If you’ve considered upping the security at your business, you may have started to look into an actual security guard service. Security guards can be a great benefit, providing visible security presence and tangible protection for your employees, property, and customers. But what level of security guard you should go with is another question. Generally, you can go with unarmed guards or more highly trained armed guards, depending on your security needs.
The question of armed or unarmed security guards is one of cost, appearances, and level of threat you think your business may face. Unarmed security guards provide a great level of visible protection and can provide customer service for your customers. Armed security guards can be more intimidating but provide a higher level of security.
Below are some things to consider when it comes to deciding whether or not to go with armed or unarmed security guards.
Assess Your Business’s Risk
To start with, why do you need security in the first place? There are a few factors that go into deciding if you need security and, if so, what risk level your business is at. Do you house high end merchandise or expensive machinery? Do you have large amounts of cash or other physical commerce on site? Is there sensitive information stored in some fashion on your premises? Do you host large scale, public events? Does your location have a high crime rate? All of this goes into the formula of whether or not you need security and what kind. Start by going through these items yourself.
Cost
You want to make sure, no matter what, you can afford what you’re looking for. So, you need to factor the costs of security in with your decision making. One item to remember is that, for the most part, an armed security guard will be more expensive. This is because armed security guards undergo more specialized training and certification processes to be able to use the weapons and force they are allowed to use to do their job. You also need to factor in if you need multiple security guards and what that will cost you.
What Guards Make Sense for Your Business?
By this we mean, what message are you sending? It’s important to hire security guards that offer a sense of safety for your customers, not just for your assets. Security guards can also be a part of your customer service. If you have a business that does a lot of customary facing customer service, you may not want armed guards around making your customers feel uncomfortable.
Related Questions
What secondary services can security guards provide?
They can escort customers to their cars, they can prevent access to restricted areas, they can provide directions for visitors, and they can perform greeting duties.
What trainings do armed security guards undergo?
They must be certified and legally able to carry any weapon they have on their person, depending on their state. They also may need to go general self-defense training and any threat de-escalation training You’ll want to check with your state.
Talk to a professional in the security field to find out what you need to have ready to make your decision for a security guard at your business.
Thinking of a security guard service for your business? Talon Security Guard Service in Troy MI can provide all your security guard needs. Our professional security guards are ready to protect your business or event from threats and keep everyone safe. No matter what industry you are in or even what you require to protect, we’ll supply specialized security personnel to satisfy your expectations. Our security guard solutions include armed or unarmed security, uniformed security, hotel security, vehicle patrol, mall security and more!
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