What You Need to Know Before You Hire Executive Protection Professionals
The executive protection industry evolved to encompass a variety of services beyond physical protection, including travel security, threat assessments, and security consulting. As a result, it is no longer a luxury, but rather a necessity for anyone who values their safety and privacy. However, before you simply hire executive protection professionals, you need understand the role of these companies, EP agents and the services they offer.
In this article, we will provide an overview of executive protection services, including who needs them, when they are necessary, and how to find a reputable company or operative.
By the end of this article, you will have a clear understanding of what EP services entail and how to choose the right provider for your needs.
What is the Role of an EP Agent or Operative?
The executive protection and risk management industry has several terms for what a layperson would refer to as a "bodyguard." These include executive protection agent/specialist/operative, personal protection operative, close protection operative, or simply bodyguard.
Although these terms may all seem to refer to the same thing, an EP agent or operative typically has more formalized training than a bodyguard.
While a bodyguard is usually assigned to accompany a principal to ward off physical threats, an EP takes a broader approach to risk management. Among other services, this approach includes conducting risk assessments or and conducting "advances" to review a destination beforehand for potential risks and plan accordingly.
Some companies also offer to help clients develop security and travel policies for use throughout their business.
Who Needs Executive Protection Services?
People typically think that only high-level VIPs and high net worth individuals (HNWI) who are famous require protection, but this is often not the case. Executive protection is customized for individuals or teams who value not only their safety but also their time. The ability to move around safely and efficiently can lead to rewards that can save your business in terms of productivity loss and increased financial outcomes.
This can include C-level executives, media or film and TV production crews, non-government or charity organizations, mining companies with remote workers, and medical evacuation or support teams.
While it doesn't happen frequently, family members, particularly children, may be used as leverage against high-profile or wealthy individuals, or they may be at risk of exposure to paparazzi or members of the public with cameras on their phones.
In some cases, they may need 24-hour security presence, while in others, they may just need monitoring. If in doubt, a professional risk assessment or threat profile should be carried out by an executive protection or risk management company.
Where to Find an Executive Protection Operative or Company?
The best place to find an executive protection company or operative is to ask for a referral from someone who has used one. If you don't have access to a referred company, you can search for one on Google using search terms like executive protection agent, executive protection companies, risk management company, close protection agent, close protection operative, etc.
It's important to do your homework and ask the questions listed on the cheat sheet at the end of this document to ensure you hire a reputable security provider.
When it comes to safeguarding executives, high-net-worth individuals, and politicians, it is common for former military or police officers to be hired due to their extensive personal protection experience gained during their service. However, it is crucial to ensure that the officers hired are the right fit for the job.
To ascertain this, it is essential to ask the company about their process for vetting EP officers. All team members should possess the necessary licensing and certification, and it is crucial to determine the standard they comply with. This is crucial since unlicensed protectors operating on private or company property can pose a significant liability, particularly when firearms are involved.
Asking these questions will reveal the level of attention the EP professionals or company pays to clients' safety, security, and privacy. Additionally, if you are looking to hire executive protection professionals, there are other important considerations:
- Ask if the have worked on a job like this before.
- Agree on a service contract and ask if they have a confidentiality contract.
- Inquire if they can travel overseas and if there are any visa constraints.
- Find out how much experience the company and the individual agent have.
- Determine if the company is a good fit for the job.
Once the company has answered these questions, they should proceed to implement the applicant or team that best suits their circumstances. Once you are comfortable with the individuals you will be working with, you can proceed with the hiring process.
Conclusion
Hopefully, now you have a better understanding of how to hire executive protection professionals and what services that entails. When searching for an EP company or operative, be sure to ask for referrals and conduct a thorough search online. Ask the right questions, including the experience level of the company and individual agent, their licensing and certification, and their process for vetting EP officers.
With the right team in place, you can rest assured that your safety, security, and privacy are in good hands.
Bedrock Special Projects provides peace of mind by implementing executive protection services to benefit prominent individuals, their families, and corporations. The Art of Executive Protection – Delivered with Elegance by Design.