So, you need to hire an Executive Babysitter...
It's truly astonishing how much money top executives pour into protective security services. Can you believe that some of the biggest corporations out there are reportedly shelling out up to two million dollars per year just to ensure the safety of a single individual? And that's probably just the tip of the iceberg – the amount spent is likely much higher than what's publicly disclosed. Clearly, safeguarding lives has turned into an incredibly lucrative industry.
However, what's disheartening is how many of these corporations, sports clubs, and famous personalities end up wasting millions on individuals posing as "bodyguards" who couldn't protect a hamster, let alone a human life. The Executive Protection (EP) realm is swamped with wannabes – a mix of muscle-bound tough guys and plain liars. The lack of any "official" industry benchmark to gauge EP qualifications only makes things murkier. So, how do you discern the genuine from the scam artists? Because, trust me, that's exactly what many of them are.
You'd think that veterans fresh out of military service or elite law enforcement agencies would be the perfect fit for providing protective services, right? I mean, these folks have some incredible skills that can translate well into various industries around the globe. Most businesses appreciate their unwavering dedication, loyalty, and that can-do spirit. And honestly, they're often given a fair shot, which is a good thing.
But here's the kicker – being a star in the FBI or military doesn't automatically make you a star in the Executive Protection game. Let's be real, there's a small fraction of military and law enforcement professionals that receive specialized training to serve in what they call Personal Security Detachments (PSD). And even within that tiny group, not all of them are honing the fine art of protecting busy executives while flying under the radar.
Let's talk about what sets PSD apart from EP. They might sound similar, but the differences are glaring, and if you mix them up, you're in for a rude awakening. Most government PSDs operate under a solid safety net from their government entities and typically in an official capacity. EPs working in foreign locales, however, might be walking on a razor-thin edge between regulated and illegal. Imagine having to dance around incredibly strict government rules and corporate policies, all while ensuring you don't mess up – because you might not get a second chance. Oh, and did I mention that in almost all foreign countries, EP folks are forbidden from carrying firearms? So, if they end up on the wrong side of the law or have to use force, they're pretty much on their own. No diplomatic immunity to bail them out – just a foreign legal system waiting to pounce.
Don't get me wrong, it's no secret that military and law enforcement veterans often bring the goods when it comes to EP. But here's the kicker again – they need the right training, whether it's through some elite military program or a recognized commercial security training program. And if you're in the market for EP, do yourself a solid and thoroughly check their background. Make sure they've got legit training certificates from places with fancy names like LaSorsa & Associates. Or better yet, get your hands on some official Department of Defense documents that vouch for their skills. If these certificates are MIA, kindly point them to a reputable Executive Protection training program and have them check back.
Here's a big truth bomb – a bodyguard isn't cut from the same cloth as a bona fide Executive Protection pro. The term "bodyguard" should be reserved for those cringe-worthy 90s movies featuring washed-up Secret Service agents and burly bouncers glued to semi-famous folks in VIP sections. But the big leagues – the executives, the high-flyers, the sports legends – they aren't in the market for mere "bodyguards." Nowadays, the EP scene is crawling with posers who think looking the part is all it takes. They hit the gym twice a day, hang out at Mixed Martial Arts clubs like it's their job, roll around with Fight Club wannabes, take selfies with their clientele (and post them on social media), and hey, they even wear suits like a boss. It's all about appearances, and thanks to a really lousy precedent, clients might just shell out big bucks for a vague sense of security.
Feeling secure isn't the same as actually being secure. Sure, knowing how to throw a punch and staying fit are part of the EP package, but you need a brain in that head too. Preventing a crisis is just as important as dealing with one. A top-notch EP isn't just reactive, they're proactive. They know how to gather intel, analyze situations, develop and answer mission-critical questions, and keep their client out of the danger zone in the first place. Most importantly, they can swallow their pride when the situation requires it – all for the sake of their client. And that's not all, they can navigate conversations about business, branding, and negotiations. They get their client's mission and understand how their actions could mess with the client's bottom line. Basically, they're like Alfred to Bruce Wayne. Can you imagine calling Alfred a "bodyguard"?
Finding the right EP is like searching for the perfect pair of shoes. You might try on a bunch before you find the one that fits just right. Think about it – spending 12 to 16 hours a day with the top dog in a fortune 100. It's nerve-wracking, to say the least. A single slip-up, a tiny blunder, and you're out the door, your reputation down the drain, especially in a tight-knit industry like this.
It's important to give your EP a chance to prove themselves before you hand them the pink slip. Sometimes, it takes them a few rounds to get in sync. You might be surprised to find that a protector who initially rubbed you the wrong way eventually grows on you as you develop rapport. And trust me, it'll save you a boatload of cash in the long haul.
It's not uncommon for an EP to get the boot without a chance to fix things (usually because of personality clashes, not performance issues). Make sure to communicate your expectations with your EP. You'll likely discover that most of them are striving to be better in ways that regular folks might not understand. A simple conversation could flip the switch on your perception, especially if they show they're adaptable to your needs.
Remember, selecting an individual who is charged with protecting life isn't a decision to be taken lightly. Don't settle for a vague sense of safety when the real deal is within reach. It's like buying a swanky Ferrari with a Volkswagen Beetle engine.
Peter L Morton CPP
I am the Principal Consultant at Morton Executive Decisions, and a seasoned analytical intelligence and security consultant with 20+ years of experience in government, commercial, and non-profit security. I started my career in early 2001 as a US Army enlisted infantry Soldier, eventually commissioning as an Intelligence Officer. After sixteen years of service, I transitioned to corporate security where I worked for ten years with large security and intelligence teams at Amazon, JP Morgan, and General Dynamics. My success in both the government and commercial sectors has culminated in my ability to currently do what I love the most. Working as an independent consultant with humanitarians globally to ensure aid gets to the riskiest regions in the world.