When Sarah, a successful tech entrepreneur, received her third threatening message in as many weeks, she realized something had to change. Like many professionals in today’s world, she’d never imagined needing personal protection. Yet here she was, searching online late at night, trying to understand how to hire a bodyguard in UK and what that process actually entailed.
Sarah’s story isn’t unique. Every day, executives, entrepreneurs, families, and public figures reach a point where their safety concerns can no longer be ignored. Perhaps you’re reading this because you’ve had a similar realization. If so, you’re taking an important first step toward reclaiming your peace of mind.
At Nexo Security, we’ve guided hundreds of clients through this exact journey, helping them understand their security needs and providing protection that fits seamlessly into their lives.
Table of Contents
Understanding What Modern Body Guards Actually Do
Let’s clear up a common misconception right away. When most people picture bodyguards, they imagine imposing figures in dark suits and sunglasses, creating barriers between celebrities and their fans. While that’s occasionally accurate, it’s far from the complete picture.
Today’s professional bodyguard security encompasses a sophisticated blend of visible deterrence and invisible protection. Think of it less like having a personal sentinel and more like having an expert safety coordinator who happens to be trained in physical protection.
Modern professionals assess risks before they become threats. They notice the person who’s been following the same route as you for three blocks. They identify exit routes in every building you enter. They coordinate with venue security before you arrive at events. And yes, when necessary, they’re prepared to physically intervene—but that’s actually the last resort, not the first response.
At Nexo Security, our approach centres on proactive threat prevention rather than reactive response. We believe the best security incidents are the ones that never happen because potential threats were identified and neutralised early.
The London Security Landscape: Why Location Matters
London presents a unique environment for personal protection. The capital’s blend of international business, tourism, entertainment, and residential areas creates complex security considerations that require local expertise.
Consider a typical day for someone requiring bodyguard services London. Morning might involve navigating rush-hour traffic through central London, where thousands of commuters create both cover and confusion. Lunch could mean a restaurant in Mayfair, where discretion matters as much as security. The afternoon might include a site visit to a construction project in a less developed area, followed by an evening gala at a West End venue.
Each location demands different approaches, different awareness, and different coordination. This is why bodyguard services London UK specialists invest significant time learning the city’s geography, understanding its rhythms, and building relationships with local authorities and venue security teams.
Our team at Nexo Security has spent years developing deep knowledge of London’s security landscape. Professional bodyguards UK who work regularly in the capital know which routes offer better security, which venues have strong existing security protocols, and how to move efficiently through London while maintaining protection. This local knowledge transforms security from reactive to proactive.
Real Situations Where People Hire Bodyguard Services
Let’s talk about real scenarios, because understanding when protection makes sense helps you evaluate your own situation more clearly.
Business Leaders and Executives: Marcus runs a fintech company that recently went public. His company’s success made headlines, and with visibility came unwanted attention. He needed personal bodyguard services not because of specific threats, but because his profile had changed fundamentally. Nexo Security now handles everything from screening his mail to coordinating with building security at his office.
High-Net-Worth Individuals and Families: The Thompson family’s situation changed when their teenage daughter’s social media posts inadvertently revealed their home location and lifestyle. They hired private bodyguards London to provide residential security and accompany their children to school and activities. The protection gave their family normalcy back while addressing real safety concerns.
Public Figures and Media Personalities: When television journalist Amanda began covering controversial stories, online harassment escalated to in-person confrontations. She needed to hire bodyguard in London professionals who understood media environments, could work around filming schedules, and knew how to manage crowds without creating dramatic scenes that would themselves become news.
Visiting Dignitaries and International Guests: Companies hosting international executives often arrange private bodyguard service during their guests’ London visits. This demonstrates duty of care while ensuring business activities proceed smoothly without security concerns. Nexo Security regularly provides this service for corporate clients hosting VIP visitors.
Legal Professionals and Whistleblowers: Solicitors handling high-stakes cases, witnesses in significant trials, and individuals who’ve reported wrongdoing sometimes require temporary protection during particularly vulnerable periods.
Medical Professionals and Researchers: Doctors working in controversial medical fields or researchers handling sensitive projects occasionally need personal bodyguard security, particularly when their work attracts extremist attention.
How to Actually Hire a Bodyguard: The Nexo Security Process
When Sarah finally decided to hire a bodyguard UK, she discovered the process was more consultative than transactional. At Nexo Security, we don’t simply assign someone and start billing. Instead, we invest time understanding your situation before recommending solutions.
Initial Consultation and Threat Assessment
Your first conversation with Nexo Security should feel more like consulting with a security advisor than shopping for a service. During this complimentary consultation, we discuss:
Your daily routine in detail—where you live, work, and spend leisure time. Security professionals need to understand your normal patterns to identify vulnerabilities and design protection that fits your life rather than disrupting it.
Any specific concerns or incidents that prompted your inquiry. Whether you’ve received threats, experienced harassment, noticed suspicious activity, or simply feel increasingly uncomfortable, these details help us gauge appropriate response levels.
Your public profile and visibility. Someone who maintains a low profile faces different risks than someone whose work puts them in the public eye regularly. Your digital footprint matters too—what can someone learn about you, your family, or your routine through social media and public records?
Special circumstances or upcoming events. Perhaps you have a court appearance, a high-profile business announcement, or an international trip that requires enhanced security during a specific period.
Understanding Your Security Options
After assessing your situation, we present options rather than a single solution. Security isn’t one-size-fits-all, and at Nexo Security, we recognize this fundamental truth.
Close Personal Protection: This involves a dedicated professional staying with you throughout your day. For some clients, this means one personal bodyguard during business hours. For others, it might involve multiple team members providing 24-hour coverage with shift rotations.
Residential Security: Some situations call for protecting your home rather than accompanying you everywhere. This might involve security personnel stationed at your residence, advanced alarm systems, access control, and perimeter monitoring.
Event-Specific Protection: If your primary concern involves particular occasions—speaking engagements, public appearances, or private events—you might hire bodyguard services specifically for those situations rather than ongoing daily coverage.
Hybrid Approaches: Many Nexo Security clients combine different security types. Perhaps you want daily protection during the week but prefer privacy on weekends. Or maybe you need residential security at night and personal protection during business hours.
The Nexo Security Difference
What sets us apart when you hire a bodyguard UK through our services? Several key factors:
Rigorous Vetting: Every member of our team undergoes extensive background checks beyond SIA requirements. We verify employment history, conduct psychological assessments, and ensure each professional meets our exacting standards.
Ongoing Training: Security threats evolve constantly. Our team participates in regular training covering everything from conflict de-escalation to emergency medical response, ensuring their skills remain current and comprehensive.
Local Expertise: As a London-based operation, we possess intimate knowledge of the capital’s security landscape. Our professionals know the city’s geography, understand local threat patterns, and maintain relationships with Metropolitan Police and venue security teams throughout London.
Technology Integration: While human expertise remains central to our approach, we leverage cutting-edge technology including encrypted communications, GPS coordination, and threat intelligence systems to enhance our protective capabilities.
Discrete Professionalism: We understand that effective security shouldn’t disrupt your life. Our team excels at providing robust protection while maintaining the low profile most clients prefer.
What Working with Personal Bodyguard Security Actually Feels Like
If you’ve never worked with personal security before, you might wonder what daily life looks like with protection. Will you feel like you’re living in a bubble? Will every activity become complicated?
The truth is, working with quality personal bodyguard services from Nexo Security should feel less intrusive than you’d expect—after an adjustment period.
Good security professionals understand that their job is enabling your life, not restricting it. They adapt to your schedule rather than forcing you to adapt to theirs. They’re trained to be present without being obtrusive, attentive without being obvious, and protective without being paranoid.
Initially, having someone constantly nearby feels strange. Most clients report a two-to-three-week adjustment period where they’re hyper-aware of their security detail’s presence. But as routines establish and trust builds, that awareness typically fades into background comfort—you know protection is there, but it doesn’t dominate your thoughts or restrict your activities.
Communication is key during this adjustment. At Nexo Security, our professionals welcome feedback about their presence and style. If something feels too restrictive, too visible, or not quite right, speak up. The best security relationships involve ongoing dialogue and refinement.
The Investment: Understanding Bodyguard Service Costs
Let’s address the practical question everyone has but sometimes hesitates to ask: what does it actually cost to hire bodyguard protection?
The honest answer is that costs vary significantly based on your specific requirements. However, understanding the factors that influence pricing helps you budget appropriately and evaluate the value proposition.
A single private bodyguard providing daytime protection (typically eight to twelve hours) in London generally costs between £250-450 per day for standard assignments. More specialized requirements—individuals with military special forces backgrounds, those with specific language skills, or situations requiring enhanced threat awareness—command premium rates, sometimes £600-1,000+ per day.
For 24-hour coverage requiring multiple personnel working in shifts, expect costs to multiply accordingly. A two-person team providing round-the-clock protection typically runs £1,200-2,500 daily, depending on threat levels and specialized requirements.
Event security varies based on duration, location, expected attendance, and complexity. A personal bodyguard for a four-hour private event might cost £400-800, while securing a large public appearance could require multiple personnel and run several thousand pounds.
At Nexo Security, we offer flexible arrangements recognising that different situations demand different commitment levels. Long-term contracts often come with reduced daily rates compared to short-term or ad-hoc arrangements. If you need ongoing protection, discussing monthly or quarterly contracts can provide better value than booking day-by-day.
Remember that professional private security bodyguard services include more than just the person protecting you. That rate covers their training, licensing, insurance, equipment, coordination, advance work, and the support infrastructure enabling them to do their job effectively.
The Qualities That Separate Exceptional from Adequate
After years working in personal protection, seasoned professionals will tell you that technical skills—while essential—aren’t what separate truly exceptional bodyguards from merely adequate ones.
Physical capability matters, certainly. Our team maintains fitness levels enabling them to respond effectively to threats. But here’s what many people don’t realize: the best private bodyguard professionals are those who prevent situations from ever requiring physical intervention.
Exceptional observation skills define great protection. While you’re focused on your meeting, your lunch conversation, or your evening event, Nexo Security professionals are processing everything around you. They’re noting the person who keeps glancing your direction. They’re aware of the vehicle that’s been behind you for six turns. They’re identifying who belongs in each environment and who doesn’t.
This situational awareness isn’t paranoia—it’s trained perception. Many of our team members come from military and law enforcement backgrounds where they’ve developed this heightened awareness through experience in high-stakes environments.
Emotional intelligence proves just as crucial as physical capability. The best bodyguards UK professionals read people naturally. They sense when someone’s nervous versus when someone has malicious intent. They know when to be visibly present as a deterrent and when to fade into the background. They understand how to de-escalate tense situations through body language and verbal skills rather than physical intervention.
Discretion and professionalism separate true professionals from amateurs. Your security detail will inevitably witness aspects of your private life, hear confidential conversations, and access sensitive information. At Nexo Security, we treat this access with absolute confidentiality, understanding that discretion is fundamental to our role.
Adaptability might be the most underrated quality. No two days are identical, and inflexible security creates problems rather than solving them. When your meeting runs late, when weather changes plans, when unexpected opportunities arise, professional personal bodyguard security adapts seamlessly while maintaining protection standards.
Technology’s Role in Modern Protection
While the core of personal protection remains the trained human professional, technology has transformed how bodyguard security operates at Nexo Security.
Our team uses encrypted communication systems ensuring members coordinate without broadcasting sensitive information. If you have multiple security personnel, they’re communicating through discrete earpieces and secure apps that keep everyone coordinated without obvious radio chatter.
GPS tracking and route planning software helps our security teams monitor your location (with your knowledge and consent), plan optimal routes avoiding problem areas, and coordinate responses if situations change.
Background check systems and threat intelligence databases allow private bodyguards London teams to research venues, events, and individuals before you encounter them, identifying potential concerns in advance.
However, at Nexo Security, we understand that technology complements rather than replaces human judgment. The most sophisticated surveillance system still requires a trained professional interpreting what they observe and deciding how to respond. This blend of human expertise and technological tools provides the most effective protection.
Legal Considerations and Professional Standards
The UK maintains strict standards governing anyone providing security services, and understanding these regulations helps you identify legitimate providers and avoid problematic situations.
The Security Industry Authority regulates the private security sector, requiring that all individuals working in security hold appropriate licenses. For close protection work, professionals must complete SIA-approved training covering legal powers and responsibilities, conflict management, physical intervention, and more.
When you hire a bodyguard UK through Nexo Security, you can be confident that every team member holds current Close Protection Licenses issued by the SIA. We maintain meticulous records of all licensing and training certifications, and we’re happy to verify credentials upon request.
These regulations exist to protect both security professionals and the people they protect. Licensed bodyguards understand their legal powers (which are the same as any citizen—they don’t have special arrest powers or legal authority), their responsibilities, and the boundaries of appropriate intervention.
Professional body guards also understand use-of-force laws intimately. They know when intervention is legally justified, how much force is reasonable, and how to document incidents properly. This legal knowledge protects you from liability just as much as it protects them.
Nexo Security maintains comprehensive liability insurance covering all our operations and personnel. This protects both our clients and our team members should any incident occur during protective operations.
When Temporary Protection Makes Sense
Not everyone needs ongoing, permanent security. Many situations call for time-limited protection, and understanding when temporary services make sense can help you make appropriate decisions.
Legal Proceedings: If you’re involved in a high-stakes lawsuit, serving as a witness in a significant trial, or going through a contentious divorce, hiring bodyguard in London professionals during these proceedings provides protection during a defined high-risk period.
Business Events and Announcements: Company leaders announcing layoffs, executives managing acquisitions, or entrepreneurs making controversial business decisions might need enhanced security during these specific periods. Nexo Security frequently provides temporary protection for clients during high-profile business activities.
Personal Life Changes: Someone leaving an abusive relationship, families dealing with stalking situations, or individuals receiving specific threats often need security while situations resolve or law enforcement investigates.
International Travel: Businesspeople visiting regions with security concerns, families traveling to areas with kidnapping risks, or individuals attending events in unstable locations benefit from temporary security during these trips.
The advantage of temporary protection through Nexo Security is that it addresses specific vulnerabilities without requiring long-term commitments. You can scale security up when risks increase and scale down when situations stabilize.
Building an Effective Security Relationship
The most effective security arrangements feel more like partnerships than service contracts. When you’ve found the right personal bodyguard services, the relationship develops into something based on mutual trust, clear communication, and shared understanding.
This begins with honest communication about your concerns, priorities, and preferences. If you hate feeling conspicuous, say so—security can be adjusted to be more discrete. If you need your detail to interact comfortably with your family or colleagues, communicate that expectation upfront.
At Nexo Security, we encourage open dialogue from day one. Our team welcomes feedback and adapts to your preferences while maintaining security effectiveness.
It also means listening when your security team raises concerns. If they suggest avoiding certain routes, changing arrival times, or skipping particular venues, take those recommendations seriously. They’re not trying to control your life—they’re responding to genuine risk factors you might not perceive.
Regular reviews and adjustments keep security effective and appropriate. What worked last month might need modification this month as circumstances change. We schedule periodic check-ins with our clients to discuss what’s working, what isn’t, and how services might need to evolve.
Remember that your security team succeeds when nothing happens—when threats are deterred before they materialize, when risks are identified and avoided, and when you go about your life safely without incident. That might seem like nothing is happening, but it’s actually evidence that everything is working exactly as it should.
Making Your Decision
If you’ve read this far, you’re likely seriously considering personal protection, not just browsing out of curiosity. So let’s address the question you’re probably asking yourself: do you actually need this?
Only you can answer that question definitively. But consider these points as you decide:
What’s changed in your situation? Most people don’t wake up one morning randomly deciding they need security. Usually, something has shifted—your profile has increased, you’ve received concerning communications, you’ve noticed suspicious activity, or circumstances have made you feel vulnerable in ways you didn’t before.
What’s the cost of being wrong? If you decide you don’t need security and nothing happens, you’ve saved money and avoided inconvenience. But if you decide you don’t need security and something does happen, the consequences could be severe and irreversible. This isn’t about living in fear—it’s about honest risk assessment.
How much is peace of mind worth? Beyond physical safety, good security provides psychological relief. If current concerns are affecting your sleep, your focus, or your ability to live normally, that impact has real costs even if no physical threat ever materializes.
At Nexo Security, our consultations cost nothing—we offer complimentary assessments because we want to understand your situation before proposing solutions. Even if you ultimately decide you don’t need ongoing security, getting a professional risk assessment provides valuable perspective.
Why Choose Nexo Security for Your Protection Needs
When you’re ready to hire a bodyguard UK, you’ll find numerous options. What makes Nexo Security the right choice for discerning clients throughout London and beyond?
Proven Experience: We’ve provided private security bodyguard services to clients across industries—business leaders, public figures, families, international visitors, and individuals facing specific threats. This diverse experience means we’ve encountered and successfully managed virtually every security scenario imaginable.
Tailored Solutions: We never push standardized packages. Every client receives customized security plans designed specifically for their circumstances, preferences, and budget. Whether you need a single personal bodyguard for an evening event or a comprehensive 24/7 protection detail, we design solutions that fit.
London Expertise: As specialists in bodyguard services London UK, we possess unmatched knowledge of the capital’s security landscape. Our team knows the city intimately, understanding threat patterns, optimal routes, and local resources that enhance our protective capabilities.
Absolute Discretion: We understand that many clients require security to remain invisible. Our professionals excel at providing robust protection while maintaining the low profile most clients prefer. We’ve protected high-profile individuals through events where attendees never realized security was present.
Rapid Deployment: When threats emerge suddenly, waiting days for security arrangements isn’t acceptable. Nexo Security maintains capacity to deploy experienced private bodyguards London personnel quickly when situations demand immediate response.
Comprehensive Support: Beyond the professionals who protect you directly, Nexo Security provides complete support infrastructure. This includes 24/7 coordination, advance venue reconnaissance, coordination with other security entities, and ongoing threat assessment that keeps your security plan current and effective.
Taking the Next Step with Nexo Security
Security decisions shouldn’t be made in panic or rushed under pressure. At the same time, if your instincts are telling you something’s wrong, don’t ignore that feeling while you overthink the decision.
We invite you to start with a complimentary consultation. During this no-obligation conversation, we’ll discuss your specific situation, answer your questions, and provide honest assessment of what level of protection might be appropriate.
To schedule your confidential security consultation:
Visit our website: nexosecurity.co.uk
Call us directly: [Your phone number would go here]
Email: [Your email would go here]
Prepare for the conversation by documenting any incidents or concerns that prompted your inquiry. Be specific about your situation, your routine, and your needs. The more information you share, the more accurately we can assess your circumstances and recommend appropriate solutions.
During the consultation, ask questions. How would we approach your specific situation? What’s our relevant experience with cases similar to yours? Can we provide references? What would our recommended security plan look like, and why?
Trust your instincts about the people you meet. You’ll potentially spend significant time with these professionals. Do they seem trustworthy? Do they communicate clearly? Do you feel comfortable with them? These subjective factors matter more than many people realize.
Your Safety Deserves Professional Attention
Whether you’re facing specific threats, managing increased public visibility, or simply recognizing that your circumstances warrant enhanced security, taking steps to protect yourself isn’t paranoid—it’s prudent.
The goal of working with professional body guards from Nexo Security isn’t living in fear or restriction. It’s quite the opposite. Good security enables you to live more freely, knowing that trained professionals are managing risks and watching for threats so you don’t have to constantly look over your shoulder.
If you’re still unsure whether security services make sense for your situation, reach out for a professional assessment. We’ll give you honest evaluation rather than pressuring you into services you don’t need. Our reputation depends on appropriately matching security solutions to genuine needs, and we take that responsibility seriously.
Your safety, your family’s wellbeing, and your peace of mind matter. If circumstances have changed in ways that concern you, investigating professional protection options is a responsible step, not an overreaction.
The conversation you have with Nexo Security today could be the decision that prevents a serious incident tomorrow. And while we all hope that enhanced security proves unnecessary, having protection and not needing it is infinitely preferable to needing protection and not having it.
Contact Nexo Security now to schedule your complimentary security consultation. Let us show you how professional personal bodyguard security can provide the protection and peace of mind you deserve.
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1. How much does it cost to hire a bodyguard in the UK?
Hiring a bodyguard in the UK typically costs between £250-450 per day for standard daytime protection (8-12 hours). For 24-hour coverage with multiple personnel working in shifts, expect to pay £1,200-2,500 daily. Specialized protection from professionals with military backgrounds or specific skills can range from £600-1,000+ per day. Event security for a four-hour private event typically costs £400-800. Long-term contracts often offer reduced daily rates compared to short-term arrangements.
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2. What qualifications do bodyguards need in the UK?
In the UK, all professional bodyguards must hold a valid SIA (Security Industry Authority) Close Protection License. This requires completing SIA-approved training covering legal powers and responsibilities, conflict management, physical intervention, and emergency procedures. Professional bodyguards also undergo extensive background checks, psychological assessments, and ongoing training in areas including threat assessment, first aid, emergency medical response, and de-escalation techniques.
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3. What does a bodyguard actually do on a daily basis?
Modern bodyguards focus on proactive threat prevention rather than just physical protection. Daily duties include conducting advance security assessments of locations, identifying potential risks before they materialize, coordinating with venue security teams, planning secure routes, monitoring surroundings for suspicious activity, managing access to the client, and ensuring safe arrivals and departures. The best bodyguards prevent incidents from happening rather than responding after threats emerge.
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4. Can anyone hire a bodyguard in London?
Yes, anyone can hire a bodyguard in London if they have legitimate security concerns. Common clients include business executives, high-net-worth individuals, public figures, legal professionals, international visitors, and anyone facing specific threats or harassment. You don’t need to be a celebrity to require professional protection. Bodyguard services are available for short-term needs (single events) or long-term arrangements (ongoing daily protection).
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5. How long does it take to hire a bodyguard?
For standard protection needs, reputable security companies can typically deploy bodyguards within 24-48 hours. However, the initial consultation and threat assessment should happen first, which can be scheduled within hours of your inquiry. For emergency situations requiring immediate protection, experienced security companies can often provide rapid deployment within 2-4 hours, though this depends on personnel availability and specific requirements.
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6. Do bodyguards carry weapons in the UK?
No, bodyguards in the UK typically do not carry firearms. UK firearms laws are extremely strict, and armed protection is rare, limited to specialized government protection officers. Professional bodyguards in London rely on situational awareness, threat prevention, defensive tactics, and coordination with law enforcement rather than weapons. They are trained in conflict de-escalation and physical intervention techniques that don’t require weapons.
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7. What’s the difference between a bodyguard and close protection officer?
The terms are essentially interchangeable, though “close protection officer” is the more formal, professional term used in the UK security industry. Both refer to trained security professionals who provide personal protection services. “Close protection” emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the role, which includes threat assessment, advance planning, and risk management, not just physical guarding. The SIA uses “close protection” in their official licensing terminology.
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8. Can a bodyguard protect you from stalkers?
Yes, professional bodyguards can provide effective protection against stalkers through multiple approaches. They create a visible deterrent that often causes stalkers to cease activity, document stalking incidents for law enforcement, ensure safe arrivals and departures from locations, coordinate with police investigations, conduct security assessments of your home and workplace, and provide peace of mind during a frightening situation. Bodyguards work alongside legal remedies like restraining orders to provide comprehensive protection.
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9. Do you need a bodyguard 24/7 or can you hire them part-time?
Bodyguard services are highly flexible and can be tailored to your specific needs. Many clients hire bodyguards for specific situations only—business trips, public events, high-risk periods, or particular days of the week. You can arrange daytime-only protection (business hours), nighttime residential security, event-specific coverage, or full 24/7 protection. Temporary and part-time arrangements are common and often more practical than permanent 24-hour coverage for most clients.
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10. How do you know if you need a bodyguard?
You may need a bodyguard if you’re experiencing threatening messages or behavior, have increased public visibility making you a target, are going through high-stakes legal proceedings, have noticed suspicious activity or individuals following you, work in a controversial field attracting negative attention, are a high-net-worth individual facing kidnapping risks, or have had security incidents that concern you. If threats are affecting your daily life, sleep, or peace of mind, a professional security assessment can help determine if protection is warranted.