Athena Security Solutions

This blog is written by John, our Close Protection Lead, who has dedicated years to safeguarding high-profile individuals in some of the most demanding environments. With extensive experience in the field, John shares his insights and personal experiences from his time working with Athena, offering a unique perspective on the challenges, responsibilities and rewards of close protection. Through his account, you'll gain an inside look at the dedication and precision required to provide top-tier security.

As a Close Protection Officer (CPO), commonly known as a bodyguard, your primary responsibility is to ensure the safety and security of your client, who may be a high-profile individual such as a celebrity, business executive, or public figure. This role demands a unique blend of skills, unwavering professionalism, and a commitment to continuous learning.

Things have changed over the past twenty years, when I first started as a CPO, we only had street maps and A to Z. No such thing as open source intelligence, today we can lose ourselves with all this information, which sometimes can be too much. Sticking with the basics is pretty much all you need. A good knowledge of the surrounding areas is essential, especially in those unforeseen circumstances. That's why an operational plan is paramount to a successful mission.

Risk Assessment and Planning: Your day begins with thorough evaluations of potential threats and meticulous planning to mitigate them. This includes route assessments, venue security checks, and understanding the backgrounds of individuals your client will interact

Emergency Response: In critical situations, your training is tested as you swiftly respond to emergencies, whether they involve medical issues, security breaches, or other unforeseen incidents. Your ability to remain calm and make decisive actions is crucial. That's why at Athena we're constantly training, whether it's in the office or out on the ground.

Integrity and Discretion: Building trust with your client is paramount. Upholding confidentiality and demonstrating honesty in all interactions are fundamental.

Physical Fitness: Maintaining peak physical condition is vital, as the job may require rapid responses to dynamic situations. recently, I was in the top 18% for attending the gym for a male of my age. In 2024, I did over 6 million steps, with an average of 25,000 a day.

Adaptability and Attention to Detail: Each day presents unique challenges. Being adaptable and attentive to the smallest details ensures that you can anticipate and respond to various scenarios effectively.

Advanced Communication Skills: Engaging with a diverse range of individuals, from your client to the public and various professionals, necessitates excellent interpersonal and communication abilities.

Working with Athena for the past 19 years has taken me access Europe leading 4 or 5 men CP teams… my first official job under Athena was in May 2006 working for a well-known footballer and spending 12 hours or so in the woods that surrounded the property from those nasty paparazzi.