Do you have a desire to help protect high-profile individuals and VIPs? If so, close protection officer (CPO) may be the perfect career for you. CPOs provide security for celebrities, politicians, and other individuals who may be at risk or need extra protection when in public. In this guide, we will discuss what is required to become a close protection officer and the different training courses available to help you get started in this exciting field.
The first step to becoming a close protection officer is to complete a training course. The course will cover things such as assessing threats and risks, walking drills, embus and debus, incident management, legislation relevant to the role, operational planning, and surveillance.
It is important to do your research and choose a course that will best prepare you for the job. Some things you may want to consider when choosing a close protection course include the length of the program, the cost, and the curriculum. Once you have chosen a close protection course that meets your needs, you will need to complete the program and receive your certification.
The length of the close protection course will vary depending on the institution but most close protection courses range from four to six weeks. The cost of the course will also vary depending on the institution but can range from £1,000-£4000.
After completing a close protection course, the next step is to find employment as a CPO. This can be done by working for a close protection agency or by finding private clients. Working for an agency is a good way to get started in the field and gain experience. Private clients will often require more experience and may be willing to pay higher rates.
As a close protection officer, you will need to have excellent communication and interpersonal skills. You will also need to be able to think quickly and make decisions under pressure. If you have these qualities and are interested in a career that is both exciting and rewarding, a close protection officer may be the perfect fit for you.
What skills do you need to become a Close Protection Officer?
To become a Close Protection Officer you will need to be over 18 years of age with excellent communication skills, be able to think quickly on your feet, and make decisions under pressure. You will also need to have a valid close protection license. You will need a good level of fitness and it helps if you hold a valid first aid certificate. If you are interested in a career in close protection, there are many close protection courses available that can help you get started, including this one from Dynamis Education Centre which offers payment installments to make the course more affordable. Once you have completed the course and received your certification, you can start working as a CPO by finding employment with a close protection agency or private clients.