| They used to be called "bodyguards." Now, the | | | | speech, their protection specialists arrive in |
| correct term is "personal protection specialist." | | | | advance to check for any possible breaches in |
| There is much more to this profession than what | | | | security. Even the Pope travels with protection |
| people see in movies and on TV. | | | | specialists who can protect him from over-zealous |
| Personal protection specialists are hired to protect | | | | paparazzi or a would-be assassin. |
| celebrities, executives, officials, politicians, | | | | Most specialists today attend special training |
| diplomats, world leaders and other high profile or | | | | courses to develop their skills including first aid, |
| public figures. With the increased globalization of | | | | weapons training, defensive and offensive driving |
| business and an ever-increasing culture of | | | | and responding to terrorist threats. Many times, |
| celebrity, personal protection specialists are being | | | | personal protection specialists are ex-Marines, |
| hired by people who are wary of stalkers, | | | | retired police officers or FBI agents that have |
| paparazzi, assassins and kidnappers. It was once | | | | been schooled in the art of security and |
| popular for a body guard to be large and | | | | protection. |
| intimidating, however, today's personal protection | | | | This profession may seem glamorous and |
| specialists have to be able to both check the limo | | | | exciting, but it can be a very boring job, too. |
| for a car bomb and be able to carry on a smart | | | | Protection specialists will spend many hours on |
| conversation at an executive get-together. | | | | duty when nothing is really happening and some |
| Personal protection specialists plan and organize | | | | even serve as status symbols who only insulate |
| their client's movements to reduce the possibility | | | | the wealthy from inconvenient people. Also, |
| of harm. For example, when Oprah goes shopping, | | | | protection specialist spend a lot of time |
| her protection specialist where and when and how | | | | performing tasks that seem more like something |
| the shopping trip will proceed to reduce risk of | | | | a butler would do. |
| danger. Before a high powered executive gives a | | | | |