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 Bodyguards with President Ronald Reagan moments before he was shot in March 1981 | |
| Occupation | |
|---|---|
| Names | Close protection officer, executive protection agent, personal protection specialist |
Occupation type | Government employment or private employment |
Activity sectors | Law enforcement, government, military, security |
| Description | |
Related jobs | Security guard, law enforcement officer, anti-terrorism specialist, intelligence officer |
A bodyguard (or close protection officer/operative) is a type of security guard, government law enforcement officer, or servicemember who protects an important person or group of people, such as high-ranking public officials, wealthy businesspeople, and celebrities, from harm. The personnel team that protects a VIP is often referred to as the VIP's security detail.
Most important public figures, such as heads of state, heads of government, and governors are protected by a team of bodyguards from a government agency, security forces, or police forces. Less-important public figures, or those with lower risk profiles, may be accompanied by a single bodyguard who doubles as a driver.