When you think of VIP the first thing that may come to mind is royalty or even celebrities. However, with an increase in global threats, security is often required for diplomats, CEOs, politicians, and individuals with high financial worth to ensure their own safety and that of their families. This requires expert protection that can still allow clients to be able to successfully go about their personal and professional business without fear or worry.
But what does it mean and what does it entail?
What is VIP security?
VIP security is the protection of both high-profile and high value individuals. This may also be extended to include any high-value assets or information. The level of security required for a VIP client will usually involve assessment of risk, surveillance and will nearly always involve close protection services.
What is close protection?
Close protection security is the physical protection of client(s) from any possible threat of harm. This security measure is usually carried out by close protection officers (CPOs) who provide ongoing security assessments, surveillance, and threat mitigation, with the aim of keeping a client safe from danger.
What does it involve?
Security and close protection are not what many expect, which is often simply gaining a bodyguard, the actual job is far more complex, although CPOs are mostly recognised as providing an obvious presence as a deterrent, physically protecting and defending their client from harm and helping to diffuse any dangerous situation however they see fit, within legal parameters. There are other aspects to this type of security however, including:
Risk assessments
One of the most time-consuming aspects of close protection is the continual risk assessments needed to cover the circumstances and location of the client. This may be assessing venues before an event or a thorough inspection of staff as well as looking for vulnerabilities in the security. By doing due diligence and assessing risk, most dangers are removed before they ever come close to harming or threatening VIP clients, which is the aim for security and close protection, to remove or diffuse the threat before it becomes serious.
Surveillance
As most clients will need to continue their life as normal and want minimal disruption to their lifestyle, some close protection will require surveillance rather than a demanding presence at the client’s side. This may involve use of innovative technology, or it may be that the client simply requires an operative to blend in with the surroundings whilst keeping a close eye out.
Sometimes there may be a need for a residential security team to help the client feel safe and protected around their home. Surveillance is often used in this case, combined with an obvious security deterrent of placed CPOs.
Travel and Escort
There are times when a client will require themselves or a valuable asset to be escorted. This often requires constant protection services, where the CPO will not leave the side of the client or possession needing to be kept safe.
A lot of attacks take place when a protected person is travelling, so CPOs are often tasked with planning and assessing routes for safety and depending on the severity and likelihood of the threat, using security drivers who are highly trained in tactical driving.
Do I need VIP security or close protection services?
If you think you may face a higher risk of threat due to your public profile or you are attending an event which you believe may require you to need safeguarding, then you will most likely need extra security and need to use the services of a firm that specialises in close protection.
Close protection can minimise any threat against you or your family through a range of protective services. Although VIP security is for recognisable clients or those that may work or deal in high-risk situations, close protection services can be utilised by anyone that believes they are under threat of possible harm or danger.
Event protection is another reason you may want to invest in personal protection. If there are multiple locations and you need close protection for individuals or valuable assets, bodyguards can provide mobile and static surveillance and physical protection.
Because personal protection covers such a wide range of scenarios, it is important to find a personal protection agency that matches your specific needs and requirements.
What types of threats can they help with?
VIP security and close protection services offer help and safety against a variety of threats that may occur in your day-to-day life. Although it is unlikely that the average person will ever need personal protection, it is not unheard to be used against stalkers or in domestic violence cases. VIP security and close protection services can help protect you against:
- Stalkers
- Threats against you or your family, both direct and indirect
- Organised Crime
- Privacy invasions
- Corporate or political opponents
- Overzealous fans
- Hostile environments
Depending on the scenario and assignment, VIP security and close protection may involve static and mobile surveillance, risk assessments of sites and events, planning driving routes and providing driving escorts, or even driving their client or asset themselves. These ongoing security assessments are a huge benefit to high-profile clients that need security and protection and ensure the client always feels safe and secure.
Your safety with OpSec Solutions
In a world full of increased threats, security is more important now than ever. Here at OpSec solutions we have the knowledge and expertise to keep our clients and assets safe and well protected, no matter the challenges required.
If you feel you need personal security for yourself, your family, valuable assets, round the clock home protection with a residential security team or simply a specialist escort and chauffeur service, we can provide you with close protection services that keeps you safe. With years of experience in the security industry, combined with our expert Close Protection Officers and state-of-the-art technology, you can be sure our safeguarding of clients is handled professionally and sensitively, and with minimum disruption to the personal lives of our clients.
All our team are highly trained and hold a Security Industry Authority (SIA) Close Protections Licence.
We understand that both our VIPs and our everyday clients have specific requirements, and each assignment may include different risks and vulnerabilities. This is why we offer comprehensive security and close protection services that are tailored specifically to the job and the circumstances around why such protection is required. From location to the duration of the job, we can deliver exactly what you need, when and where you need it:
- Providing visible protection as a deterrent in the form of CPO’s
- Operatives discreetly blending in with the environment if surveillance and protection of a sensitive nature is required
- Male/female close protection officers for your safety and comfort
- Regular or one-off services
- Individual or security team
- Travel security
So, whether you need VIP security or specialist protection for appearances, events or for personal security and safety, OpSec can adapt our services to match your needs, helping you feel safe and secure at all times.
Our close protection team can travel anywhere in the UK or even overseas, that includes travelling alongside you. This commitment extends to our operating times. We understand that threats to your security don’t just end with the working day, so regardless of 9-5, overnight or around the clock, we will provide any of our security or close protection services whenever you need it.
Confidentiality is a key element of our business ethics and philosophy, and we understand the seriousness with which VIP clients consider their privacy in matters. Therefore, you can trust us to handle your protection and any personal information responsibly and maintain complete confidentiality. We complete all work legally, confidentially and in full compliance with GDPR. We have accreditation and membership from some of the industry’s leading bodies, so you have peace of mind that any private investigative services are carried out ethically, legally and with full confidentiality.
Whether it is a direct threat to your safety, or reducing the risks involved for attendance at an event, executive travel, asset security or close protection, please give us a call today to talk about your requirements in more depth and see how we can help. With experience, training, and skills on our side, we are highly respected within the industry, with the accreditations to prove it. Our team can provide a free consultation and assessment with a clear security plan and bespoke pricing. Contact us today using our contact form on the website or call us on 0844-664-1125.