The world of Close Protection is varied and the skills required of an officer are diverse. Some of the skills may surprise you. However, if a Close Protection Officer is lacking the understanding and ability to perform the core tasks of the role, they could put their Principal at risk and Close Protection is all about minimising the risk.

Octaga offers the Edexcel BTEC Level 3 Certificate in Close Protection Operations instructed by individuals who are specialists in this business. On successful completion of the course you can apply for your SIA Close Protection Licence. Wherever you are looking to work geographically, the Octaga course will prepare you to be the best that you can be, therefore minimising the risk to those under your protection.

The BTEC qualification has 5 mandatory core units:

• Skills and Teamwork in Close Protection
• Legislation, Communications and Conflict Management Skills in Close Protection
• Risk Assessment, Operational Planning and Safe Route Selection
• Surveillance, Reconnaissance, Incidents and Dilemmas
• Techniques for Close Protection Operatives

Here are some of the subjects covered within these units:

• The diversity of the Close Protection role
• The importance of interpersonal and communication skills
• Identifying the level of professionalism involved in Close Protection
• Understanding the legal framework, evidential requirements and operating within the law
• Non-aggressive conflict management skills
• Determining potential threats, possible risks and factors influencing operational planning
• Surveillance, counter-surveillance and anti-surveillance methods
• Difficulties, barriers and possible dangers encountered when operational
• Understanding the need for confidentiality, protocol and etiquette
• Minimising the risk on foot, in transit or venue based
• The need for teamwork 

You will have access to the experience and skills of our Trainers who are all experienced Close Protection professionals and formerly from UK Special Forces and Specialist Units. Their personal experience and deployment of Close Protection skills in real environments is invaluable to the learning environment and is a great resource for our students.