Estimating The Cost Of A Bodyguard

Whether you are in possession of some high value property, are vulnerable to kidnapping or terrorism threats, are the CEO of a company, are an elected official or are involved in a heated legal case. Being a target with increased risk, it is a good idea to hire personal protection because of the greater likelihood of an attack.

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The term “bodyguard” is usually what we encounter in movies, television or books; however, a bodyguard is also referred to as “executive protection or EP”, “personal security” and “personal protection” and despite whatever the name given, the role is more or less the same. A bodyguard is a person who is trained and experienced in strategies and tactics to protect you, your family, your assets and reputation.

 

There are different types of bodyguards you can hire for your personal situations and needs. Some people may require a team of trained personal protection officers to be with them 24×7. While others simply require a single bodyguard to accompany them to a special occasion or event. People may need protection when traveling abroad such as celebrities, high-level executives and elected officials. And, there may be bodyguards required for the protection of several people at luxury locations like casinos and high-end hotels, restaurants, etc.

 

So, how much does a bodyguard cost? The common idea is that hiring a bodyguard can be quite expensive and is only for the elite and celebrities. However, you would be surprised to know that today, there are security firms that provide personal protection at very affordable prices, even starting at $35 per hour.

 

How Much Does A Bodyguard Cost?

Today, you can hire all types of security, right from a personal bodyguard, to armed drivers to private security contractors, you have security personnel for every situation and budget.

 

Event Security

Event security consists of security officers who may be armed or unarmed with basic training in access control, crowd control, conflict resolution, first-aid, emergency procedures and media relations who monitor events and take care of things like patrolling the venue, screening visitors attending the event, etc. Event security personnel handle violent behavior of guests, disputes regarding guest lists and other minor disturbances. Event security officers are permitted through a state licensing agency. Usually, event security officers are available at prices starting from $45 per hour for unarmed officer and $65 per hour for armed officers.

 

Unarmed Driver

Unarmed drivers usually have a training background in emergency vehicle operations who know their way around town. However, the job of an unarmed driver is just until you reach your destination. If you want to have a scout ahead of you or you want to be escorted to the door, then you will have to hire another bodyguard. The cost to hire an unarmed driver is around $350 per day and you could either use your own vehicle or you can rent an SUV which will set you back by another $110 per hour.

 

Armed Driver

You can hire an armed driver if you believe the likelihood of being attacked exists. Armed security personnel will have the required training, temperament and background to carry a concealed firearm in public. They will have a “Carry Concealed Weapon” or “CCW” license which allows them to legally carry a loaded firearm on their person. You can hire an armed driver for around $500 per day.

 

Unarmed Personal Security

Usually, unarmed security officers are ex-military, police officers, government agents or have experience and specialized training. They analyze your security risks and plan your day very meticulously. An armed security officer can cost around $500 a day.

 

Armed Personal Security

You will easily pay out around $750 a day to hire an armed security officer and price can go up to $1,000 a day for international jobs. You must also bear all the travel and accommodation expenses of the security officer. Typically, you would need 2 agents in the case of an international job. One agent will do an advanced reconnaissance of the locations and the employees at the destination 1 or 2 days before you travel and the other security officer will accompany you on your journey.

 

Full-Time Bodyguard

If you live under threat constantly and need surveillance 24×7, then you can hire live-in bodyguard to protect you and your family by securing your home, sweeping vehicles, scouting buildings, screening your staff and employees, etc.

Usually, 24-hour surveillance is split into 12 or 8-hour shifts and are shared by 2 to 3 security officers per shift throughout the week. So, how much does a bodyguard cost to protect you full time? Well, you could be paying around $1,000 to $1,500 a day for full-time security personnel.

 

Top-Level Security Detail

These elite security officers are usually reserved for royalty, celebrities, politicians, top businessmen, media barons, etc. Usually, these elite officers are former top tier military operators, DOD Security Service Agents, ex-Secret Service agents or possess similar backgrounds and go through intense comprehensive training and also attend refresher courses regularly. Typically, a top-level security detail comprises of around 10 members in a team and you could be paying around $100 to $150 per person an hour.

 

Private Military Contractor

If you need officers with deployment and combat experience on your security detail to protect you in disaster zones, then you can hire your own PMC at around $1,500 per day. Tactical combat uniform with plate carrier, fully loaded and armed with all the combat tools required for the job, these contractors are combat soldiers who are trained in specialized camps and are suitable for war zones and combat situations.

 

Now that your question, how much does a bodyguard cost, has been answered. Contact us and schedule a free, no-obligation consultation and quote today. At ESS Security & Investigation Services, we have been providing security services for over 30 years. We offer trained professionals, custom security solutions and comprehensive support to meet all your needs.