Founded in 1989 in the United States as an association of professional bodyguards, the IAPPA has stood for quality, integrity, and responsibility in protecting people for more than three decades.What began as a network of dedicated Close Protection Agents has grown into an international organization that has never lost sight of its original mission:  Protecting people remains at the heart of everything we do. 
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​But the world has changed – and so has the way we understand protection.In an era of growing uncertainty, rising aggression, and complex global risks, protection is no longer just about physical safety. It’s about the fundamental protection of people – in everyday life, at work, and within our communities.
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​That’s why the IAPPA has expanded its mission: Beyond traditional close protection, we now provide a wide range of violence prevention and safety programs – for children, teenagers, women, professionals, authorities, and companies. Our internationally recognized programs such as SecuKids® and React-Ready-Training® empower people to stay aware, act safely, and prevent violence before it happens. 
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​These programs and services are delivered by our worldwide network of IAPPA-certified instructors, recognized training partners, and dedicated members – all united by shared values of professionalism, loyalty, ethics, and a genuine commitment to protecting lives.
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​Moving with the times also means addressing new challenges.Today, our focus includes Threat Management, Corporate Security, and the Protection of Critical Infrastructure – because modern protection requires responsibility on every level: individual, organizational, and societal.The IAPPA represents a global community of professionals, trainers, and organizations committed to one mission: Creating a safer world – for all who need protection, and for all who provide it. – because modern protection requires responsibility on every level: individual, organizational, and societal.