Meet James Hamilton

Founder of Hamilton Security Group

Professional portrait of James Hamilton, founder of Hamilton Security Group, in suit

For more than 33 years, James Hamilton has been a protector, trainer, and advisor to the nation's most at-risk individuals. As a former FBI Supervisory Special Agent and creator of the FBI's Close Protection School, James brings real, practical, and unparalleled experience in executive protection, violence prevention, and personal security. His expertise was earned through distinguished service in local law enforcement, the FBI, and America's premiere executive protection firm.

Distinguished Career & Expertise

  • Former Senior Vice President, Gavin de Becker and Associates

  • 18 years as a FBI Supervisory Special Agent

  • Created the FBI’s Close Protection School

  • Tactical Instructor for New Agents at the FBI Academy

  • Program Manager for the FBI Overseas Survival Awareness Program where he instructed hundreds of Special Agents, Analysts, Employees, and Spouses in Personal Security Awareness and travel safety

  • Served on the elite FBI Director’s Protective Detail and FBI SWAT Team

  • Joint Terrorism Task Force Coordinator

  • Personal Security Advisor to the US Attorney General and two FBI Directors 

  • Professional Certifications: FBI Firearms Instructor, FBI Tactical Instructor, FBI SWAT Operator, FBI Hostage Negotiator, FBI Driving Instructor, Active Shooter Instructor (ALERRT), GDBA Threat Assessment Management

  • Member of the International Protective Security Board and former member of the ASIS Executive Protection Council and the Board of Executive Protection Professionals

  • James earned his Bachelor's degree from The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina.

James Hamilton standing beside World-Class Violence Prevention and Mitigation Experts Bureau Consortium signage

More Client Testimony

“James was instrumental in helping to develop Safety and Security protocols for our church. It is no secret that James is highly skilled and an authority in his field. But what I admire and respect the most is he is a man of high character and integrity who cares deeply about the work he is doing. He is a trusted friend and will no doubt add immense value to those who work with him.”

- Daniel Floyd, Senior Pastor, Lifepoint Church and President, Lifepoint College