A Personal Security Detail (PSD), also known as a security detail, Protective Services Detail, or Personal Security Detachment, is a protective team assigned to protect the personal security of an individual or group. PSDs can be made up of military personnel, private security contractors, or law enforcement agents.
Military PSDs are generally formed from soldiers from different units and backgrounds, so they usually need further training in the field so that they can perform as a cohesive security unit. PSD training generally includes convoy escort procedures, protection tactics for principal dignitaries, and security procedures when moving the command staff through a combat zone. Civilian PSDs are provided by many private security companies operating internationally.
A typical job description that was posted for a security officer in Iraq is as follows:
“Responsible for personnel engaged in the Physical Security function for the organization that includes monitoring the systems associated with the flow of personnel and vehicular traffic, personnel/visitor security clearances, management of loss prevention and detection services, and responsible for security inspections. Under direct supervision, performs duties by following established procedures. Has knowledge of security methods and doctrines. Has a fundamental knowledge of security systems and apparatuses. Supports others in standard security actions in agreement with customary processes to fulfill the organization's security principles.”
Additional requirements are listed as needing similar experience, preferably in the military, and an awareness that working conditions are in a dangerous environment. In the U.S., candidates for PSD jobs usually undergo specialized
training that is sponsored by their employer. Training may be conducted
at a variety of commercial training ranges such as those owned and
operated by O’Gara Group, Crucible, and Xe Services (formerly
Blackwater).
Job requirements are a little different in the United Kingdom (UK), for example, where to work in a PSD you must have a Close Protection Security Industry Authority (SIA) license. To obtain this license, close protection officers must have attended an accredited Close Protection Course, hold a valid Health and Safety Executive first aid certificate and pass a criminal background check. Courses are overseen by the SIA and cover all mandatory competencies for close protection operations. The course covers threat and risk assessment, defensive driver training and situational awareness, venue based security, communication and conflict management skills, and real-life, practical final close protection exercise. Again, previous military experience is encouraged and veterans are deliberately recruited for training.
Even though private contractors provide vital support services to the military across a broad spectrum of specialist fields, they do not share the same level of legal protection from civil court action as does the military, nor do they have a collective support system to lift morale or provide information. This lack has been addressed with the formation of the Independent Contractors Association, founded in 2006 to represent the interests of people working in close protection, PSD services, IT and support, logistical, life support services, emergency medical support and other support services. Taking into account that private security firms are the second largest international contributor of forces to the war effort in Iraq and Afghanistan after the US troops, ICA and similar organizations are providing a much needed and long awaited communal support system to civilian contractors in the industry.
Personal security operatives work all over the world with varying degrees of discomfort and danger in return for higher salaries. One rarely mentioned issue is that of boredom. Some veterans who seek work as security contractors in this industry expect to be involved in the same kind of combat operations that they experienced in the military. The truth of the matter is that most security contracting can be boring. The industry seeks out individuals with extensive combat histories and highly specialized backgrounds, and yet they may only required to stand guard at some remote site or perform basic convoy operations. On the other hand, working in volatile regions of Africa and the Middle East can be highly dangerous.
Every contract and assignment is different; however, and the growing need for security in a world with differing economic, strategic, and military interests has provided a marketplace that is rapidly expanding. Services being offered include risk assessment and consulting, training of local forces, armed site security, convey protection, intelligence services, workplace and building security, war zone security, air support, logistical support, maritime security, cyber security, prison security, surveillance and counter-surveillance, covert operations, close protection and investigations.
Many security companies have been around for quite some time and have adapted to working in countries where terrorism and insurgencies prevail, as well as conducting operations in unstable regions. Opportunities are emerging both to fill the gaps left by downsized militaries in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as support peacekeeping missions and post-war training.