Enhancing Security: The Benefits of Integrating Armed and Unarmed Guard Services

Armed security guards can act as a powerful deterrent to criminal activity, dissuading potential criminals from attempting crimes against your business or property. However, armed guards are often more costly than unarmed security personnel. Unarmed security services may be more appropriate for companies with a modest risk of vandalism or theft. Here’s how integrating armed and unarmed guard services can provide the best possible outcome for your business.

Deterring Crime

The heightened perception of risk caused by armed security personnel is a powerful deterrent against wrongdoers. Armed guards are trained to quickly assess and respond to situations, conveying the message that any unlawful act will be met with a swift and calculated response. For high-risk environments where crime is a concern, armed security services are a vital tool in protecting people and property. However, schools, churches, other houses of worship, office buildings, and residential security services may prefer unarmed officers who can still provide a strong deterrent against petty crimes like shoplifting, trespassing, and vandalism. Unarmed guards also receive training in conflict resolution skills to help defuse tense situations before they escalate into physical altercations.

Integrating armed and unarmed security guard services Michigan with state-of-the-art surveillance technologies can provide additional protection. It enables security teams to monitor and respond to threats in real-time while remaining discreet. These advanced technologies can also improve a team’s efficiency and enhance their ability to deter criminal activity.

De-escalation

While the presence of security officers creates a strong deterrent against criminal activities, some locations may not require that level of protection. For instance, businesses can benefit from unarmed security guards trained in mediation tactics to defuse non-violent disputes or disturbances without putting employees and customers at risk or alarming them. Armed security personnel provide a robust deterrent and immediate response capability to prevent and manage threats in various settings, including department stores, sports venues, public plazas and residential areas. They can also help control access to sensitive areas like reception desks, screening stations and event check-ins. They are highly effective in escalating incidents to the appropriate level of force while providing customer service and ensuring a safe environment. In addition, they can also handle issues that involve weapons or are too dangerous for police to respond quickly to. It includes providing escort services for VIPs or valuable assets, conducting risk assessments and assessing a building’s security vulnerabilities.

Deterring Criminals

Armed security guards are a powerful deterrent to criminal activities by instilling a sense of safety and security. They can also quickly respond to threats and neutralize them using firearms or other security tools. In addition, they are well-equipped to manage crowds and maintain order at large events and gatherings. Unarmed security personnel provide a similar deterrent effect without the risk of escalation. They also require less training and incur lower liability expenses, making them a more cost-effective option.

Deterrence is only effective when criminals believe they will be caught, convicted, and punished. However, the reality is that not all crimes are reported to police, prosecutors fail to bring charges against many of those arrested, and the severity of punishments (e.g., fines, jail time, and community service) is not always perceived as harsh enough.

Detecting Criminals

Some businesses in high-risk industries and areas may want their employees or customers to feel more at ease by having armed security guards on-site. However, if your business is located in an area with low crime rates and your main security concern is to monitor and deter burglaries or other crimes that don’t require force, unarmed guards would be more appropriate for your needs.

Armed security guards create a sense of heightened safety by conveying their professionalism, training, and ability to respond quickly to incidents. This perception of their capability to react swiftly and act discourages criminals by clarifying that their unlawful actions will have consequences. Unarmed guards can also help with several situations by bringing authority, managing minor encounters, and calling in the police. They don’t have the same defensive capabilities as armed security, however. For some businesses, unarmed security can provide the highest level of protection at a lower cost than armed guards.