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Executive security and bodyguard services in Australia

Executive security and bodyguard services involve providing security and protection for high-profile individuals like business executives, celebrities, and political figures. Having a personal bodyguard has become increasingly common for wealthy individuals who feel threatened or require additional personal security. This article will examine executive protection services in Australia – who needs them, what to look for when hiring, and factors affecting costs.

What are Private Executive Protection Services?

Executive protection (EP) or personal protection services, also known as executive security and bodyguard services, involve close protection operatives, known as bodyguards, providing security and safety for individuals. EP agents act as security personnel for their clients by being constantly alert to threats, securing venues and routes, and putting themselves between the client and any possible attackers. Training for these executive security and bodyguard services often includes firearms proficiency, defensive driving, emergency first aid, and access control.

Who Needs a Bodyguard or Executive Protection Services?

Some examples of people who commonly employ executive protection services in Australia include:

  • Business leaders and executives, especially of large corporations
  • Entertainers and celebrities
  • High-net-worth individuals and their families
  • Politicians and political candidates

Why Do You Need Executive Security Services?

There are a few key reasons to hire an EP agent or bodyguard:

Physical security: Bodyguards provide 24/7 protection from threats and acts of violence. This gives clients peace of mind.

Privacy and crowd control: Executive protection can keep paparazzi or aggressive fans away and ensure a comfortable level of privacy.

Secure transportation: Bodyguards can drive clients in armored vehicles and ensure safe arrival at destinations.

Access to secure locations: Executive protection can get clients into hard-to-access events, venues, or areas smoothly and safely.

Executive security and bodyguard services

6 Types of People that Should Consider Hiring a Personal Bodyguard

  1. Politicians: Especially during campaigns or traveling to high-risk areas.
  2. Celebrities: Famous individuals and performers at risk of overzealous fans.
  3. Executives: Protection while traveling for business or at firm events.
  4. Billionaires and their families: Famous individuals and performers who draw enthusiastic crowds of admirers.
  5. Crime witnesses and informants: Police protection is sometimes offered but personal bodyguards may be preferable.
  6. Anyone facing threats of violence: If police feel a credible threat exists, extra protection may be warranted.

Benefits of Having a Bodyguard

Having a personal bodyguard provides several key benefits for high-profile individuals:

  • Added defense against physical threats – Bodyguards serve as an extra layer of security against varied harms including assaults, mobbing, kidnapping attempts, and other attacks. Their constant presence acts as a shield against violence.
  • Ability to focus on work – For celebrities, business leaders, and politicians, a bodyguard allows them to fully concentrate on their occupations when in public rather than worrying about self-protection from threats like obsessed fans.
  • Peace of mind – Knowing there is someone ready to respond instantly if an incident occurs gives immense peace of mind and stress relief to both the client and their loved ones who don’t have to fret constantly about their safety.
  • Professional emergency response – Bodyguards are trained to react swiftly, competently, and strategically during crises in ways untrained individuals may not be able to. Their quick emergency response increases survival odds.
  • Deterrent effect – Potential attackers may think twice when they see a high-profile individual has professional protection, making them less likely to cause harm and providing some preventative benefits.

So bodyguards provide crucial defense, focus, confidence, expert emergency reaction, and deterrence against violence which gives clients comfort to live their lives more freely despite risks.

What Should You Look for in a Bodyguard?

When vetting potential bodyguards, some key factors to consider are:

  • Relevant qualifications: Background in police, military, security, or close protection work.
  • Local experience: Knowledge of the environment, culture, and language if traveling.
  • Personality fit: A bodyguard needs to put the client’s needs first and get along with the client’s confidants.
  • Physical fitness: Ability to keep up with client’s lifestyle and respond quickly if needed.
  • Discretion: Vital ability to be unobtrusive and keep client’s privacy and confidentiality.
  • Good communication skills: Clear, timely reporting on threats and coordination with other security personnel.
  • Current licenses: Such as firearm licenses and security industry licenses.

Corporate Use of Bodyguards

Many large companies employ executive protection services to safeguard senior executives in addition to private individuals using bodyguards. Corporations often provide bodyguards to protect executives as valuable human assets vital to company operations.

This allows executives to focus on business matters rather than personal risks and threats. Having visible security also reassures stakeholders like investors, clients, and employees that safety measures are in place. Executive security and bodyguard services can deter corporate espionage by guarding against competitors seeking trade secrets at industry events or shareholder meetings.

Bodyguards provide useful defense at conferences, galas, and other PR events. Overall, corporations utilize executive bodyguards for key executives to protect irreplaceable personnel, reduce distraction, assure stakeholders, and provide additional security at public events.

Factors that Influence the Cost of Hiring Executive Protection Services

There are several key factors that influence the costs of hiring executive protection services in Australia. The number of bodyguard agents required is a major cost driver, as more agents means higher overall wages.

The total hours per day and length of service also impact costs, with live-in 24/7 protection being more expensive than hourly or daytime-only guards. The level of risk and qualifications demanded play a role too, with extensive military or police training warranting higher fees.

The types of services such as secure transportation and residential security tend to cost more than basic close protection duties. A principal’s public profile also affects pricing, as high-visibility individuals who attract more threats will need to pay more.

Finally, serving in remote regions or high-risk countries increases bodyguard fees as well. So the number of agents, hours/length of service, qualifications, services rendered, principal’s profile, and location all contribute to the overall cost of executive protection.

Conclusion

Executive security and bodyguard services provide crucial security and peace of mind for Australian individuals under threat of violence or facing high public visibility. While costs can be substantial, large corporations also see benefits in protecting top executives from harm and distraction.

Proper vetting allows a qualified bodyguard to offer discrete, professional personal security tailored to specific risks and needs. Considering the potential dangers, investing in executive protection is often a wise choice for Australians with heightened security concerns.

FAQs

How much do bodyguards cost in Australia?

The costs of hiring a personal bodyguard in Australia can vary considerably depending on the services provided and the qualifications required. However, according to Corporate Security Australia, an unarmed security guard typically costs a minimum of $35 per hour.

For more specialized executive protection services from a trained and licensed personal bodyguard, prices often range from $400 to $800 per day for a 12-hour shift.

Can you hire bodyguards in Australia?

Personal bodyguards are a frequent security request in Australia, sought by individuals wanting assured protection for themselves or family members during domestic and international travels.

What is an executive bodyguard?

An executive bodyguard is a professional personal security guard who protects high-profile individuals like business executives, celebrities, and political figures.