When it comes to security for you, your home, or your business, it can be difficult to decide between armed vs. unarmed guards. Armed security officers’ duties are less intensive than those of armed guards. Regardless of whether you employ armed or unarmed guards, they play a pivotal role in maintaining safety and order in various environments. It’s important to understand the differences between armed and unarmed guards to determine the best security solution. Please continue reading as we explore some of the pros and cons of both types of guards and how our security experts can help formulate a security plan tailored to your specific needs.
What’s the Difference Between an Armed and Unarmed Guard?
Armed and unarmed security guards are in demand across the private security sector. It’s important to understand the threat level you or your business is exposed to to determine the appropriate security personnel to hire.
Armed security officers are required to undergo extensive training to handle firearms safely and responsibly. This training includes marksmanship, weapon maintenance, the legal aspects of using lethal force, conflict de-escalation, and proper response to high-pressure situations. This type of training ensures guards are prepared to handle potentially dangerous situations with good judgment. The training these professionals undergo is significantly more comprehensive than that of an unarmed security officer.
In addition, they must pass a rigorous background check and psychological evaluations to ensure they are suitable for the role. While they can be useful in various locations, these guards are typically deployed in high-risk environments where the likelihood of encountering a dangerous scenario is higher. This may include financial institutions, high-value locations, VIP protection, and large public events.
Unarmed security guards, on the other hand, are usually better suited for environments where the risk of violent crime is low. This may include retail stores, corporate offices, residential communities, and educational institutions. While these individuals don’t carry a firearm, they are trained to monitor and protect property and people by using surveillance, controlling access points, and responding to incidents by alerting the authorities. They are skilled in identifying potential threats and diffusing conflicts without the use of force.
The primary difference between an armed security officer and an unarmed security officer is that an armed guard is authorized to carry a firearm during their security duties, while an unarmed guard is not. This means that armed guards can use deadly force if necessary, whereas unarmed guard relies on non-lethal methods to deter criminal activity.
As you can see, both armed and unarmed security guards play a vital role in maintaining safety and order. At Port Security Services, we are prepared to help formulate a strategy that best serves you. Connect with our firm today to learn more about what we can do for you.
