Mission Protectas: Bob Medjbeur

Who are you in a few words? 

My name is Bob Medjbeur. I am a family man and a martial arts enthusiast, which I have been practicing for over 30 years. I am a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu vice world champion and also teach MMA and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). I joined Protectas in 2012. 

What motivated you to work at Protectas? 

Before joining Protectas, I was a reservist in the PSIG unit of the gendarmerie (Peloton de Surveillance et d’Intervention), a specialized unit for high-risk interventions. 

When I saw that Protectas was looking for very specific profiles — such as individuals with experience in the security field, from the military or from event security — I applied and was hired to work with asylum seekers. 

Can you tell us about your beginnings at Protectas?

I started at ARA centers, a particularly demanding environment. Later, I was assigned to missions in prisons for both adults and minors. We were replacing prison guards, which meant dealing with very critical situations: fights, escapes, suicide attempts… An intense, formative, and memorable experience. 

What are your current responsibilities?

I am currently the mobile sector supervisor in the Grottes district of Geneva. It is a complex neighborhood, with a strong presence of drug dealers and people struggling with addiction. I have been in charge of this site for five years now, where interventions are frequent and sometimes violent. 

What do you like about your job? 

What motivates me every day is being useful. Being present, ensuring other people’s safety, intervening professionally… It’s a constant commitment. I enjoy the permanent vigilance and the feeling of acting for the common good. 

What has been your biggest challenge and how do you handle it?

The site I am in charge of is particularly challenging psychologically. It is essential to know how to set boundaries. I asked to occasionally work at other sites to take a breather. In this profession, maintaining mental balance is crucial. 

Which value resonates most with you and why? (Integrity, Vigilance, Helpfulness) 

Vigilance. It is the foundation of our profession. Being vigilant means anticipating risks, preventing tragedies, and sometimes saving lives. It’s a proactive mindset, essential in the field. 

What advice would you give to women who want to work in security? 

I would advise them to avoid, as much as possible, overly risky situations and to practice a combat sport. It is important to know how to defend yourself while ensuring your own safety. Because ensuring the safety of others also means protecting yourself.