In many different property and business models, security guards are utilized within security protocols as another layer of protection from outside threats. When deciding the best option for safeguarding a property, business and property owners will need to decide whether the security protocol and risk management needs armed security guards or unarmed security guards. While both excel at deterring transient activity, suspicious persons from the property, and providing a general feeling of safety, there are a few key differences with each service. Within this blog, learn more about armed guards vs unarmed guards, and what guard service would be the best for your company.
Difference between Unarmed & Armed Security Guards
Unarmed security guards and armed security guards differ in their approach and level of protection they provide. Unarmed guards do not carry firearms but may have access to other non-lethal defensive tools. They are typically employed in low-risk environments where their presence serves as a preventive measure and helps maintain a sense of safety. On the other hand, armed security guards carry firearms and are often deployed in high-risk locations where the threat of violence or theft is more significant. Their ability to carry lethal weapons acts as a stronger deterrent, making them suitable for properties with a history of security issues or valuable assets to protect. The decision between unarmed and armed guards depends on the specific security needs and the level of risk faced by a property or business.
What are Unarmed Security Guards?
Unarmed guards are utilized for a property where the threat activity is generally low for the property or even for a preventative service. Clients that have had issues with transient activity, suspicious persons entering the property, graffiti on the property, stolen equipment, and building vandalism should be more inclined to hire unarmed security, as these issues require a presence to lower the occurrences on the property. While there are many other types of properties that utilize security services, the most common are areas that have had lower urgency types of crimes, and where the crimes are mainly non-physical.
Common Places Where Unarmed Guards Are Utilized
- Residential buildings
- Shopping centers
- Grocery stores
- Hotels
- Residential homes
- Industrial sites
- Storage unit properties
- Recreational areas
- Parking garages
- Commercial properties
What are Armed Security Guards?
Armed security guards are trained professionals responsible for providing an elevated level of protection and security to various properties and establishments. Unlike unarmed guards, armed security guards carry firearms and may also be equipped with additional defensive tools, such as batons, pepper spray, or tasers, depending on the regulations and requirements of their jurisdiction. Armed security guards are often deployed in high-risk environments, including banks, government buildings, hospitals, construction sites with valuable equipment, and other locations where there is a heightened need for enhanced security measures. Their presence serves as a strong deterrent to potential threats and helps to ensure the safety of people, assets, and the property they are entrusted to protect. These guards undergo rigorous training to handle potential threats effectively and respond appropriately in critical situations.
Common Places Where Armed Guards Are Utilized
High-risk properties, such as properties that have had a plethora of prior security issues that include physical confrontations with weapons, threats of violence, for a high-risk property such as:
- Banks
- Hospitals
- Construction sites with valuable equipment
- Water plants, power plants, irrigation plants
- Survey teams
- Schools under threat
- High-risk properties with serious prior security issues
- Museums
- High-end retail stores
Contact The Guard Alliance for Your Armed & Unarmed Security Services
Many properties may differ with their security and risk management needs for their property, and should always ensure that they are selecting security guard officers that are from an insured and bonded security guard company. This means that there is extra protection for the property owner, as each occurrence from the security guard company is insured (the amount of insurance will vary from company to company). Security guard companies also provide additional perks within their service, such as 24-hour dispatch, daily activity reports from the guard encompassing what they performed during their shift, and more.
The Guard Alliance Inc. is a completely insured and bonded security company that provides armed guards, unarmed guards, onsite guards with a patrol vehicle, and fire watch patrol guards to new and existing clients in over 14 states nationwide. Call our main office at (800) 230-7015 or request a free estimate online today.
