Bodyguard-Manual (2).pdf

SA. BODYGUARD TRAINING ACADEMY. VIP/CLOSE PROTECTION TRAINING MANUAL

A brief history of successful assassinations

All plants and animals protect themselves. The sea snail changes colour according to the colour of its surroundings, for instance,
and the swallow darts in flight. Human beings have always been able to use a variety of ways to protect themselves. As we have
created ever more sophisticated weaponry, so we have developed corresponding technology to protect against attack.
However, protection by dedicated persons – bodyguards or CPOs – remains one of the most effective ways of guarding individuals
who are at risk of attack.

Among the individuals considered to be at particular risk of attack are those whose high office in the state exposes them to
the threat of assassination. One of the best-known assassinations in history was that of the Roman emperor Julius Caesar, on
15 March 44 BC – just over 2 000 years ago. While the 20th century officially saw the end of the world's empires, the
American president holds even more power than the emperors of old. Such heads of state are at particular risk of assassination.
We speak of assassination rather than murder when the victim is a prominent person, especially one working in the interests
of a state, and the killing has been planned. (There is no legal difference between murder and assassination.)
The state will usually protect its president (or other head of state) with the help of its administrative organs, such as the police
force.
However, CPOs from the private sector will always be in demand, to safeguard high-profile people whose death or kidnapping
would benefit certain interest groups, or provide kidnappers with quick and easy revenue