If you own a business, property manager, event planner, or person responsible for everyone’s safety, you must be thinking about hiring a security guard. While the issue is not about whether you need security or not, it’s about which type of security is most suitable for your needs.
There is a wide range of security services offered by security guard companies like us, but the main deciding factor is armed vs. unarmed security guards. Most people think about hiring armed security guards, but sometimes it is overkill when just regular guards suffice.
The same goes for saving on budget and not hiring armed guards, which might have concerning consequences. In this blog, we have provided extensive information on factors to consider before hiring a security guard. We have also mentioned scenarios where you should hire armed and unarmed security guards.
Armed vs. Unarmed Security Guards
Both armed and unarmed security guards undergo the same initial training and understand how to guard and escalate any situation. However, firearms are not the only difference between armed and. unarmed security guards. Based on client requirements, location, and other factors also affect their roles and responsibilities.
Armed security guards are useful in high-risk environments where there is the potential for physical attack. On the other hand, unarmed guards can be deployed everywhere. From residential communities to fire watch, unarmed security guards can help you protect your business and assets.
Unarmed security guards are better deterrence; they stop unauthorized entries and prevent petty crimes. Let’s understand various factors that will help you decide to choose between armed and unarmed security guards.
Factor to Consider Before Hiring Security Guards
-
Nature of the Environment
One of the most important factors is the environment; you can decide which one to hire based on the setting. Places where violent crime occurs or the possibility of armed robbery happens, this high-risk area needs an armed guard. For example, jewelry stores and banks are prime examples of it.
Low-risk settings like corporate offices or residential communities just need the presence of a guard. Guards need to keep a lookout, track entry and exit, and perform other safety-related tasks that do not require a firearm. As mentioned above, these places just need a security guard to handle minor situations. If you are looking to hire a security guard for this kind of place, go for an unarmed guard.
-
Level of Security Needed
The level of security needed to protect people and assets can vary depending on the situation. For example, if the risk of armed attacks is high, hiring armed security guards can act as a strong deterrent. However, unarmed security guards can be enough to address security needs in scenarios where the main issue is maintaining order and helping customers or residents. So, in the end, the appropriate level of security should be based on the specific circumstances.
-
Budget Constraints
When deciding whether to hire armed or unarmed security guards, remember the budget. Armed guards need more training and responsibility, so businesses pay higher salaries. Organizations with limited financial resources should prioritize their security measures based on what they can afford. It’s important to carefully consider each option’s costs and benefits before deciding.
-
Deterrence vs. Response
Before you hire unarmed or armed security guards, think about why you need them. It’s important to determine whether their main objective is to respond to incidents or to prevent attacks. Security guards without weapons can rely on their skills and training to maintain order and diffuse stressful situations. However, armed guards can quickly respond to serious security breaches and use force when needed.
-
Legal and Ethical Considerations
Hiring armed security guards carries significant responsibilities for business, and it can have legal and ethical implications that they need to consider carefully. Employers need to ensure that security guards meet all licensing and training requirements mandated by law and follow strict guidelines for the use of force.
Also, the client needs to understand the risk associated with hiring armed security guards and take appropriate steps to mitigate that. Even with this requirement, Citiguard ensures all protocols are met so that our client doesn’t need to worry about risk. Our guards are highly trained and certified, so they can rest assured about that.
-
Compliance with Local Laws and Regulations
Prioritizing compliance of safety protocols with all relevant local rules and regulations regarding the use of armed guards is crucial for businesses. On the other hand, unarmed security guards do not require as many permission or documentation.
While this makes an unarmed security guard a much better option, if you are looking to hire an armed security guard, then we can delegate it to you. We will ensure that our security guards are aware of all the local laws and regulations. Most of the time, we provide guards that are local, so they are already aware of this.
When to Hire Unarmed Security Guards
- Low-risk situations where deterrence is more important than reacting quickly to armed attackers.
- Environments where preserving a friendly and non-threatening attitude is crucial for good customer interactions or public opinion.
- Facilities where reporting and observation are the primary duties rather than physical conflict or force.
- Events or places where there is little chance of violence combined with the presence of armed guards may cause tensions to rise needlessly.
- Circumstances where hiring armed guards is prohibitively expensive and unarmed protection is a more affordable option.
- Positions in the retail or hospitality industries that prioritize handling disputes and providing excellent customer service over maintaining security.
- Places where it is illegal or restricted by regulation to employ weapons or armed guards.
When to Hire Armed Security Guards
- Places where there is a chance of an armed attack, including jewelry stores, banks, or institutions with high-value assets.
- Sites related to critical infrastructure might be the target of terrorism, sabotage, or sensitive material theft.
- Large crowds or high-profile participants at special events call for a strong security presence to fend off and address any threats.
- Circumstances in which having armed guards on duty significantly discourages violence or criminal conduct.
- Places or regions that need extra protection because they have a history of security lapses or because certain dangers have been recognized.
- Positions entail guarding those who are considered in danger, such as VIPs, celebrities, or public figures.
- Situations where limiting damage or stopping the escalation of violence requires a quick reaction to security crises.
Conclusion
Security is all about expecting the worst and preparing for it. When businesses think about getting security guards, they are not anticipating bad incidents but are just cautious. While security now becomes a necessary part of our neighborhoods and offices, most businesses still feel conflicted about hiring the right option.
In this blog, we have explained in detail how armed and unarmed security guard work and their differences. We have also mentioned the factors to consider before hiring security guards, which will help you decide which security type to choose.
In the end, we also offer situations where businesses should hire armed or unarmed security guards. This will help you easily decide on the right security guard company.
If you are looking to hire armed or unarmed security guards, Citiguard is the most trustworthy option. With decades of experience in the security field, they have a proven track record of providing security personnel for various industries. Consult with us today and find the most professional and highly trained unarmed and armed security guards in Los Angeles.