When it comes to hiring close protection, it is important to make sure that you are choosing the right person for the job. Close protection professionals provide an invaluable service to those who need to be protected from potential threats, so it’s important to choose someone with the right qualifications, experience, and training.
At OpSec Solutions we are experts in close protection services, so here are our top tips for hiring any type of protection services, from corporate security to asset protection.
1. Research the Company
Before hiring a close protection security professional, it is important to research the company or agency you are thinking of choosing. Make sure they have a good reputation and are properly licensed to provide close protection services. Check their track record, online reviews and ask for references from past clients.
It’s also worth seeing what they provide initially. For example, here at OpSec Solutions, we offer a free consultation to discuss your requirements first, which enables us to give you clear pricing and give you peace of mind there will be no hidden costs. Check the small print on any security agency website to make sure you don’t get caught out by extra costs.
Credibility also plays a huge part when choosing the right person or company for the job. If you use a security firm that also does private investigations, look for membership badges of leading trade bodies such as the Association of British Investigators (ABI), UKPIN (UK Professional Investigators Network), IPI (The Institute of Professional Investigators) and WAPI (the World Association of Professional Investigators). They are held to an ethics standard that is important when it comes to close protection. Especially during covert operations.
2. Check Qualifications and Experience
A close protection professional should have the right qualifications and experience for the job. They are generally referred to as CPOs (Close Protection Officers) and they should have a valid Security Industry Authority (SIA) licence, as well as any other certifications that may be required for the specific job. To get this, they need to have completed the Close Protection training course and hold a Level 3 certificate for working as a close protection operative within the private security industry. They must also be a current, certified first aider.
It is a criminal offence by both the person and their employer, to work in the private security industry without an SIA Licence, unless the employer has been given the necessary exemptions under Section 4(4) of the Private Security Industry Act 2001. Therefore, if you are looking for close protection, please check the credentials and accreditation of any CPO.
It is also important to check their experience level, such as how long they have been providing close protection services and the types of clients they have worked with. Most CPOs will come from a professional police or military background and have expertise in protective services.
3. Assess Their Personality
It is also important to assess the personality of the close protection professional you are considering hiring. They should be able to remain calm and professional in any situation, as well as be able to think on their feet when necessary. They should also be able to stay focused and keep the client safe.
This will usually require an in-person meeting or video call with the agency or individual before agreeing to any form of contract.
4. Discuss Expectations
Before hiring a close protection professional, it is important to discuss all expectations with them. Make sure they understand the job requirements, the timeline, and any other expectations that you have. This will ensure that they are fully prepared for the job. As there are many different types of close protection, from event security through to 24-hour home surveillance, discussing everything beforehand means you are more likely to get the desired outcome and reduce the risk of harm to you, your company, or your assets.
5. Ask about Insurance
All CPOS, private detectives and security firms should have professional indemnity insurance, you can ask to see if a company or person has the right cover in place before you hire them.
6. Ask about Confidentiality and Data Protection
If you are wanting personal protection services, especially for work or VIP purposes, then how a company or individual handles confidential data and information is crucial. As part of any security solution, you may have to provide sensitive information, so check to see if the company you are looking at is registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office as this is a requirement for all businesses and ask what processes they have in place to ensure your confidentiality and safety at all times.
By following these tips, you can ensure that you are hiring the right close protection professional for the job. Doing so will help to keep you or your family safe and secure from any potential threats.
If you’re looking for a company that ticks all of the above boxes, then look no further than OpSec Solutions. We are an established, accredited and reputable company that specialise in safety and security solutions, designed with clients as our priority.
We know that every person or case is different, and may have different complexities, which is why we provide a range of options that can work best for you. This may include needing a specific male or female CPO, regular services or for a one-off event or deciding whether the operation needs overt or covert surveillance.
We also offer bespoke packages, with strategies and prices tailored specifically to your needs, and the safeguarding of all our clients is handled professionally, discreetly and with the minimum disruption possible to the personal lives of any individual who hires us. If you are looking for close protection then give us a call today to talk about your requirements in more depth and see how we can help. Our team can provide a free consultation with bespoke pricing and a clear strategy. You can contact us on 0844 6641125, using the enquiry form on our website or by emailing [email protected]