Blog Layout
An Expert Talks - The Close Protection Officer
Close Protection is a truly unique specialism within the police. In this interview former Detective Constable Karen Greene explains how she came to join this unit and what the role demands.
ConsultingCops (CC) - Hi Karen, can you please tell us what force you worked for, what rank you retired at and what role you performed?
Karen Greene (KG) - Metropolitan Police Service. (MPS) I retired as a Detective Constable. I ended my career of 30 years’ service on the Counter Terrorism Command. I have worked in many specialist units since becoming a Detective including, Witness Protection, Fraud, Anti-Terrorist Unit (including Advanced Exhibits Officer within the Command) and Close Protection.
CC - We are very interested in you being a Close Protection Officer whilst serving with the police. Can you tell us how you became involved with Close Protection?
KG - I didn’t know a lot about the role at 1st as you can imagine with a force the size of the MPS there are so many specialist roles and units. Although the unit is a uniformed posting (in plain clothes) I was still very much interested even though I had been a Detective for more than 10 years. What I did know about the unit was that there was a shortage of both females and black officers and a shortage of both applying to join. Once I found out more about the role I realised that it would be an interesting role to perform and completely different to anything I had ever done in my police service. I found out how much training would be involved and how challenging and demanding this would be and I’ve always been someone who wants to take on a challenge and not shy of hard work.
I was not concerned about the physical training; however, I had never carried or used a firearm before nor had I considered using one. I passed all the courses which included intensive firearms training and a physical and mentally draining Close Protection course, some would say one of the hardest courses to pass in the MPS. There is a high level of failures so I was obviously very proud of myself when I passed......in fact I said that if I had failed it I would not have put myself through it again!!!! Saying that the truth is I probably would have as by then I was even more intent on joining the unit.
CC - What training did you have to complete before being operational as a Close Protective Officer?
KG - A number of firearms courses. Close Protection Course, First Aid and Trauma Care, Anti Surveillance, Counter Surveillance. Firearms re classification tests, Close Protection re classifications, First Aid refreshers.
CC - Are there different roles that officers complete when they are deployed in a Close Protection capacity?
KG - People hear Close Protection Officer and think ‘oh you’re a Bodyguard’ and they think of a burly man, with huge muscles getting in the way of anyone who approaches their Principal, generally being a celebrity. A Close Protection Officer is so much more than that, they are highly skilled, discreet but able to react quickly to any situation. A Close Protection Officer uses soft skills, which are so much more important. They have to be meticulous in their advance planning, carrying out comprehensive Reconnaissance (RECCES). Conducting investigations, gathering intelligence on people, groups, buildings and companies and how they will impact on their Principal. Completing briefings and presenting them to the team. Being responsible for personnel resources, the logistics for vehicles and travel, including international and national travel. They have to carry out continuous risk assessments. The list goes on. You need to be able to know how to talk to people knowing when to change the language in any given situation. Being able to diffuse a situation sometimes without being physical, being diplomatic. If I’m being honest in my capacity as a Close Protection Officer and beyond keeping my Principal safe I was a PA, Officer Manager, Diary Secretary, Travel Agent, Resources Manager, Intelligence Officer and Risk Assessor.
Generally, those people who need protecting don’t want it. It’s the officer’s job to gain their trust. Your Principal should trust you enough to know that when you ask them to do something it is always because you are trying to keep them safe.
CC - Can you tell us about your most high-profile deployment?
KG – Sorry that is not a question I can answer due to integrity.
CC - A few years ago, the TV Show “Bodyguard” was very popular did you watch it? If you did how close to reality was it or were there any obvious mistakes?
KG – I've never watched the show; however, I know that police experts are used to give advice when making these types of programmes. They are highly dramatized for public viewing.
CC - Are female Close Protection Officers commonplace? Have you had any comments from either fellow officer’s, people you were protecting or members of the public about being a female Close Protection Officer?
KG - They aren’t common within the Police or Private Sector. I’ve had mixed opinions both positive and negative. The negative generally are through ignorance. I think having females on the team gives a positive image and shows inclusivity. I think women adopt a completely different approach to the role and can be so much more discreet. In my experience no one ever thought I was the Close Protection Officer which made it so easy to be there but not seen.
CC - Would you recommend the role of Close Protection Officer to other officers?
KG - Yes, I would recommend it. It’s a role like no other in the Police Service.
CC - Before we finish being a Close Protection Officer there is always the chance of danger to yourself. How did you family view you carrying out this role?
KG - As a Police Officer there is always a danger to yourself, no matter the role. The role of a Close Protection Officer is no different. My family had concerns about my safety throughout my career due to the roles I decided to undertake. I did shelter them from a lot of things I dealt with. My family were proud of all of my achievements within the MPS.
CC - Is there anything else you would like to add?
KG - As a black female police officer I hope that having taken roles that were maybe not the norm, I have encouraged not only other females and black officers to consider joining these departments within the police but also that I’ve encouraged members of the public especially in my community to think about joining the police as a career.
