Close protection handbook 7 Ps
What Are the 7 Ps in Close Protection?
The 7 Ps in close protection provides a proven, internationally recognized framework for assessing threat and risk. They basically help security professionals deliver proactive, tailored protection based on a complete understanding of the principal and their surroundings. Therefore, we have integrated each of these Ps directly into the chapters of the Close Protection Handbook.

In close protection, every detail counts!
Why do the 7 Ps in close protection matter?
Indeed, in close protection, every decision can make the difference. So close protection operatives must assess not only the principle but also their environment. Fortunately, the 7 Ps in close protection give you a structured approach to threat profiling. As a result, you can stay alert, stay flexible, and furthermore stay one step ahead.
Each area below contributes directly to your situational awareness and operational planning. All in all, use them together for a complete risk and threat assessment.
What Are the 7 Ps in Close Protection?
1. People:
First, know who interacts with your principal—staff, family, colleagues, and friends. Any one of them could enhance security or, unfortunately, increase vulnerability. Therefore, conduct social mapping early.
2. Places:
Next, examine frequently visited locations. Homes, offices, hotels, and venues all carry different risks. You’ll need tailored plans for each site, especially when managing arrival and departure routes.
3. Personality:
The principal’s personality shapes how they engage with the public. Extroverts often attract more attention, while introverts typically prefer discretion. Adjust your approach to match their style.
4. Prejudices
Understand biases others may hold against your principal—cultural, religious, or political. For this reason, understanding how your principal is perceived can help you spot hostile intent before it escalates.
5. Personal History
Review past incidents thoroughly. Prior threats, legal cases, or media controversies might still trigger future and further risks. As such, always monitor how history may repeat itself—or evolve.
6. Political/Religious Views
Principals with outspoken beliefs often face higher threats. Hence, their affiliations and public statements may provoke adversaries, particularly in politically unstable regions.
7. Private Lifestyle
Lastly, consider personal habits to recreational interests, the principal’s lifestyle—whether high-profile or low-profile—directly influences their risk exposure. For this reason, travel routines, displays of luxury, and activity on social media can unintentionally disclose information that may be exploited by adversaries
The book
Enhance your Close Protection skills
Finally, you’ll find all seven Ps in detail inside the Close Protection Handbook, where they’re applied to real-world scenarios, security planning, and above all field-tested methods.
Thus for an in-depth guide on how to enhace your a close protection operative skills and knowledge, explore the Close Protection Handbook your definitive resource for foot formations, high-risk operational tactics, and situational awareness strategies.