Differences Between Armed and Unarmed Security Guards

By | March 17, 2015

Planning to hire a security guard for your business? Then, you need check which type of security guard suits your business. In general there are two types of security guards, one is armed and the other is unarmed. So, would you like to know the differences between the both? Then, read this article.

Armed security guards
An armed security guard is a trained guard from professional security agency or company equipped with the licensed firearms and prepared to use deadly forces when required and they have the authority to do so. If you want to hire an armed security guard, then you need to determine the following:

  • Check their qualification of the armed guards
  • Determine the contractors policy in using the weapons with respect to deadly forces
  • Consider the potentiality and the cost effectiveness of the guard
  • Determine what are the advantages and disadvantages of hiring armed security guards

Armed security guards who carry gun are more effective to deter the crime and violence than the unarmed guards. They also use this in emergency situation if necessary. But, unknowingly if you hire a unqualified guard then handling the gun by that person may lead to trouble sometimes. But, in general all the armed guards will be highly trained and hiring the one who will handle the situation is good for your business. Armed guards costs more than unarmed guards because they are highly trained.

Unarmed security guards
Unarmed security guards also carry equipments and are trained, but they are not supposed to use full force in performing their duties. They don’t use any deadly forces and they are neither desired and are not required. They too will provide the same deterrent as the armed ones but, without any risk of deadly forces.

Hiring unarmed guards is less expensive when compared to armed guards and they may incur less liability and insurance. As unarmed guards are not fully prepared to defend, these people must identify the possible situations and they should avoid that immediately. These people some times should rely on outside sources as they are not armed. Before hiring the unarmed security guards check their eligibility, training, experience and their reviews.

These are the differences between armed and unarmed security guards. So, check which type of security guards are required and hire the one who can meet the requirements of your business.