A Complete Guide to Security Chauffeurs and Their Services
What is a Security Chauffeur?
Hearkening back to the 1800s, we realise that chauffeurs have stayed around for centuries. Having earlier undertaken the task of driving wealthy car owners to different places, these chauffeurs have now extended their services and, in many cases, are a part of the permanent staff of the affluent household. You may encounter chauffeurs today, but not in those peaked caps they used to wear; they now carry more advanced vehicles and are often trained in additional skills such as those needed in security drivers and for security awareness.
So, Who Exactly is a Security Chauffeur?
A private security chauffeur is highly trained in advanced driving and close protection skills, getting an edge over the standard chauffeur for their unique abilities to efficiently protect their employers. The risks associated with driving amid unpredictable traffic and reckless drivers, and entering and dismounting the vehicle, are substantial for any renowned personality as they can suffer an attack within a span of seconds. The duties of a well-trained security chauffeur are what come into play here, which are vast and diverse.
Thus, These Security Officers Are Characterised by the Following Skills and Attributes:
- Keeping a constant and close watch on any risky behaviour and risk indicator.
- Detecting and preventing any aggressive action on the road.
- Foreseeing situations and taking charge before they occur.
- Attending to all security needs of their principals after they arrive and until they depart a venue.
- Performing defensive driving techniques to prevent danger.
- Executing offensive driving tactics to evade a hostile situation or attack, e.g. a roadblock or ambush.
- Detecting aggressive surveillance and carrying out anti-surveillance driving measures without alarming their principals.
- Steering clear of risky choke points.
- Being thoroughly conscious of the surroundings and knowing possible escape routes.
While a chauffeur is more overt in his practices, a security chauffeur’s activities are highly discreet and disguised; they constantly take proactive measures to keep their principal safe.
So, is the Security Chauffeur a Bodyguard and a Driver?
With the surge in crime rates, a chauffeur’s role has evolved. They now double down on their security services and work closely alongside close protection teams.
All Close Protection Operatives (CPOs) should hold a driving license and be highly proficient at driving; this is where a security chauffeur gets an edge over regular drivers and chauffeurs. However, it depends on the employers whether they want a highly trained and skilled chauffeur who also holds a driving license, since the Security Industry Authority (SIA) does not mandate it.
A security chauffeur, therefore, usually has a chauffeuring background, often starting as a taxi driver or a family chauffeur and then widening the skillset by undertaking close protection training or further enhancing their driving abilities.
Private Security Chauffeurs Serving alongside the Police
Private security chauffeurs may work in tandem with government agencies to impart a coherent close protection service; for instance, Westminster Security close protection experts served together with RaSP assisted by the Special Escort Group (SEG) for a Head of State client’s London visit on Queen Elizabeth ll’s funeral.
Close Protection Driving
Potential threats linked to the principal should be taken into account and the close protection driving may be undertaken accordingly. For instance, a Personal Security Detail (PSD) in Afghanistan would assume their drivers to be exceptionally quick with their handling of an armed 4×4. They will not prioritise smooth driving but defensive and offensive driving techniques, according to the situation’s demand.
On the other hand, a security chauffeur working for an executive would be expected to undertake smooth driving and be able to utilise their extensive knowledge to identify aggressive surveillance and employ anti-surveillance driving methodology without frightening their principals. Keeping away from unsafe choke points is equally essential, but in high traffic, where it may not be possible, they should be well aware of all possible escape routes.
This summarises the difference between a security chauffeur and security driver. While the security driver is more undisguised in their tactics and behaviour, focusing entirely on their employer’s safety instead of comfort, the security chauffeur is more disguised in their services and aims to drive smoothly and cautiously.
Yet, both the security driver and security chauffeur can work in tandem, with the chauffeur taking charge of their principal’s car to drive optimally, and the security driver driving behind in the chase or security car. This security vehicle, often a huge 4×4, delivers better close protection service by keeping a thorough lookout on and around the principal vehicle. And in case of any potential collision detected, this would be the vehicle to personally defend the principal’s car, or thrust other cars out of the way to pick an escape road in case of an attack. Depending on the subject requiring protection and the threats involved, one or both the cars may be armed to offer every kind of protection.
Security chauffeurs should essentially be highly skilled and competent drivers, possibly having served in emergency situations, specialist police units, or sometimes even military. They may undergo additional qualification concerning different driving techniques; RoSPA and IAM both provide advanced driving credentials.