Who is a private bodyguard and what do they do?
Generally speaking, a private bodyguard is a security professional who provides personal protection to individuals who may be at risk of physical threat because of their status, wealth or occupation. Private bodyguards must have specialised training in self-defence and restraint techniques, firearms handling, risk assessment, first aid, and defensive and evasive driving.
The most experienced bodyguards also have advanced skills in crisis management, counter-surveillance tactics and day-to-day operational planning, and are trained to carry out vulnerability assessments in their area of operation.
Who can provide private bodyguard services?
Only private bodyguards who belong to security companies registered to carry out this activity may provide personal protection services.
How does a private bodyguard operate?
Private bodyguards are sometimes highly visible, especially when accompanying public figures, but they can also work discreetly or undercover, depending on the situation, the location and the client’s requirements.
Under Article 33 of Spain’s Private Security Act (Law 5/2014 of 4 April), bodyguards may not carry out identity checks or arrests, or prevent or restrict freedom of movement, while performing their duties, unless this is essential as a result of an attack or a clear attempted attack on the protected person(s) or on the bodyguards themselves. In such cases, they must immediately hand over the detained person(s) to the police, without conducting any form of questioning.
Armed private bodyguards
Today, the most specialised security companies offer the option of hiring a private bodyguard licensed to carry a firearm, subject to a prior assessment by the Mossos d’Esquadra in Catalonia or by the National Police in the rest of Spain. The Director-General of Security Administration then gives final approval as to whether the bodyguard may carry a weapon while on duty, after reviewing the risk report submitted by the police.
Where can a private bodyguard operate?
The areas in which a bodyguard can operate depend on the nature of the contract with the client and the client’s specific security needs:
- Client’s private residence: bodyguards can operate at the client’s home, providing security at the entrance, patrolling the perimeter or working from a control post equipped with CCTV.
- Workplace: bodyguards can accompany the client to their place of work, ensuring their safety during the journey and at the office or business premises.
- Public and private events: they can attend events with the client, whether business meetings, social occasions, public functions or any other event where the client needs protection.
- Travel: bodyguards can accompany clients on trips within Spain or abroad, both in transit and at the destination.
- Public spaces: including streets, restaurants, shops and other public places where the client moves around or spends time.
- Specific facilities: depending on the client’s needs, a bodyguard may also work at other facilities such as ports, airports or sports venues.
Requirements for hiring a private bodyguard service
Each protection service requires a specific, explicit and individual authorisation beforehand, based on factors such as the type of risk, its seriousness and proportionality, and provided that the service is absolutely necessary and self-protection measures are not enough. The Catalan police (Policia de la Generalitat – Mossos d’Esquadra) must issue a report on the suitability of the requested protection service, and the Director-General of Security Administration must grant authorisation for the personal protection service where required.
If you would like to hire a private bodyguard or find out more about this service, please contact us here: https://sefor.eu/en/contact