Understanding the Differences Between a Personal Protection Officer and a Bodyguard

You know that you need protection. Do you also know, however, that you have options? There is more than one way we here at Statewide Patrol can provide the protection you need. This is why we offer Austin, Dallas, and San Antonio, TX with both bodyguard and personal protection officer services. 

Wait- is this not the same thing?

Actually, no! Although these two are often mixed up, the difference is very important. Essentially, the difference is exactly who or what is being protected. A personal protection officer, sometimes referred to as a security guard, protects property and people. The people protected are those that are in the physical space that the security guard is responsible for, like an airport, bank, or store. If you need someone to stand at the doorway of your establishment and check IDs, ensure everyone is wearing their mask, or stop people from stealing, you need this type of security professional.

A bodyguard, on the other hand, is hired to provide protection to a particular individual. This person may be a government figure, celebrity, or wealthy business owner. Maybe you have to testify in court against someone you fear may harm you. Perhaps someone has threatened your family. If you run a large company and have had to do a round of layoffs, you may feel a bodyguard is appropriate for the time being as people are told they no longer have a job. The focus is not on preventing crime but on keeping a particular person, sometimes referred to as the ‘principal’ in the industry, out of the way. If someone should try to harm you or in any way make you feel unsafe and threatened, the bodyguard will step in and remove the offender.

Bodyguards are sometimes referred to as close protection officers. Other terms include executive protection and VIP protection. If you are going to be giving a speech or walking a red carpet, you want yourself protected by a bodyguard. If you want to make sure your store and employees are safe late at night as you’re closing up and counting money, you want a personal protection officer. It’s not too difficult to understand once you learn the difference between the two specialities. 

No one should fear for their safety or wellbeing. If you need these personal protection services, please do not hesitate to contact Statewide Patrol today for a consultation!

Austin Branch

(512) 326-9422

Dallas and Ft. Worth

(972) 812-9992

San Antonio 

(210) 979-6464

We offer easy payment terms, no long term contracts, and all of the protection services you could ever need. When you contact us and tell us a little bit about your situation, we’ll even give you a free quote!

We use the electronic Deggy® Guard Tour System. This allows our officers to easily report events and record the exact date, time, and location of our inspections. This system provides further proof that the services were actually performed, allowing us to deliver a higher quality service.