Bodyguard

United States President Barack Obama with Senator Sherrod Brown, Representative Mary Jo Kilroy, and Secret Service personnel arriving at Port Columbus International Airport

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Posse Dilma 2010 5

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Merkel Bodyguards 2013

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DEVGRU soldiers protecting Hamid Karzai

Bodyguard is a term used to describe a type of security guard or government law enforcement officer, or soldier who protects an individual or a group of individuals—usually high-ranking public officials or officers, wealthy people, and celebrities—from danger: generally theft, assault, kidnapping, assassination, harassment, loss of confidential information, threats, or other criminal offences. The personnel team that protects a VIP is often referred to as the VIP's security detail.

Most important public figures such as heads of state, heads of government, and governors are protected by several bodyguards or by a team of bodyguards from an agency, security forces, or police forces (e.g., in the U.S., the United States Secret Service or the State Department's Diplomatic Security Service). In countries where the head of state is also their military leader, the leader's bodyguards have traditionally been Royal Guards, Republican Guards and other elite military units. Less-important public figures, or those with lower risk profiles, may be accompanied by a single bodyguard who doubles as a driver.

A bodyguard protects their client by preemptively identifying potential threats, planning routes carefully, and sometimes by checking rooms and vehicles for devices, bombs, or potential shooters. In some cases, bodyguards also drive their clients, adding to the range of duties they perform to ensure the safety and security of their clients. The practice of protecting someone by escorting them has ancient origins, with historical figures such as Julius Caesar and emperors of the Roman Empire being among those who employed bodyguards. Over time, the role of the bodyguard has evolved, influenced by the changing nature of threats and advancements in security technology and tactics.

Duties and Responsibilities

The primary duty of a bodyguard is to ensure the personal safety of the individual they are protecting. This involves a wide range of tasks including, but not limited to:

• Conducting security assessments to identify potential threats
• Planning safe routes and alternative routes
• Physical protection and close-quarters defense
• Crowd screening and control to prevent unwanted individuals from getting too close
• Checking venues for security risks before the client arrives
• Driving and escorting the client to and from locations
• Coordinating with other security personnel and law enforcement agencies
• Providing first aid and medical assistance in case of emergency

Bodyguards need to possess a variety of skills to be effective in their jobs, including physical fitness, defensive tactics, firearms training, and first aid knowledge. They must also have excellent situational awareness, be able to work as part of a team, and have good judgment to make quick decisions in high-pressure situations.

Training and Qualifications

The training required to become a bodyguard varies by country and employer. It typically includes comprehensive security training, with courses in personal protection, firearms handling, first aid, and tactical driving. Many bodyguards have backgrounds in law enforcement, military service, or security work. In some jurisdictions, bodyguards need to be licensed and may be required to pass criminal background checks as well as complete formal training programs.

Notable Bodyguards

Throughout history, there have been many notable bodyguards known for their service to high-profile individuals. These include the Praetorian Guard of ancient Rome, who served as personal bodyguards to the Roman emperors, and the Swiss Guard who currently serve as bodyguards to the Pope.

In Popular Culture

Bodyguards have been a popular subject in fiction, with numerous books, films, and television shows depicting the lives and work of bodyguards. These portrayals often emphasize the danger and excitement associated with the profession, although they may not always provide an accurate representation of the day-to-day work of bodyguards.