A new app called “Protector” has been launched in Los Angeles and New York, allowing ordinary people to hire armed guards for personal security, similar to services provided by the Secret Service.

According to the app’s App Store description, users can hire experienced private security personnel who are either active or recently retired law enforcement officers. These guards are licensed to carry firearms and provide personal protection when needed.

The service costs $1,000 for a minimum of five hours, in addition to an annual membership fee of $129. Users can also customize the appearance of the guards, choosing what they wear during assignments.

Features of the ‘Protector’ App

Armed Guards: The guards are trained law enforcement officers with government-issued permits to carry firearms.

Transportation: Users can rent a 4x4 vehicle with tinted windows driven by an armed guard, ensuring both safety and discretion.

Customizable Service: Clients can select the attire for the guards to suit different settings and events.

The main role of these guards goes beyond just driving — they are responsible for ensuring the personal safety of the user throughout the service period.

Surge in Downloads but Uncertain Demand

According to data from Appfigures, the Protector app was downloaded about 97,000 times by iOS users in the United States within the first week of its launch on February 17. Around one-third of these downloads occurred on launch day.

However, while the app attracted significant initial interest, TechCrunch reports that downloads have since declined. Many users may have downloaded the app out of curiosity without any intention of paying for the service.

Questions About the Target Market

Despite its high cost, it remains unclear who the app's target audience is. Critics argue that the service might appeal to a niche market, given the $1,000 minimum fee for what some describe as an unnecessary luxury.

“It’s hard to imagine what kind of person would agree to pay more than $1,000 for such an expensive and unnecessary service,” one report commented, highlighting the uncertainty about the app's long-term viability.

Growing Market for Private Security

The launch of Protector comes amid rising concerns about personal safety in major U.S. cities, where demand for private security has been on the rise. However, with its premium pricing model, the app's success may hinge on its ability to attract affluent users or those with specific security concerns.

As the app continues to gain visibility, it remains to be seen whether it can convert downloads into paying customers or if it will become another short-lived trend in the on-demand security market.