Armed vs. Unarmed Security: Which Type of Security Guard Do You Need?

If you’re looking to upgrade security at your commercial facility, you may be considering adding guards to your security plan. One of the first choices to consider is whether you need armed or unarmed security.  The primary function of both types of guards is to observe and report the crimes and the threat of crimes to local law enforcement. Even if the armed guard is an off-duty law enforcement officer, he or she will get involved at that level only in an extreme situation.

However, they bring different skill sets and approaches, which means that one of the two may be better suited for your business. Examining the benefits of both, along with how they match up with your company’s culture and threat assessment will determine which type of guard can meet your needs.

Armed vs. Unarmed Security

Other than weapons, what’s the main difference between the two types of guards? The goal of using uniformed armed security guards is deterrence. You want to make it evident that your property, employees, and any visitors are monitored and protected by licensed professionals who have the ability to use extreme force. Some facilities use plainclothes armed guards, but in most cases, the goal is to provide obvious visual clues that armed guards are on scene and vigilant.

The goal of using unarmed guards is deterrence and apprehension. The unarmed guards remove the risk of extreme force but provide substantially the same level of services. They can observe and report issues to local law enforcement and property managers as necessary.

For some facilities and public settings, unarmed guards may offer a higher level of comfort or peace of mind. The public may be more intimidated by an armed guard and may be less likely to interact in a casual fashion. In these instances, unarmed guards can serve as brand ambassadors and provide customer service duties like access control and providing directions in addition to their guard duties .

When to Hire an Armed Guard

An armed guard is warranted when your facility needs highly-trained personnel who can respond to a threat. They can serve as a deterrent and also provide an active response when necessary. You’ll have the benefit of experienced personnel on-site who can supplement surveillance systems and alarms. The guard can determine when to escalate a situation or defuse it, with safety and minimizing possible disruptions to your business always kept top of mind.

Some questions to consider:

Is deterrence your primary goal?

Is your business is high risk?

Is the safety of your staff and visitors a concern?

Do you have high-value assets?

Does your business operate on private property?

Armed guards don’t have to be used 24×7. Perhaps you only need them after hours when the site is empty, or during busy times of the day when more people are around? You can use unarmed guards or your security system to accommodate lower risk periods.

When to Hire an Unarmed Guard

A properly trained unarmed guard can de-escalate disputes, reducing tensions and resolving conflicts of all types. The unarmed guard can coordinate with the security system, checking up on situations spotted by cameras for example.

The mere presence of the unarmed guard can stop many criminal activities such as burglary and theft before they happen. The guard’s visible patrol activities will make criminals think it’s too risky.

Some questions to consider:

Is prevention your primary goal?

Is your business is low risk?

Is your business open to the public?

The value of the property will also play a role in selecting the type of guard that’s best for your site.

Hire Highly-Trained Security Guards

Ultimately, the choice between armed or unarmed security depends on the risks that you’re trying to mitigate. If you would not want an armed guard to respond with extreme force, then it doesn’t make sense to have that level of protection for your property or event.

If you are ready to protect your business with the best armed or unarmed security guards in the business, contact Citiguard today. Our security specialists will help you determine the best, most affordable security solutions for your needs. 

Contact: 800-613-5903 

WWW.CITIGUARDINC.COM   

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15 Smart Reasons to Hire Security Guard Services for Your Business or Event

Security guards aren’t just for celebrities. A security professional, trained to provide safety and support at your small business or special event, just might save the day. The front-end investment of event security provides priceless peace of mind, while small business security can save you money by deterring crime and shoplifting. From your business operations to your fancy soirees, here are the 15 reasons it’s wise to hire security.

Perks for Your Business

A security guard at your business might bring to mind high-drama action movies rife with shattered glass and stolen jewels. While exciting, it’s more likely that there will be no fight scenes or weapons deployed. The mere presence of a uniformed security guard provides safety in itself. Here are the ways it will benefit your small business:

• Less stress for you as the owner—when someone has your financial and physical back, you can focus on running your company
• Shoplifting, crime, and employee theft take a nosedive with an on-site security presence
• Someone will actually be watching your security cameras, stopping trouble as it starts
• By investing in your employee safety, you boost morale and dedication
• Trained guards take witness statements and collect evidence in case of a crime or accident
• Escort employees and customers after dark

Perks for your Special Event

From private parties to corporate affairs, a security guard adds a stabilizing presence to any event. Hire them as crowd control for large neighborhood gatherings, to ensure safety at a sorority party, or to manage the front door if you’re hosting a concert. Many venues now require a security guard if alcohol is being served, so check the agreement. If you’re shy about a uniform, request they dress in plainclothes to match the occasion. They’ll be there if you need them, but no one else will notice. Here are the ways a security guard will safeguard your special event:

• Monitor guest list, ensuring you’re not put in the awkward position asking someone to leave
• Handle crowd control if it’s a large event such as a concert
• Meet venue requirements if alcohol is being served
• Deter rowdy behavior
• Keep guests safe
• Escort guests to cars and transportation after dark
• Deter crime or theft
• Have a professional on hand in case of accident or crime
• Keep cars safe by avoiding parking lot break-ins

Things to Consider When Hiring

Feel safe with the person hired to keep you safe. Ask some questions before hiring someone to make sure you get the best in the business. Research the security company to learn if they:

• Do background and security tests of employees
• Perform regular drug testing
• Offer employee training and have standards in place of who works for them
• Offer armed guards—often armed is unnecessary unless you have high-risk situations. You want only the highest trained guards if they’re armed, as there is more risk of liability involved
• Offer ‘observe and report’ guards—a more practical option for most small businesses and special events, wherein guards are trained to take statements and collect evidence in the case of a crime or accident. Their main job is deterring crime via their presence

A security guard gives you peace of mind to make sure all you do at your wedding reception, charity event, or day-to-day work life is enjoy the moment at hand.

If you are ready to protect your business with the best armed or unarmed security guards in the business, contact Citiguard today. Our security specialists will help you determine the best, most affordable security solutions for your needs. 

Contact: 800-613-5903 

WWW.CITIGUARDINC.COM   

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Have a Safe and Happy Labor Day Weekend !

Many people view Labor Day as the end of summer and their last chance to travel, hit the beach and fire up the grill. Citiguard Security Guard Services offers safety tips to help everyone have a safe and enjoyable holiday.

Tips for Safe Travel

• Carry an emergency supply kit in your trunk.
• Let someone know your destination, your route, and when you expect to arrive.
• Buckle up and observe speed limits.
• Don’t drink and drive.

Tips for Safe Swimming

• Check weather and water conditions beforehand and throughout the day.
• Always swim with a buddy in a designated swimming area supervised by a lifeguard.
• Provide constant supervision to children in or near the water and always stay within arm’s reach of young children and inexperienced swimmers while they are in the water.
• Young children and inexperienced swimmers should wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets.

Tips for Safe Grilling

• Keep the grill away from the house, tree branches, or anything that could catch fire.
• Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Keep children and pets away from the grill.
• Never add charcoal starter fluid when coals have already been ignited.

WE ARE SPECIALISTS IN PROVIDING THE SECURITY SERVICES THAT YOU NEED TO BE ABLE TO FOCUS YOUR ENERGY UPON YOUR BUSINESS.

Call Citiguard today to set up your free security services assessment and consultation. 

Contact: 800-613-5903 

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Importance of Security Officers & the Role They Play Today

Security officer duties include protecting people, places and property from potential threats. Although the security officer job description varies, depending on the specific work setting, security guard duties focus primarily on preventing crime. A vigilant security force deters criminals who are intent on committing theft, vandalism, sabotage, cyber attacks, physical violence or terrorism. Without the proactive work of security guards, law enforcement would be overwhelmed, as it reacts to crimes that otherwise would likely have been prevented.

 Typical Security Officer Duties
 
Bolstering Public Safety
About 1.1 million people work as security officers in the United States, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of May 2017. Society directly benefits from the presence of security officers in private residences and heavily frequented public spaces. Examples of places that rely on security protection include airports, concert venues, casinos, correctional facilities, schools, college campuses, hotels, retail stores, apartments and gated communities. The role of security agents directly ties into their function as watchdog of the public order. If a fire or major disaster occurs, security officers work closely with police and fire fighters to secure the scene and maintain order.
 
Preventing Criminal Acts
 
Assisting the Public

Although being a security officer can be exciting at times, the typical security officer job description emphasizes the importance of consistency and routine. For instance, security guard duties include locking doors, watching surveillance footage for hours, patrolling a quiet area and monitoring alarms. Security guards look for signs of suspicious activity in the shadows, listen for unusual sounds in a locked building and write daily reports. If an incident occurs, such as an attempted break in by a juvenile, security officers can make a citizens arrest and summon police. In more serious situations, they call 911 and request back up. Providing witness testimony in court may also be required of them

Keen powers of observation are a required qualification in the security officer job description. Considerable time is spent monitoring security cameras, conducting surveillance, performing safety audits of the facility and investigating suspicious circumstances. Security personnel may be highly visible in a uniform, or they may work in plainclothes to catch shoplifters, for instance. Those with technical skills may work with cyber security guarding the network against spam, hackers and malware. The goal is to reduce opportunity for criminals with malicious motives to strike.

Working with the public is also part of security officer duties. Many jobs entail greeting people and identifying visitors, giving directions, and redirecting individuals who are present in an unauthorized area, such as backstage at a concert. Excellent communication skills are essential in order to effectively listen, understand and answer questions in a polite, friendly and professional manner. On a college campus, security officer duties can include giving presentations to students on personal safety and protecting their belongings from wannabe thieves.

If you are ready to protect your business with the best armed or unarmed security guards in the business, contact Citiguard today. Our security specialists will help you determine the best, most affordable security solutions for your needs. 

Contact: 800-613-5903 

WWW.CITIGUARDINC.COM   

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Citiguard leads the nation in private security services.

Citiguard leads the nation in private security services. Our team of security professionals is made up of highly trained and experienced security officers. Their experience is unmatched across all industries. Our armed and unarmed guards can provide your business with the best protection available. Whether you own a small business, oversee a construction site or manage a residential community, Citiguard can help you meet your security goals. 

SERVICES: • Airport Security • Apartments/HOA • BodyGuard/Executive Protection • Business Parks • Campus Security • Construction Site Security • Education Institutions • Energy / Chemical / Petrochemical / Utilities • Fire Watch Services • Government Facilities • CitiTrac • High Rises/Lofts • Hotels/Motels • Manufacturing Facilities • Medical Centers/Hospitals • Marked Vehicle Patrols • Parking Enforcement • Shopping Centers • Special Events Security • Storage Facilities • Cargo and Escort Security Services • Logistics and Transportation • Hiring Security Guard Services Company • And More …

We Provide Security Services for the Following:

• Airport Security • Alarm Response • Apartment Complexes • Auctions • Auto Dealers • Business Parks • CCTV Monitoring • Churches • Clinics • Clubs • Concierge Services • Condominiums • Construction Sites • Crossing Guards • Doorman Services • Emergency Services • Escort Services • Financial Institutions • Fire Watch Services • Foot Patrol • Gated Communities

• Golf Cart Patrol • Government Facilities • Guest Services • Home Owners Associations • Hospitals • Hotels • Investigation Services • Loss Prevention • Video Surveillance • Mall Security • Manufacturing Facilities • Maritime Security • Motels • Movie Studios • Neighborhood Patrols • Office Buildings • Parade Security • Patrol Services • Personal Security • Private Events

• Protection Services • Public Transportation • Residential Security • Restaurants • Retail Stores • School Security • Shopping Centers • Special Events • Sporting Events • Storage Facilities • Strikes • Synagogues • Trade Shows • Traffic Control • Union Disputes • Vandalism Prevention • Vehicle Patrol • Warehouse Security and • Much more…

If you are ready to protect your business with the best armed or unarmed security guards in the business, contact Citiguard today. Our security specialists will help you determine the best, most affordable security solutions for your needs. 

Contact: 800-613-5903 WWW.CITIGUARDINC.COM

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