Questions You Should Ask When Choosing Armed Vs Unarmed Security
If you've been thinking about hiring a security company to provide onsite security guards for your business, one of the most important things you'll have to decide is if you want armed or unarmed security. To decide which best fits your company, you should consider a few things.
What is the Environment Like?
The first thing you should think about is how safe your business is in general. If you operate your business in a low-crime area where you don't have concerns about violent crimes or other serious risks, you may not need armed security.
In those situations, unarmed security officers can provide enough support with routine patrols and general protection. This is usually the case for small businesses like appliance repair businesses and other small, local shops, especially in small towns with minimal crime concerns.
On the other hand, if you work in a city that's high-risk or has a high crime rate, you're going to want more of a deterrent than an unarmed guard. Businesses that receive large sums of cash on a daily basis can be targets for criminals, so you should consider an armed security guard if this fits your situation. Contact a local company, such as http://www.ssnwhq.com, for further assistance.
What Kind of Business Operations Do You Run?
Along with considering the general environmental risk factors, you'll also want to factor in your business operations. In some industries, the presence of an armed security officer onsite could make your customers feel uncomfortable. For example, if you operate an entertainment facility like a movie theater, armed guards may actually make your customers feel uneasy. If, on the other hand, you run a nightclub or bar, armed security could provide a sense of protection for your patrons. This is also true if you work in an industry that is more of a risk, such as businesses that trade in high-value currencies or jewels.
What Is Your Budget Like?
Another deciding factor in the selection of armed or unarmed security is often your budget. The cost of armed security is often higher than that of unarmed services because armed guards go through a more extensive certification process. Armed guards must complete comprehensive firearms training as well as certifications. And, most have to keep up with continuing education and certification renewals, too. As a result, you'll pay more for this investment than you would if you selected unarmed security officers.
Consider each of these questions carefully when you're choosing security guards for your business. The more realistic you are about what your company needs, the more likely it is that you'll be able to choose a security team that's a good fit for your environment, customers and budget.
