The world of security can seem pretty complex from the outside, and it can be hard to know exactly what kind of service to use when you find yourself in need of protection. The terms ‘security guard’ and ‘bodyguard’ are sometimes used interchangeably on the outside, but in the industry, these terms actually mean very different things.

If you are unsure about which one you need, we’re going to explore both roles, including what they do, what situations they are usually seen in, and how to know which to choose.

Security Guards–Protecting Properties, Events, and Communities

If you’ve been to a shopping centre, a music event, or a nightclub recently, then you’ve probably seen a security guard in action. These professionals will be uniformed and might be sporting gear like communication earsets, protective vests, handheld radios, and they may also be in vehicles.

Security guards are trained to be able to work effectively in many situations, and tend to be deployed to protect large areas, singular properties, or to provide security and help keep order during events.

They will be qualified to:

• Communicate well and de-escalate situations Security guards are trained to be able to communicate clearly and professionally while on the job, whether it be informing someone of where to go, asking to inspect a bag, or refusing a person entry to a venue. This also includes being able to talk down agitated persons, preventing the need for physical action unless absolutely necessary.
• Observe areas for threats and dangers Whether it be monitoring a security camera system, keeping an eye out for threats from a patrolling vehicle, or watching for suspicious activity from a property’s main entryway, keen observation is a trait that every security guard must have. After all, spotting a potential danger is key to preventing it in the first place!
• Note down events during shifts for reporting Security guards are often hired for repeated shifts, and a professional security guard company will make sure everything important is noted down in a report for you to read. This could include everything from interactions with the public and routes taken on patrol to suspicious activities prevented. These reports will help them (and you) detect patterns, and informs what measures you can take for protection in the future.
• Protect a specific location and respond to alerts inside it or nearby Because they are trained to protect an object or area, rather than a person, security personnel are specialists when it comes to protecting access points and quickly responding to alarms and alerts. Fast, effective and wide-ranging protection can be expected when you hire professional security guards for your home, community, or business.

Finally, security guards are meant to be visible. Fully uniformed and clear to see, they provide a visible deterrent to any troublemaking and are easy to spot in a crowd.

Bodyguards–Keeping VIPs Safe at All Times

Bodyguards are highly-trained individuals who are hired to protect a single person or a very small group of people, like celebrities, C-suite executives, politicians, or divisive figures in the community. They aren’t usually in uniform, although this can depend on who they are guarding and the location they are working in.

This specialisation of having to protect only a very small number of people means their duties are quite different to those of a security guard.

Bodyguards are trained to:

• Protect a single person Bodyguards will focus on keeping a VIP, or a very small group of them, safe from threats of violence. This could be during on-foot travel, in a car, or even on a boat or aeroplane.
• Assess risks and react quickly to threats To keep their client safe, bodyguards are trained to assess situations and react very quickly where needed. This could mean anything from scanning a large room for dangerous people, ushering their client safely through a crowd, or keeping a performer safe during a show.
• Plan routes for travel If their charges are often travelling, bodyguards will assist them in planning the safest route to and from the location in question, and will often ride with the VIP in their vehicle. This could also include changing the route on the fly if danger presents itself.
• Accompany a moving client at all times As with the above, bodyguards will remain with their client at all times, whether they’re travelling or at a static location. They can remain with their VIP while they’re at work, or at home–some bodyguards may even live with their client for the duration of their role.

Bodyguards may not always be clearly visible, with many wearing plainclothes and electing to stay near their client so as not to draw too much attention to either of them. This means you may have been near a bodyguard, but not noticed them! Nevertheless, bodyguards can choose to make themselves known to act as a visible deterrent, much like security guards do.

Security Personnel vs Bodyguard Hire–Which to Choose?

So, do you need bodyguard hire or security guard services? If you’re still not certain, simply ask yourself one question:

What do I need to be protected?

• If you need a single person or a small group to be looked after at all times, then you will need to look into professional bodyguard hire.
• If you need a property guarded, whether it’s a home for a week or just an event for a night, then consider connecting with a security guard company.

If you’re still unsure, please connect with the team at YPG Risk, and we can help walk you through our services and choose the right one for your security needs. We’re sure to have the ideal option amongst our many security guard services for your needs!

FAQs About Bodyguards and Security Guards in Melbourne

1. Can you be a bodyguard and security guard at the same time?

You can be trained to do both, and some of the skills–like observation, risk prevention, and self-defence–will be carried across both services. However, because one is for guarding people and the other property, you wouldn’t hire someone to be a bodyguard and a security guard at the same time.

2. Which is more expensive to hire, a bodyguard or a security guard?

Costs for security guard or bodyguard hire will depend on factors like how long they need to work for, what gear and equipment is needed (like whether they will be on foot or using patrol vehicles), what dangers are expected and what times they will need to work. YPG Risk offers free quotes on our services–use our online form to get in touch.

3. What kinds of training do bodyguards and security guards need in Australia?

If you wish to hold a private security license in Australia, you will need to be over 18 years old, be a resident or hold a current working visa, have your fingerprints taken and pass a background check, and be fit and healthy enough to perform your duties. For more information and details, please see the Victoria Police page on Eligibility Requirements and Training for Private Security Licences.

Contact YPG Risk for all Your Bodyguard and Security Guard Services

No matter which type of security you want to hire, YPG Risk has the skilled and professional personnel you need to stay safe at all times. Whether you need a team of on-foot or in-vehicle security guards, or a single highly-skilled bodyguard, we can provide.

Start the process by getting in contact with us. You can call 1300 690 099 or 0431 550 875 to speak with a representative from our team, or use our online form to leave us a message regarding the type of security personnel you need, and we’ll be in touch shortly.

Our teams use the latest equipment and are highly trained to keep you and your assets safe!