Security guard, police

What does a personal protection officer do in police work? – Tasks and work environment

A personal protection officer with a police background works to prevent, identify, and manage threats against individuals with special protection needs. The role involves working closely with vulnerable persons, often with high public profiles or in risky situations, to ensure their safety and physical security. Tasks include risk assessments, planning protective measures, incident follow-up, and physically following and protecting the client in daily life. The work environment is dynamic and can quickly shift from planned operations to emergency situations, demanding good judgment, quick reactions, and stress resilience. Many personal protection officers in the police work in teams, but there are also cases of solo work and long shifts when around-the-clock protection is needed.

Salary development over time

The salary for a personal protection officer, police, has shown a clear positive trend over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 38,800 SEK per month, increasing to 40 800 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary has risen further to 44,100 SEK, representing a total increase of approximately 13.6% over the period. This increase can be explained by increased demand for qualified personal protection, changing security situations in society, and a growing need for specialized training and experience in the profession. Competition among security and protection providers has also contributed to rising wages. Salary levels reflect both the responsibilities and the personal risks involved in the work.

Personal protection officer, police salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 44,100 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 42,500 SEK/month
• Highest salary: 49,200 SEK/month
• Hourly wage (average): 265 SEK
• Women: 43 300 SEK/month (97% of men's salary)
• Men: 44 500 SEK/month
• Regional differences: Data not available

Education and qualifications

The path to becoming a personal protection officer within the police involves police training, often with a focus on personal protection and security. After the basic training, additional internal training and specialization in personal protection are required, including practical exercises and scenario handling. Experience from operational police work, along with good physical and mental capacity, is crucial to meet the demands of the profession. Many employers also require ongoing skill development in areas such as crisis management and threat analysis.

• Police training: Basic police degree (2.5 years)
• Specialist training in personal protection: Internal courses and further education
• Internship: Operational work and exercises in personal protection
• Prerequisites: Approved police education and suitability tests
• Ongoing training: Crisis management, threat analysis, self-defense

Common benefits and compensations

Employers in the public sector often offer a broad benefits package to police personal protection officers. In addition to base salary, benefits may include overtime allowances, standby pay, wellness contributions, extra vacation days, and access to occupational health services. Pension contributions, insurances, and opportunities for skills development may also be included.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as police personal protection officers is relatively tough, as both formal education and specific experience are required to be eligible. Since the tasks are often physically and mentally demanding, high suitability and stress tolerance are essential. Challenges in the profession include managing potential threats and risks, maintaining discretion, professional conduct, and making quick decisions under pressure. Limited number of positions and high entry requirements mean many applicants compete for each vacancy, and workload can vary over time.

Tips for those wanting to become police personal protection officers

To succeed as a police personal protection officer, it is good to develop a strong ability to adapt to different situations early on, as the workday can constantly change. High stress resilience is crucial, as unexpected events often require quick and correct decisions. Being cooperative is also important, since the work is often team-based and involves collaboration with other actors. Integrity and discretion are central qualities, especially when handling sensitive assignments and information. Focus on building good physical and mental health, as the work involves physical exertion and stressful situations. Continued skills development in security and crisis management is recommended to stay ahead and be more attractive on the job market. Finally, the ability to communicate clearly and build trust is key to success in the role.

Key facts about police personal protection officers

• Average salary: 44,100 SEK/month
• Salary range: 42,500–49,200 SEK/month
• Educational level: Police degree + specialist training
• Work environment: Varied and often risky
• Job openings (2024): 191 within the profession

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a police personal protection officer, opportunities exist to advance to leadership roles such as team manager, trainer, or strategic security coordinator. Further education can also lead to specialization in areas like threat analysis, security planning, or international missions. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecasts, no specific assessment of future prospects is made for this role due to limited data, but the number of job openings indicates ongoing demand. Developments in societal security needs and increased requirements for protecting vulnerable individuals suggest that the need for qualified personal protection officers will persist. Transitioning to security roles in the private sector is also possible for those wishing to broaden their careers.

Common questions about police personal protection officers

• What does a personal protection officer, police, earn?
  - The average salary is 44,100 SEK per month, with a range from 42,500 SEK to 49,200 SEK.
• What are the requirements to become a personal protection officer within the police?
  - A basic police degree, specialized training in personal protection, and approved suitability tests are required.
• Are there gender differences in salary?
  - Yes, women earn on average 43 300 SEK (97% of men's salary, which is 44 500 SEK), according to current statistics.
• What is the work environment like for personal protection officers?
  - The work environment is varied, often risky, and requires great flexibility as well as mental and physical endurance.
• How many job openings are available within the profession?
  - Currently, there are 191 job openings within the police profession, including personal protection officers.
• What are the most common benefits?
  - Common benefits include overtime pay, standby allowances, wellness contributions, extra vacation days, and access to occupational health services.
• What are the long-term career opportunities?
  - Opportunities for promotion, specialization, or transition to security roles in the private sector are available after some years of experience.