REASONS FOR ENGAGING BODYGUARDS

Bodyguards are engaged for a multitude of reasons, however the reasons of engagement can normally be categorized as:

Dignitary

Within the various global jurisdictions, there are many dignitaries including members of the royal family, politicians and heads of state or leaders of countries, and persons holding diplomatic positions.

Generally these persons are subject to publicly funded protection from their particular country or state. Alternatively and by convention, protection might be provided by the military or police force of the state or country they visit.

Statistically speaking, actions against these persons are normally fanatically or politically motivated.

A strong component of protective services in this area is the gathering of intelligence and implementation of strategic counter-measures. The United States CIA (Central Intelligence Agency) is the prime example of how the process of intelligence gathering and then strategic counter-measures are used for the protection of many US personnel including the President. Typically, intelligence gathered has resulted in attendance of US government staff in some countries experiencing political unrest.

Industrial or Military

Where there is military activity or industrial unrest, it is no uncommon for leaders and high profile members of organisations to have on-going protection. Again, subject to the perceived risk and also jurisdictional policies, the protective service is normally a public funded strategy provided through the various military or policing organisations.

Again, a strong component of protective services in this area is the gathering of intelligence and implementation of strategic counter-measures. Where private operators are used, they generally tend to make up operational numbers rather then assume a controlling authority role for the operation.

Executive

Executives within many organisations have been the subject of a variety of threats. For example, redundancies or down-sizing at an organisation may spark reaction from some employees or their families. Leaders of corporations in conflict with unions or employee groups have also sought protection for themselves or their families.

Although rarely occurring, the elimination of competition in business or the relocation of a business has also resulted in attacks against individuals.

Protection for executives, unless a clear risk or previous attack, is usually provided by private operators with or without police support.

Entertainer

Many entertainers utilize the services of personal protection staff to deter or educe the impact of stalkers or over-zealous fans. In addition, there have been many instances of persons with mental illness compromising an entertainer’s home security system.

Again like executives, protection is usually provided by private operators with or without police support.

Personal

Victims of domestic or apprehended violence also regularly use the services of private bodyguards. Recently some members of the medical profession making ‘house calls’ have also engaged bodyguards to ensure that they are not intimidated to provide drugs on prescription or attacked for drugs they might have in their possession.

Witnesses or persons involved in legal proceedings have also sought a protective service.

Some cultures seem to suffer more from extortion and kidnapping of family members than others. This also results in an increased demand for bodyguard services as affluent families ensure their children or spouse is adequately protected.

Under this category, heads or key members of criminal organisations have also engaged bodyguards to protect themselves against acts of violence or extortion.

Further, attacks against members of religious, cult or other minority groups is not uncommon. One only has to consider history involving ethnic cleansing and racial hatred to perceive a need for bodyguard operations.

Again, protection is usually provided by private operators with or without police support.