Frequently Asked Questions

Questions and answers on close protection hire, security services, vetted operators, pricing, confidentiality, and how we work across high-risk cities.

Close protection and executive security

Questions about security services

These are the questions we receive most often from clients considering security services for the first time or in an unfamiliar market.

If your question is not here, use the contact page to ask directly. We respond to all enquiries within 24 hours.

About the vetting process

The questions on vetting matter because the quality gap between operators in most high-risk cities is significant. A well-structured vetting process is not bureaucracy. It is the only way to distinguish between a trained professional and someone who has printed a business card.

Our vetting framework explains the full three-tier process and what we check at each stage.

About pricing

We are frequently asked for price guides, daily rates, or indicative figures. We do not publish them, and that is not an evasion. Rates in this industry vary so widely by city, team size, duration, and service type that any figure we published would be misleading for at least half the people who read it.

The right approach is to describe your requirement and receive a written proposal. That takes 24 hours and carries no obligation.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What is close protection?
Close protection is the professional practice of physically accompanying a client to reduce the risk of personal harm. A close protection officer (CPO) assesses threats, plans movements, controls access, and responds to incidents. This is distinct from a security guard, who protects a fixed location.
Do I need armed or unarmed protection?
This depends on the city, your profile, and the nature of your visit. In cities like Lagos, Karachi, or Bogota, armed protection is often the appropriate baseline for high-profile clients. In cities like Dubai or Bangkok, unarmed professional protection is standard for most corporate travellers. We advise on the appropriate level after reviewing your specific requirements.
How are operators vetted?
Every operator goes through our three-tier process: Bronze covers legal registration and insurance. Silver adds criminal background checks, professional references, and training verification. Gold requires completed client engagements with reviewed feedback. We only recommend Silver or Gold operators to clients.
How do I book security services?
Submit a confidential enquiry through our contact page. We review your requirements, identify the most suitable vetted operator, and present a written proposal. There is no obligation until you confirm. Lead time varies by destination, but most assignments can be arranged within 72 hours for standard requirements.
How much does it cost?
We do not publish prices. Every assignment is different. Factors include city, team size, duration, armed versus unarmed, vehicle requirements, and lead time. All pricing is provided in writing after we understand your specific requirements. There is no pressure to commit after receiving a proposal.
Can you arrange security at short notice?
Short-notice requests are handled where possible. For city-specific assignments in our primary network, we can often deploy within 24 to 48 hours. For locations outside the primary network or for larger details, 72 to 96 hours is more realistic. Always enquire. We will tell you honestly what is achievable.
What is a security driver?
A security driver is a trained professional who combines defensive and advanced driving skills with security awareness. This is not just a taxi driver. A security driver conducts route reconnaissance, varies routes to avoid surveillance, is trained in counter-ambush techniques, and can act as an additional layer of close protection in a vehicle.
Do your operators carry weapons across borders?
No. Operators carry weapons only under their local licence in the country where they are licensed. Firearms are never transported across international borders as part of our arrangements. In countries where armed protection is appropriate, clients are matched with locally licensed armed operators.
Is the enquiry process confidential?
Yes. Enquiries are handled through encrypted channels. Client details are not shared with operators without explicit consent. We do not send marketing after an enquiry closes. NDA templates are available for clients who require formal confidentiality agreements before sharing information.
What happens if something goes wrong?
We take incident reports seriously. If an operator performs below standard or an incident occurs, contact us immediately. We investigate every report and any confirmed performance failure results in a tier review. Operators who fail to meet standards are removed from the network.
Do you cover destinations outside your primary cities?
Yes, in many cases. Our network covers 270+ cities across high-priority countries. For destinations outside this list, we can often identify vetted local operators or advise on available resources. Contact us with your destination.
What is a risk assessment?
A risk assessment is a documented analysis of the threats you face in a specific location, prepared for your specific profile and itinerary. It covers crime patterns, terrorism indicators, political stability, transport risks, and recommended countermeasures. It is the first step before any deployment.
Editorial standards

This page is published by CloseProtectionHire.com and written to editorial standards overseen by James Calloway, Senior Security Consultant (regulation, licensing, vetting and risk frameworks) and Marcus Webb, Security Operations Adviser (operational close protection, secure transport and city-specific safety).

Threat, regulatory and emergency information is sourced to named, dated authorities such as the FCDO, the US State Department and national licensing bodies. Last updated . See how we verify.

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