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Lynxsecuritycv
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Post by Cpothompson 14/1/2013, 13:28

Hello all CPD members,

I'm looking at completing my SIA Close Protection course this year once I have saved my last bit of money.

Joining this forum along with others to gain information on the current world in body guarding.

I have looked after a comedy legend last year for a one off gig that he done and I enjoyed every part of the industry. I have always wanted to become a bodyguard from when I was in my younger years but only now at 28 really pushing to get my badge.

About me work history

Working in the security industry for 4 years now covering security guard on static sites, security officer at M&S and doing the doors around 2 years ago.

Hope to chat to you all around this forum.

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Post by Lynxsecuritycv 14/1/2013, 14:13

Not to burst your enthusiasm etc. What's your background?
What are you hoping to achieve. What area of CP you wanting to get involved in?
What makes you different from the 12000 known CP badge holders. Genuine advise
after 7 years doing CP and various other things I am now ditching the industry
as to be honest people are choosing guys on the cheap. £40-50 an hour it used
to be in UK doing CP now if you're lucky £10-13 an hour. Market is flooded.

You need to be superman or something special to get ahead nowadays. you will
make more money working as a DS on doors and at festivals, it will also give
you great person to person experience, dealing with people and reading body
language. One of the biggest advantages about CP reading body language.


Honestly save your money and do something you will get a
return on, i know this is something you have wanted to do for years. Think
seriously before taking jump a friend of mine recently (9months ago) done CP
course, FPOS-I, MIRA, EMT-B and a firearms course. Where is he? Dole cue. spent
near on £4k and he has nothing but grief from the with for his troubles. Gave
up his police career on the assumption the CP industry will bring him rewards.


Everyone from the military are getting out and going to
route of CP or Security Management. My opinion unless you are in a good
contract or have a massive book of clients and friends. WIDE BERTH!.


Sorry to piss on your chips. Not intended but think seriously
before jumping. Instead of spending £3k + and still only working in SG. Take a
seriously look at the advantages and disadvantages. Training providers will
tell you anything to take your money- promise jobs etc. If you do go for it you
might need a high impacting CV then contact me at www.lynxsecuritycv.co.uk as I
will try do you a decent CV to give you a chance.
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Post by Ted-Pencry 14/1/2013, 14:33

Welcome to the forum Craig,

Lynx is right the industry is very tough these days.
But we can't really say there is a shortage of jobs.

I browsed the internet for 2 hours yesterday and posted on the forum more than 10 jobs.
Rates are not as they were, companies are tougher and tougher with recruitment, they ask for more years in the military and for more qualifications than ever.

But if you hang in there you should make it if you are highly motivated.

ps: In order to view all forum topics you will need to become a verified CPD member (please read the "How to become a verified CPD member" post)





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Post by Cpothompson 14/1/2013, 17:29

Hi lynx thank you for your post and I understand where you are coming from but lucky for me I have a contact with work already to go as he has his own company. My understanding is there is loads of people out there like me or even better but it's all about who you know and how good you are. The rates have dropped down from years ago but I still could be paid £10 - £13 on the Job and I would be happy with that.

So I am looking at doing commercial CP as a career as hostile don't suit me as I have no mill background. Can even do RST to fill time if needed.

Like ted said there is jobs if you are the right person that they are after. Yes some might be driving jobs but at £35k a year that's not bad looking after a CEO.

Don't plan on spending £1000s on a course looking for middle range company with good feedback from members on this board.

Cheers guys

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Post by Lynxsecuritycv 14/1/2013, 17:58

Good luck to you. Yes there are jobs out
there but what I was trying to get at you are competing with hundreds of people
each time. well that's depending on the job as well. You would be happy with
£10-13 an hour, Jesus I get £13.50 an hour working doors no way would I be
working in a CP capacity for that. But that's me.





Jobs are out there as it's been said but as
I said you will be competing with X Y and Z. £35k a year driving someone about.
Please tell me you are not hoping to walk into that right away? Look as said
not trying to piss on your chips. I wish you well I'm no expert but due to the
lack of work and to be honest can't be arsed travelling to London all time as
there is loads of work.





Good luck nothing ventured nothing gained.
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Post by jomac 14/1/2013, 19:32

Craig,

Lynx and Ted have given good advice already. There is a massive failure by people to use their most valuable tool, their brain and do their research. If you really want to go into Close Protection, have you researched the industry you want to go into (types of work, number of jobs compared to
number of those qualified and seeking work, how difficult it is to get
into, guideline salary figures, etc).

Have you researched training providers and determined what company you
would like to do your course/s with, and whether they are reputable,
recommended, have the correct accreditation, the certificate/qualification that you gain is recognised, they are known as a good provider in the industry, etc.

Have you determined how you will fund your course/s, plan of action for
gaining work after completion of your course, plan B in case you cannot
get a “foot in the door” like the hundreds of others that are trying to.

Do your research! I cannot stress this enough. With the recession and
economic climate, there are currently a lot of experienced people (years
of experience on the circuit) out of work. Let alone all those guys
leaving the military thinking they can just jump onto the CP bandwagon.


I see this day in and day out on websites and groups etc, the
sheer number of people that are not doing their research is staggering.
People seem to be leaving the military and doing a course/not
ex-military but doing a course, then saying to themselves “now what”!
They seem to be surprised when jobs are not dropping into their lap.

Or one of my other favourites is someone will post in the forums with a post such as “I’m the best thing since sliced bread, underwater
knife-fighting instructor, and I’m looking for work”. That is their
token effort to find work! If you notice, these posts rarely get
replies or get sarcastic ones. I won’t mention the ones that put their
bloody phone numbers or email addresses in them! Ermm hello, you are
trying to get into the Security industry yet clearly have no awareness
of your own personal security. If they asked a proper question like
some do, (10 years ex mil, attended x course, looking to get into CP in
UK, any advice appreciated, etc - aka they have a clear direction), then
they get decent responses.

Just take a look through the forums on the websites at all the hundreds of guys who have
attended a CP course, got their SIA Licence, but are struggling to get a
“foot in the door”. All of this should speak volumes.

Salaries constantly being cut due to people willing to work for shit pay
for “experience”, to “get a foot in the door”, or companies “baiting
and switching” on guys by cutting their pay when they arrive, or cutting
it a month or two later, them staying and accepting it, are whole other
issues. Suffice to say, pay peanuts, get monkeys. If you place no
value on yourself and your skills, why should any company? If your
company keeps cutting your pay, you stay because “any job is better than
no job” (it’s really not) and are willing to work for it, don’t be
surprised when every job/contract you get, the pay is less and less.
Before you know it, you’ll be paying the company to employ you.

The days of pick and choose your company, tons of jobs, etc have been over for years. Finding work/contracts is a combination of what you know, who you know, luck and timing.

I could go on for pages on this whole topic, but suffice to say RESEARCH is the key.

study

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Post by Lynxsecuritycv 14/1/2013, 20:59

Great post. Exactly what I was trying to say but you did it better .
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Post by Chris Turnbull 15/1/2013, 11:10

Again, I have to totally back what everyone else here is saying to you buddy.

I have had a keen interest and spent countless hours researching the private security side of things in this now farcical industry, my view now is that basically it's become an interest of mine, a subject to learn about that I have a bit of an interest in.

The SIA have enabled anybody to now be a "Bodyguard", anyone. Pay your money and you get that little plastic badge......big deal.

With the greatest respect mate, some static guard work, retail security and a bit of doorwork...nowhere near what would be required to even be considered for anything that would be truly considered private/personal security work. Again, and this is no personal judgement on yourself in any way as I do not actually know you, but anyone can get a job on the door now, as long as they have that blue badge they will get work. Laughable, if we are to actually consider what the job entails and possible worst case scenarios which should be considered each and every time a candidate is interviewd for such a position. Not that doorwork has much in common with proper CP duties anyway, despite all the crap myself and others have had to listen to for years.....

The best chance you have is to know people in the sector you want to get into and network constantly, listen and learn from real operators that have proper experience and info on what's required.

Sorry to perhaps dishearten you mate, but it is not what all these training providers like to market as.

Out of interest could you outline what it was you were actually tasked with regarding this comedy legend and in waht capacity?

Finally, it might be an idea to lose the Kevin Costner avatar mate......
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Post by Cpothompson 15/1/2013, 19:53

Hi Chris,
Lol the avatar is a joke that's why I have said at the bottom in my signature.
I agree about the doors with the fact if you got a badge your in.
As I have said I got worked lined up as soon as the badge comes on completing a course. So knowing somebody who is active and the company is active I should be ok unless things change like they can do.
You are right you don't know me and my work history that I have quoted don't be me justist. I am not your avavage S/O in the industry although there is a different from S/O to CP.

The comedy guy I worked for was a one off gig and I was his IBG. Picked up from his house took to the venue. Waited while he eat food with other guest in the hall then watched him do his stuff on stage. Manage to do get the job as I knew the owner of the venue. And 220 attained the gig. Yeah might not be the best gig but I enjoy every bit of it.

I am on here looking at networking and just checking out everything VP
Cheers

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Post by Chris Turnbull 15/1/2013, 20:41

Craig, with respect, that is hardly what would fall into CP work buddy.

You (one guy so presumably no actual perceived risk) picked up an individual, drive him to dinner then a show. Watched the show and drive him back.

Even if this chap was under some sort of threat from something or someone or other what exactly had you planned to do. Did you outline what he should and shouldn't do and when so as to actually enable yourself to provide any sort of actual protection? I could go on, and who was this chap?
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Post by Cpothompson 15/1/2013, 20:59

Chris,
Rule number one is never name a client even to the fact that it was a one off and that I wasn't licence to look after him.
Just because there was only myself doesn't mean there wasn't a threat. It all goes down to cost.
I didn't just turn up and do the job I actually planned ahead and it wasnt a Mickey Mouse plan that I put together. Just to point out it was 2 years ago.

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Post by Chris Turnbull 15/1/2013, 21:01

Ok Craig.
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Post by Lynxsecuritycv 15/1/2013, 22:22

Just out of curiosity what did your plan consist
of? what steps did you take before travelling to the venue regardless of threat
and perceived. Just curious as you are now saying your experienced enough to
plan out all this. and you are experienced etc.

I'm not trying to burst your
bubble but planning and executing a one man cp task is no easy streak. anyone
worth their weight in salt has to perform a full risk assessment SAP and exit strategies
etc.



Your friend who has the business, does he have 24/7
work in CP? if he has work for you straight away why you not booking on a
course straight away? CP work isn't to be compared to Frank Farmer and all the
glamour of celebrities etc. Personally I have looked after the celebs and its
shit but its work and it pays well.

Fortunately I have been doing HE and
diplomatic CP for last few years so have a little bit of knowledge. But i had
to start somewhere. So if you have got this all set up and ready good oh good
luck wish you well , You are certainly 300 steps ahead of the thousands of others
if you have job set up. You do know that this type of industry is mainly
contracts and not a JOB where you pay taxes and NI. 99.9% self employed so hard
game.
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Post by Chris Turnbull 15/1/2013, 22:45

Lynx, there are obviously far too many opsec/persec risks here to discuss further.......
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Post by Lynxsecuritycv 15/1/2013, 23:30

Good point. LOL
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Post by Ted-Pencry 15/1/2013, 23:37

It certainly is a warm welcome for Craig!
An introduction never got as much attention as this thread!

Craig please read the "how to become a verified member" if you want to be able to read and post in all forum sections

Regards
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Post by Cpothompson 16/1/2013, 07:37

Lol it's ok the guys above have more than likely Been employed in the industry and they views are welcome and that's why I joined the forum to get views, jobs and to network with others.

I will join on Friday via PayPal.

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Post by Ted-Pencry 16/1/2013, 07:44

Roger Craig.

Indeed this forum has some great guys on board with a lot of experience and they spend their own time helping others and newbies out, not necessarily telling people what people want to hear but the truths of the industry and that it is very hard these days.

It helps a great deal being prepared "for the battle" as many guys come out of the army thinking it will be easy.
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Post by Chris Turnbull 16/1/2013, 09:27

Lynxsecuritycv wrote:Just out of curiosity what did your plan consist
of? what steps did you take before travelling to the venue regardless of threat
and perceived. Just curious as you are now saying your experienced enough to
plan out all this. and you are experienced etc.

I'm not trying to burst your
bubble but planning and executing a one man cp task is no easy streak. anyone
worth their weight in salt has to perform a full risk assessment SAP and exit strategies
etc.



Your friend who has the business, does he have 24/7
work in CP? if he has work for you straight away why you not booking on a
course straight away? CP work isn't to be compared to Frank Farmer and all the
glamour of celebrities etc. Personally I have looked after the celebs and its
shit but its work and it pays well.

Fortunately I have been doing HE and
diplomatic CP for last few years so have a little bit of knowledge. But i had
to start somewhere. So if you have got this all set up and ready good oh good
luck wish you well , You are certainly 300 steps ahead of the thousands of others
if you have job set up. You do know that this type of industry is mainly
contracts and not a JOB where you pay taxes and NI. 99.9% self employed so hard
game.



Craig, there are some interesting points and questions made/asked here, perhaps you could respond buddy?
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Post by Cpothompson 16/1/2013, 13:32

Yes no worries Chris, didn't see your post from early, I will report back 2 night as I am currently working.

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Post by Cpothompson 16/1/2013, 16:12

IHi chris, I arrived at the venue around 4hrs before I had to pick the guy up. I checked with the manager of the venue and done a walk through with him on what the night involves. Checked out the stage and where my nearest exit was if a problem occurred. Sorted out with the waiting staff where he would be sitting and moved a couple of tables away from his. Met his agent at the venue and talked to her on what she wanted me to do regards autograph hunters and photo snap ops. She then give me the address for him to pick him up so I set my sat nav and drive the route checking it out. Went back to the venue and got changed and met his agent and we drove to pick him up.
Arrive at the back door to the venue (my choice) and he ate his meal while I sat and watched the area, not allowing people to disturb him while he ate.
Meal over now time for the show, he done his stuff on the stage all fine. Chance for him to meet his fans which his agent said for him to do. Stood close by and kept an eye on people lining up waiting to see if I could spot any trouble ahead. No problems all fine. Dropped him back at his place end of.

No problems on the night all went fine. Some celebrity's have a bodyguard as a status symbol and not for a treat.

More than likely I missed loads out that a trained CP person would do but I was t badge.
The company I got work with once I get my badge does have work 24/7 and big contracts too.
And at the moment I am waiting for my own funds to build up before I can book a course. Hope haven't missed anything out Chris.

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Post by Ricky L 18/1/2013, 20:24

Evening Craig

What a welcome, seriously listen to the guys and the advice they give. Research is the key (not pinching your line Jomac, honest).

Be realistic about what you want to achieve, make sure your targets and goals are achievable and not just pipe dreams.

Now to be brutal with you, ditch the avatar and the 'CPO' in front of you name and the best of luck in what ever you decide to do.

Regards
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Post by Chris Turnbull 18/1/2013, 20:46

Good advice there Craig.
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Post by Ted-Pencry 19/1/2013, 08:13

I will now lock the topic.

regards and welcome again Craig.
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