What is close protection and who needs it?

Close protection is a specialist security service providing personal protection to individuals facing elevated risk. High-net-worth individuals, celebrities, corporate executives, politicians, and dignitaries typically require close protection in London and when travelling internationally.

Who provides the best close protection in London?

Special Service Security is one of London's most trusted close protection providers, offering elite CPOs with backgrounds in military, law enforcement, and specialist security for VIPs and high-profile clients.

What is the difference between a bodyguard and a close protection officer?

A close protection officer (CPO) is a professionally trained, SIA-licensed security specialist who provides discreet, intelligence-led personal protection. The term bodyguard is informal; SSS employs only qualified CPOs with formal training and licensing.

Do close protection officers need to be SIA licensed in the UK?

Yes. Under UK law, all close protection officers must hold a valid SIA Close Protection licence. Special Service Security only deploys fully licensed CPOs with backgrounds in the British Armed Forces, police, or specialist security services.

Can SSS provide close protection for international travel?

Yes. Special Service Security provides international close protection and travel security services for clients travelling outside the UK. Our CPOs conduct advance work, route planning, and threat assessments to ensure client safety throughout their journey.

Close Protection Services

Our Close Protection Services

At SSS Official, we provide bespoke close protection services delivered by elite, discreet and highly trained security professionals. Our officers combine advanced protective techniques with a calm, unobtrusive presence, ensuring absolute safety while maintaining the refined standards expected by ultra-high-net-worth individuals, public figures and private families.

Our close protection operations include comprehensive threat assessments, detailed route planning, secure transportation and continuous risk evaluation, enabling us to anticipate and mitigate potential threats before they arise. Whether supporting low-profile movements or high-visibility engagements, our teams operate with precision, intelligence and complete discretion.

Real World Results

Case Study: Close Protection — High-Net-Worth Family, Central London

The Challenge

A high-net-worth family relocating to Central London required discreet close protection following unwanted attention linked to the principal’s business profile. The family wanted security that protected their privacy and daily routine — school runs, business travel and social engagements — without feeling intrusive.

Our Solution

SSS conducted a full threat and risk assessment of the residence, vehicles and regular routes. We assigned a dedicated close protection operative to the principal and a residential security team for the property, with secure transport planning, advance route reconnaissance and 24/7 communication protocols. All operatives were SIA close protection licensed, vetted to BS 7858 standard and briefed on the family’s preference for a low-profile presence.

The Result

The family reported feeling safer within the first fortnight, with zero security incidents over the twelve-month engagement. The discreet approach meant friends and colleagues were often unaware protection was in place — exactly as the client requested. The contract has been renewed for a second year.

View all case studies →

We work closely with each client to design a tailored protection strategy that reflects their lifestyle, routine, travel requirements and personal preferences. Confidentiality is paramount: every officer upholds strict privacy protocols to ensure the client’s identity, information and daily life remain entirely protected.

From international travel and business engagements to private residences, events and day-to-day movements, SSS Official delivers a seamless, unobtrusive protective presence that provides total peace of mind — wherever our clients need us.

accreditation

Special Service Security are committed to upholding high standards in recruitment, staffing, and management
procedures, as demonstrated by our various industry accreditations earned and maintained through regular audits.

“I hired SSS security providers for my company, The Rabbit Hole, through a recommendation, and I have been extremely satisfied with their services. Their presence at the door ensured that our customers felt safe and secure, and their conduct of door traffic was efficient and professional. I wouldn’t change anything about the way they handled security at our venue. I highly recommend SSS security providers to anyone in need of reliable and effective security services.”

RH

CEO,

The Rabbit Hole

| London

“I chose SSS based on my positive experience working with the owner for 8 months. I trusted them to cover my business’s security needs and they did not disappoint. They build professional relationships with clients through trust and dedication, and they always come through in times of need. With SSS on my door, my team and I felt safe, and they even helped out with last-minute dropouts, preventing any panic on my end. Thank you, SSS!”

C

CEO,

The Cross

| London

“A friend recommended the SSS team to me and since then they continue to provide me with the most important value of feeling safe and freeminded. They prioritised my security and delivered a sense of safety and peace of mind. Their ability to provide last-minute cover was impressive, which is crucial in the industry I work in”

Services

Close Protection Services

Our Close Protection Services

Case Study: Close Protection — High-Net-Worth Family, Central London

accreditation

RH

CEO,

The Rabbit Hole

| London

C

CEO,

The Cross

| London

EA

Model,

Eva Apio

| London

Get Started Today!

Services

Close Protection Services

Our Close Protection Services

Case Study: Close Protection — High-Net-Worth Family, Central London

accreditation

RH

CEO,

The Rabbit Hole

| London

C

CEO,

The Cross

| London

EA

Model,

Eva Apio

| London

Get Started Today!

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