Serious Security Without Firepower

Not all security guards, and not all security jobs, are created equal. Whether or not people recognize the value of security guards at their stores, businesses, or events, these roles are usually filled by highly trained, unarmed guards. Professional security guards are serious about safety and protection, and get the job done without firepower. When businesses assess their existing security plans, they may overlook the benefits of adding live security patrols. Conversations about private security often begin with armed guards, but unarmed guards are highly effective with non-lethal training and field experience. Some industries are considered high risk, which may warrant the investment in armed guards, but in many cases, a uniformed and unarmed guard is highly effective as part of a security plan.

Safety Without Force

Professionally trained unarmed security guards are not about force, but prevention. Their demeanor establishes a clear authority, and their presence at store entrances, corporate lobbies, parking structures, and events prevents countless crimes every year. Retail is at the top of the list for those who want uniformed security guards to help prevent loss and manage suspicious behaviors in and around the store. Security guards can also detain shoplifters and work hand in hand with local law enforcement to protect the store’s assets. As online shopping continues to grow amid concerns about crime, the presence of security helps customers and employees feel safer, which means more people in the door.

Corporate and Commercial Unarmed Security Needs

Most corporate offices and commercial sites only require unarmed guards for their security plans. Some key roles of guards include access management, traffic control, lobby and perimeter monitoring, and support for security equipment. If a corporate lobby had a metal detector, security guards could enforce the rules and protocols in place. Unarmed security guards are not designed to intimidate people; they are meant to establish clear authority.

De-escalation training and experience are where unarmed guards shine because many disputes and disruptions can be mitigated when addressed early. Maintaining a professional atmosphere is essential in any business. Security guards can also serve in roles to bridge staffing gaps, including overnight or special event shifts.

Unarmed Security in Hospitals and Healthcare Facilities

Healthcare-related facilities also rely on unarmed security personnel because their environments require calm rather than force. Situations where emotionally charged individuals face difficult circumstances and decisions require a visible but non-threatening authority figure to help visitors, support staff, and maintain order. Security guards also serve in a customer service role in many unarmed capacities, which business owners recognize as an extension of their existing staff.

Residential and Community Security Watch

When HOA groups and residential communities want some extra protection, they don’t require armed guards. Unarmed guards manning entry gates and conducting mobile patrols are sufficient for most residential areas nationwide. This small investment can be a great selling point for potential residents and keep the community safer. Reliable guards reassure residents and reduce property managers' liability exposure.

Construction Site Patrols

Whether seeking protection against theft, vandalism, or unsafe workers, construction sites consistently hire private security guards to work throughout the project. Theft of materials and equipment is a costly problem that is mitigated by live security patrols. Once the finishes are delivered, the risk increases, and unarmed guards can provide 24-hour watches to ensure no thefts occur. Loss of materials can extend completion dates and result in tremendous financial loss.

Recognizing the Value of Unarmed Security Guards

Thankfully, there is growing recognition that trained, unarmed responders can effectively enhance safety without unnecessarily escalating situations. According to Associated Builders and Contractors of Southern California, compromised site security can have devastating losses. Business owners want affordable protection, and unarmed guards are a physical way to enhance any existing security plan. Unarmed security officers deter crimes, hold others accountable, and support an organization’s operations without blowing the budget. Additionally, if hiring security guards is considered an ordinary and necessary expense, the entire cost may be a tax write-off. Don’t wait until you experience losses with an incomplete or surveillance-only security plan. Instead, contact Off Duty Officers, Inc. today for an affordable, hassle-free quote.