Bodyguards: Out With the Old and In With the New

The industry of bodyguards and personal protection has changed by leaps and bounds over the past several years. Though fundamentally the purpose is still the same, to protect those in the public eye from external threats, the way the game is now played is much different than it used to be. Bodyguards are no longer simple-minded muscle bound thugs that are skilled in the art of busting knee caps. Bodyguards today are highly skilled professionals that seek higher education to provide a level of service and protection to meet and exceed the expectations of their clients.

As with most industry advances, technology can be thanked for so many developments for bodyguards and personal protection services. The mainstream usage of cell phones has helped bodyguards communicate with others on their team either via phone call, text or two way radio features. Though communication radios have been common bodyguard equipment for decades, the choices in different communication allows for more flexibility now than before. Being able to communicate with fellow bodyguards while on an assignment can be very important.

Vehicle tracking devices have come a long way to assist in personal protection as well. In the event that a client's vehicle is hijacked-with the client in it-systems such as LoJack is fully equipped to work with local police to find out where the vehicle has been taken. Bodyguards can even carry mobile monitors that tell them at any given moment where the client's vehicle is. This is important for bodyguards that are required to arrive early to check the security of the location. Other devices that bodyguards can make use of will help them detect chemicals or agents that may be used to make bombs. They can be useful in checking vehicles or buildings for potential threats.

Not everything about technology has made improvements on the industry or made jobs easier for bodyguards. The internet has made it much more difficult to protect the privacy and security of public figures and celebrities. It has given the paparazzi a new medium outside of newspapers and magazines with which they can market their disrespect for the privacy of actors, singers, athletes, politicians and other celebrities. Bodyguards must now compete with celebrity websites that make a game out of stalking individuals that are simply trying to carry on normal lives.

September 11 changed the face of the United States and caused some very real changes in the private protection industry. Bodyguards must be much more aware of all potential threats and know how to handle each of them. This includes chemical warfare and other possible terrorist attacks. The bar for security and bodyguards throughout the US was raised the day the country was attacked, and it does not seem to be changing any time soon. For better or worse, the direction of the country has shifted toward carefully guarded and fearful citizens. Bodyguards are in higher demand for celebrities and other public figures, and the requirements that come along with the jobs are much more demanding as well.