ARMED VS. UNARMED SECURITY

Here at Optimal Security, we are proud to offer armed and unarmed security services in Miami. If you are looking to protect your business or event, our security professionals have the knowledge, experience, and training to keep your people and property safe. We recently went over the benefits of hiring a security guard on our last blog. But which type of security should you choose? When it comes to armed vs. unarmed security guards, there are a few things you should consider before making your decision.

QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF

Before you make a decision on what type of security you should hire, there are five questions you should have answered. This will help you determine whether the added security of armed guards is necessary. So, consider the following:

  • Do you have a specific threat to your property?
  • What are the concerns you have regarding damage to your property or person?
  • Are you hiring security on a public or private piece of property?
  • Is there a certain perception you are trying to uphold, that security could affect?
  • What are your budget constraints?
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SPECIFIC THREAT

If there is a specific threat to your property, its severity should tell you whether armed or unarmed guards are necessary. For instance, if there is a threat against someone’s life, that is a situation that would call for armed security. However, if the threat you are dealing with is more along the lines of vandalism, then unarmed guards will probably be a better choice.

PROPERTY CONCERNS

How does the threat you are trying to face concern your specific property? Does your property have many entrances, or one entrance to funnel people through? Where are all of the valuables located? Is it a large venue? All of these things should affect your decision to hire armed vs. unarmed guards, as they will affect things like budget, scope of guard work, etc.

PUBLIC/PRIVATE

If your venue is private, there is a good chance that you will have less need of armed security, due to the ability to vet people entering. However, a big enough private event (or one with serious threat issues) could still require armed guards. A public venue or area, however, will be much easier to access for people with the intent to do harm. There is generally more of a need for armed security in public places than private ones.

PERCEPTION

Company perception can also be a factor in whether armed vs. unarmed guards are hired. For instance, many public companies don’t want the insinuation that armed security is necessary, or there may be corporate cultures where open carry gun possession isn’t wanted. While it isn’t something that should matter in regard to a serious threat, your company’s public perception may play a role in whether or not you want to hire armed vs unarmed.

BUDGET

Unfortunately, as with just about everything in life, the budget available is a major factor whether armed guards are viable. Armed guards are significantly more expensive than unarmed guards because of all of the costs due to insurance, training, and licensing requirements. Especially for bigger businesses or venues, hiring armed guards can become costly due to the added number of security professionals that will be necessary.

If you are on the fence about whether you need armed vs. unarmed security services in Miami, feel free to give us a call. One of our friendly and knowledgeable security professionals will be happy to provide you with any information that you may need.