How To Hire Personal Security: A Step-By-Step Guide To Choosing The Right Protection Services

Here’s a comprehensive trustworthy guide that walks you through the entire process of hiring a personal protection service. It answers 7 important questions– like how to identify your security needs, research and select the right provider, vet candidates and finalize contracts with confidence.

Only the very rich and powerful hire personal security, right?

Not necessarily. While wealthy individuals, CEOs, and celebrities often employ bodyguards, a growing number of everyday people are turning to private protection services. Here’s a few examples:

Politicians– even at local levels- have discovered people often violently hate them for their values.

Activists attending rallies or climate events often become targets.

Anyone escaping an abusive relationship or an angry ex knows they may still need to escape irrational revenge.

People who transfer valuables such as cash, jewelry, or sensitive documents often require secure transport.

Business owners (even of small businesses) sometimes face retaliation after firing an employee.

International travelers may face higher risks when visiting many vacation destinations.
Family/friends of a suspect in a high profile crime may be threatened by parties seeking to avenge victims on any available target close to the suspect.

Why Might YOU Need Security?

(Move over Beyonce and Jay-Z, personal protection isn’t just for the red carpet!)

Ask yourself if you are:

• Having problems with stalking or harassment?
• Going through a contentious divorce, or dealing with a hostile ex or ex-employee?
• Attending some high profile events where crowd control or discretion matters?
• Planning business or vacation travels in areas where safety is uncertain?
• Concerned about protecting your family or children?
• Unsure if your home or office has security risks?
• Regularly transporting valuables or sensitive materials?
• Facing a short-term emergency or long-term ongoing threat?

Clarifying your security needs is your first step. You do not have to be a rich superstar to be serious- and smart- about your safety.

Is Personal Security One-Size-Fits-All?

Definitely NOT. Your lifestyle, risk level, and personal preferences will dictate how your personal security tailors to you. Here’s a rundown of your security service options:

Armed Bodyguards vs Unarmed Bodyguards

• Armed bodyguards are for high-threat environments, high-level individuals, known threat or stalker situations, or travels through dangerous areas. They are licensed and trained to carry firearms, provide a visible deterrent, and can react aggressively.
• Unarmed bodyguards are ideal for family protection in low-risk areas, or as chaperones in discrete situations- especially for clients rejecting the presence of visible weapons.

Uniformed Bodyguards vs Plainclothes Bodyguards

• Uniformed bodyguards create a visible deterrent, and are best for celebrity outings, crowd control, or during high-visibility threats (e.g. protests, lawsuits, media controversies).
• Plainclothes bodyguards provide discrete protection, and are used more often by executives, attendees at social events, families, or by clients who seek privacy. Female bodyguards are often preferred, posing as a nanny or assistant.

24/7 Security vs Part-time Bodyguards

• 24/7 security is full-scale protection that may include rotating team members, and travel escorts. 24/7 works best for clients in high crime areas, or with unpredictable schedules that cannot easily plan protection coverage.
• Part-time bodyguards are for event-based security (e.g. red carpet appearances, speaking engagements, private celebrations, high-end shopping trips, court appearances, airport runs, specific threats). Clients often combine part-time security with technology (cameras, surveillance, access control, or even K9 units) for fuller coverage.

How Do You Find Personal Security?

There are many sources on how to hire a security guard- with general information on private security guard companies– including personal security guards. These are found in places such as ASIS International, National Association of Security Companies (NASCO), or your state’s Department of Public Safety or Licensing Boards. 6 specific sources for personal security guard recruitment are:

• Business colleagues that have used bodyguard services
• Local law enforcement for any referrals
• Job Marketplaces e.g. ZipRecruiter to post jobs or find candidates posting their services
• Executive protection firms e.g. top firms Pinkerton, St. Moritz Security Services, CPI Security
• Professional executive protection associations like:

Executive Protection Institute EPI– is a training institute whose parent company IPG takes calls for EPI-trained specialists.

International Association of Personal Protection Agents IAPPA– has an online contact form.

Professional Bodyguard Association International (aka Bodyguard Association International BAI)- has a contact link re services.

World Bodyguards Association WBA– This international executive trainer has a contact page for questions about services.

• Specialized staffing agencies:

NSS Security Services specializes in bodyguards with military or law enforcement backgrounds

Gavin de Becker & Associates GDBA has elite, Fortune 500 CEOs and government clients

AS Solution now AU Allied Universal specializes in executive protection and international travel risk services

The World Protection Group (WPG) is known for protection of celebrity/top net-worth individuals

Not All Bodyguards are Equal: What Should You Really Look For?

Here’s a solid checklist for qualifications to look for in a personal protection service:

• Proper Licensing and Certification– Candidate has current licensing or permits for your state, drug and background checks, valid armed guard credentials and range certification, services or executive protection (from recognized centers like EPI, IBA, WBA). CPR, First Aid, AED training certificates are from recognized providers like American Red Cross or American Heart Association.
• Experience that Matches Your Needs– Potential contender has experience in corporate events, has law or military training, done travel assignments or coordinated with foreign security teams, has background in VIP protection or domestic security, etc.
• Skill at Risk Assessment and Planning– Interviewee has a proactive approach that spots vulnerabilities, with clear plans to address them. (For instance, ask your job candidate to, “Walk me through what you’d do to protect a VIP attending a party at a hotel…”)
• Good Communicator– Candidate is professional, calm, able to explain clearly, coordinates well with other staff. Ask scenario-based questions to see how the applicant would react (e.g. “You overhear 2 guests at an event joking about breaching security. Even though it sounds like a prank, how do you communicate your concern to your client and fellow team members?”)
• Physically Ready– Applicant is able to physically restrain crowds, defend, or evacuate you quickly.
• Solid Background Check/References– If working with an agency, check their references and testimonials about their vetted bodyguard candidates. Learn about their punctuality, discretion, availability to work, and commitment to following standard protocols that reduce risk.
• Legal/Insurance Coverage– Applicant must have liability insurance, and their own business license if working independently.
• Specialized Skills– Verify any extra skills such as defensive driving (for protective services chauffeurs), cybersecurity knowledge (to prevent geotagged social media posts or unauthorized Air Tags exposing physical locations), foreign language fluency (to better navigate foreign countries and/or their law enforcement).

What Is the Price of Personal Protection?

Thumbtack currently posts the 2025 national average cost for bodyguard protection at $45-$65/hour, with a national average low for services at $195 and a high at $614. One bodyguard at a private event can cost a client $75/hour, while 24/7 onsite bodyguards might be $150/hour/guard.

NOTE: When dealing with the company supplying you with their guards, make sure you find out exactly what your bodyguard will make (you might not want the type of bodyguard that makes $10/hour out of a $50/hour payment!!!) While there is no official industry-wide standard per se, companies generally mark up a guard’s wage by 1.5 to 2.5 times to determine the billing rate for the client (i.e. 33-60% goes to the agency).

Exact bodyguard costs are determined by different factors:

• Threat level– (Are there known threats already?)
• Number of personal protection officers needed– (More personnel, more cost).
• Duration– (Is the job a one-time service or long-range protection?)
• Location– (Some locations or geographic regions are pricier).

What Do You Search For in the Fine Print- Before You Sign Your Bodyguard Contract?

You’ve done your research and interviews and finally selected a security firm to provide bodyguard services. Now the firm has come back with a proposal. What should be included in the personal security contract for you (and your lawyer) to review?

Names/full contact information– of you and the provider (agency or individual)

Copies of agency’s licenses– (not required but good for your references)

Proposed start date– You can actually begin with a 30 (60 or 90)-day trial period before choosing to renew, renegotiate or discontinue the contract w/o penalty.

Termination clause– include conditions for canceling the contract (penalties like early termination fees-even if services have not started yet), or refund policies. Auto-renewal/evergreen clauses can automatically lock a client into another term of service if a deadline is missed (you can add a waiver of cancellation fees if rescheduled or for emergencies).

Billing terms– per-hour billing rate, breakdowns of what expenses and fees are included in any rate, any minimum shift clauses (e.g. terms that say a bodyguard is paid minimum billable of (8) hours per shift regardless of actual time worked- you can negotiate a “half-day rate” or sliding scale here if you need a bodyguard for less hours).

“Hidden charges”– such as per diem or travel charges, special equipment charges or attire requirement charges, etc. You can include a clause in the contract saying you’re not responsible for additional fees unless explicitly outlined in the contract and approved in writing by you. OR you can negotiate flat per diem price/day instead of open-ended expenses, OR get inclusive pricing where these costs are rolled into the hourly rate up front.

Payment– expectations and terms, such as flat-or per-hour rate, overtime/holiday pay (Avoid rate adjustment or fee escalation clauses where the agency can increase rates without notice- you can negotiate a cap of no more than 5% annually and require advance written notice of increases).

Impacts on Terms of Contract– a simple description of possible federal state, or local laws that may impact contract terms.

Liability and Insurance– A COI Certificate of Insurance to verify the provider has general liability, workers’ comp, professional liability. (Also assault and battery coverage is needed if guards are expected to physically intervene, plus armed guard coverage if using armed personnel). Verify you will be an “additional insured” addition to the provider’s insurance policy for extra coverage.

Defense & Indemnification provisions– outline which parties pay for any cost of damages (clauses like hold harmless or limitation of liability where a party is not held liable for damages- make sure to clarify YOU are not held responsible if the agency is negligent or their guard makes a mistake)

Equipment/technology supplied– details of what the security firm will or will not supply or subsidize (for guards, equipment, technology, licensing, or training)

Use of force policy– how detentions are made, in reasonable time and manner, done in specific circumstances

Firearms policy– armed bodyguard must be licensed and trained, copies of guards’ current certifications can be requested

Cost for armed guards– (if applicable) whether the company will cover costs for armed guards, quantity, type of firearms (companies usually supply the weapon/armor but make sure)

Code of conduct– specifications for uniforms, courteous professional behaviors, random drug testing can be included here

Confidentiality clause– outlines that no internal business operations, surveillance footage or VIP clientele information can be shared by bodyguards (even with a confidentiality clause you can also ask guards or the agency to sign a non-disclosure agreement NDA for additional protection)

By reviewing this practical step-by-step guide, you will be sure to choose the right protection services by knowing exactly what to look for. With the right bodyguard choice- you’ll get the protection services and peace of mind you want.

If you need the right security provider- let The City Guards help you.ʼ

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