The pros and cons of having a personal bodyguard

Angela Kristin
4 min readMar 13, 2023

--

Personal bodyguards have always been an important part of ensuring the safety and security of individuals, particularly those who are high-profile or at risk of being targeted by criminals. However, the nature of crimes has been evolving in recent years, which has also led to changes in the role of personal bodyguards. Traditionally, bodyguards were primarily responsible for physical protection, which included providing a physical barrier between the individual and potential threats. They were also responsible for monitoring the surrounding environment and taking quick action in case of an attack. While these responsibilities still hold, modern-day bodyguards are also expected to have a much wider range of skills and expertise.

Personal Bodyguard

One of the biggest changes in the nature of crimes is the use of technology to perpetrate crimes. This includes cyber attacks, online harassment, and the use of drones for surveillance and attacks. As a result, a personal bodyguard now needs to be trained in digital security and counterintelligence techniques. They must be able to identify and mitigate cyber threats and also be aware of potential threats from unmanned aerial vehicles. Another area where personal bodyguards must be well-versed in the area of social media. Social media has become a powerful tool for criminals, who can use it to gather information about their targets and also to communicate with one another. Personal bodyguards must be aware of the potential risks of social media and be able to protect their clients from online threats.

Pros of having a bodyguard

Particularly if you are a high-profile person, celebrity, executive, or politician, hiring a bodyguard can have several benefits. The following are some of the major advantages of hiring a personal bodyguard:

  1. Physical Protection

The main duty of a bodyguard is to defend the client physically and keep them safe at all times. Bodyguards are taught to identify potential dangers and risks and to take precautions to reduce such risks before they materialize. They can also act swiftly in the event of any threats or assaults to guarantee the client’s safety.

2. Increased Safety

One can feel more secure with a bodyguard than one would on their own. Bodyguards are trained and experienced in dealing with risky situations, and they are aware of how to keep their clients secure in a range of circumstances. They can also guide how to keep secure while commuting or out in public.

3. Enhanced Privacy

Protecting one’s privacy and avoiding unwanted intrusions into their personal life can be facilitated by personal bodyguards. To ensure that only authorized people are admitted, they can screen visitors and manage entry to the home or place of business. Also, they can assist anyone in moving covertly and unobtrusively through public areas.

Cons of having a bodyguard

While having a personal bodyguard may seem like a symbol of status, power, and safety, several potential downsides should be considered before deciding to hire one. Here are some cons of having a personal bodyguard:

  1. Cost

It can be highly expensive to hire a personal bodyguard. Depending on the level of protection needed, the price to hire a qualified and experienced bodyguard can go from several hundred to several thousand dollars per day. The price of hiring a bodyguard may not be the only expense; there may be others like travel, lodging, and supplies.

2. Intrusiveness

The intrusion of a personal bodyguard may interfere with normal activities. Being accompanied at all times by a bodyguard can make it challenging to retain a level of independence and privacy. A bodyguard may restrict the range of motion and make it challenging to partake in activities like working out, shopping, or eating out.

3. Dependency

Depending on a bodyguard for protection can make one feel vulnerable and dependent. If one relies too much on a bodyguard, one can start to feel powerless and unable to defend oneself in circumstances where he or she is not present.

4. Social Stature

Others may assume someone is a high-profile target or are terrified if they have a personal bodyguard. This may have an adverse effect on the social image and result in unfavorable judgments about the reputation or character.

5. Legal Problems

Having a personal bodyguard may result in legal complications. The carrying of specific weapons or the employment of an unlicensed bodyguard may be prohibited in several areas. Furthermore, one can be responsible for the bodyguard’s activities if they behave dishonestly or illegally.

Conclusion

Due to high-profile incidents, such as attacks on officials, corporate leaders, and celebrities, there is a greater need for bodyguard services. These incidents have demonstrated the value of personal protection services in safeguarding the security of well-known individuals. The pervasive media continuously interferes with the privacy of wealthy individuals. The growing desire for privacy has increased the significance of bodyguards in Malaysia.

--

--

Angela Kristin
Angela Kristin

No responses yet