Specialists in Close Protection
Providing bodyguards (known to the industry as close protection officers) is one of the specialized services provided by Gemstone Executive Protection. For over thirty years, Gemstone have been trusted with securing the safety of some of the most high-profile (and therefore vulnerable) people on the planet.
Clearly, there is no room for error when performing the role of a bodyguard; this is precisely why Gemstone Executive Protection have been selected to defend the personal safety of some of the biggest names in the world including sportspeople, actors, musicians and key personnel in ‘Blue Chip’ organizations. Gemstone close protection officers are trusted, having come from military, police or specialist service backgrounds. In line with UK legal requirements they will hold a front line close protection license provided by the SIA (the UK security industry’s regulatory body). In addition they will have undergone an enhanced CRB check and will have had recent first aid certification. Highly professional people, Gemstone close protection officers know how to conduct themselves in public and will always act to protect and enhance the reputation of their client, their client’s business or organization and the close protection industry itself.
A sophisticated service
An effective close protection officer is trained to respond quickly and effectively to any immediate threat to the safety of their client, providing an overt deterrent when necessary. They will also need to know exactly how to blend in with the surroundings when providing covert protection. A significant amount of work goes on behind the scenes, before the client even steps out of their own front door. By hiring the best close protection officers, you can be assured that no stone will be left unturned in the discharge of their duty.
An experienced, specially trained bodyguard will, together with security consultants, always carry out a detailed threat and risk assessment. This will include scrutinising venue plans, pre-searching buildings and vehicles, researching personnel (for example, potential aggressors), removing surveillance devices and analyzing travel routes. They will be fully trained in surveillance and search techniques and in carrying out specialist manoeuvres, such as vehicle embus/debus formations. Where driving duties are required, a bodyguard will have access to specially protected vehicles and be experienced in evasive driving techniques.
In terms of physical defence, bodyguards are highly trained in close quarter combat and are equipped with the necessary armour and weaponry required to discharge their duty. However, bodyguarding is not just about protection from assault, kidnap and assassination attempts. Modern life also exposes individuals to more subtle forms of persecution, including stalking and identity theft. Close protection officers are trained to be aware of such threats and to neutralise them. For example, when celebrities are at risk of fan or paparazzi harassment, a bodyguard will often be employed to keep cameras and unruly fans at bay.
A varied clientele
Bodyguards are usually associated with high-profile celebrity figures. However, it is not uncommon today to find business people and high net worth individuals preferring to entrust their safety to suitably qualified personnel. Many businesses now operate on a global level, potentially exposing valuable employees and company assets to new sources of danger. If you are at all concerned about possible threats to the security of you, your family, your employees or your property, we will be happy to discuss your individual requirements.
