Close protection is a term used to describe the guarding of one or more persons against attack that may be suffered as a consequence of the unlawful conduct of others. The unlawful conduct may come in the form of armed – including bomb – attack with fatal intent, kidnap, coercion or common assault.

People requiring close protection form a broad spectrum, and range from heads of state to vulnerable businessmen working at home or overseas or women fearful of assault from their existing or former spouse. Close protection is provided by security operatives trained in all aspects of personal security ranging from evasive driving to self defence, and is used to protect all manner of people vulnerable to attack.

Close protection operations are conducted along standardised lines in accordance with the current teaching of agencies such as the American Security Service, British Diplomatic Protection Squad and Royal Military Police. Protection will normally be afforded by a team of four although budget considerations and the degree of threat may allow teams of two or even one to operate effectively.

Close protection may be overt – like the protection afforded to pop stars and celebrities and associated with big but not necessarily skilled operatives – or covert, where the Principal may wish – for personal or operation reasons – a less ostentatious form of protection.

Close protection specialists normally (although not exclusively) have a military, police or security related background and must be totally focused when providing protection. In the event of an attack their prime responsibility is the safety of their Principal/s and so there can be no half measures when facilitating a successful outcome. Close protection operatives must therefore be fit, determined individuals, competent in self-defence and confident in their ability to ensure the safety of the Principal; for instance if attacked, the Principal may be injured and so it would be beholden on his or her close protection specialist to carry him or her to safety. Similarly, an attacker will not be deterred by words alone and so the bodyguard must be able to unarm and restrain an attacker whilst ensuring the safe evacuation of the Principal. Bodyguards may – depending upon the threat and laws of the land – be armed and so they must be proficient in the use of firearms in a close quarter battle situation.