WHAT’S IN A NAME?

At this stage a number of issues regarding personal protection have been examined and some purists might contend that the term ‘bodyguard’ is not a true reflection of what others call executive protection. So what’s in a name?

Firstly, the term bodyguard is not necessarily a bad title. Some will argue the term conjures up thoughts of the old time reactive operator although one might equally argue there are some executive protection ‘specialists’ who operate no differently today than the poor performer of yesteryear. The real issue would appear to be preference as title does not determine operating performance.

One thing is clear.

There is no confusion about what a bodyguard is, however Hollywood has not assisted in what a bodyguard does. Films such as ‘The Bodyguard’ have only provided this section of the security industry with some free public exposure.

Sadly to some, perception is reality where bodyguards are seen as high profile, attention grabbing individuals who always win on behalf of their famous clients.

The realities are that professional bodyguards tend to be the opposite and blend into the environment. The professional bodyguard is only ‘obviously’ present when there is a need to be obviously present. This is what the International Bodyguard Association refers to as the ‘grey person’ approach to protective duties.