What does a bodyguard do?

What is a Bodyguard?

A bodyguard looks out for the personal security of individuals such as political figures, famous celebrities, business executives, or other individuals who may be in danger of personal attacks.

Bodyguards travel with their clients to public events and escort them on their day-to-day activities. They research the background of the people that will have contact with their client, plan out travel routes, pre-search rooms/buildings/vehicles, look for any potential danger, and carry out security checks.

What does a Bodyguard do?

The work of a bodyguard can be very fulfilling, but is not as glamorous as many people may think. Even though at times bodyguards are exposed to amazing lifestyles and may also get to travel extensively (depending on the client), at the end of the day it's about protecting someone's life, not having fun.

Bodyguards work either alone or as part of a security team, and are trained to jump to action and defend their clients in any situation where there is a threat of harassment or attack. They protect public officials, wealthy people, and celebrities from kidnapping, assassination, harassment, theft, assault, loss of confidential information, threats, and other criminal offences.

A bodyguard can:
- be a close-protection officer (who escorts the client)
- be a driver-bodyguard
- be part of a unit that provides IED (Intelligent Electronic Device) detection
- specialize in protecting the children of VIP's from kidnapping and/or assassination

Bodyguards are trained to react quickly in emergency situations and are able to make immediate decisions and changes on the fly. They stay close to their clients at all times, keep an eye on their surroundings, and keep strangers at a safe distance.

Before entering a building or a public meeting place, a bodyguard will carefully access the situation and will know the best way to exit should there be a problem. Bodyguards are sometimes responsible for driving their clients to and from events, and must plan travel routes carefully to make sure that their clients arrive and leave destinations safely.

This career can vary greatly depending on who the client is. Bodyguards protecting clients at high risk will be focusing on checking cars for IED devices, bombs, watching for potential shooters, etc.

By contrast, a bodyguard escorting a celebrity who is being stalked by photographers and fans will focus on maintaining a safe distance and block the path of anyone becoming too aggressive towards their client.

What is the workplace of a Bodyguard like?

Bodyguards may work for state or private organizations, or for private individuals. Clients may include celebrities, public figures, heads of industry, or royalty. Bodyguards may work as part of a larger close protection team with other professionals, or offer individual services.

If working as part of a 24-hour protection team, long day, night or weekend shifts may be required. Individuals may need to work indoors and/or outdoors, attend social events when needed, and be willing to travel.