How To Hire A Bodyguard In Atlanta

Do you need to hire a bodyguard in Atlanta? Are you confused about what to look for when it comes to executive protection? This article will explain what to look for, and how to hire, bodyguards in Atlanta.

Atlanta is the entertainment capital of the southeast, filled with a mix of celebrities and musicians who need the services of bodyguards in Atlanta.

Many people have rather romantic ideas about what's needed for executive protection in Atlanta. It's not James Bond or something out of a spy thriller. In fact, the field is anything but Hollywood, but more like routine safety and security measures that are designed to keep the client safe.

But, what do you need to look for when it comes to hiring executive protection in Atlanta? Here are three things that you should consider.

Training. One thing's for sure, anybody and everybody thinks they're a bodyguard, even the bouncer at the club. But that's just hired muscle, not a bodyguard. Before you hire executive protection, make sure you know the difference.

A legitimate bodyguard has the professional training to back their credentials up. Anyone with some muscles and an imposing presence can say they are a bodyguard; what separates the wannabes from the true professionals is training from a licensed, accredited program. Everyone needs additional training, including police and military special forces.

Schools such as ESI are first-rate, and there are a number of local training programs in your area that offer basic and advanced training.

As a rule, I don't hire bodyguards who don't have adequate training. Training is more important than references or past clients. Many celebrities prefer to hire friends with muscle, but this is often a liability. Many times, untrained bodyguards try to use brawn instead of brain and often get sued in the process. A trained bodyguard knows that getting physical to protect a client should only happen when there is no other option. And, when it does happen, only reasonable force that is required to protect the client should be used.

Insurance. Is your bodyguard insured? Though bodyguards in most states aren't required to have insurance, it's good to select one with a liability insurance policy. Though it costs the bodyguard more, a portion of which no doubt is passed on to the client, it's a smart bet to hire a bodyguard with insurance, for liability reasons alone.

Let's say you have a celebrity client and you need a bodyguard. A fan harasses the client, tries to attack them, and the hired bodyguard blocks the attack. The fan gets hurt in the process and sues the client; however, because the bodyguard has insurance, the client is protected legally. You may have a court battle, but it's always better to have a bodyguard with insurance than without, especially depending on whom the client is.

Weapons' permits. Too many celebrity bodyguards have learned this lesson the hard way: If you choose to hire an armed bodyguard, that bodyguard must have proper certification in their state, or the states they're traveling to.

An Atlanta bodyguard must have a CCW to operate in Georgia, but a Georgia CCW is not allowed in states such as California or New York, where many celebrity clients frequently travel. It's important to know the laws in your state or the gun laws of the states that the client plans to travel. An Atlanta bodyguard with a non-resident Utah CCW license can carry in nearly three dozen states.

While these tips can help you hire executive protection, it's best to leave the intricate details of hiring a bodyguard to a licensed security company in Atlanta that offers bodyguard services.

They'll make sure you have a trained bodyguard, with adequate weapons permits. And, you'll be able to use the company's insurance policy as adequate legal protection. You won't have to worry about training, because the company will make sure the executive protection is trained.

Hiring a bodyguard eliminates the learning curve for clients; the company will screen, test and manage the bodyguard process. All the client has to do is sign the check.

Hiring a company to manage the process is best, because they know the industry and can make sure the executive protection is qualified, able and willing to meet the client's requirements. Outsourcing executive protection allows the client to focus on their business, instead of managing bodyguards in Atlanta.

Don't stress about the details. A licensed and insured security guard company in Atlanta can help you manage all the details of hiring a bodyguard in Atlanta.