Psychology of a Close Protection Operative

Historically the Close Protection Executive or Bodyguard is a specialist with a wide range of
Knowledge and skill Sets. They were perceived as the Warrior Elite

Educationally qualified in both

Tacticians
Theory and Practical Skills to an
Educationally above average standard
Developed and highly tuned to both
Advanced
Rural and Urban environments, whilst Situational
being able to read signs of distress in Awareness
their Principal in social gatherings Not only capable of dealing with
Threat
Mitigation an attack, but can prevent it
prior to any loss using a wide
range of skill sets

The essential skills for dealing Diplomatic

with other VIPS or Negotiators These are skills that are developed for a
negotiating with potential Skilled
hostiles and significant others wide range of scenario’s and practiced
Self with deadly effect.
.
Defence The CPO will also have a good
& knowledge of physical Security
Strategy Strengthening
 Becoming a Close Protection Operative
The Basics first

Prior to working within the Private Security Industry, it is a requirement for an operative to
obtain a course of Training with any training Provider that offers a Close Protection Course,
which listed on the SIA website as authorised to deliver the Regulated Qualification. Do not
accept their word for this, check that the company has the authority to provide an SIA
authorised qualification
All SIA course must be delivered over 139.5 hours or more, which equate to 12 days as a
minimum, but remember this means you will be completing 12 hours work a day. Which is
not ideal for learning a new subject.

You will be required to produce a Level 3 First Aid at Work Certificate or higher prior to your
training.
Obtain a Licence prior to starting work
Pass a Criminal Record Bureau Check
This Licence is Valid for 3 Years
The Licence currently costs £190.00
 Industry Requirements
Although the minimum standard is a Level 3 First Aid at Work Certificate,
those who will employee you will require a higher standard of Medical
Training

Employers are currently demanding F-POS(I) or Level 3 FREC as a minimum for both
the UK and active
Service overseas
Tier 1 & 2 Medic’s must be registered with the Health & Care Professionals Council
(HCPC)

There are many clients that require Close Protection

Operatives to be Paediatric First Aid trained

Other Medical Skills required may include:

* Geriatrics
* Mental Health
* Tropical Illnesses
* Major Trauma
 Psychology of Close Protection Executives
It is essential that you are psychologically sound of mind and able to think outside of the box
As well as be able to assess situations quickly

You should not be the

You should be able to maintain advocate of doom and Gloom.
a positive mindset in adversity.

Assess peoples Intentions You not be the centre of attention.

Quickly, without overreacting

You must be always alert and

Maintain a calm and collected
sober and drug free.
Presence, whilst reassuring
your principal

Your attitude, effects their Attitude, which effects their actions, which will affect your reactions
 Preparing for your training
It is our advice that you take a First Aid Course some weeks prior to attempting your Close Protection Course and researching
the current requirements of those who you are seeking employment with, you should also consider all the other
requirements that have been stipulated and ensure you have these first.

Communication, Studying, Reading and Writing

These skill sets are now an absolute must for the

modern Protection Operative.

Reduce your Stress levels and have a clear

mind prior to attending
Ensure your Physical fitness is
adequate for this role

Your Etiquette skills & Behaviour

needs to be in line with a
professional
The Security Industry Authority
Working within the United Kingdom

The SIA requires all applicants to submit to a Criminals Records Bureau Check.
Some Clients may well require Enhanced CRB Checks especially where you will be working with children or
vulnerable adults. This will be completed by your employer prior to your start date.

Working as a Close Protection Operative brings with it, a requirement for Trust and
Confidentiality, therefore it would be advisable to have a clean Criminal Record
However the Law allows for certain crimes to be discounted, therefore candidates wishing to
attend a Close Protection course should check with the SIA and or their training Provider
prior to releasing any cash or deposit
The Link below will allow you to check the criteria if you do have a criminal record:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/check-if-you-can-get-an-sia-licence-with-a-criminal-record
 SIA - Examinations
The SIA License to practice is designed for the UK Market and Firearms training is NOT a part of the
SIA approved syllabus, nor is advanced driving skills, therefore these should be sourced from your
training provider after your SIA training Program.

Until October 2021 there are 3 examinations plus a portfolio that must be completed
• Working as a Close Protection Operative
• Planning, Preparing and Supporting a Close Protection Operation
• Conflict Management within the Private Security Industry

You are also required to complete a personal Portfolio of evidence that demonstrates your
competence in the role of a Close Protection Operative

October 2021 Changes will be fully announced by the SIA via the Awarding Organisations

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/changes-to-sia-licence-linked-training-your-questions-answered/changes-to-sia-licence-linked-training

7
 Course Modules – For an approved Course
Close Protection Modules (Until Oct 2021)

1: Roles and Responsibilities of the Close Protection Operative Conflict Management Module
2: Threat and Risk Assessment
3: Surveillance Awareness
1: Avoiding Conflict and Reducing Personal Risk
4: Operational Planning
5: Law and Legislation
2: Defusing Conflict
6: Interpersonal Skills 3: Resolving and Learning from Conflict
7: Close Protection Teamwork and Briefing 4: Application of Communication Skills and
8: Conduct Reconnaissance Conflict Management for Close Protection
9: Close Protection Foot Drills
10: Route Selection
11: Close Protection Journey Management
12: Search Procedures
13: Incident Management
14: Venue Security
 Extended Training Requirements
The Close Protection Operative has always been considered, to be a part of an Elite group of Protectors.
They should be highly skilled in a wide variety of skill Sets .

After your SIA Training Course, you should develop essential skills and knowledge that will set you apart from those who are
mediocre, as you must be considered by your Principal/VIP and Peers as a Professional in every sense of the word.

This is not an exhaustive list of additional training:

• Advanced Driving Techniques (Chauffeur or ROSPA advanced Driver)
• Physical Fitness which includes Self Defence Techniques
• Enhanced Risk & Threat Assessment
• Etiquette Skills including Dining and Social Interaction with VIP’s
• Ability to understand or engage in VIP pastimes such as Horse Riding, Skiing etc.
• Enhanced Law and its implications
More Complex Skills and Training

• Advanced Firearms
• Explosive Awareness
• Scuba Diving (Maritime Assignments)
• STCW 2010 /Ship Security Officer
• Hostile Environment & Survival Training
• Physical & Cyber Security
• Anti-Drone Training
• Languages
 This is only the beginning of your path to
being a respected Close Protection Executive
Just because you hold an SIA Badge doesn’t make you a Bodyguard

In most other Countries and within Government

Organisations the training is far more in depth
and can take several months.

The Royal Protection Units can take up to 16 weeks plus Specialist Training
The SAS basic CP Training is 8 weeks long, then further specialist training
RMP Close Protection Operatives undergo an extensive 8-week training program
that covers a range of disciplines

Do not settle for second best, develop yourself

and your career by investing in quality training
that will ensure you work in Close Protection or
within a Management position
 Women in Close Protection
There is still a big demand for skilled Women Protection Operatives and women should not feel
that there are any barriers to their entry into this trade.

The Female Personal Protection Officer

Close Protection is not always about Physical size, there are a
wide range of skills that are essential in protecting a
principal
Women can be less conspicuous than their male counter
parts, allowing the principal to go about their daily business
without appearing to be under protection
Principals often prefer female operatives to escort females
and children, as they feel there will be a higher level of
communication and a sense of security, without drawing
attention to the protected woman or child.
Women are no longer seen as non-combatants and have
proven themselves just as capable as men in Hostile
Environments and under pressure

Women can now pursue lucrative and fulfilling careers within the wider Security Industry
There is a lot more support today for female Security Consultants than there was even 5 years ago
Your Future as a Close Protection Executive
There are a wide range of positions within a security team, not all Close Protection Operatives fulfill
the actual guarding roles

Operational Planning and Event Management

Aviation or Maritime Protection.

Linguist and Communications Officers.

Covert Surveillance and Intelligence Gathering.

Technical Security Counter Measures (TSCM)

Cyber Security and Anti-Drone

Having knowledge & Skills will increase your employability

in a very competitive Industry
 Security CPD Global Ltd
Working with Industry Leaders to provide Security related Continuous Professional Development
Increasing the Professionalism thorough Education
In Partnership with Security Training Providers, Awarding Organisations and other significant Bodies

Members Individuals
Raising Standards across
the Industry and
Providing exceptional providing unbiased
Training and intelligence and
Information for the Emotional information to develop
your careers
Security Practitioners
Intelligence

www.securitycpd.org