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
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