Bodyguards and security teams play an increasingly important role in the modern era of celebrities. The rise of paparazzi and tabloids, who never miss an opportunity to capture a shot or publish a story, creates new challenges. When you’re famous, there’s no such thing as privacy. But that’s why it’s so important to have the right protection in place, both through surveillance technology and trained talent ready to respond in case of emergency.
Celebrities Are Increasingly Under Attack
Celebrity security is a difficult task. Protecting someone who is famous or well-known to the public can be an arduous job. They’re always in a place where people would want to harm them. The presence of crowds, strangers, and even just the everyday environment are all factors that make protecting these people difficult.
In the world of the rich and famous, the risks are multiple:
- Kidnapping
- Theft and threat, such as experienced by Kim Kardashian in a Parisian hotel
- Photos from paparazzi
- Violence from anti-fans, opponents, competitors, etc.
It isn’t uncommon for some celebrities to walk around with a highly-trained team of security experts. Tom Cruise’s bodyguards, for example, are famous for their special training. Mark Billy Billingham, a bodyguard frequently seen next to Mr. Cruise, is a former sniper and SWAT officer. The bottom line: Celebrities require that level of protection from the public.
It is important to note that the definition of celebrity can vary. An actor or a singer is a celebrity. But, similarly, a successful local entrepreneur, a best-selling author, or even an award-winning chef are also celebrities at risk.
Bodyguards Are Critical But Only Part Of The Solution
In today’s world, the media often misunderstands the important role that bodyguards play. They are a critical addition to the overall security solution. Security companies can help with the right choice of bodyguards. Someone like Mark Billy Billingham may be suitable for Tom Cruise, but his tailored skills may only be right for some.
A corporate bodyguard is a great security addition for people at risk within a business environment: Entrepreneurs, shareholders, and people who work at or visit the business. As part of their roles, corporate bodyguards can protect individuals but also the property they work at.
On the other hand, political and celebrity bodyguards face a different range of challenges. They must be able to identify specific risks against the person they protect and react accordingly.
Yet, hiring a team of specialist bodyguards is not enough to ensure your security.
Drones Can Help To Patrol Big Properties From A Distance
Bodyguards are paid to stay within the vicinity of the person they protect. Therefore, it becomes essential to invest in different security services to cover short and long-distance surveillance.
Drones can be helpful for surveillance technology to patrol big properties from a distance. Drones are also good for control points and surveys as they can get an aerial view that is not possible with people on the ground. Drones are especially helpful in places that CCTV cameras can’t access. For business and celebrity protection, specialist companies recommend drones to monitor roofs, gardens, and large outdoor parking lots. They refer to the ABC’s of drone surveying to ensure they can gain a high-precision, high-accuracy result at all times. Drones can help assess risks and vulnerabilities.
Camera Surveillance Also Needs On-Site Team
The presence of CCTV cameras is common in luxury estates. Residence 950, on San Francisco’s Russian Hill, has no less than 9 security cameras and a biometric keypad. Yet, this is nothing compared to the level of security many celebrities’ homes enjoy.
Following a gun-point theft in Paris, Kim Kardashian has worked with experts to design a tailored security service for her home. Burglars would find the expected high-performance CCTV and motion sensors. But Kardashian also has a professional security team in charge of CCTV surveillance. The on-site team makes a big difference when it comes to specialist security:
- They can assess risks beyond technology ability
- They can raise the alarm when the tech sensor wouldn’t notice a risk
- They can prevent unnecessary stress
- They can also provide physical protection and contact authorities
Sensors For Home Burglary And Fire Protection
Sensors are a great way to protect your home from burglary and fire. If a burglar enters the perimeter, sensors can immediately notify you via phone or text message so you can take action. Likewise, if there is a fire, sensors will detect the heat increase and send an alert to your phone.
For celebrities and luxury mansion owners, sensors can serve different purposes. Indeed, luxury homes are more at risk of burglary and intrusion. Strategically placed sensors can reduce issues by:
- Monitoring spots that CCTV cameras can’t see
- Monitoring multiple spots simultaneously (unlike a security guard)
- Alerting the security team of anomalies
The security team can gain a full overview of the property by using the sensor, CCTV camera, and drone information.
Technology Will Send An Alert – but People Must Assess It
Security systems can provide automated notification features. When you work with a professional security team, the team handles all the relevant notifications.
These notifications can be diverse:
- Maintenance alert for sensors or cameras in the event of damage
- Status alert for battery replacement
- Anomaly alert for capturing abnormal data
- Automated alerts from motion sensors and cameras
- Automated notifications to relevant authorities, such as if a sensor notices fire or smoke
The security team is trained to receive and manage all alerts. They can easily troubleshoot issues with surveillance technology, such as a sensor sending incorrect alerts. They can also prevent unnecessary hassle as they can check what triggered the alert. Wildlife offer triggers motion sensors, for example.
In conclusion, the right security solution will differ depending on your needs. However, individuals such as celebrities and successful entrepreneurs will need to combine technology and professional talent in their security system. Bodyguards and security experts can provide an immediate risk assessment and response. Technology, such as CCTV, drones, and sensors, ensure surveillance and monitoring skills. By combining both, you can create a solution that combines the best of both worlds: Human initiative and experience with advanced technology.