TRAINING

Police academies do not focus on “body guarding.”  Police cadets train for “law enforcement.”  Their roles are very different.  Police officers seeking to be “true bodyguards,” require training and certifications outside of their normal regimented instruction.  Licensed professional bodyguards are “specialist,” if you will.  Their area of expertise and the focal point of their training is third party protection.  Recertification and license renewal every two years is a statutory requirement.

LIABILITY

A problem that many clients never realize is the issue of liability insurance coverage.  Ever heard the old saying, “you can’t fight city hall?” Many police agencies do not cover their officers with liability insurance for “extra jobs,” period.  If the police officer has not obtained his own personal liability coverage, you, the client, may be stuck holding the bag, should there be an unfortunate incident.  Licensed professional bodyguards are required to maintain coverage under a full and comprehensive liability insurance policy.

DUTY

The “sworn duty” could leave you hanging.  Clients have hired police officers for security related functions and have lost the officers, during the event, due to an on or off-site arrest or apprehension.  If a police officer views an “in progress” crime, especially if it is a felony, the officer may be obligated to intervene. That could mean you just lost your security.  Private industry bodyguards do not have the same “sworn duty.” A private industry bodyguard could simply observe the crime in progress, notify the police, and remain on duty protecting their principal.

SUPPORT

Have you ever tried to contact your local law enforcement agency, especially if you live in a major metropolitan area, and discuss with them your “private or personal security” concerns?  Good luck actually getting the response or time you deserve.  Right?  What would be considered “extra duty” for a law enforcement agency is considered “top priority” for the security professional.  “Security” is our profession….it is what we do best. Our concern is the protection, support and service of our clients.

                                                                                                                                   ”Vigilant vacuus vereor”