Armed vs Unarmed Security: Which is Best for Your Business

It can be hard to determine which is best for your business when it comes to choosing between armed and unarmed security. There are many factors that come into play when you look into your options which help include location, nature of the company, and what role you want the security to play. In this blog, we will dive deep into the various considerations that include the benefits and disadvantages of hiring the different guard types. All these can help you make the best choice for your company. 

Define Unarmed Security Guards

Professionals having passed particular training courses are unarmed security guards. These kinds of training equip them with the required knowledge to guard particular areas or safe property, so safeguarding individuals or valuable property. 

Duties Of An Unarmed Security Guard

• Among the responsibilities of unarmed security guards are such as follows:
• To control access to parking lots, specific events or to commercial buildings. 
• To observe video surveillance footage. 
• To monitor important sites with machinery, equipment or places where there are potential safety hazards. 
• To patrol construction sites, public spaces or uninhabited sites. 
• To keep an eye over goods and patrons in big stores. 

Define Armed Security Guards 

Armed security are professionals who possess firearms and have a license to carry them. They are provided with a comprehensive  firearm and security training that goes the basic training of unarmed guards. Due to the training they have, they offer more levels of security compared to unarmed guards. 

Duties of Armed Security Guards 

These are trained professionals who are effective in areas that need more protection. For instance, they can protect businesses in high-crime areas. Some of the duties of armed security guards are as follows: 

• They monitor costly goods or inventory in a retail, manufacturing, or storage environment.
• They guard large quantities of money either on-site or on route.
• They keep an eye on throngs for major celebrations or public events.
• They guard important, delicate data.
• They engage in patrolling activities in high-risk locations.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Appointing Unarmed Security Guards 

Knowing the advantages and drawbacks of unarmed security guards will enable you to make more wise decisions. Hiring unarmed security guards has certain of the following main advantages: 

• Based on the type of company or organisation you run, the presence of firearms could cause discomfort to your clients. 
• Having security guards in your company is preferable than depending only on CCTV or an alert. 
• Unarmed security guards carry non-lethal weapons like a taser, pepper spray, or a baton should the need for force occur in your company for any kind of reason. 
• When you compare unarmed to armed guards, they have less training which corresponds to cheaper rates. This makes them an affordable alternative. 
• One of the best things about unarmed guards is that they play several customer-facing positions, therefore assisting the clients in different ways. They handle front desk management, customer escorting to their cars, and guidance provision. 

Hiring an unarmed guard has only one drawback: their lack of appropriate weapons. They cannot be implemented in places with substantially greater crime rates. 

Advantages and Drawbacks of Employing Armed Security Guards 

• Usually in high-crime regions, armed security guards are more successful. Some of the benefits of hiring such security for your business are as follows: 
• Hiring an armed guard mostly benefits from their authorisation to carry a gun, which can be useful in high-risk surroundings.
• Armed guards have greater training, more security-related credentials and certificates, and more capacity to assume more duty.
• Improved security: These guards’ training along with their capacity to carry and operate a gun provide you more assurance and protection in violent or emergency events.
• Businesses in high-risk sectors or high-crime locations could wish armed guards to assist staff members in feeling more safe and comfortable.
• Customers visiting companies in high-risk settings usually feel safer when an armed security guard is on hand.

But there are some consequences that you may have to face when hiring armed security guards are as follows: 

• People may find it awkward to observe security personnel carrying weapons close by depending on the kind of business you run.
• Due to their enhanced training, more licenses, and greater skill level, armed security guards will cost you more compared to the unarmed ones. 

Considering Whether to Select an Armed or Unarmed Security Guard 

Other than examining the pros and cons of every option, you must assess the current situation of your company before coming to a decision. Some of the things that you must consider are as follows: 

• The Type of Business You Have 

The type of business you run, the nature, and culture will determine your security choice. You have to ask yourself the following to ascertain whether an armed or unarmed security guard would be appropriate for your company:

1. Will the presence of an armed guard affect my business? 
2. How will my employees and customers feel when armed guards are present around them? 

3. Will an unarmed guard be enough for the overall safety and security of my clients and employees? 

4. Will the security officer be behind the scenes or clearly visible to personnel and customers?

• Potential Threats

Choosing a security provider depends on first evaluating the possible hazards your company could face. An armed guard would be your finest protection if your operation falls in a risky location where armed robberies and aggressive attacks are a definite likelihood. An unarmed security guard could be the best choice otherwise.

Remember that unarmed guards provide a great lot of protection even though they lack the authority to carry a gun. Trained to use a non-lethal weapon, these guards can make an arrest as necessary and employ force. They are also perfect for operations calling for someone to keep an eye on CCTV cameras and conduct patrols to guard your company, crew, and clients.

• The Risk Level of Business

Finding the risk level of your company will enable you to choose if an armed or unarmed guard would be most suitable for you. While a low-risk level would indicate unarmed security staff will suffice, a high-risk level could call for hiring an armed guard.

Should your company involve any high-risk activities, it could belong in the category:

1. Manufacturing, storage or sales of pricey goods with high resale value, including motor vehicles, smart tech devices and jewelry.
2. Handling or moving big amounts of money, like for a department store, grocery shop, or bank.
3. Moving costly commodities including high-ticket products, jewels, and precious metals.
4. Handling or storing restricted, sensitive, or confidential material.
5. Organizing or supervising events involving public personalities or large audiences.

Companies running on the low risk end of the spectrum could find use for unarmed security personnel. These groups could consist of:

1. Places of worship including synagogues, temples, churches, mosques, or specifically designed community halls.
2. Schools, colleges, universities—among other educational establishments.
3. Public recreation sites including playgrounds, pools, and parks.
4. Public and private display areas akin to museums and galleries.

Wrapping Up 

Your company’s risk level, budget, and surroundings will determine you choosing between armed and unarmed security guard services in Houston, Texas. In high-risk environments, armed guards are best; in low to moderate-risk environments, unarmed guards work. See a reputable provider to create a security plan catered to your requirements for the correct fit.