Dissertations@Portsmouth - Details for item no. 14126
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Harding, Dean (2022) The British Bodyguard, highly trained professional or just ‘the help'?: a critical analysis of the United Kingdom’s close protection practitioners, and their utilisation within the private, executive protection industry. (unpublished MSc dissertation), University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth
Abstract
The aim of this study was to critically evaluate the skill levels and backgrounds of UK close protection practitioners within the private sector, establish how they are being utilised and treated and how the practitioners feel they and their profession is viewed. The study established levels of training and qualification, how bodyguards were employed and what processes took place. It was determined if the close protection service was being used appropriately and how ‘state level’ close protection provision and qualification compares. Primary research was conducted utilising a mixed method approach. Qualitative and quantitative data was obtained by means of survey and interview from two different sample groups to represent the wider UK close protection population. The first sample group were required to have practiced close protection in the UK within the last the seven years. The second group had to have performed close protection at the ‘state level’ and be reasonably construed to be experts in the field. Experienced training providers were also part of the inclusion criteria. The study concluded that the overall skill levels of UK close protection practitioners in the private sector was extremely low, due to an ineffective and sub-standard regulatory system that completely fails to recognise the seriousness or specialist nature of the role. It was identified that it was impossible to officially recognise different levels of service, ability, or experience, resulting in lack of informed choice for the consumer and forcing the industry to ‘self-regulate’. It was also established UK close protection practitioners are treated well and with respect and it is believed by the practitioners they perform the role to the required standard.
Course: Criminal Justice - MSc - C2681F
Date Deposited: 2023-05-11
URI/permalink: https://library.port.ac.uk/dissert/dis14126.html