Industries Leaning into Private Security in 2026

It is the New Year, and the “lists” of everything from top products to the biggest targets for security threats are out. Although cybersecurity tops most lists, there is still a very real physical threat for some high-risk industries this year. As these industries lean on private security to bridge the gap between their staff, management, and local law enforcement, many ensure room in their annual budgets to protect their businesses.

Retail Security and Loss Prevention

Although online shopping and delivered groceries have become normalized, retail security is still in high demand. Malls, storage warehouses, big box stores, and strip malls across the country will never lose sight of the immense value uniformed officers serve in this capacity. Highly trained security officers professionally manage customers, deliveries, emergencies, and outlier scenarios. One thing that can’t be overlooked in that experience is that it matters when hiring private security guards. A trained professional in asset protection and loss prevention understands emerging threats and can easily assess risks and mitigate them to minimize vulnerabilities to internal and external threats. Most people think of shoplifting, but warehouses that store goods and big-box stores with valuable merchandise can be exposed to benefit from having skilled security officers on site during business hours. After hours, many stores extend security coverage to monitor parking areas and the perimeter, ensuring no break-ins or vandalism occur.

Healthcare Businesses Require Security Overwatch

The healthcare industry continues to broaden, with dispensaries now categorized as high-risk in 2026. Any business, including hospitals, that houses drugs and expensive medical equipment deserves continual overwatch from a trained security officer. Mobile security guards monitor the lobby, and each floor has rotating shifts that ensure hospital and healthcare staff know they are safe and can focus on their roles, not on someone breaking in to cause harm or steal items. Theft and security breaches are among the top threats to healthcare-related businesses in 2026. Corporate healthcare facilities also want security guards present to protect executives, staff, and board members from disgruntled individuals who may lash out at the business. Last year’s crushing story about a healthcare industry executive losing his life put the healthcare industry on high alert, and that threat continues into this new year. Healthcare and hospital security officers will be in high demand this year.

Construction Site Security

It is well known that criminals see construction sites as easy targets for crimes. Theft, vandalism, and false identity cases related to construction sites nationwide plague insurance carriers every year, and 2026 will be no different unless they lean into what private security providers offer. Although construction companies erect temporary perimeter fences during construction, the value of equipment and materials left on-site remains a continual risk and can cause significant losses, leading to a project going over time and budget, or both.

During peak work hours, access control is essential on construction sites to track and monitor who enters and leaves. Deliveries and workers recognize the value of a security guard on site during working hours. Emergencies are handled professionally, and other security concerns are addressed in real time. Professional security guards have the background and training to respond appropriately in emergencies and work with authorities and emergency services to respond quickly. After hours, security officers patrol the perimeter and monitor the site, providing 24-hour coverage. When expensive finishing materials are on location, hiring private security guards can save construction companies tens of thousands of dollars, not to mention the cost of lost materials that may be difficult and time-consuming to replace. The risk is simply too high not to consider the value of adding private security to construction sites in 2026.

Financial Institutions Investing in Security

Financial institutions are among the highest-risk industries that rely on expert security guards. Banks, credit unions, and other financial institutions continue to rely on the skills and expertise of private security guards. Local law enforcement can’t be at every location, and preventive measures are the best approach to protecting financial institutions. Robberies are not just for movies, but security includes ATM monitoring, teller watch, and lobby monitoring. Even if a criminal can’t access your safe, they can hold a gun to your customer trying to get money out of their account. There is no reason not to invest in uniformed and armed security guards in your financial institution this year.

In 2026, a robust surveillance system will not be enough to prevent crime in many industries, especially those considered high-risk. A good video is useless for preventing a crime and is often inadmissible in court. The only way to ensure the protection of people and assets this year is a diligent, comprehensive security program that combines private security guards, local law enforcement, and staff training. If you want the best-trained security guards across industries, specializing in retail and loss prevention, healthcare, and construction, Off Duty Officers can tailor a security solution to your unique needs. Our security coordinator works to identify the best coverage to protect your investments.

Contact us today by filling out this form or calling toll-free at 844-210-4511 for a hassle-free quote and to find out how affordable a private security plan is in 2026. We never oversell and are recognized nationally as the most reputable and comprehensive security provider.