Expert: Cesar - 6/30/2009

Question
Hi,
I was wondering if you had any suggestions as far as hiring security for a party
we are having in Bogota. Can you hire off duty police like in the US or do you
need to go through a security firm? Thanks for your help!

Answer
Dear Ed:

I have not hired security in Colombia since I had not need it. Most people do not need it except for people in the government, in the military, or very rich people. I do not know of specific names of security firms, but it is very easy to open the yellow pages in Bogotá and find security firms. The person could choose the ones that have the largest ads, the most years in the business (normally indicated in the ad), etc. The person could call the security firms and inquire about the services. The person could visit the facilities of such security firms and decide which one seems better. He could ask for bodyguards, etc. Many times security firms seek people with prior experience before hiring and would check backgrounds to make sure the person is of trust. Some of those new hires could have worked as police officers, were in the military, or worked at other security firms.

I was told that you could hire police officers as body guards, but I cannot confirm you could do that. I was told that the person should ask for such service at a police station. I would recommend a larger one where there would be a better chance of having officers that might be free or would have some days off and would be willing to work on the weekends or on their days off. I do not know how they handle bodyguard work. I know you could notify the police when you have events so that they will send officers to protect safety, but protecting a single individual is not the same.

Normally, you can hire anyone including off duty police officers without having to go thru a security firm. The problem is finding them since they normally do not advertise themselves in the papers.

Safety in Colombia has improved greatly. Safety is even better if you go by car, but do not leave your car in unsafe areas to avoid theft. There is a lot of police in the main streets, but moving around by car and taxi is best. The person could rent a car or use taxis. If moving around the best thing is to go with other people (hopefully more than one). Safety is best during daytime and in safe areas. The later at night the unsafer it is because there is no people around who could be a witness or could help you. I would consider unsafe areas the ones in the mountains around the city where there would be a lot of poor housing and therefore poor people. The rest is often safe, but people should try not to go to desolate areas alone, specially at night or to areas where there is a accumulation of beggars. Just try not to remain in areas that look unsafe. It is easy to notice because of the aspect of the people there and what they are doing (if littering or not).

Here is a link about safety:
http://travel2.nytimes.com/2006/02/12/travel/12bogota.html