Unarmed vs Armed Security Guards: Which One Is Right For You?

The safety of your business assets, employees, and property is always a top priority. Whether you manage a small retail shop, a construction site, or a high-end office building, finding the right kind of security is imperative to ensure comprehensive protection.

When hiring professional security guards , the decision often boils down to the two most typical choices: Armed vs. Unarmed Security Guards. While armed guards are licensed to carry arms and trained to use them when protecting high-risk environments, unarmed guards provide a standard level of security for low to medium-risk situations. They are subject to different legal compliance, cater to different situations and risk levels, and come with distinct cost structures. This article takes an in-depth look at both options to help you decide which fits your specific security goals.

What Are Armed Security Guards?

Armed security guards are professional guards trained in the use of firearms. They are authorized to carry lethal or non-lethal weapons while on duty. Unlike regular guards, armed guards are commonly used for protection in high-risk environments such as banks and jewelry stores, where the potential for violence is high.

However, an armed guard does much more than just carry a weapon. Most of them have experience in law enforcement or the military. They undergo extensive gun training, background checks, and psychological evaluations. Furthermore, they are trained in the legal use of weapons, ensuring they know exactly when and how to draw a weapon for self-defense or to protect life or property.

The primary reason to hire an armed security guard is to maintain high levels of deterrence.

What Are Unarmed Security Guards?

Armed security guards are highly trained and skilled professionals who provide a comprehensive range of protection without using firearms. Instead of carrying or using lethal weapons, they are trained to handle situations with communication, surveillance, and non-lethal tools such as batons, pepper spray, or handcuffs.

Unarmed guards are often sufficient to meet the security needs of most US businesses and properties. They do not just protect your property from trespassers and threats but perform duties like:

• Access control and gatekeeping.
• Monitoring CCTV feeds and responding to suspicious behavior.
• Conducting patrols.
• Enforcing facility rules and policies.

The main goal of unarmed guards is to de-escalate conflicts through communication. They are trained to detect danger before it occurs and use verbal communication or even threats to neutralize the situation. If a situation takes a violent turn, their protocol requires them to contact the backup or local law enforcement immediately while safeguarding the property and people on the site.

Armed Vs. Unarmed Security Guards: Key Differences

To choose the right service, you must understand the differences between these two types of security guards:

1. The Level of Deterrence

The right choice depends on the situation and the risk level. The sight of a uniformed guard with a holstered firearm acts as a powerful psychological deterrent for violent crimes such as armed robbery. Unarmed guards are ideal for low or medium-risk situations, providing a deterrent for petty theft, trespassing, and vandalism, but they are usually not trained to handle violent attacks.

2. Training and Liability

Unarmed guards receive standard guard training in communication, access control, threat prevention, emergency handling, and surveillance. Armed guards learn all that, plus receive specialized training in firearms and handling violent situations. They also hold respective licenses and recurring certifications. Due to higher potential liability and legal and financial ramifications, these guards are considered suitable specifically for high-risk situations.

3. Cost Comparison

Due to their high-level training, higher liability, and the added cost of firearms, armed security is considerably more expensive. Unarmed security is a more budget-friendly and the most commonly used option for businesses that need standard protection.

4. Visibility & Approachability

Unarmed guards are less intimidating, making them more suitable for sites where frequent interaction with customers or visitors is expected, while armed guards provide a strong, visible deterrent for criminals.

When to Use Unarmed Security Guards

For most businesses with low to medium-risk levels, unarmed security is the ideal solution, providing a balance between safety and a friendly atmosphere. These include:

• Retail Stores and Malls: Most retail environments with threats like shoplifting or vandalism, unarmed guards provide visible deterrence, discourage crime, and assist customers.
• Residential Complexes: In apartment buildings or societies, regular guards maintain round-the-clock safety through access control, surveillance, and manual patrol.
• Corporate Offices: Unarmed guards handle front-desk security and badge or ID verification, restricting entry to employees and authorized individuals.
• Special Events: General, low-risk events such as weddings, festivals, or concerts employ unarmed guards to manage crowds and handle emergencies.
• Schools and Libraries: Trained, vetted guards maintain a peaceful learning environment and deter crime, protecting students and staff alike.

When to Use Armed Security Guards

Armed security is often the best for locations or situations where the threat level is extremely high, there is a risk of violence, or protection is needed for highly valuable assets. Examples include:

• Financial Institutions: Banks, ATMs, and credit unions are high-value targets for armed robbery. Weaponed guards protect assets and lives.
• High-Value Retail: Jewelry stores, high-end watch stores, and art galleries often require armed security services due to their high-value merchandise.
• Critical Infrastructure: High-risk environments such as research facilities, power plants, and data centers use armed guards to maintain access control and prevent terrorism.
• Executive Protection: High-net-worth individuals, players, or celebrities, especially those who have received specific safety threats, may need armed bodyguards for personal safety.
• High-Crime Areas: Businesses or under-construction properties located in areas with a high rate of violent crime or armed robberies may favor armed security over regular guards.

How to Choose the Right Security Guard for Your Needs

Selecting between armed and unarmed guards can be overwhelming. At Reliable Security Staffing , we follow a three-step evaluation process:

Step 1: Analyze Your Risks

Look at your site’s history of security incidents. Have there been any violent incidents? What are your main security goals? Crime trend in your location? Asset type and value? If the threat is violent or life-threatening, go for armed security. For normal threats, choose unarmed guards.

Step 2: Consider Your Customers

Do you need to focus more on safety or a welcoming environment? Find the right balance.

Step 3: Evaluate Your Budget and Insurance

Check if your insurance policies require armed security. Ensure that the cost of the security justifies the potential risks.

Still not sure? Contact Reliable Security Staffing today to schedule a FREE onsite inspection and a data-driven recommendation tailored to your unique security needs and budget.

Conclusion

The choice between armed and unarmed security guards ultimately boils down to your specific risk, environment, and security goals. Armed guards are extremely trained and provide exceptional safety, particularly against violent crimes and threats. They are authorized to carry and use firearms while maintaining the law. Unarmed guards are trained professionals who protect your people, assets, and reputation from general, non-violent threats.

At Reliable Security Staffing, we pride ourselves on providing elite teams of both armed and unarmed security guards. Whether you need a uniformed guard to guide and protect your site visitors or an armed professional for a high-risk environment, we provide guards who are trained, vetted, and ready to serve with the highest level of integrity.

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