Working as a Close Protection Operative (CPO) is a physically and mentally demanding role that requires the very best training in the business. There are plenty Bodyguard in Säo Paulo of training providers out there offering Close Protection training, but how do you ensure you’re getting the best start possible in your chosen career? There is no point in spending hundreds or thousands of pounds on your Close Protection Training if it isn’t up to scratch.
What Should CPO Training Include?
Training courses should include an aspect of surveillance training, which is helpful to increase your 3rd party awareness – it’s a skill you’ll need to use repeatedly in your role as a CPO. Ensure that any training course you sign up for offers a blend of classroom exercises and practical activities. Don’t be tempted to sign up for correspondence courses that you can take online – there won’t be any practical element to these, so you won’t come away from the course with all the necessary skills for the job.
Who’s Teaching You?
This is a key question to ask when selecting any training course, but even more important when training to be a Close Protection Operative. You need to know who’s teaching the course, and what level of experience the instructors have. Do they currently work in the industry as CPO’s? How much experience do they have in the field? A course led by experienced instructors means you’ll benefit from their knowledge and real-life experience, helping you to learn.
What’s Covered?
It’s essential that the Close Protection course you choose covers the obligatory subjects set out by the SIA. There’s a long list of things which you must learn – here are just a few which any course should cover in more detail:
Interpersonal skills – you need to learn how to communicate with clients and members of the public in order to carry out your role effectively
Teamwork – When working as a CPO, you’ll often be part of a small, close-knit team who need to work together to carry out assignments. Teamwork is vital for a career as a professional CPO.
Roles and responsibilities of the Close Protection Operative – you’ll learn what will be expected of you in the role and what your responsibilities are; this will help you to focus on the areas of your knowledge you need to improve
Communication and conflict management skills – in this challenging role, you’ll come across conflict on a regular basis, and learning the skills to cope, as well as improving your communication skills is key if you wish to be a professional CPO.
You’ll need to consider other factors when searching for the right training course, such as accreditation, your available budget and the qualification you’ll receive upon completion.
Conclusion
By ensuring that any close protection training course you enrol on offers a mix of practical and classroom exercises, as well as providing training in all of the SIA’s obligatory subjects, you’ll be well on your way towards a successful career as a Close Protection Operative.
Brian Tough challenges you to train with the best to become the best in close protection, surveillance training, SIA and bodyguard training with Argus Europe.