Hiring a Bodyguard: How a Close Protection Assignment Works

If you have never hired a bodyguard before, the questions usually outnumber the answers. What do I need to tell them? How quickly can it happen? What will it cost, and what goes into the contract? This guide walks through how a close protection assignment with DV Company in Hamburg works, from the first call to the debrief.

Our founder Vadim Dischewski has worked in close protection since 2008. DV Company is based in Hamburg and operates across Germany and, by arrangement, Europe. What follows is our standard process; we adapt it to each situation.

1. A confidential first conversation

It starts with a conversation by phone, video or in person. It is free and carries no obligation, and everything you share stays confidential, whether or not you go ahead.

We cover:

• what it is about: a meeting, a trip, an event or an ongoing situation,
• who needs protection: you, family members or guests,
• whether there is a specific trigger or it is a precaution,
• dates and locations.

You don't need to have it all figured out. Many clients get in touch with a vague sense of unease rather than a plan. That is exactly what this call is for.

2. Threat assessment

Next we put together a threat assessment. Where could a risk come from, how likely is it, and where are the exposed moments: arrivals, getting in and out of cars, waiting, public appearances?

That tells us how much protection makes sense. Sometimes one discreet close protection officer is enough; sometimes more planning is needed. We don't recommend more than the situation calls for.

3. The operational plan

With the assessment in place, we plan the detail:

• Primary and alternative routes: travel times, parking, fallback options.
• Venues: hotels, event locations, restaurants, including entrances, exits and waiting areas.
• Communication: who reaches whom and how, code words, fixed contacts on your side.
• Contingencies: what happens if the situation changes.

For travel and escort protection we build in flight and train times. Children need their own routines, such as the school run; see escort protection for children.

4. The quote

We only give a price once we know what is needed. As a guide: close protection from €142.80 per hour including VAT (€120 net), minimum 4 hours; a day rate (up to 10 hours) from €1,428 including VAT.

Only the written quote is binding. It reflects duration, number of officers, travel and any special requirements. For what drives the price, see how much does a bodyguard cost.

5. Contract and confidentiality

Before the assignment we sign a written contract setting out scope, times, costs and responsibilities. On request we also sign a non-disclosure agreement.

With any provider in Germany, check that the company holds a permit under §34a of the Trade Regulation Act (GewO) and that its staff are listed in the national security register (Bewacherregister). A reputable firm will answer that without hesitation.

6. The assignment

On the day, your officer knows where you are going, whom you are meeting and what matters to you. Good protection is low-key: it keeps distance, watches, plans ahead and steps in only when needed.

Worth knowing: private security staff in Germany have no police powers. They act under the rights every citizen has, such as self-defence and defence of others (§32 StGB), necessity (§34 StGB) and the right of provisional arrest (§127 StPO). Professional protection therefore relies on planning, awareness and de-escalation. (General information, not legal advice.)

7. Debrief

Afterwards we check in briefly: what worked, what should change next time, did anything stand out? For recurring assignments, the plan gets sharper each time.

What to prepare

The better the information, the better the fit:

• schedule with places and times,
• who is to be protected and their routines,
• any previous incidents: threats, messages, odd encounters (screenshots, dates),
• preferences: discretion, dress code, language, vehicle,
• contacts such as an assistant or family members.

None of it has to be perfect. We fill gaps together.

Short-notice requests

Sometimes the need arises overnight. We accept short-notice requests and check straight away what is feasible. How soon an assignment can start depends on location, scope and availability, so we don't quote blanket times. Even in a hurry, a brief conversation and a quick assessment come first. Mark your request as urgent.

Events and properties have their own planning: see event security and property protection in Hamburg, delivered together with partners. More about us: security company in Hamburg.

Next step

If you are considering close protection, talk to us first, with no obligation. Use the enquiry form to arrange a free, confidential first conversation.