Everyone wants protection, but few know what that protection is or how it works. Whether you want to protect yourself, your family, or your business, it is important to understand the difference between a bodyguard and executive protection.
Let’s dive into what makes each unique so that you can make an informed decision about the type of security you need!
The main difference between them is that while bodyguards tend to be close physical observers protecting an individual in public spaces with visible displays of arms and strength – often done by just one person at a time – executive protection teams are mostly made up of highly trained personnel who protect their assigned personnel quietly behind the scenes.
With the advent of technology, executive protection now includes digital threat assessment as well – such as online tracking or investigation and identifying any social media risk involving their clients. To remain effective in this line of work requires a continuous updating process for those involved in it. They must stay up-to-date with changing tactics used by criminals and emerging technologies used for digital surveillance.
Difference in Training
Bodyguards may have extensive backgrounds in law enforcement and/or military service, but they are not typically trained in close-quarters protection tactics or advancements in surveillance technology. Executive protection agents have specialized training involving threat assessment, surveillance, counter-terrorism tactics, and emergency response and evacuation.
Executive protection agents generally work for long periods of time shadowing a specific person or family, rather than on-call shifts like bodyguards do. This requires that they possess advanced skills such as setting up security perimeters, being aware of their environment at all times, and being able to quickly identify potential threats.
They also take part in ongoing education such as understanding the latest security technology or keeping up to date with current events that might impact their client’s safety and well-being. In this way, a highly trained executive protection agent can be an asset to any organization by providing prevention rather than responding after an incident has occurred.
Difference in Services
Bodyguards primarily provide physical protection and security services to individuals, while executive protection bodyguards are hired to provide a range of services. Both bodyguard and executive protection professionals have similar goals, which is to protect people from harm, but their services may vary.
Bodyguard
The protective duties performed by a bodyguard can include providing physical security for an individual or a small group of individuals at any specific location. Bodyguards may patrol an assigned area and monitor for suspicious activities. They may also be responsible for executing specific procedures in the event of an emergency or hostile situation. These duties typically take place in close proximity to their charge, ensuring they remain safe and secure at all times.
Executive Protection
Executive Protection is a specialized form of safety and security management that involves discreetly protecting executives or VIPs on behalf of organizations or corporate clients. The scope of responsibilities associated with executive protection can include:
- Providing personal transportation
- Coordinating detailed travel plans
- Arranging meetings with local contacts abroad
- Conducting preliminary incident reports prior to client travel engagements in unfamiliar locations
- Managing lock-up protocols if applicable
- Developing secure environments for conferences/meetings upon request
- Among many other duties related to providing professional security risk management services worldwide.
Difference in Responsibilities
When it comes to guarding the safety of VIPs and important persons, the terms ‘bodyguard’ and ‘executive protection’ are often used interchangeably. However, it is important to understand that these two jobs involve different sets of responsibilities.
The primary role of a bodyguard is to protect their principal from physical harm. Bodyguards typically have specialized training in close-quarter combat, firearms, and evasive driving techniques so that they can react quickly in situations where the principal’s safety is at risk. They may be required to accompany their principal on activities such as international travel or short public appearances, but generally, their duties will focus primarily on physical security.
Executive protection personnel provides more comprehensive protection for their principals. In addition to offering physical safety, executive protection personnel is responsible for:
- Ensuring the principal’s cyber security.
- Anticipating and preventing potential threats before they occur.
- Managing public relations.
- Managing legal issues associated with personal security.
Because executive protection agents need to be highly knowledgeable in multiple areas relating to personal security, they require higher levels of education than bodyguards do.
Difference in Cost
The cost of bodyguard and executive protection services varies depending on the experience level of the specialist and the type of services required. Bodyguards typically charge per hour or day, while executive protection costs are often determined by a package that covers a specific security period.
Bodyguard rates are typically cheaper as they require less specialized training and do not involve risk assessment or surveillance operations. Bodyguards also tend to be more reactive, whereas executive protection specialists must be proactive in order to anticipate potential threats.
Executive protection specialists often have higher salaries because they may need to travel with clients and conduct risk assessments of potential venues or locations in order to provide superior service. This added workload requires greater knowledge in subjects such as:
- Risk management
- Hostage negotiation
- Medical care
- Use of firearms
- Close-protection principles
- Counter surveillance techniques
- and more.
Conclusion
The differences between a bodyguard and executive protection lie in their roles, responsibilities, and expertise. Bodyguards typically provide physical security and protect the individual’s safety. Executive protection agents, on the other hand, not only offer physical protection but also provide a much more comprehensive solution to security needs. They are responsible for researching potential threats, crafting detailed plans to stay ahead of any risks that may arise, and overseeing every aspect of the principal’s security detail.
It is important to understand your needs when determining which type of professional is right for you. If you have any questions or would like to know more about bodyguard services or executive protection services, contact a reputable provider today.
