By Brandon J Delcamp
As the sales and marketing director for Executive Security International I have had a number of conversations with protective agents working in the industry that have little or no formal training. They are filling the roles of close protection agents for celebrities, ministries, music artists and for the most part are getting by, but the, “what if” factor is frightening to say the least.
I queried one of these agents concerning the application of an “advance” his reply. . . . “An ad-what?”
Initially I was shocked, but after some consideration I realized that the people doing the hiring are not always educated as to what skill sets a protective agent should possess. When hiring someone to protect them they rely on superficial skill sets.
These skills can be summed up in three questions that describe the base needs that most clients seek to fulfill. Can I trust this person? Will I feel comfortable with this person being around me at all times? Do I “feel” they can protect me? This is a trifecta of emotional motivators.
If the principal, or the person doing the hiring for the principal can say yes to the three questions above the person is likely to get the job, and as long as there are no incidents, they may even keep the job. Look closely at the last question. Does the client “feel”. There are many reasons that the client can and will say, “Yes I do feel the person I trust will be able to protect me” regardless of whether that person actually has the training and skills to protect them.
Most commonly the agent may have known or had some connection to the client as a friend or family member. Thus there is a personal connection or trust built into the relationship, and undoubtedly the associate hired as a body guard would do anything they can to protect the client. The issue at hand is not the willingness, but the knowledge of how to protect a client.
Many of these protectors may have the reactionary hard combative skill sets that the public at large believes a bodyguard must have, but know nothing of the soft skills used by a Protection Specialist that will ideally mitigate the need of ever having to use their hard skills thus limiting exposure for the principal both physically and legally.
I have an example of a retired police officer that was the first choice of a new music artist to come on her first concert tour and provide her with close protection. The retired police officer was her uncle. He filled the basic needs of the client, he was her uncle and therefore trusted, and because he had law enforcement skills it was assumed by all that he had full knowledge of the protection business.
The uncle is the one that called me half way through that concert tour. I truly admire the man, he did not let pride get in the way of admitting that his LE skill sets may be a great foundation for a Protection Specialist, but they were only a portion of what he believed he truly needed to operate within the EP industry and properly protect his niece. After working with other protection agents and teams during the concert tour it became clear to the uncle that he did not fully understand the planning, coordination, protocol, and etiquette of the industry.
This would bring up two points that I feel we can all learn from. Those in the industry that are struggling with finding a niche on a detail may bear in mind that; although they have a myriad of skills which appeal to those of us who are in the know, client relations and the ability to quickly develop a rapport with the client that is both comfortable, and professional while making them feel secure may be the missing ingredient to your success.
These clients are clearly placing great value on the trust and comfort level they have in an individual. So much so that they are placing value on the base needs illustrated in the aforementioned questions without the knowledge of what skill sets are truly required. Which brings us to the second point; there are many clients and untrained protective agents that need to be educated in the intricacies of protective services.
We should all be aware of the fact that there are those who simply do not know any better and it is the responsibility of everyone in the business to push education and training to promote the highest level of integrity and professionalism in this time honored industry.
In today’s information age people can go from average Joe to celebrity overnight much like the young lady on her first concert tour. These individuals find themselves in need of many services that they have no experience in dealing with, overcome by events; the immediate need for security is often times filled by a close friend or family member that is “trusted”, but not trained.
The friend or family member that assumes the role of protective agent is well meaning and truly has the clients best interest in mind, but is also caught up in events and doing their best. The other situation that I have encountered was growth. In one situation a prospective student called to council with me. He was working (as a volunteer) at a mega-church.
When he started as an usher, there were only a few hundred people in a congregation that grew to nearly ten-thousand over a few years time. He was an avid hunter and held a concealed carry permit and most importantly he was there and willing to take the position of protective agent for the pastoral staff and run the event security.
These scenarios may work out for a period, but it takes only one incident for everyone to realize that the well meaning “buddy guard “needs training. In some of the situations an “incident” has been the catalyst for them to seek training. In other scenarios working different events and mixing with trained protective agents, the buddy guard/protective agent comes to the realization on their own that they are lacking the skills to give their principal the best.
The former police officer uncle and the gentleman working for the mega-church as a volunteer are both examples of this. The intent was truly to provide the best service possible for the clients. Fortunately they both realized that the responsibility had grown beyond their ability to deal with the potential threats and negative situations that could arise.
Some of you who read this may be in a similar situation where events and opportunity came before you could prepare yourself. You realize that the threats are real and the scope of your job description may be greater than you ever expected. Yet you may hesitate to pursue training wondering if you will be too far behind the curve. The fact is that you have some real field experience and will get more out of whatever training you do because you immediately see how and where to apply the knowledge you get from the training.
I am sure that others of you have come across clients and agents in similar situations. The fact remains that information and education is a critical component in elevating the standards of the protection industry. Sometimes the cold hard facts are what these individuals need to hear.
This can be an unforgiving business with harsh, if not brutal learning curves and each of us walk out the door every day not just responsible for ourselves and the tasks we are given, but for the safety and security of human life. We train seriously, and take our jobs seriously because it is not just what we do, but who we are.
Brandon, I love the term Buddyguards
Thanks I appriciate it I got info from ESI today don’t have a firm budget yet as contracts haven’t been signed! I want to be as prepared as possible
It’s great to see that even among competitors, there is an air of respect for individuals who are doing it the right way.
Hucky
Josh ESI is one of the most comprehensive courses and can be done in a 28 day residency, or with the option of 9 distance education classes and 15 days of resident training. There are several others that have solid courses that are around a week (5-10 day),such as EPI (Jerry Heying) and ICON (Elija Shaw). Jerry and Elija both made comments on this article and may check back and see your post to offer advice as well, but in the event they do not I will tell you that after a quick look at schedules on their web sites of the three of us only ICON has a class available before your tour starts. If that does not work out I would suggest looking into the distance education modules at ESI, and taking the residency portion at a later date. Any education is better than nothing and considering your time line you may not be able to fit anything in. If this is the situation you may look at the protection budget and bring in the services of and experienced EP agent or company for consulting at a minimum and possibly have that individual stay with you for part or all of the tour. If I can be of any further assistance don’t hesitate to contact me.
brandon@esi-lifeforce.com or 1.800.874.0888
I am one of those trusted people I have been in the LE / Security world for about 10 years but I don’t have the experience needed to do what needs to be done. The individual hiring me is signing there contract in January and going on tour sometime in March 18 stops in about 5 Months I know there are going to be radio spots and tons of different scenarios as well as the fact that it is a younger attractive female is going to bring about several extra unforeseen factors although my hiring is guaranteed I don’t feel ready how long is a quality training course
Wow! Great article and right on the money. This is especially true for the entertainment industry where it’s quite the norm for the artist to put that type of trust in a friend they grew up with. E. Shaw hit the nail on the head with his response “I’ve encountered many individuals over the years who have “lucked up” on assignments that they were under qualified for, but then did not take the opportunity for formalized continuing training when it presented itself.” Hopefully we head into a better scenario where aspiring Protective Specialist recognize and realize the need for quality training (much to their own benefit and safety) and those requiring these services are made better aware of what they truly need.
Leon Adams
Superior Security Concepts
My hat is off to you sir, I found your post very well written and two great examples given.
perfect article for all in the industry, whether a true “protection specialist” or just a “buddyguard”. Its the question of someone’s life. Keep uo the good work ESI.
Excellent, article and should be read by everyone in the industry ! Do you want to wait until something happens to gain the knowledge and the experience in what may be a costly way ( ie, court litigation, Death or Serious Bodily injury to you or your client ) for failure to train ??
Excellent article Brandon, Elijah I agree with you 100% I hope this article gets in front of some of these individuals.
Great article Brandon.
Well said! You touched on a core principle in the protection business and that is the importance of building a rapport and trust with the client. The old sales analogy is people buy things from people they like and trust. Learning the skill sets needed is critical. Having skills and a likable personality will go along way.
Great information. Thanks.
I very much enjoyed the read. (Nice job Brandon/Thanks for posting Hucky). The challenge for those with “buddyguard” positions is putting egos aside to go and learn the nuts and bolts of the job. I’ve encountered many individuals over the years who have “lucked up” on assignments that they were under qualified for, but then did not take the opportunity for formalized continuing training when it presented itself. Hope some of those individuals stumble across this article.
Elijah Shaw, CEO
Icon Services Corporation
http://www.Industry-Icon.com
Nice article Brandon. It is sad most people don’t know what they don’t know, and that goes for the clients, some agency owners and many who inspire to work in the business. As you said it is our responsibility to keep increasing the awareness to keep raising the standards in the industry. If more people took the time to seek the training, secure the proper insurance, get credentialed within their respective states to start, you would not only see service levels increase you would also see pay rates increase, because agents would place a greater premium on their services. Remember high tide floats all boats.
Brandon, nice article! Jerry & Hucky; I hadn’t heard the “buddyguard” term before, but think it’s very descriptive, no matter who invented it. Thanks!
Great article Brandon…..
Great article!
Brandon, nice article! You don’t know how many time I came across ‘buddyguard’ syndrome. I worked details where the ‘buddyguard’ symptoms have occurred at the highest levels. Happy to know that you are at ESI, I’m a graduate of ESI. Keep safe and God speed. Doc
It is ridiculous to see some of the people in the industry who call themselves executive protection specialists.
This is even more turn for some of the so called (or should I say self-called) experts who are teaching EP courses these days.
I would love to see more state and federal regulation to push these people out of the business. There is no room at all for all you hot heads and adrenaline junkies out there.
Hey Jerry, the term buddyguard has been around for a while. I first heard it about five years ago on a website called Tactical Forums. The tag is usually associated with individuals that are performing EP work in the entertainment industry.
you’re as good as you’re last training was !!!
Brandon I could not agree more with you. I see it every day especially in developing countries and were unemployment is a huge factor. One week course and you are now a Bodyguard. I also blame the training schools for allowing this. All making a fast buck without realizing the consequences, or maybe they dont care, money is in the bank.
I know I wasn’t formally trained myself when I got my break. Opened eyes and ears, learned on the job, and paid for EP and tac courses as I went.
But it’s one thing to be brought into a detail as a rookie and get up to speed ASAP, and quite another to take on a full-on bodyguard gig and call oneself a pro right off the bat, as mentioned.
Unfortunately, I am more and more shocked by the lack of training of many fellow EP guys these days, and I suspect that companies are cutting corners by hiring inexperienced (read cheap) folks and sending them to their clients with their fingers crossed.
Also, some smooth and cunning guys know how to develop the “buddy” rapport with protectees and take advantage of them, providing company – not protection, while others can be very skilled but lacking in the ability to earn that crucial trust and comfort level you talk about. There’s a balance to strike for all of us.
Great article with many salient points.
I like the term, “Buddyguard”. I plan to use it but will give you credit, as I have not heard it before. Nice job Brandon!
Great artictle and responses. I’ve came across the same issues you mention in the beginning of this article from talking with some of the same personnel”Advance what?”
But you said it all and place the icing on the cake when you wrote this:
“We should all be aware of the fact that there are those who simply do not know any better and it is the responsibility of everyone in the business to push education and training to promote the highest level of integrity and professionalism in this time honored industry.”
Great insight,
Nikida
Excellent article and right on the money! A lot of the ‘thuggish’ behavior you see caught on film by opportunistic paps are of untrained and inexperienced ‘buddyguards’
Executive protection schools can be a little bit spendy but they are not too expensive when it comes to your future career Too many people call themselves bodyguards, security specialists, etc..and have NO training at all. It will just be a matter of time before it will be required to have some kind of formal executive protection training under your belt before you can even get hired, thus helping out those with training that dont have the clients yet.
A major problem though is that bodyguard training are very very expensive and only few can afford it
Great info ! Thanks !
Excellent article!