As a business or property owner, ensuring that your building, property, staff, and customers are safe is a top priority. Deciding the type of security you need for your business is one of the most crucial decisions you make, and it depends on the particular needs of your business or the challenges you are facing.

Having security guards at your business premises will deter crime and give you a sense of security. When you want to hire a security guard, you may need to decide between unarmed guards trained in mediation tactics versus the armed guards who have advanced skills and carry firearms. With the help of a competent security firm, you can assess the needs and risks of your business to determine the type of security guards you need.

Determining If You Need Armed or Unarmed Guard Services

Security of your property and your employees should be one of the top priorities if you own a business. Deciding on what type of security measures to take is an important decision. It may vary depending on the type of business you operate and the challenges your business faces. You may need to decide between unarmed guards trained in mediation tactics and armed guards who have extensive training in the use of firearms and can help prevent escalation of violent situations.

The most significant difference between armed and unarmed security guards is that unarmed guards do not carry firearms. The type of security you choose should match the needs and risks associated with your business. If you are torn between hiring armed or unarmed security guards, you will need expert guidance to assess the risk in your business so you can determine what you need.

Unarmed Guard Services

Unarmed guards are security personnel who do not have the ability or training to handle firearms. Unarmed security guards protect your property, assets, and employees without using high-impact weapons. Although they do not use high-impact weapons, the unarmed guards can use batons or pepper spray in unavoidable circumstances.

With a professional look, unarmed guards have a high authority presence to avoid theft and vandalism. Unarmed security guards are helpful to protect people, assets, and property while keeping a calm and collected attitude that could neutralize some violent situations. Some of the benefits you enjoy from unarmed guards include:

  • You will save money. Unarmed guards do not need extensive training, and they do not carry firearms. Therefore, the cost of hiring these guards is relatively lower when compared to armed guards. The hourly rates for armed guards are high, and the insurance rates will increase when you retain them on your property.
  • You minimize liability. When you hire a security guard, you could be held liable for their actions. Unarmed guards are trained to deter crime using non-lethal weapons like batons, Tasers, and pepper spray. Therefore, their risk of engaging in dangerous acts is lower. If an armed guard from your business uses a weapon on another person unlawfully, your company will be liable for these actions.
  • Unarmed guards are suitable when you have quick access to the police. If a police officer can be deployed to your business in an emergency, you will probably not need armed guards. However, you will have to provide your unarmed guards with a means to communicate with the police when a backup is needed.
  • Unarmed guards create a relaxed environment. The sight of a guard carrying a firearm is scary enough to make a customer or employee uncomfortable. In an establishment like a bank, people could feel comfortable having armed guards walking around. However, an armed security guard in an apartment complex could make people uneasy. An unarmed guard can protect your premises without alarming the staff and visitors.

Armed Guard Services

Armed security guards are specialized guards who have undergone extensive training to safely handle firearms and other lethal weapons. The protection you will receive from an armed security guard is more hands-on since they work in more risky situations. If you operate a business where extreme violence could arise, the armed security guards are trained to neutralize the situation.

Armed guards are suitable in business with valuable assets or when the risk of violence, theft, and vandalism is high. Having armed security guards around could deter criminal attempts on the business. Usually, the criminals may be reluctant to put their lives in harm’s way by dealing with these guards. The following are some of the benefits you enjoy from hiring armed security guards to include:

  • Higher Sense of Security

Having a security guard for your company could discourage people from robbing you or starting trouble at your business. Armed guards will heighten the security of your business, mainly when you deal with products of high value or a large cash flow. An armed guard has the necessary training required to know when to use their weapons, and this will help protect your employees and customers from harm. Also, armed guards could be intimidating, which means that your business is not a target for criminals.

  • Armed Guards are Thoroughly Trained

Before a security firm releases armed security guards to your business, they always ensure that they are adequately trained to handle dangerous situations. Armed guards are professional in what they do and understand the type of response required for each level of danger. Additionally, these guards have extensive training on the use of firearms to avoid misuse of the weapons.

  • Faster Response to Crime

Even when your company has a policy on dealing with emergencies, you may need to contact and wait for police officers to arrive when you deal with unarmed security guards. The benefit of hiring armed guards is that they can handle dangerous situations as they wait for the police to arrive. This will help minimize instances of injury or property damage. Armed guards can focus on potential problems and work with the police when needed with their advanced skills.

  • Heightened Surveillance

Armed security guards are vigilant and can spot oncoming danger. Many ex-military officers tend to work as armed security guards after their retirement. Therefore, these guards have extra training in addition to the training they receive in the security firm.

  • Armed Guards Undergo Thorough Background Checks

Most security guards will extensively review the background of their guards. Given that armed security guards are entrusted to handle firearms in public places, a background check is necessary. The check will include an FBI background check. If you hire an armed guard from a reputable security firm, you can ensure that they do not have a criminal record and are in the right state of mind to carefully handle the weapons entrusted to them.

  • Armed Security Guards are the First Line of Defense

Armed security guards often supplement law enforcement officers. In case of an invasion or robbery, they can deal with the culprit while ensuring the safety of your employees, customers, and your property. Since the guards will be familiar with your business, they will be better positioned to help the police carry out investigations.

While the presence of armed guards will offer a greater sense of security for your business, they can affect some areas. The presence of a weapon can make your employees, customers, or guests uneasy. Also, the armed guards are more expensive to retain, which may not fit your security budget.

Assessing your Specific Security Needs

When you decide you need security for your business, you may be torn between hiring armed or unarmed guards. When you think about it on the surface, armed guards seem to provide more security than unarmed guards. However, the decision is not as straightforward as it looks. Each business is different, and you might discover that the unarmed guards are more practical for your specific setting.

Before hiring any security guard for your business, it would be wise to assess the level of risk you are experiencing. Armed security guards are licensed to handle firearms and are well trained. Therefore, there are circumstances where hiring these armed guards would be a better fit for your company’s needs. Some of the instances where you could need armed guards include:

  • It would be best if you had protection for valuable items. If your business deals with priceless valuables like artwork, or jewelry, you may be a target for theft. Therefore, such an establishment could result in substantial losses and setbacks in the business. Armed security guards carry weapons that could discourage or neutralize these attempts.
  • Violence prone Location. Some settings are more prone to violence than others. Businesses like bars and nightclubs could be breeding grounds for extreme violence. Although it is unclear whether an armed guard could diffuse the tensions, their training and ability to use weapons may make the situation more manageable.
  • Your business holds large events. If your business is fond of holding events with large crowds of people, fights could likely arise and escalate to extreme violence. In this case, an armed guard would come in handy.
  • You handle large amounts of money in cash. If you operate a business with a high cash flow, you may be at a risk of attracting and targeting theft crimes. Therefore, such a business may need an armed guard who can use their expertise and training in handling firearms to discourage attacks.
  • You work through the nights and early mornings. Often, the risk of theft and vandalism increases as night falls. Therefore, your choice of either armed or unarmed guards will be influenced significantly by your hours of operation. Hiring armed guards may be the most effective approach when you have people frequenting your premises in late-night hours.

Even when your business is high risk, your employees will operate efficiently knowing that their lives are not at risk and are under the protection of your armed security guards. If you feel that the risk of your business is relatively low, but you still need some form of security, hiring unarmed guards would be a good choice. In combination with CCTV surveillance, unarmed guards can help in controlling the people in your business.

In addition to the risk in your business, you must consider the type of crimes you want to stop when hiring armed or unarmed guards. Unarmed guards may be the best option when you hope to prevent crimes like trespassing, vandalism, theft, or unruly conduct on your premises. However, when looking to prevent violent attacks and serious offenses, an armed guard would be a better fit for the setting.

Cost of Hiring Armed Vs. Unarmed Security Guard Services

Like other aspects of your business or daily life, you must consider your budget when determining the type of security guards you want to hire. The cost you incur for security guards will vary depending on the kind of personnel you hire and the number of guards you need. Also, the services and needs for your business may be significant in determining the cost. Some of the services provided by security guards on your premises include:

  • Preventing loss that arises from external and internal theft.
  • Controlling crowds and individuals who exhibit unruly conduct on your premises.
  • The mere presence of security guards could discourage criminals from attacking.
  • Monitoring underage drinking and other violations.
  • Escorting employees and visitors and employees to their vehicles during the night.
  • Provision of executive guard services.

The cost of hiring unarmed guards may be low since their work is to help deter crime. Also, they could report crimes or interview witnesses in case of minor offenses that do not require the intervention of police officers. Since unarmed guards do not use firearms, they do not require extensive training. If you have a lower budget for security, you may have to settle with the unarmed guards.

Most business owners are familiar with the cost-benefit analysis, which will apply to the security needs like other business expenditures. Although the cost of security will vary, armed security guards are always more expensive to hire because:

  1. Armed guards need constant training to update their skills. Even before they are assigned to your premises, armed guards often undergo extensive training on different methods of neutralizing criminal activity. Additionally, these guards must be trained on how to use firearms. Carrying a firearm is a huge responsibility, and training for such skills could be expensive. Therefore, you will want highly trained personnel who can handle the weapons effectively. Within the course of working in your establishment, the armed guards may need further training to match your needs and have their skills up to date.
  2. Many armed guards have a military or police background, which is a very valuable experience and could cost you more. If you have a strategy to train your armed guards, you can hire those with less experience and train them to fit in your establishment.
  3. An armed guard will incur a higher insurance expense due to their increased liability. As a business owner, you are liable for the actions of your security guards. The liability for armed guards is higher since they use weapons and can use extreme force when need be. For example, if an armed guard you hired shoots another person, causing severe injuries, you will face expensive lawsuits. The liability for unarmed guards is lower since they do not handle powerful weapons and are unlikely to cause injuries to other people.

Consider Your Image When You Hire Armed or Unarmed Guard Services

Your security posture may affect how people view your company and impact the employees and customers frequenting your premises. While you want people to feel safer, having armed guards would make them wonder if they are in a secure area. Many people may think that you have armed guards because your business is a target for crime.

On the other hand, unarmed guards may be providing a relaxing environment, but in a company where you deal with valuable items and a large cash flow, your customers may not feel safe enough. Choosing the right security services may not be easy. Therefore, you must consider all your needs and your budgets to ensure you make the right choice.

Find a Competent Guard Service Near Me

If you own a business or property, you have probably thought about your security needs. As a business owner, it is up to you to ensure the safety of your property, employees, and customers. Employing the services of a security firm is a great way to deter potentially expensive incidences like theft and vandalism from occurring. One of the most challenging decisions you will face is determining if you need armed or unarmed guards for security matters.

Both armed and unarmed guards will play a crucial role in ensuring your safety and that of your property. However, each type of security guard has a different skill and training. Different establishments may have varying security needs, and choosing suitable security for your business is not easy. Therefore, you will require expert guidance from Green Knight Security. Our team is on standby to help you assess the needs of your business in Los Angeles, CA, and provide the security you need. Call us today at 844-457-8326.