguards do research to be aware of potential threats to their client, such as a protest by a radical group or the release from custody of person who is a known threat. While escorting a client, bodyguards have to remain alert so that they are able to react quickly to threatening situations. In some cases, bodyguards also drive their clients, which means that they have to be aware of suspicious vehicles and prepared to practice evasive driving techniques.
Depending on the laws in a bodyguard's jurisdiction and on which type of agency or security service they are in, bodyguards may be armed with a non-lethal weapon such as a baton, stun gun, pepper spray, or a Taser, or with a lethal weapon such as a pistol. In Law, jurisdiction (from the Latin ius iuris meaning "law" and dicere meaning "to speak" is the practical Authority A weapon is a Tool used either in Hunting, or attack or defence in Combat for the purpose of subduing enemy personnel or to destroy enemy weapons Pepper spray (also known as OC spray (from " Oleoresin Capsicum " OC gas, capsicum spray, or oleoresin capsicum A Taser is an Electroshock weapon that uses Electro-Muscular Disruption (EMD technology to cause neuromuscular incapacitation or NMI and strong muscle contractions Bodyguards from government security agencies protecting heads of state may even carry a fully automatic machine pistol or a mini-submachine gun concealed under their clothing or in a briefcase. A machine pistol is a Handgun -style magazine -fed and self-loading Firearm, capable of fully automatic or burst fire and normally chambered A submachine gun (SMG is a Firearm that combines the automatic fire of a Machine gun with the cartridge of a Pistol, and is Bodyguards from security agencies such as the Secret Service typically wear body armor, as they are supposed to 'catch the bullet' for their client. A ballistic vest is an item of protective clothing that absorbs the impact from gun-fired Projectiles and shrapnel fragments from explosion
Job requirements
Bodyguards often work long shifts in order to provide 24-hour protection, and shifts often include evenings, weekends, and holidays. Since bodyguards follow their clients throughout their daily activities, the work locations may range from indoor office meetings or social events to outdoor rallies or concerts. Bodyguards often have to travel by car, train, and plane to escort their client. In some cases, international travel is required, which means that a bodyguard must have appropriate travel documentation.
Bodyguards often have backgrounds in the armed forces, police or security services, prison guard services or martial arts, although this is not required. Bodyguards must be physically fit, with good eyesight and hearing, and they need to have a presentable appearance, especially for close protection work for dignitaries and heads of state. However, bodyguards protecting celebrities or pop stars may be able to have tattoos and facial piercings. A drivers license is usually required, so that the bodyguard can double as a driver. In the UK and some other countries, bodyguards have to have a license or certification, which involves identity and criminal record checks. To be a bodyguard in an agency protecting a head of state, a bodyguard will have to undergo extensive background and loyalty checks.
Bodyguards need to be observant, and retain their focus on their job, despite distractions such as fatigue. As well, they need to be able to work as member of a team, with assigned tasks, or be able to act independently, and adapt and improvise an appropriate response if the need arises. Bodyguards need to be able to recognise potentially dangerous situations and remain calm under pressure. Since bodyguards often have to collaborate or coordinate their protection with other security forces, such as local police or other private security guards, bodyguards need good interpersonal and communications skills. Since bodyguards accompany their client throughout their day, the bodyguard will be privy to the private life of the client, which means that a bodyguard has to show discretion and maintain confidentiality.
Notable organizations
In the late twentieth and early twenty-first centuries, most bodyguards are former or current police officers, or sometimes former military or other government agency personnel. Emperor Qianlong (Chinese 乾隆 Qiánlóng, Wade-Giles' Ch'ien-Lung', Mongolian Tengeriig Tetgesen Khaan, born Hongli (弘历 September The twentieth century of the Common Era began on The 21st century is the current century of the Christian Era or Common Era in accordance with the Gregorian calendar. Police are agents or agencies usually of the executive, empowered to enforce the law and to effect public and social order through the legitimatized use of force A military is an Organization authorized by its Nation to use force usually including use of Weapons in defending its Country (or by attacking A government agency is a permanent or semi-permanent organization in the Machinery of government that is responsible for the oversight and administration of specific functions In countries where the head of state is a military leader or dictator, the leader's bodyguards may also be part of an elite military unit. A military organization is a way of structuring the armed forces of a State as a need to offer Military capability required by the National defence policy Such was the case with the former Iraqi Special Republican Guard, the Schutzstaffel in Nazi Germany, or the Praetorian Guard in the Roman Empire. The Iraqi Special Republican Guard ( SRG) ( Al-Haris al-Jamhuri al-Khas) also known as the Special Forces Brigade of the Presidential Palace, Republican The ( German for "Protective Squadron" abbreviated SS - or ( Runic)- was a major Nazi organization under Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Germany and the Third Reich are the common English names for Germany under the regime of Adolf Hitler and the National Socialist German Workers The Praetorian Guard ( Latin: PRÆTORIANI was a special force of Guards used by Roman Emperors Before being appropriated The Roman Empire was the post-Republican phase of the ancient Roman civilization, characterised by an autocratic form of government and large territorial
In India, VIPs are protected by NSG (National Security Guards), an organization under the Ministry of Home Affairs, Govt. India, officially the Republic of India (भारत गणराज्य inc-Latn Bhārat Gaṇarājya; see also other Indian languages) is a country of India. In 1984 Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was assassinated by two of her security guards. The Prime Minister of India is head of the Council of Ministers, appointed by the President to assist the latter in the administration of the affairs of the executive Indira Priyadarshini Gandhi ( Indirā Priyadarśinī Gāndhī) ( Née: Nehru (19 November 1917 - 31 October 1984 was the Prime Minister of the In France, in the early 1960s, Major Lucien Ott recruited from French special forces veterans to protect President de Gaulle from assassination by the Organisation de l'Armée Secrète (OAS) . The Organisation de l'armée secrète ( OAS &mdash or Organisation armée secrète, lit In Turkey, the President is protected by both the Karşı Saldırı Timi'nde (KST) and the Cumhurbaskanligi Muhafiz Alayi Komutanligi. The KST is a Counter Attack Team which provides Close Protection of the President and the First Family. The Cumhurbaskanligi Muhafiz Alayi is a military unit which protects Presidential palaces and members of his family.
In the US, the United States Secret Service safeguards the lives of the President, his family, and other executive officials, including former presidents and vice-presidents. The President of the United States is the Head of state and Head of government of the United States and is the highest political official in United States by Another agency, the U.S. State Department's Bureau of Diplomatic Security, is responsible for protecting U. The United States of America —commonly referred to as the See also Diplomatic Security Service The Bureau of Diplomatic Security, more commonly known as Diplomatic Security or DS is the security and law enforcement arm of the S. missions and their personnel overseas, as well as selected dignitaries in the U. S. , including the U. S. Ambassador to the United Nations, the Secretary of State, and visiting foreign dignitaries below heads-of-state level. An ambassador is the highest ranking Diplomat who represents their country The United Nations ( UN) is an International organization whose stated aims are to facilitate cooperation in International law, International security Secretary of State is a commonly used title for a Government Official. While the US Secret Service's close-protection role is its most visible, its historic role as agents of the United States Treasury (although they are now agents of the Department of Homeland Security) made it unusual internationally, as usually "official" bodyguards are part of general police forces. The United States Department of the Treasury is a Cabinet department and the Treasury of the United States government.
In the UK, the Royalty and Diplomatic Protection Department of the Metropolitan Police is responsible for the security of the Sovereign. The Royalty and Diplomatic Protection Department ( RDPD) is a Specialist Operations branch of London 's Metropolitan Police Service. "Metropolitan Police" redirects here See also Metropolitan police. TalkCommonewalth realm.--> The monarchy In the Vatican, the Pope and other senior Vatican officials are protected by Swiss Guards, Swiss mercenary soldiers who act as bodyguards, ceremonial guards, and palace guards. Swiss Guards Swiss mercenary is the name given to those soldiers who have served as Bodyguards, ceremonial guards and palace guards at foreign European courts since Swiss mercenaries were soldiers notable for their service in foreign armies especially the armies of the Kings of France, throughout the Early Modern period of European A bodyguard (or "close protection officer" is a type of Security guard or government agent who protects a person—usually a famous wealthy or politically After the May 13, 1981 assassination attempt on Pope John Paul II by Mehmet Ali Ağca, the guards were given enhanced training in unarmed combat and firearm use. Events 1497 - Pope Alexander VI excommunicates Girolamo Savonarola. Year 1981 ( MCMLXXXI) was a Common year starting on Thursday (link displays the 1981 Pope Mehmet Ali Ağca (born January 9, 1958) is a Turkish Assassin, who shot and wounded Pope John Paul II on May 13, Hand-to-hand combat (sometimes abbreviated as HTH or H2H is a generic term for Close quarters fighting, particularly when the outcome is potentially fatal as in Melee
Fictional individuals
The brave and fiercely protective bodyguard who is willing to die to protect his master has long been depicted in fiction. ( 953 - 1025) was a Japanese samurai a retainer of Minamoto no Yorimitsu (also known as Raikō one of the earliest samurai to be famed for his military The character of the Scottish hero Quentin Durward appears in stories as the bodyguard of the king of France. Quentin Durward is a Historical novel by Walter Scott, first published in 1823 The character Charles d'Artagnan appears in stories as the bodyguard of the French crown. The character Atticus Kodiak is a professional bodyguard who acts as narrator and protagonist in a series of novels by Greg Rucka. Atticus Kodiak is the fictional protagonist of a series of novels written by Greg Rucka. Gregory Rucka (born November 29, 1969) is an American Writer of novels and Comic books He is married to fellow comic writer Bodyguards also appear in Usagi Yojimbo - Stan Sakai's anthropomorphic-rabbit samurai based upon Miyamoto Musashi and in the Artemis Fowl series of children's books. is a Comic book series created by Stan Sakai. Set primarily at the beginning of Edo period Japan (early 17th century with anthropomorphic Stan Sakai ( Japanese: 坂井 スタン Sakai Sutan; born May 25 1953) is a third-generation Japanese American who became known Anthropomorphism is the attribution of uniquely Human characteristics to non-human creatures and beings natural and supernatural phenomena material states and objects Rabbits are small Mammals in the family Leporidae of the order Lagomorpha, found in several parts of the world is the term for the military nobility of Pre-industrial Japan. (c 1584– June 13 ( Japanese calendar: May 19), 1645 also known as Shinmen Takezō, Miyamoto Bennosuke, or There is a draft page for this article here. Artemis Fowl is a series of Fantasy novels written by Irish author Eoin Colfer
Bodyguards are also depicted in a number of films. Japanese director Akira Kurosawa's film Yojimbo depicts a samurai bodyguard in Japan. is a 1961 Jidaigeki (period drama film directed by Akira Kurosawa. The Bodyguard is a film about a bodyguard who protects a celebrity singer. The Bodyguard is a 1992 romantic-suspense film directed by Mick Jackson, written by Lawrence Kasdan, and starring Kevin Costner Gogo Yubari is O-Ren Ishii's bodyguard in the film Kill Bill 1. The following is a list of characters from the film Kill Bill. Kill Bill is the fourth film by Writer - director Quentin Tarantino. In the science-fiction/fantasy Star Wars films, MagnaGuard is General Grievous's bodyguard. Star Wars is an epic Space opera franchise initially conceived by George Lucas during the 1970s and significantly expanded General Grievous is a fictional character from the Star Wars universe and was the chief antagonist in Star Wars Episode III Revenge of the In the film Lord of War, the main character's brother protects him while he makes arms deals in war-torn countries. Lord of War is a 2005 film written and directed by Andrew Niccol which starred Nicolas Cage.
In the film Man on Fire, John Creasy (Denzel Washington) is a burnt-out ex-CIA officer and counter-insurgency operative who grudgingly becomes the bodyguard of a young girl (played by Dakota Fanning). Man on Fire is a 2004 American action Drama Thriller film about an ex- CIA operative/assassin who takes the job as Denzel Hayes Washington Jr (born December 28 1954) is an American Actor and director. Dakota Fanning (born February 23 1994 is an American teen Actress. When kidnappers attempt to snatch the girl, Creasy is severely wounded in a gun battle. The film depicts his perseverance in attempting to continue to protect the girl despite his gunshot wounds, until he becomes unconscious. Several films have been made about the Secret Service's role in guarding the President of the US, such as In the Line of Fire and The Sentinel. In the Line of Fire is a 1993 three-time Academy Award -nominated Thriller film about a psychopath who attempts to assassinate The Sentinel is a 2006 Thriller film about a veteran Secret Service bodyguard who is suspected as a traitor after an attempted assassination
Bodyguards are also depicted in television shows, comics, and other media. Bodyguard is a Japanese television series starring Reiko Takashima. Reiko Takashima (高島礼子 Takashima Reiko; born 25 July 1964 in Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan) is a Japanese In the UK, Bodyguards was a late 1990s UK television series about a specialized Close Protection Group that protected members of the UK government. Bodyguards is a British Television series that focuses on the cases of a specialized Bodyguard unit called the Close Protection Group in service A television program (US television programme (UK or television show (U In the Mortal Kombat fighting game series, Sheeva is the personal protector of Sindel. A fighting game (also referred as a versus fighting game, competitive fighting game, tournament fighting game or head-to-head fighting game) Sheeva is a Fictional character in the Mortal Kombat Fighting game series Sindel (or Queen Sindel by title is a Fictional character in the Mortal Kombat Fighting game series Suki is a Japanese manga about a relationship between a teenage girl and a 32-year old bodyguard. is a three volume Manga by Clamp. The title literally means "I like you that's why I like you ˈmɑŋgə is the Japanese word for Comics (sometimes called komikku コミック and print Cartoons In their modern form manga date from shortly Kevin Nash is Shawn Michaels' bodyguard. Kevin Scott Nash (born July 9 1959 is an American professional wrestler and Actor. Michael Shawn Hickenbottom (born July 22 1965 better known by his Ring name Shawn Michaels, is an American professional wrestler. The Human Target is an American comic book and television series. The Human Target is an American Comic book character created by Len Wein and Carmine Infantino: a unique Private detective and Bodyguard A comic book (often shortened to simply comic and sometimes called a comic paper or comic magazine) is a Magazine or Book of narrative
External links
General information:
- [1] (Website containing global news, tactics,techniques and trends about executive protection and bodyguards)
- Basic Bodyguarding Skills(Website for persons wanting to enter the industry)
- Working the Doors (Website and Forum for Bouncers)
- Close Protection World (Website and Forum for Close Protection and the security industry)
- [2] (International Association of Close Protection Officers) with forum.
- International Security Academy, Israel
- International Bodyguard & Security Services Association
See also
- List of protective services
- List of notable bodyguards
- Security police - persons who guard government property. This is a list of government Security police and Bodyguard organizations Former Military Ireland Mickey Brett - Bodyguard for Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt Israel Security police are those persons employed by or for a governmental agency who provide police and security services to their properties
- Yojimbo, the Japanese word for bodyguard
Dictionary
bodyguard
-noun
- A person or group of persons, often armed, responsible for protecting an individual.
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