Armed or Unarmed Security? Which Is Best for Your Business?

Although security officers have a crucial role in protecting businesses, choosing between armed and unarmed security professionals can be daunting. Contrary to the common belief that armed security offers a higher level of security, this is not always the case.

The right type of security depends on your unique needs, budget, and liability. Learn the differences between armed and unarmed security so you choose the best one for your enterprise.

Weapons

One of the most significant differences between armed and unarmed security is that the former carries firearms while the latter does not. Armed security guards have the training, licensing, and certification necessary to handle firearms safely.

Although unarmed guards do not have lethal firearms, they may carry low-impact weapons like pepper spray and a baton. However, armed and unarmed security personnel can both keep businesses safe and guard against hostilities and criminal activities.

Level of Threat

The decision to hire armed or unarmed guards often depends on the level of threat your business faces. If you have a high threat level such as if you handle money and valuable assets like jewelry, an armed security service is ideal since you are a prime target for criminals. Armed security is best for hospitals, airports, banks, government offices, and museums.

Also, armed security is suitable for enterprises holding large events such as sporting tournaments. These guards have the expertise to tackle higher-level emergencies and violent situations. Employees and clients of companies with armed security can work confidently, knowing that they are protected should a threat arise.

One of the best things about armed guards is that their weapons also serve as a deterrent against crime. The sight of a gun can go a long way to keep criminals at bay. In the event they strike, an armed guard has what it takes to apprehend them.

Unarmed security officers best serve businesses with low to medium threat levels and those in regions with low crime levels. These can include retail stores, construction sites, hotels, and schools.

Unarmed security gives your business a professional look and exercises adequate authority to keep things in order and prevent crime. Since they don't carry weapons, employees and customers can feel more at ease around them.

Budget and Liability

Unarmed security guards are less costly than armed ones and thus an excellent choice for businesses on a budget. Hiring armed officers is expensive because of the additional training, certification, and licensing they receive. However, this does not mean that unarmed guards are ill-trained. They also go through intense training to offer security in low-risk areas.

Typically, armed guards have greater liability than unarmed ones because they handle lethal firearms. Your business may be liable if an armed guard injures a person. The resulting medical costs, reputation issues, and legal action can be costly.

Businesses with a low tolerance for liability should consider unarmed guards. They can protect your business and when force is required, contact law enforcement officers to tackle it.

Potential Crimes

Armed and unarmed guards are suitable for protecting against different crimes. Armed guards handle serious crimes, involving violent attacks. Therefore, businesses vulnerable to violent attacks and those in high crime-level neighborhoods should consider these guards. For instance, armed guards are best for businesses with a history of robbery with violence.

On the other hand, unarmed officers can guard against trespassing, theft, and vandalism, thus great for businesses vulnerable to such crimes. Also, these types of guards are a good addition to security features like CCTV cameras and video surveillance.

Whether your business requires armed or unarmed guards, the experts at All State Security can help. Our officers are trained and certified to provide high-quality security services. Contact us today.