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Bodyguard
Bodyguards, or personal protection officers, provide for the personal safety of a client.

They study the client's daily schedule and consider possible threats to the client's safety, then they plan the details of the security to protect the client from any harm. They try to make sure the client is following the necessary safety procedures.

While working, bodyguards remain unobtrusive but stay constantly aware of the people around their clients and in the surrounding area. They are always ready to respond to an emergency and take suitable action.

Bodyguards need to know about self-defence and protection procedures. They also need to be familiar with the country's laws that define the limits of their legal powers. Knowledge of political and social issues and various cultures and societies is also useful.

While bodyguards are protecting a client, they follow and remain close to their client. They may be required to do this in office buildings, airports and aeroplanes, hotel lobbies and rooms and in restaurants, theatres, motor vehicles and other public places. At other times they work in offices and they may be required to travel around the country and overseas.

Bodyguards deal with managers of large organizations, important national and international visitors and politicians, and event organizers. They also have contact with the public and other personal protection officers.

Equipment that bodyguards may use includes mobile phones, radios; computers; motor vehicles; surveillance cameras. They may also be required to carry a weapon.

Satisfying Aspects
- knowing that your presence is a deterrent to those who have the intention of harming your client
- developing and sometimes using a wide variety of skills
- in some cases protecting important people

Demanding aspects
- physically demanding
- sometimes having to stand and wait for long periods
- encountering some dangerous situations
- long and irregular hours
- shift work

Requirements
- good self-defence, driving and negotiating skills
- good communication, planning and people skills.
- assertive, mature, responsible and calm in emergencies
- able to read body language and good judge of character
- patient, adaptable, punctual, sociable and flexible
- fit, healthy and strong and good stamina
- neat and tidy appearance

School Subjects
No formal school certificate is required, unless entering the Police Force, however, most employers would prefer the highest level of education possible

Compulsory Subjects: None
Recommended Subjects: Geography, Languages

Training
Bodyguards and personal protection officers can be trained either through the South African Police, which is the most common route, or privately. Protection officers who are police officers receive on-the-job training. They have regular training in unarmed combat, driving, and shooting.

Personal protection officers who work privately must be registered under the Private Investigators and Security Guards Act.

Employer
- South African Police Force
- private security firms
- self-employment, doing freelance work
- large organizations
- political parties

Contact
The Security Association of South Africa (SASA)
P O Box 414
Kloof, 3640
Tel: (031) 764-6765 Fax: (031) 764-6765
www.sasecurity.co.za

Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority

www.psira-sa.co.za