Celebrity Security Guard

Most people think that celebrities have it all. But when relentless paparazzi, crazy fans, and massive crowds are a part of day-to-day life, staying safe can become a challenge. Enter the celebrity security guard.

Threats and dangerous situations are an everyday reality for most celebs. That’s why so many high-profile people hire celebrity security guards to protect them.

Wondering what a celebrity security detail does, how much it costs, and where to hire services? Here’s everything you need to know.

What Does a Celebrity Bodyguard Do?

Given intense public scrutiny and the constant attention of fans, it’s no wonder that many celebs hire celebrity bodyguards to protect them.

Celebrity bodyguards provide curated security services for high-profile clients. Bodyguards are responsible for five key elements on the job.

Physical Protection

The most important aspect of the job is to provide physical protection. It’s not just obsessed stalkers, either – even adoring fans can pose a risk by getting too up close and personal with their favorite celeb. Personal bodyguards protect their clients by preventing the public from getting too close or doing physical harm.

Many celebrities will even hire guards to protect their children and extended family, as well as personal assistants, staff, and beloved pets.

Privacy Protection

While most celebrities are happy to answer questions during scheduled interviews and pose for photos at red carpet events, the media doesn’t always respect those boundaries. It’s not uncommon for some reporters and paparazzi to chase down, photograph, and even harass celebrities while they’re in public.

The close protection of a bodyguard is the best way for celebrities to keep the media, and the public, at arm’s length.

Crowd Control for VIPs

Large crowds are unpredictable and can pose serious threats. Two people can turn into hundreds in an instant, but bodyguards can be an excellent resource for controlling crowds.

In crowded situations, a bodyguard or security agent will secure a perimeter around their celebrity client. This proactive approach can come in handy if a crowd gets out of hand.

Security Response

Security agents are trained to protect and react. For example, a dispensary security guard monitors a designated area.

The main goal of a bodyguard is to spot potential threats and prevent or avoid dangerous situations. They whisk away their client and usher them to a safer location at the first sign of a security threat.

Some celebrities prefer to have their own bodyguard even when they make appearances at public events that provide event security staff. The personal attention of a private protection officer can be better for peace of mind.

Related: How to Start a Security Company

Celebrity Security Guards Provide Escape Routes

Celebrity clients are always on the go and often find themselves in unfamiliar places. When traveling to a foreign country, working in an unfamiliar city, or visiting a local venue for the first time, it’s reasonable for a celeb to have more security concerns than usual.

Celebrity security guards minimize the risk to their client by familiarizing themselves with the location beforehand. This includes learning the location of entry and exit routes, and mapping the quickest and safest paths for escape.

What To Look for in VIP Security Services

Professional bodyguards are often tall and muscular — but an imposing appearance isn’t the only requirement for the job. Professional training and quick thinking are key.

Celebrity security guards are well-trained professionals who know how to:

• Assess and examine locations and venues before the celebrity has arrived
• Ensure that a particular environment or location is safe and free of risks
• Escort celebrity clients to and from locations
• Determine exit strategies and create escape routes
• Control crowds
• Protect against stalkers, including those who may be armed with weapons
• Think and react fast to threatening situations

Situational awareness is everything. This means the security guard’s eyes and ears are always open and aware of their surroundings.

What Type of Guard Should You Hire?

Many celebrity security guards and protection teams include former law enforcement officers who have police or military training. Celebs who hire armed guards should verify that the guard has undergone firearms training.

Whether you feel safer with an armed or unarmed guard, it’s important to hire someone who has enough experience to appreciate the unique demands of protecting a celebrity.

High-profile celebrities, such as Hollywood actors, should look for guards who have a history of working in the entertainment industry. Guards who know the entertainment business will be more familiar with paparazzi practices. They’re also more likely to be familiar with the landscape of Los Angeles, New York, Paris, and other major cities where you’re likely to live and work.

Other public figures, like politicians, may benefit by hiring a guard who has experience working in Washington, D.C. and keeps up the fast-paced political landscape. Political figures should consider hiring a guard who has previously worked for the Secret Service, FBI, or similar government entity.

You Might Like: Yacht Security Essentials for Peace of Mind

Should You Hire One Guard or an Entire Team?

For some celebrities, one personal bodyguard may be all they need. Others may prefer to hire an entire security team. Either way, there are a few details you’ll need to consider before you make your first hire.

Your level of celebrity should factor into the type of celebrity protection you need. A-list or “big” celebrities are more likely to attract large crowds, and large crowds come with greater dangers.

Lesser-known celebs and social media influencers can face threats, too, especially if they have a strong presence on social media. Anyone who exists in the public eye, even if they aren’t yet a household name, can benefit from hiring private security.

What you’re famous for may also determine the level of protection that you need.

For musicians, models, actors, and athletes, adoring fans and stalkers often pose the greatest risks to safety. For politicians, it’s more likely to be someone who opposes your political agenda. In both scenarios, it’s wise to hire a security guard or team that has the training to monitor online activity where fans and opponents alike may openly talk about any less-than-innocent plans.

Of course, there’s no foolproof method that can predict who you might encounter, or when and where you do. For this reason, some high-profile celebs travel with at least one security guard everywhere they go, and bring on more guards as needed for specific situations.

How Much Does a Celebrity Security Guard Cost?

The cost to hire a celebrity security guard or team can vary depending on the type and frequency of the services you need.

You’ll pay per guard, so the more guards you need, the more expensive your security detail becomes. It also depends on how many hours per day you need them. Some celebrities require 24/7 security to protect themselves and their family members. Others may only hire guards for special occasions and events.

Your location can make a difference, too. Expect to pay more for your security detail if you need guards who can travel. Local travel is to be expected, but long-distance or overseas travel will require you to cover their overhead expenses, such as lodging, flights, and meals.

Expertise and training will impact your costs, too. Armed security personnel often charge higher rates because they have more specialized training.

Where to Hire a Personal Bodyguard

If you’re looking for VIP protection in California, use Security Explorer to search for and hire the best security firms and guards. California has many professional security companies.

Before you hire security to protect you and your loved ones, be sure to run a background check on both the company and the individual guards. No matter how many years of experience they may have, always meet your potential hires in person when vetting them.

If you need a full-time security guard, remember that this is someone with whom you’ll be spending most — if not all — of your time. It’s vital for celebrities to hire someone they feel comfortable with on a personal level, and can quickly develop trust and a strong rapport.

From A-list actors to political public figures, celebrities need the protection of an experienced security guard. It’s not easy to avoid the attention of eager fans and invasive paparazzi, but a celebrity security team can take proactive measures to help you feel better protected.

If you’re ready to hire a celebrity security guard to protect yourself or your loved ones, visit Security Explorer now.

Up Next: The Beginner’s Guide to Hiring a Security Guard