Bodyguards and security guards may seem similar since both work to ensure safety, but their roles differ greatly. Bodyguards focus on protecting individuals from specific threats, while security guards are responsible for looking after properties, events, or groups of people.
So, bodyguard vs security guard – what are their differences? We’ll be discussing this and more, such as what a bodyguard does all day, who can hire a bodyguard, and how much bodyguards get paid in the UK.
In this article, we’ll explore the differences between the two security measures, what their daily duties look like, who can hire them, and plenty more.
If you’ve ever wondered about the world of bodyguards, read on to find out more!
What Is A Personal Bodyguard?
Before we begin uncovering the differences between security personnel and close protection officers, let’s first discuss what a bodyguard is.
A bodyguard, who is also referred to as a close protection officer, is someone who is allocated the job of ensuring one specific individual remains safe and secure, despite the fact that there might be a few people appointed to their care. The main duty of a bodyguard will be to protect clients from different threats that they may face such as stalkers, political opponents, terrorism, or over-enthusiastic fans.
Also known as close protection officers, bodyguards are tasked with protecting a specific individual, whether it’s a celebrity, politician, or high-profile businessperson. Their main role is to protect clients from various threats, such as stalkers, overenthusiastic fans, or even political opponents. In many cases, a bodyguard may work as part of a team to ensure thorough protection.
What Does A Bodyguard Do?
Bodyguards do much more than just shield their clients from harm. They play a critical role in ensuring their client’s safety and well-being in every setting. Here’s a closer look at their key responsibilities
- Driving clients to and from venues.
- Identify any suspicious behaviour or unauthorised people.
- Stop any threats of harm from hurting their client.
- Attending social and business events with their clients.
- Check out venues or events before their client arrives.
- Being constantly vigilant.
- Scanning all areas for potential danger.
- Making sure that no unruly people get too close to their client.
Who Needs Personal Protection?
Bodyguard security services are essential for a wide range of people. They may face unique threats or require specialised protection. Some examples include:
- Celebrities.
- Government officials.
- Wealthy individuals.
- Individuals who have been threatened in some way.
- Renowned figures in the public eye.
- Politicians.
Can Anyone Hire A Bodyguard?
While bodyguards are commonly associated with the rich and famous, anyone can hire a bodyguard if they feel they need protection. These services are flexible and can be arranged for temporary, part-time, or full-time security, depending on individual needs.
Can Women Work As Personal Protection Officers?
Yes, women can be bodyguards.
However, the security industry is still male dominated. According to SIA data from December 2024, there are 869 women holding close protection licences in the UK compared to 11,392 men.
What Do You Call The Person A Bodyguard Protects?
In the world of security, the protected individual is usually referred to as the client or the principal. These terms highlights the professional relationship and the bodyguard’s role in ensuring their safety.
How Much Do Bodyguards Make?
According to Talent, bodyguards in the UK earn an average salary of up to £39,000 per year.
However, this figure can vary depending on factors such as experience, location, and the type of clients they work with.
Can A Bodyguard Touch You?
Bodyguards, like security guards, cannot touch you without your consent. Although, in situations where someone poses a threat to their client, bodyguards may have the authority to restrain or detain the individual to ensure safety.
Their actions are always focused on protecting their client while staying within legal boundaries.
Bodyguard Vs Security Guard – What Is The Difference?
So, we’ve discussed what a bodyguard is and what they do, but how are they really different to security guards? We’ve listed some of the main differences between the two below:
Bodyguard Vs Security Guard: What They Protect
The first major difference between close protection officers and security guards will be what they’re protecting. A bodyguard’s main focus will be providing protection for their individual client or clients.
While security guards do protect people, this isn’t the core of their job. They’re typically hired by a business to protect a site or building.
For example, construction security is a very common area that security guards can be found working in. Guards working on these kinds of sites would be tasked with ensuring the safety and security of all everyone within their area of patrol.
They’ll also be responsible for ensuring equipment, tools, and materials on the site remain where they should be. This also includes spotting and reporting any kinds of active vandalism.
Bodyguard Vs Security Guard: What They Carry
Both types of security officers will carry security equipment to help them with their daily tasks. Some of this will be the same, such as communication tools like walkie-talkies.
Security guards will typically carry normal objects that will help them such as a torch, notepads, and security duty belts. While bodyguards tend to work in more dangerous environments so they will often carry security protective equipment like body armour.
Security guards usually carry essential tools for their duties, such as torches, notepads, and security duty belts. In contrast, bodyguards often operate in higher-risk environments. They’re more likely to use protective equipment such as body armor to ensure safety.
In the UK, neither security guards or bodyguards are allowed to carry armed security equipment or weapons due to the UK’s strict laws on firearms.
Bodyguard Vs Security Guard: Their Security Licences
To become a bodyguard or a security officer in the UK, it’s essential that you have a SIA-approved security licence. It’s the type of licence that differs. Bodyguards will need an SIA close protection licence, while security officers will require an SIA security guard licence.
Bodyguards Vs Security Guards: Media Portrayal
One of the key differences between security officers and bodyguards is how they’re portrayed in the media. Bodyguards are often glamorised as individuals who face high-stakes threats and are ready to protect their clients from harm. While this is certainly a possibility, it’s not as common as the media often suggests.
In contrast, security guards typically face less direct danger. Their role focuses on spotting potential risks, managing minor incidents themselves, or contacting local authorities like the police when needed.
Are Bodyguards And Security Guards The Same?
Although both bodyguards and security guards work in the security field, they have significant differences. Bodyguards often work closely with their clients, even driving them to events and providing personal protection.
In contrast, security guards are typically focused on protecting businesses or properties. Their main responsibility is ensuring the safety of buildings, rather than offering protection to individuals.
Summing Up The Security Guard Vs Bodyguard Debate
When comparing bodyguard vs security roles, the main difference lies in what they are responsible for protecting. Bodyguards focus on the personal safety of individuals, often in high-risk situations, while security guards are responsible for protecting properties, assets, and the public.
Both roles are essential in maintaining safety and security, but choosing between bodyguard vs security services depends on the level of risk and the type of protection required. By understanding the differences between bodyguard vs security roles, individuals and businesses can make informed decisions to ensure the right level of protection.
FAQs
What is the difference between bodyguard vs security services?
The main difference between bodyguard vs security services is that bodyguards protect individuals, often in high-risk situations, while security guards focus on protecting properties, assets, and the public in places like offices, events, and retail environments.
Do you need a bodyguard or a security guard in the UK?
In the UK, you may need a bodyguard if you require personal protection due to high risk or public exposure. A security guard is more suitable for protecting businesses, premises, or events where general safety and monitoring are required.
Are bodyguards more trained than security guards?
Bodyguards typically receive more specialised training in close protection, risk assessment, and personal safety. Security guards are trained to handle surveillance, access control, and incident response in public or private spaces.
Can a security guard act as a bodyguard?
Not always. While some security guards may have advanced training, a licensed close protection officer (bodyguard) is specifically trained to protect individuals and handle high-risk situations, which goes beyond standard security guarding duties.
How much do bodyguards and security guards earn in the UK?
In the UK, bodyguards (close protection officers) can earn between £150 and £500 per day depending on experience and risk level. Security guards typically earn between £20,000 and £30,000 per year based on their role and location.
Is an SIA licence required for bodyguards and security guards in the UK?
Yes, both roles require an SIA licence in the UK. Bodyguards need a Close Protection licence, while security guards require a Security Guard or Door Supervisor licence, depending on their role.
Which is better: bodyguard vs security for businesses?
For businesses, security guards are generally the better option as they provide site protection, monitoring, and access control. Bodyguards are more suited for individuals rather than business premises.
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