There is much controversy surrounding the topic of armed guards versus unarmed guards.  There are various opinions regarding the pros and cons of each when looking to secure a business.  If you have begun to realize the necessity of hiring security to protect your employees, patrons, and assets, be sure to fully consider whether armed or unarmed security would be better suited to the important task of securing your business.

Is an Armed Guard the Right Choice for Your Business?

Armed security guards in Houston are a popular and often necessary choice in securing a variety of businesses.  The location of your business is a key factor to consider when making the decision of whether armed security is the right choice for you.  If your business is located in a high crime neighborhood, armed security can be a great choice to protect clients, employees, and merchandise.  In such areas, an unarmed guard will be defenseless and may actually become a target for criminals perpetrating violent crimes.

If your business has been a hot spot for robbery and theft in the past, an armed guard can be effective in minimizing future losses.  Additionally, it is important to consider the statistical risk of your business becoming targeted for robbery.  Certain types of businesses are simply more likely to be robbed than others.  Factors such as an exposed clerk and register increase your business’s risk of robbery.  Additionally, other businesses that always have a target on their back are banks and jewelry stores.  Any business that has high dollar items at their location will be significantly more vulnerable to robbery.  Therefore, if you own any of these types of businesses, investing in quality armed security can protect your employees and assets from becoming the next big target. 

One other type of business that often benefits from a strong, armed security presence is bars or nightclubs.  These businesses are often located in seedy parts of town and serve alcohol which can quickly lead to intoxication and escalate situations such as bar fights.  Armed guards can help to keep order and prevent situations from escalating to a dangerous level.

Is an Unarmed Security Presence Right for Your Business?

While many businesses require an armed security presence, certain businesses are low risk and merely need an unarmed guard.  Just having a security presence in low risk areas can be enough to keep criminals at bay and deter troublesome patrons.  All guards, even if unarmed can come across as intimidating and discourage theft and other crimes.  If your business is low risk to start with, such as a library setting and located in a low crime area, it is entirely possible an unarmed guard in Houston can sufficiently protect your business.

While some may not want to spend the extra money to hire armed security, this is one investment that will pay for itself in situations where frequent theft, robbery, or violent crime occurs.  There is no price tag on protecting yourself, employees, and patrons.  Choose your guards carefully insisting on quality employees that are have been trained and are skilled at deescalating situations, are aware of suspicious behavior, and  adept at reading body language.  Consider if an unarmed or armed guard could be the perfect choice to protect your business!

Here is an infographic to summarize the article.