Close Protection – The Softer Skills

In Close Protection, it isn’t impossible to detail all the rules, regulations, competencies, direction, guidance, techniques, drills, issues, procedures, processes and structures to guarantee an individual is a successful Close Protection Operative. However, this article should be viewed as a ‘one-stop shop’ to give you some instant CP guidance to prevent you from making the most common mistakes. By following these rules, you are likely to secure a job, keep a job and impress the Principal and everyone you come into contact with. Here are the rules, and softer skills, which Geoffrey Padgham consider to be vital to the CP operative:

The Golden Rules of Close Protection  

 

• Always be punctual ( At least 15 minutes early)

 

• Be immaculately and appropriately dressed

 

• Do not out-dress the Principal

 

• Always maintain the highest standards of personal hygiene

 

• Be tactful and diplomatic

 

• Maintain a calm and confident temperament

 

• Be professional at all times

 

• Remember you are a Close Protection Operative, not a servant

 

• Blend in and be anonymous as the grey man or woman

 

• If you think you are in the wrong place, you probably are

 

• If you think you have said the wrong thing, you probably have

 

• Give the Principal space whenever possible

 

• Generally, speak when spoken to

 

• Silence is golden

 

• Don’t lie, be honest and don’t waffle

 

• Don’t make idle and silly conversation

 

• Don’t overtly ‘listen’ to private conversations

 

• Practice a ‘no news’ is ‘good news’ policy

 

• Be prepared, or you must be prepared to fail

 

• Be forward thinking – one step ahead of the game

 

• Time spent on reconnaissance is never wasted

 

• Always be prepared to communicate, negotiate and compromise

 

• Practice empathetic assertiveness

 

• Generally, if the Principal leaves late, then they arrive late

 

• Be assertive and decisive when necessary

 

• Be prepared to justify decisions

 

• No crude jokes or inappropriate humour with the Principal or staff

 

• No swearing

 

• Do not lose your temper as you instantly lose the argument

 

• Avoid the over-familiarity trap

 

• Always maintain a professional relationship with the Principal

 

• Try to avoid discussing politics and religion

 

• Don’t drink alcohol on duty

 

• Go to the toilet when you can, and not when you want to

 

• Do not smoke on duty

 

• Do not chew gum on duty

 

• Relax, or if you cannot relax – look like you are relaxed!

 

• Be yourself

 

• Enjoy the job

 

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Close Protection – The Softer Skills

 Geoffrey Padgham  MVO

The text for this article was taken from Geoff’s book ‘Close Protection – The Softer Skills’.  The book can be purchased from Entertainment Technology Press at www.etbooks.co.uk and click on ‘Security’ publications for further information.