Missouri Business & Executive Protection?

S

spraven

Inactive
Hi everyone,

I have a quick question that my own research is only sending me in circles.

I know a local business owner that is wanting to hire Executive Protection/Bodyguard Service, but wants it to be an in house employee rather than contract out to an outside firm. Obviously, this is to save on the expense of an outside contractor.

The thing is...I can find regulations for these services in St. Louis and Kansas City, but nothing else. I can't seem to find any regulations on Licenses or Certifications that the company or the Bodyguard has to posess and maintain.

I see that to own a security firm that offers these services to others, there are some requirements and liability issues. I can't find anything, anywhere, on using your own staff (except for firearms issues like having a CCW endorsement).

If anyone can point me to some good information about this or has any special knowledge of what might be required, please let me know. I've ran out of search terms and only keep finding "schools" that claim to teach classes in other states for Missouri Executive Protection. Most of them seem to be diploma mills instead of reputable firms.

My sincere appreciation!

Scott P.
 
This is most likely regulated at the state level. See if you can find a department that licensee professionals, usually the same that does, teachers, geologist, doctors etc. In VA there are certifications for becoming an armed guard or private detective not sure on there being a specialty of personnel protection. In many of these certifications there is a requirement to work for someone one who has previously been licensed for a period of time. I am not sure there is anyway to get a stand alone license. One of my local gun-shops does offer the classes required but you still need to tie into a local already established business.
 
Thanks Wally626,

I have been researching every government site from state all the way down to county and local municipality. The only areas I can find, and after talking with a couple people this morning on another board, only St. Louis and Kansas City require any type of Licensure. The rest of MO seems to not even have any distinction between a basic desk jockey mall cop watching monitors all night and/or a Private Protection Specialist. Most of MO don't even seem to require a PI license unless the company uses that person in any investigative capacity of some kind. See why I feel like I'm chasing my tail here? LOL

Here is a little more detail I was too tired to post last night. It might add a little context for anyone else that might have answers for me:


Here's why I love forums and communities like this. You can get great advice on both Pro & Con and use that to better inform people based on more than a "hey, I read somewhere" type answer...often from someone that has actually been there. I appreciate your time and advice!

I was kind of looking at it in the same light of why skimp on security. As many small business owners are, this one is very cost conscious and while he isn't concerned with initial costs or insurance, he is of the mindset that if he knows and trusts his protector, he feels more secure than bringing someone on board that all he knows is what shows up in a background check.

I do believe he is more concerned for his family than himself, since he could be easily replaced (in his mind) with someone else that could step in and do the same job. As his profile rises, so do potential threats to himself and his family and I believe he is looking for more peace of mind than anything.

I also think, coming from a small business mindset, the "in-house" part was based on how other positions were filled by family or friends that had the skills to do the job. I am aware of some " Special Forces" type friends they might be leaning toward as in house hiring material. Obviously, there would have to be ongoing training and courses designed around Executive Protection for his "team" as it were. I do not believe he is planning for only 1 guy, but for a small security team that grows as his business grows.

My biggest concern for them is the Legal and Liability Ramafications of whatever choice they make! Although I could find no specific requirements or licensures outside 2 Municipalities, I could also not get the thought of liability alone to quit screaming out. I don't even know what types of policies would cover something like that.

Anyone else that might want to chime in, please feel free...or if you have any other thoughts, please don't hesitate to share them with me as we'll.

I don't have a vested interest in this beyond protecting my friend from making the wrong choices. That, thankfully, allows me to be objective all the way around!

Thanks again,

Scott P.
 
I'm not remotely an expert in this sort of thing, but a few thoughts occur to me. First, your friend needs to consult a lawyer who's knowledgeable about this area. He probably has a lawyer who helped him set up the business, who can refer him to someone qualified to give advice about liability and licensing concerns. Second, as to whom to hire, a retired police officer would be ideal.

I also wonder whether your friend has adequately researched the costs of hiring someone "in-house" as opposed to contracting with a security firm. More and more companies are turning to outside contractors these days to fill all sorts of positions, mainly because it's cheaper than paying all the associated costs of having actual employees.
 
Thanks, Vanya! Both are excellent points that I will relay to him. I'm suggesting he do a full cost analysis on each side of the coin to aid in his decision.
 
Just looked around a bit and there is no state requirement but various city ones. Columbia also looks like it requires a permit. If permits do not transfer from place to place it is going to be.a pain keeping up with all the separate jurisdictions, unless the one requiring it are very limited.
 
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