Bodyguard

A bodyguard (or close protection officer) is a type of security guard or government agent who protects a person - usually a famous, wealthy, or politically important figure from assault, kidnapping, assassination, stalking, loss of confidential information, or other threats.

Most important public figures such as heads of state or governors are protected by several bodyguards or by a team of bodyguards from an agency, security forces, or police forces (e.g., in the US, the United States Secret Service or the State Department's Diplomatic Security Service). In countries where the head of state is a military leader or dictator, the leader's bodyguards may also be part of an elite military unit. Less-important public figures, or those with lower risk profiles, may be accompanied by a single bodyguard who doubles as a driver. A number of high-profile celebrities and CEOs also use bodyguards.