SECURITY AND RISK MANAGEMENT
45+ Years Industry Experience
Full Military & Police Veteran Team
SIA Licensed Close Protection Operatives
Comprehensive & Bespoke Private Security
Discreet private security in Northern Ireland
At VIS Protection, we provide professional close protection services across Northern Ireland, supporting high-profile individuals, families and businesses with discreet, reliable security.
Our experienced close protection officers are trained to the highest standards, operating with calm professionalism and discretion in every environment.
What are close protection services?
Close protection services (sometimes called executive protection) involve safeguarding individuals who face elevated personal risk due to their wealth, status, profession or public visibility. Effective protection is more than a physical presence - it includes planning, intelligence, advance work, risk assessment and discreet day-to-day security management.
At VIS Protection, our close protection services are delivered exclusively by former military and police professionals who understand how to identify risks early and operate without attracting attention.
Who needs close protection services?
Close protection services are essential for individuals who may be intentionally targeted or unintentionally exposed due to their visibility, routine or assets.
Our clients typically include:
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High-net-worth individuals and families
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Professional athletes
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Public figures, entertainers and influencers
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Diplomats and political figures
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Executives travelling for business
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Individuals facing credible threats or unwanted attention
VIS Protection’s operatives have protected Premiership footballers, UHNW families, diplomats and members of the British Royal Family - always quietly, professionally and with complete discretion.
Are close protection officers (CPOs) the same as bodyguards?
While bodyguards and close protection officers both focus on personal safety, there are important differences in how they operate and the level of service provided.
Key differences:
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Bodyguards are often associated with visible, reactive security - focused on physical presence and deterrence.
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Close protection officers (CPOs) take a broader, more proactive approach, including advance planning, risk assessment and coordination with wider security measures.
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CPOs operate discreetly, often blending into the environment while identifying risks before they develop.
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Protection is tailored, ensuring the approach fits the client’s lifestyle, exposure and specific risk profile.
Close protection is designed to manage complex security needs with precision - delivering safety without unnecessary visibility or disruption.
Is executive protection the same as close protection?
Close protection and executive protection are often used interchangeably, particularly across different regions.
Key differences:
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Executive protection is more commonly used in the United States and often refers to security for corporate leaders and business environments.
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Close protection is the more widely used term in the UK and Ireland, covering a broader range of individuals including high-net-worth clients, public figures and families.
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In practice, both involve the same core principles - risk assessment, advance planning and discreet personal protection.
While the terminology may differ, the objective remains the same: delivering professional, proactive security tailored to the individual’s level of risk and exposure.
Why choose VIS for close protection services in Northern Ireland?
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Veteran-owned and operated by former British Military personnel with over 46 years of combined experience.
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All operatives are ex-military or ex-police and trained to the highest SIA standards.
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Armed Forces Covenant Bronze Award recipients and part of the Defence Employers Recognition Scheme.
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Discreet and professional close protection services tailored to high net worth individuals, families, and businesses.
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Trusted by some of the top 10 wealthiest people in the world, members of the British royal family, diplomats and embassies.
What does a close protection officer do?
Key Roles and Responsibilities of a Close Protection Officer
A close protection officer does far more than provide a physical presence. Their role is to plan ahead, prevent risk and maintain constant situational awareness. At VIS Protection, our SIA-licensed former military and police operatives deliver discreet, proactive close protection - supporting clients at home, in transit and during public or private events without disrupting their routine.
Personal Security & Close Protection Detail
Our close protection officers provide 24/7 personal security, ensuring your safety at all times, whether you are at home, at work, or on the move.
Our travel security services include advance planning, secure transportation, and real-time monitoring to protect you during both domestic and international trips.
Our team manages all aspects of event security, from entry control to crowd management, our officers ensure the safety of all attendees at high-profile gatherings.
We conduct comprehensive risk and threat assessments to identify potential dangers and develop strategic plans to mitigate these risks effectively.
We offer security chauffeur services with highly trained drivers and equipped vehicles to ensure your safe and efficient travel.
We provide robust residential security solutions, including on-site security personnel and advanced surveillance systems to protect your home and family.
Our Locations
We provide close protection security services to our select clientele all across Northern Ireland including Belfast, Bangor, Londonderry and County Down.
We also provide all of our services across Central and Greater London,Essex and the rest of the Home Counties, Birmingham, Manchester, Cheshire and Dublin.
