International Association of Personal Protection Agents
The International Association of Personal Protection Agents (I.A.P.P.A), was formed in 1989 by Executive Protection Specialist, James A. King from The United States of America. The organization was formerly known as The I.B.A (The International Bodyguard Association) I.A.P.P.A must not be mistaken with the UK based I.B.A.
I.A.P.P.A was originally formed to provide Personal Protection Agents (or today Close Protection Officers) with a forum to network informally with their peers from all over the world. I.A.P.P.A has existed for more than 20 years and is known throughout the security industry as one of the oldest and most professional organizations for persons involved in Close Protection Operations also known as Executive Protection.
I.A.P.P.A is a non profit international organization. The objective of the organization is also to provide the general public with the most basic information AbOUT the Personal Protection Agent and/or Close Protection Officer. Members of I.A.P.P.A are involved in the protection of celebrities, diplomats, corporate executives, high level VIPs and others than are in need of close personal protection services.
The founder of I.A.P.P.A, Executive Protection Specialist, Mr. James A. King is also the author of the book Protective Services" a book that is in many circuits regarded as a handbook of Close Protection Operations for persons involved in commercial personal protection.
Today I.A.P.P.A trains civilian security officers, law enforcement officers and members of the armed forces in close protection techniques.
The Primary purpose of the organization is still to provide persons involved in close protection security operations the opportunity to network and at the same time enhance the image of the close protection industry.
Amongst more prominent members of The International Association of Personal Protection Agents can be found General Boyko Borissov, Mayor of Sofia, Bulgaria.