Unarmed vs. Armed Security Guards: Which Is Right for Your Property?

Choosing between unarmed and armed security guards is one of the most critical decisions property owners face when developing a physical security strategy. Each approach offers unique advantages and considerations, from deterrence and response capabilities to cost and legal implications. At Steel Bison Security, we help clients evaluate their risks, regulatory landscape, and budget to determine the optimal security posture for their facilities. In this blog post, we’ll explore:

1. Definitions and Core Differences

2. Benefits of Unarmed Security Guards

3. Benefits of Armed Security Guards

4. Key Considerations for Your Property

5. Legal and Regulatory Factors

6. Cost Comparisons

7. Industry-Specific Recommendations

8. Best Practices for Implementation

9. How Steel Bison Security Can Help

1. Definitions and Core Differences

• Unarmed Security Guards
  Trained professionals who patrol and monitor premises without carrying lethal weapons. They rely on presence, communication, and non-lethal tools (radios, batons, handcuffs) to deter and handle incidents.

• Armed Security Guards
  Personnel authorized and trained to carry firearms while on duty. In addition to unarmed guard responsibilities, they provide an elevated level of deterrence and response capability for high-risk environments.

The choice hinges on balancing risk, deterrence needs, regulatory compliance, and cost.

2. Benefits of Unarmed Security Guards

2.1. Strong Visual Deterrence

Uniformed unarmed guards are a clear sign of security presence, which alone prevents many minor crimes (trespassing, vandalism) and discourages opportunistic offenders.

2.2. Lower Liability and Risk

Without firearms, the risk of accidental discharge or escalation is reduced. This lowers potential liability for property owners and minimizes the need for extensive insurance coverage.

2.3. Community-Friendly Approach

In environments like schools, retail centers, and healthcare facilities, unarmed guards foster a welcoming atmosphere and can prioritize customer service and conflict de-escalation.

2.4. Cost-Effectiveness

Unarmed guards typically command lower salaries and training costs compared to armed officers, making them ideal for lower-to-moderate risk properties such as office buildings, residential communities, and event venues.

3. Benefits of Armed Security Guards

3.1. Enhanced Deterrence for High-Risk Sites

The presence of firearms serves as a powerful deterrent against violent crime, making armed guards suitable for banks, jewelry stores, data centers, and high-value asset storage facilities.

3.2. Rapid Response to Violent Threats

Armed guards can neutralize active shooter situations or armed intrusions until law enforcement arrives, potentially saving lives in critical moments.

3.3. Confidence for Stakeholders

Organizations in sectors like government, critical infrastructure, or high-crime areas benefit from elevated stakeholder confidence when they deploy armed protection.

3.4. Broader Scope of Authority

Depending on jurisdiction, armed guards may have expanded powers (e.g., making arrests, conducting weapons checks), which can strengthen overall security operations.

4. Key Considerations for Your Property

When deciding between armed and unarmed security, evaluate:

4.1. Threat Profile

• Crime Statistics: Analyze local crime rates and incident types (violent vs. non-violent).

• Historical Incidents: Review past breaches or attacks on your property or similar sites.

4.2. Asset Value and Vulnerability

• High-Value Assets: Cash, jewelry, confidential records, or critical infrastructure warrant armed response.

• Soft Targets: Schools, community centers or retail spaces often benefit from unarmed guards focused on customer interaction and conflict resolution.

4.3. Operational Environment

• Foot Traffic: High-volume retail or transportation hubs may prefer unarmed guards to maintain open, friendly spaces.

• Restricted Zones: Government buildings, data centers, and industrial plants often require armed protection.

4.4. Response Time of Local Law Enforcement

Properties in remote areas with longer police response times may need armed guards to bridge the gap during critical incidents.

5. Legal and Regulatory Factors

Security guard armament is subject to state and local regulations, including:

• Licensing Requirements: Most jurisdictions require separate armed guard licenses, additional background checks, and periodic renewals.

• Training Standards: Armed guards must complete rigorous firearms training, use-of-force protocols, and regular re-qualification—often dictated by bodies such as the Department of Justice or state peace officer standards.

• Insurance and Liability: Carrying firearms typically increases insurance premiums; property owners should verify coverage limits and exclusions.

Consult your legal counsel and regulatory agencies to ensure full compliance before deploying armed personnel.

6. Cost Comparisons

Unarmed guards generally cost less to hire and maintain. You can expect their hourly rates to fall between $18 and $25, with basic training and licensing fees (around $200–$500 per guard) and minimal impact on your insurance premiums.

Armed guards command higher rates—typically $25 to $40 per hour—plus additional training and licensing costs (often $800–$1,500 per guard) and a 10–20% increase in insurance premiums. They also require ongoing firearms re-qualification, which adds to the overall expense.

Choosing unarmed officers can save you money when the threat level is moderate, while armed guards—though pricier—are worth the investment for high-risk scenarios where rapid response and deterrence are paramount.

7. Industry-Specific Recommendations

• Retail & Hospitality: Unarmed guards excel in customer-oriented roles, loss prevention, and crowd control.

• Healthcare & Education: Unarmed officers foster a safe, approachable presence; armed response teams can be on call or deployed for specific events or after-hours.

• Financial & High-Value Assets: Armed guards provide critical deterrence and response capabilities.

• Construction & Industrial Sites: Unarmed roving patrols deter theft of equipment/materials; armed units for high-risk storage yards.

• Residential & Gated Communities: Unarmed patrols handle access control and resident relations; armed response may be reserved for breaches or emergencies.

8. Best Practices for Implementation

1. Conduct a Formal Security Audit
   Engage experts (such as Steel Bison Security) to perform a risk assessment and recommend guard levels.

2. Develop Clear SOPs
   Document protocols for daily duties, emergency response, use of force, and escalation procedures.

3. Invest in Ongoing Training
   Ensure both unarmed and armed guards receive regular refreshers on de-escalation, firearms handling, legal updates, and first aid.

4. Use Technology to Complement Guards
   Integrate CCTV, alarm monitoring, and mobile patrol reporting to maximize guard effectiveness.

5. Review and Adjust
   Schedule periodic reviews of incident logs, guard performance, and incident response outcomes to refine your strategy.

9. How Steel Bison Security Can Help

At Steel Bison Security, we partner with you to determine the right mix of unarmed and armed guard services:

• Customized Risk Assessments

• Regulatory Guidance & Licensing Support

• Recruitment, Training & Certification

• Integrated Security Solutions (CCTV, Access Control, Patrol Apps)

• 24/7 Monitoring & Rapid Response Coordination

Visit our services page or contact us via our contact page to schedule a consultation.

Conclusion

The choice between unarmed and armed security guards depends on your property’s risk profile, asset value, local regulations, and budget. Unarmed guards offer cost-effective deterrence and community-friendly presence for low- to moderate-risk environments, while armed guards deliver enhanced protection and rapid response for high-risk sites. By conducting a thorough threat assessment, considering legal factors, and leveraging expert guidance, you can develop a security program that balances safety, compliance, and cost.

Make the right choice for your property—partner with Steel Bison Security to design a tailored security guard solution that meets your unique needs.