Keeping your business safe and secure is vital to the well-being of your employees and customers—as well as your bottom line. And while security systems are important, there’s no true replacement for a security guard. Standard, unarmed security guards provide value that will complement your security program.
Here at Creative Security, we provide security guards to businesses throughout the Bay Area. We also hear questions about armed security guards and armed security guard companies. So, do you really need an armed security guard with a gun? The answer may surprise you.
What Does a Security Guard Do?
Whether you’re hiring a security guard on foot or mobile patrol, the purpose of a security guard is consistent: to deter crime and to efficiently report crime to the authorities. In other words, as the adage goes, a security guard’s duty is to observe and report. Their specific duties include:
- Performing security patrols of designated areas
- Watching for irregular or unusual conditions that may create security concerns or safety hazards
- Warning violators of rule infractions
- Monitoring entrances and exits of assigned facilities and permit authorized persons to enter
- Investigating and preparing reports on accidents, incidents, and any suspicious activities
- Providing assistance to customers and employees
What Does an Armed Security Guard Do?
Companies that hire armed security guards hire them to do the same type of job that is required of standard security guards: observation, patrol, reporting, and more. By their nature as civilians and not as members of law enforcement, security guards—armed or otherwise—are never actively sent into violence or potential violence.
The obvious difference between armed security guards and standard guards is that armed security guards carry a firearm when they perform their duties. However, these firearms are not meant to be used on intruders; rather, they are purely to equip security guards for self defense.
Are There Downsides to Armed Security Guards?
Armed security guards do have many downsides. From a cost perspective, an armed security guard is often more expensive than a standard security guard. Armed security guards undergo additional classroom training to become qualified.
But the biggest downside to armed security guards is the additional liability. The mere presence of firearms in the hands of civilians at your business increases the chances of a shooting. Armed security guards are a greater potential target for criminals, and their guns could, therefore, be used against them, your employees, or your customers.
When Do You Need Armed Security?
While armed guards don’t present a significant improvement over standard guards, that doesn’t mean that armed security is never useful. There are certain situations in which armed security can be a useful part of your security strategy—here are a few.
During Other Special Events
Armed security is ideal for specific events and short-term stints where you expect there to be a higher-than-usual chance of a security incident. Common events include parties, conferences, and the like.
For this type of armed security, Creative Security does not simply employ armed guards but instead utilizes off-duty law enforcement personnel. Highly trained in firearm usage, de-escalation, and security protocols, our ex-law enforcement armed security are significantly more experienced than a standard armed guard.
Executive Protection
Your business’ executives are an irreplaceable part of your success, but their travels may open the door for potential espionage, kidnapping, or other violence. Our executive protection program assigns ex-law enforcement officers to discreetly follow and protect executives, with access to quick and effective means of self defense and protection. Executive protection can either be long-term or on a case-by-case basis.
Guard Services for Every Need
At Creative Security, providing comprehensive and personalized security solutions for your business is what we do—it’s in our name, after all. We’ve got decades of experience in the security industry. While other companies may just give you a standard armed guard service, we’ll give you a true solution, whether it’s unarmed guard services or highly trained armed security with prior law enforcement experience. Ready to get started? Contact us for more information today.