The close protection officer is predominately associated with protecting a wealthy, or politically important figure known as the (client) from danger or even just protecting them from the flashing cameras of the paparazzi. Close protection officer are often misunderstood by the general public because the regular person associates the close protection officer with the dramatized Hollywood action movies which normally involves a shootout with the attackers, this is not the case and the role of a real close protection office will be a lot more ordinary. .
Most importantly, public figures such as the parliamentary figures or other wealthy parties may required to attend formal or informal functions or even just carry out normal daily tasks and therefore may feel the need to be protected by trained personnel such as close protection officers or police agencies, this will enable them to move from location to location with a decreased threat of harm towards them. It is the role of a close protection officer to alleviate any attempt of any malicious attack against the client, this may also include family members and even damage towards their property or belongings. Throughout this essay I will be covering different aspects which is involved with being a Close Protection Officer.
Gone are the days when you did not need any form of training or licensing to become a close protection office, it was introduced in 2003 that all close protection officers or anybody wishing to work within the private security sector must meet certain criteria's to gain employment. You must be over the age of 18 years old within the UK and 25 in any hostile environment and hold a close protection license, issued by the Security Industry Authority (SIA). .
However, you also need to have attended and passed an approved SIA training course in close protection and produce an approved medical training certification. Once you have gained all the required qualifications you are able to apply for a SIA license which incorporates a criminal record check.