Do you need a bodyguard?
If you say "Yes" than lets start out describing how to find one. First of all bodyguards are usually identified as "Personal Security specialist" or "Executive Protection specialist ". Executive protection specialists are not difficult to find but you must find one that is qualified to provide executive protection, one that is qualified to insure that the individual will protect your or another person's life.
Being in the business of having trained Executive Protection specialized individuals for many years. It can be difficult in finding the right one that possesses the right important quality of serving you in protecting your life. To this writer the most important quality that an individual must have to provide you with a professional Executive Protection is Loyalty. The one person that serves you in protecting you must also be loyal to you. This individual must never reveal your conversations, the names of your friends, the location of your favorites places to shop or visit. This individual must remain loyal to you and that loyalty must include a secrecy of your life. Not only must the individual protect you physically he or she must also protect your words your personal secrets.
I have seen many of the famous, hire bodyguards that are 375 or 400 pound thugs these individuals have histories of having worked as night club bouncers or bodybuilders. This thugs are problems waiting to happen sooner or later they will react violently toward the wrong person and it will cost money. Somehow I don't see 400 pound gorillas as the best bodyguards for anybody. There are many people who say "need a bodyguard search the internet"; but I say don't do this.
Be careful with who makes contact with you for the position. There are individuals who go get a certificate that names them "bodyguard" or "protection specialist" or "personal protection specialist" such certificates can be obtained for about 100 dollars and a short 8 hour course.
This people are not bodyguards they are dangerous fools with a damn certificate in hand. When looking for a bodyguard look for graduates of government schools.
The best way to find a good candidate is to get a copy of your candidates military discharge certificate known as the DD214. In that certificate you can find the military schools attended, units served with and weapons certify in. Look for airborne Marines, Navy Seals, Security specialist, Military Police, Army Rangers or Airborne troops as 1st Cavalry, 82nd Airborne, Marine Recon, or anyone with long range patrol expertise. Sometimes you can copies of their certificates at times you can't but remember if its on the DD214 it's as good as being certified and notarized.
There are other government organizations where you can find qualified individuals such as graduates of an Executive Protection course from United States Secret Service, US Dept. of State's Diplomatic Security Service, Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC), US Army Military Police School (USAMPS), US Army Criminal Investigation Division (CID), US Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS), US Air Force Office of Special Investigations (OSI), British Special Air Service (SAS) or graduates from one of the few, recognized and respected civilian executive protection schools like ESI, Kobetz (Executive Protection Int'l), R.L. Oatman, Vance, Steel,. Also consider “Executive Protection/Protective Services/Corporate Security” personnel from a Fortune 500 corporation like Microsoft, Dell, Boeing, IBM, etc., with direct (not limited or collateral) experience.
Unfortunately many of those trained by professional international executive protection schools usually request high dollar salaries.
Those who reside in Mexico or Central America and have need for the services of professional executive protection may search for candidates at local Army installations. At such locations local Army officers can make recommendations on good individuals about to be discharged from the army that can be trained as executive protection very well.
One thing that this writer can say
about former Mexican Army soldiers is that they are very dedicated
and extremely loyal to those they serve. I once hired a recently discharged Mexican Soldier for a client in Mexico. The young soldier turned out to be one of the best Executive Protection professionals that I have ever known. He possess incredible skills and extreme loyalty. This former soldier's was a small size compared to most. But this young soldier could bring down a 35o pound man in less than three seconds.
When hiring one or thinking of hiring one get the candidates driver's license, identification cards and social security cards if you are in the U.S. You can do a criminal background check on the internet for 40 dollars. As for background checks do them. Have your candidate get them to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement. Look for specialized skills and experience that your candidate has. Look for fire-arms training, look for counter-measures skills, knowledge of electronic alarms and security controls. If the candidate has prior executive protection skills find out who the people are. If he gives you a list of names remind him that your name must never be revealed. Remember that if a candidate starts revealing personal information it is possible that they are violating non-disclosure and confidentiality statements they agreed to. Do not accept the response "I can't tell you for reasons of privacy." Professional bodyguards are very careful about divulging information about former clients or protects, and they will find a way for you to verify their claims without violating confidentiality agreements.
Remember the person you hire is going to blend-in to your lifestyle. Can this candidate dress and act like you and the people around you? Remember avoid hiring people with anger or a combative mentality.
The candidate should also have the following qualities;
Loyalty
Discretion
Intelligence
Patience
Character
Attention to service
Honor
Respect
Confident
Commitment
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