Talk, talk, talk talk, talk....A perfect example...The latest article that hit our inbox about a ‘’bodyguard’’ and his celebrity client, and one of the most hot and extensively discussed topic resurfaces….again…The importance of confidentiality and discretion in the realm of personal security.
We know, we know, this is a subject that never seems to die, but it never gets an opportunity to, because there is always some misguided individual that speaks too loudly or blogs too harshly. These two pillars – confidentiality and discretion – form the cornerstone of a robust professional relationship between a close protection agent and their client, maintaining not only privacy but also the mutual trust that is vital for efficient personal protection.
Confidentiality: Defined as the principle of keeping private information undisclosed, it is much more than just a professional guideline in the world of personal security. It is also a moral, legal, and ethical obligation we adhere to. It is a personal code by which the protection field is held together by. Without these two, there would be no trust on the part of the client, and our jobs would be difficult.
Celebrities, high-net-worth individuals, and other high-profile clients require a significant amount of protection due to their public status and the associated risks. As we all know, this then involves intimate access to personal, professional, and sometimes sensitive information. Unauthorized disclosure of such information can lead to unwarranted public scrutiny, potential threats, and even legal consequences. Therefore, these agents must adopt a watertight policy of confidentiality to ensure their client's security and peace of mind is maintained and closely guarded.
Discretion, on the other hand, involves understanding when and where to act, maintaining a low profile, and keeping any observed details of the client’s life private. An agent's role is not only about physical protection; it's about being invisible until needed, blending into the background while always remaining vigilant. Clients have a right to lead their life without feeling surveilled, judged, or betrayed by their own protection team. A discreet agent ensures that their presence doesn't intrude on their client's personal life, yet they're always ready to act when necessary.
As a wise man once told us..."Close enough they can nod if they need us...NEVER close enough that they feel the need to introduce us." When a bodyguard breaches either of these two principles, it breaks down the trust that forms the cornerstone of the client-guard relationship. This cannot be permitted at any time. Trust is paramount in this line of work. Clients need to trust that their security will protect them AND their privacy. Once this trust is damaged or destroyed, it becomes challenging to rebuild and can compromise the safety and peace of mind of the client.
Let's not forget that such unprofessionalism and indiscretion will also have serious professional repercussions for the agent in question, his/her team, and the full industry as well! And for this reason, and so many others, these individuals must be removed from the industry for good. A close protection agent's duties extend beyond physical protection. It encompasses the vital responsibility of maintaining strict confidentiality and discretion. These principles uphold the trust, privacy, and safety of the client, reinforcing the integrity of the profession. In the high-profile world of personal security, confidentiality and discretion are not optional – they are, indeed, non-negotiable.
Clients should take strict action against their security personnel who breach confidentiality for several crucial reasons. First, to safeguard their own privacy and security, as indiscretions can expose them to significant undue public scrutiny and potential threats. At this point, the clients owe these men/women nothing and the damage control must be dealt with quickly and firmly. Secondly, it sends a clear message to other security professionals about the severe consequences of breaching trust and professional ethics. Zero tolerance, period. It also helps to maintain the personal code and ethics that the security industry strives to uphold by discouraging such behavior. Lastly, legal action may be necessary, as a breach of confidentiality can often equate to legal infringements and a clear violation of (Hopefully) the agent's signed non-disclosure agreement, leading to potential lawsuits and damage control. In essence, strict action is not only about seeking redress, but it is also a strong preventive measure to discourage and eliminate future violations.