Armed security guards can provide safety for building owners, employees, and customers. However, they also carry an additional burden of risk and cost.
For low-risk businesses or properties that need to deter crime, unarmed security guards are the best option. Here are a few benefits of hiring them.
Deterrence
Armed guards are a powerful deterrent to criminals, as they display weapons and make it clear that they’re prepared to take action. They can quickly capture opportunistic criminals and defuse dangerous situations.
However, armed guards can also create a sense of intimidation and fear in customers and employees. This could be a problem in specific settings where you’re trying to make a positive vibe for your business.
Unarmed security guards are less expensive than armed guards, and they can still provide a significant deterrence against criminal activity. They’re also more versatile, as they can use their tools to deter criminals and address threatening situations without the potential liability of shooting someone. Unarmed guards are also a good choice for recreational areas, retail businesses, and other locations where the main threat is loitering vandalism, or trespassing. They can easily deter these behaviors without causing discomfort or sending the wrong message. They’re also an excellent option for areas where the police response time might be lengthy.
Peace of Mind
When criminals see armed security guards, they are likely to think twice before committing any crime on their property. The mere sight of a gun at the guard’s hip is enough to deter them from even attempting any action, as they would be putting their own lives in danger if they did. Armed security officers are also able to quickly apprehend any intruders, thanks to the added implication of their weapons.
However, if you are not facing high-risk levels and need help with access control, perimeter security, or retail loss prevention, unarmed guards will suffice for your business. Additionally, armed security guards can be more expensive to hire due to their additional training and liability insurance. This could make them out of reach for many businesses. This is why it is essential to carefully weigh your options before deciding on armed and unarmed security guard services Michigan. You should always choose a professional security company licensed to operate in your area.
Enhanced Response Time
Armed security guards can quickly respond to crimes, accidents, and other incidents in your property or business. They can even act as law enforcement if needed, so you don’t have to wait for police officers to arrive on the scene.
Unarmed security guards can also be very effective at deterring crime. Their mere presence and uniform can discourage criminals, as will the fact that they are trained to resolve conflict through mediation tactics instead of force.
Additionally, unarmed guards can provide other services to your property or business. For example, they can help you control crowds during events by regulating entry into restricted areas and monitoring the behavior of the people in your building. They can also be instrumental in preventing theft and vandalism by tracking the movement of people into your business and keeping a record of everyone who enters and exits. This is especially important for businesses that deal with high-end merchandise or cash.
Safety
Suppose your business operates in an area that has a history of crime or you have high-end merchandise. In that case, armed security guards will be more effective in deterring criminal behavior. They have a presence that people respect, and they are trained to react quickly and effectively in emergencies.
Armed security guards are also trained to assess and manage risky situations. This means they can defuse a situation without using lethal force, which can be dangerous if a criminal decides to take matters into their own hands.
Unarmed security guards are effective for businesses that operate in low-risk settings. They can provide an adequate level of protection for businesses in these settings, which include banks, credit unions, jewelry stores, and tech equipment retailers. Some of these businesses worry about things like vandalism or threats, and they want to feel safe and secure, but the idea of an armed guard scares them.