Most assignments are best served by unarmed officers. Here is how to decide when armed coverage is the right call.
The short answer
Most security assignments are best served by unarmed officers. Unarmed security provides a visible, professional presence that deters problems without the intensity—and added cost—of armed coverage. For events, residential properties, retail stores, and many commercial properties, unarmed is the appropriate and sufficient choice.
Armed security is the right call when the risk level, asset value, or specific client requirements demand a higher level of deterrence and response capability. High-value asset protection, high-risk environments, and certain venue requirements may call for armed officers.
How to decide
The decision depends on three factors: the value of what you are protecting, the risk level of the environment, and any specific requirements from your venue, insurer, or client.
If you are planning a wedding or private party, unarmed security is almost always sufficient. If you are protecting a construction site with hundreds of thousands of dollars in equipment, armed patrol may be worth considering—though unarmed patrol is often enough.
When in doubt, call us. We will discuss the assignment and help you determine which is appropriate. There is no pressure to upgrade to armed coverage if unarmed is the right fit.