Close Protection - Balancing Personal Space with Security

Close Protection: The deployment and coordination of mobile and static security services conducted in close proximity to the individual(s) being protected.

Often one of the most challenging aspects of personal or close protection can be balancing the client's need for personal space with the security related functions of the job. As the job description implies; the primary purpose of a protective detail is to provide safety and security for a principal. This could very well mean that whisking the client out of harms way could be a possibility. One would also assume that in order to do that, security personnel would always need to be in close enough proximity to instantly respond in an emergency.

Experience in the close protection field will tell you that being in a continuous state of readiness, within one arms distance of your protectee at all times is not only impractical, it's virtually impossible. Everyone needs their personal space, even the President of the United States - arguably the most protected person in the world.

For the close protection specialist - balancing the security requirements of the person they are protecting with their client’s personal needs and space is a skill that’s developed over time and though experience. The environment, the client’s profile or status and the resources available to the detail, are all factors that will determine agents positioning and proximity to the principal in any given situation.

Due to cost constraints close protection details in the private sector may consist of 1-2 agents. Two agents might be an ideal number for most situations and daily activities for a high level CEO or private client. A two agent detail would allow for a driver and dedicated security agent - this configuration would easily allow for the division of responsibilities and dedicate one agent to focus on the close body protection of the principal. A one agent detail can be a little more of a balancing act, causing the agent to divide his responsibilities between close body protection, facilitation and driving. An experienced agent will understand when it’s appropriate to leave the vehicle unattended for a brief period to escort the protectee or utilize valet services in order to better facilitate a departure or arrival.

As previously mentioned there are various factors that will determine spacing and distance in proximity to a protected person. A close protection detail can often be a seemly intrusive inconvenience to the uninitiated. It is very important that at the beginning of every detail; that expectations are clearly discussed and agreed upon. It is also critical that a security briefing is given directly to the principal and key staff or family members. Roles, responsibilities and expectations can often change after a detail begins and the principal becomes more familiar with having a protection team. It’s critically important the principal understands why the protective detail operates the way it does - they can then decide what adjustments and compromises they would like to make.

Generally speaking the positioning of agents in proximity to the principal is dictated by the environment and the situation. Clients can also have their very specific personal preferences. High power, private clients are often detail oriented and specific by nature - public perception is very important to them and should be taken into consideration when positioning agents in a close protection proximity.

During high profile public appearances or events agents should remain out of photo’s and away from the lime light. Depending on the protectee or the situation this might not always be possible. If agents are required to contend with media or the public, the utmost professionalism and constraint should be utilized so as not to embarrass the principal in any way.

Arrivals and departures are critical times when agents should be more vigilant and on their toes. This is one of the most vulnerable times for the detail and most attacks on protected persons tend to occur during this transition period. Large crowds, press conferences or public events are times when agents sold remain in close proximity to their protectee - not just for protection purposes, but for accountability as well. Look away for a split second and some principals can move like ghosts, disappearing into the crowd or mingling with guests at a large social function. It’s important for agents to remain especially flexible and adaptable in these situations. During walking moments agents should try to avoid fixating on the principal or following along like a lost dog. It’s important to blend in, while remaining flexible and prepared to respond to your principal. Agents who find themselves in front of a principal should always keep in mind that they need to stay far enough ahead so as not obstruct the principal; take into account entrances / exits, people, obstacles etc.. All walking moments should remain fluid and flow without being awkward.

A protection agent might find themselves, static, tucked away in the corner of a large, dimly lit banquet hall for hours, only to have the person they are protecting suddenly excuse themselves from the dinner table and quickly move towards the nearest exit. You’re not going to hovering over your client while they are eating dinner - but you will need to be prepared to escort them to the restroom half way through dinner. Your positioning in a situation such as this goes back to planning - know all of your exits/ entrances - know where the nearest restrooms are located - know and understand the client, the environment and the situation.

Another complex scenario is working with the client that prefers you to remain low profile and out of their direct line of sight - but yet still close enough so they feel safe or to be able to speak to you when they need something. This can often be a challenging and counter intuitive situation. It all goes back to having a good rapport with the principal and understanding your environment and the situation.

Of course, in terms of threats, anything is possible at any given time - as security professionals we are all taught to play the “what if” scenario game in our heads. I would offer that in terms of positioning and threats, we should focus on what is probable or likely given the principal, the environment and the situation. You can’t be prepared for every scenario in the book, but you can be prepared for the most likely threats to your protected given the situation. During this assignment; is it more likely that my protectee will trip on the red carpet or get shot by an assassin? Do I need to escort my female principal through the crowded reception hall at a black tie function so they don’t get kidnapped, or so they can conveniently make their way to their seat without tripping?

Is the client having a private dinner with family or friends at a public venue? Are you escorting the client to a private residence? Is it a closed door executive board meeting or one on one meeting with the President of a foreign country? Do you position your detail directly outside the meeting room or down in the lobby?

There are many variables to take into consideration - the art of close protection is the continuous balance and assessment of those variables and the ability to apply your protective skills accordingly.

A close protection professional will find themselves in a number of ever changing scenarios that will continuously challenge them. Practice excellence in the fundamentals and always plan, prepare and execute to a high standard. Know and truly understand your principal, the environment and the situation - chances are, you’ll always be positioned for success!

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