Law

The concept of personal protection or having bodyguards to protect oneself from bodily hurt by an enemy is quite antiquated and universally recognized in some form or the other in all cultures. Such protection is often necessary for individuals who are constantly in the public eye or those who, by virtue of their professional practices may cause resentment to certain others, as for example, a criminal prosecutor or an investigative journalist  and who, therefore, require more protection.

It is difficult to ascertain with certitude where the concept of having personal bodyguard originated but there are plenty of historical references to establish the fact that it has been around for quite some time. Some of them have even etched a name for themselves in popular cultural folklore of their respective countries  for example, Praetorian Guards in the ancient Roman Empire, Royal Horse Guards in the U.K. etc. etc.

However, the essential difference between personal security service rendered in earlier times and today is that nowadays, anyone can opt for bodyguards (if he is willing to pay for it) and not just eminent personalities. Of course, there are situations where the State itself provides a measure of personal security to certain individuals (as for instance, important witnesses under a Witness Protection Program) but by and large private security services have proved to be popular for those who wish to enjoy a degree of exclusivity as regards their personal security. Consequently, localized private security agencies have mushroomed all over the world and some have even developed into full-fledged organizations such as the International Bodyguards Association (IBA) and the International Association of Personal Protection Specialists (IAPPS), who cater to a global clientele.

Personal Protection officers or specialists have come to assume increased significance in the first decade of the new millennium, owing to the spurt in celebrity culture, increased media coverage of everything and anything etc. etc. The role of the officer is now no longer confined to simply protecting his client from direct bodily invasion from stalkers, paparazzi and the like, but also protecting his privacy, assisting him to avoid unruly mobs etc. etc. Understandably, over the years, bodyguards roles have become modified to correspond to that of guardians and not just protectors. Consequently, to avoid any kind of compromise on the personal security front, these officers themselves have to comply with a strict code of professional ethics (usually mentioned in their contract of service) that requires them to prioritize the safety and security of the client in all cases.

Some of the chief duties and functions of the personal protection officers are as follows
To render any kind of assistance to maintain the personal security of the client, to the best of his abilities. This is the most important duty.

To provide any other kind of assistance (but which may not directly related to personal protection) to prevent any abuse of the clients privacy.

To refrain from doing any acts that could compromise the personal safety, dignity and social standing of the client.

To advise the client about any anticipated breach of the latters personal security and to take steps to avoid the incidence of such breach.

It is quite clear that a personalized protection officer is expected to perform a vast and versatile range of duties and functions nowadays, and much like the character Hans in Jules Vernes classic Journey to the Centre of the Earth, the only standard by which his professional efficiency is gauged is the diligence with which he protects his master.