Starting a Bodyguard Business

Summary: Thinking of starting your own business? Don’t know if the bodyguard business is really for you? Interested in breaking the bodyguard business industry? Want to open that bodyguard business but don’t know where to start? I give you some basic steps that might pave your way in opening that bodyguard business.

According to the American Society of Industrial Security, studies have shown that there is an increasing demand for security services during the past years especially after the tragic day of 9/11. With this increasing demand for security services, starting your own security service business has become a pretty good idea. If you’re interested in the bodyguard business, then where do you start?

Bodyguard Business: Where do you start?

First, determine what kind of security service you want to provide. Is it only the executive protection or bodyguard services? Or also other security services such as patrolling and security staff?

Second, determine the license and permit requirements in your state. Some states, like in California, require that the manager of a security service undergo an oral and written test is required together with a criminal background check. Also, research if your employees themselves need a specific permit or license to work in a bodyguard business. Some states require that bodyguards receive at least 40 hours of training, with 8 hours of continuing security education yearly, with complete background check and license fee. Carrying firearms also require a special permit.

Third, determine your bodyguard business start up cost. Reports have shown that depending on the equipment, costs of training, permits and licenses location and advertisements, starting a bodyguard business require around $10,000 to $50,000. Fourth, once you have secured your capital and staked out the needed licenses, you are ready to hire. It is a good idea to advertise in different police departments. Make sure that the people you hire possess the necessary training in giving executive protection. Try to hire people that would match up to the needed requirements for your permits. Background government service training, either in military, or law-enforcement is definitely a plus. At the outset, outline what your employees are required to do. Create a company policy. Also consider getting insurance coverage. This may cost a little but considering you’re entering into a high risk business, insurance is not such a bad idea. Besides, some states actually require that you have insurance before you can operate a bodyguard business.

Training: It’s a Must in the Bodyguard Business

Even if you manage to land the top police officers or military-trained people, training is still the most important thing that you should focus upon. Skills taught by the police and the military, though helpful, are not enough to provide quality security services. Bodyguards must acquaint themselves with martial arts, skills in surveillance, risk examination and advance work on the locations your client are going into. Since the bodyguard business is a services business, you’ve got no business if there are no quality services to provide.