A Cautionary Tale from the Palisades Fire

I recently received a call from an estate manager representing a new ultra-high-net-worth individual (UHNWI). This individual had experienced rapid financial growth over the past five years and was only beginning to understand the nuances of safeguarding wealth and lifestyle. As with many newcomers to the space, the client had hired an inexperienced property manager. This PM, eager to prove himself, had engaged what he thought was a reputable security firm.

That firm had promised “police-level” protection. What the estate received, however, was far from it. The firm had made what can only be described as an unethical promise — offering ‘police-grade’ protection while paying their personnel $25 an hour. No professional from a department like the Beverly Hills Police, where officers earn well over $100,000 a year and receive pensions, would leave that position to take a minimum-wage equivalent role in the private sector. This was a clear case of bait-and-switch by the vendor, who knowingly overstated their capabilities to close the deal. Just as concerning, the property manager failed to question the discrepancy — a red flag of inexperience that ultimately left the estate vulnerable.

During our first meeting, the PM was visibly frustrated. The guards assigned to the estate were dressed in clean, smart business attire and looked the part, but they lacked the ability to fulfill their responsibilities under pressure. Their only real training had been on how to present themselves — how to stand, how to speak, and how to avoid drawing negative attention. This was clearly part of the bait-and-switch scheme orchestrated by the company. They understood how difficult it can be to uproot a security operation once it’s in place, and they were operating under the premise: “once we get our foot in the door, it’s easier to ask for forgiveness than permission.”

The real test came during the recent Palisades fires. As embers swept through hillside neighborhoods of Brentwood and surrounding areas, panic and uncertainty set in. It was the perfect moment to see whether the estate’s security detail would rise to the occasion. Instead, the guards fled. They did not assist with moving artwork, securing valuables, or ensuring the safety of the protectors who were still on the premises. According to the PM, one of the guards simply said:

“I’m not paid enough to deal with that kind of situation.”

And with that, he left.

The Illusion of Savings

At first glance, hiring $25-per-hour security guards might seem like a smart financial move. Many large firms promise the same level of service at a fraction of the cost of boutique protection providers. They claim to offer “military-style” discipline or “police-grade” presence. But the reality behind the marketing is often much different.

What a Professional Protector Should Earn

At our firm, new protector trainees that come fresh from the military earn no less than $80,000 per year base pay. This does not include overtime. With OT, I seldom see new trainees earn less than $100,000 annually.

A mid-level protector with 2–3 years of experience earns a base of $100,000. With overtime, this typically comes out to about $120,000–$130,000 per year.

A detail leader, responsible for keeping the detail running smoothly, interfacing with the protectee, and implementing company policies, should earn no less than $125,000 base — often landing at $150,000 or more per year with overtime included.

The lower the pay of the company, the higher the risk exposure to the client. Any estate manager that doesn’t understand this should do some deep soul-searching. Especially when a snake oil company comes along and says: “Our guys make $65,000 per year but are AT LEAST on the level of local police officers.” That’s like purchasing a FIAT for the principal because the car salesperson says, “It’s like a Ferrari — just better.”

The Cost of Incompetence

In the world of luxury estates, the price of a mistake can be monumental. We’re talking about environments containing:

• Multimillion-dollar art collections
• Sensitive legal and financial documents
• Children and family members
• Staff operating on trust

An unqualified or unmotivated guard can cause harm not just through negligence, but through misplaced loyalty, gossip, or even criminal behavior. There are numerous documented cases of:

• Security staff leaking private information to tabloids
• Theft of jewelry, watches, or even cars
• Failure to intervene during emergencies
• Disputes with house staff, vendors, or guests

Would You Trust a $25/Hour Nanny?

Let’s apply the same logic to another role that demands immense trust: childcare. Would you entrust your children to a nanny working for minimum wage, without background checks, references, or experience?

Your home is just as sacred. It contains the people, assets, and routines that define your life. Allowing someone into that space who isn’t committed, vetted, or properly compensated is a risk with consequences far greater than financial.

The Fallout from Failure

The estate manager who contacted me now faces difficult conversations with their employer. The UHNWI in question must decide:

• Whether their current vendor can be trusted to protect them in future emergencies
• Whether their household staff feels secure with the current detail
• Whether private matters have been compromised

The cost of replacing artwork, dealing with media leaks, or managing trauma from a failed protection scenario is immeasurable. But all of it could have been avoided with a higher standard from day one.

What “Police-Level” Actually Means

Many firms market their security teams as offering “police-level” performance. But consider this: in cities like Beverly Hills, police officers undergo months of academy training, field evaluations, psychological screenings, and ongoing performance assessments. They are also compensated accordingly.

If a private security guard is claiming to offer the same level of protection, their compensation, accountability, and expertise must reflect that claim. Anything less is false advertising — and a potential liability.

Final Thoughts

There is no room for compromise in personal protection. The illusion of savings from hiring low-paid, underqualified guards vanishes the moment something goes wrong. In the world of UHNWI households, the stakes are simply too high.

The difference between a $25/hour guard and a true professional isn’t just about training or equipment. It’s about mindset, accountability, and the long-term culture of security that surrounds them.

Don’t wait for an emergency to find out your protection team was never ready. Hire protectors, not placeholders.

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About MSB Protection
MSB Protection is a Beverly Hills-based boutique security firm specializing in executive protection, estate security, and private intelligence services for ultra-high-net-worth individuals. For a limited time, we are offering complimentary residential security assessments and consultations to select individuals. Schedule a private call to learn more at msbprotection.com.