Many organizations tend to undervalue the role of security guards. These professionals watch the property and other valuable assets while others go about with their jobs. Guards are well-trained to carry out this duty; some are even equipped with arms that are a natural deterrent to potential criminals. This post discusses everything you need to know about security guards: who needs them, their advantages, and the companies that provide these services.

Who should hire security guards?
Simply put, any entity that requires security and protection may hire these professionals. These include the following:

Big businesses
Most offices employ trained security guards to ensure nobody else has access to the premises besides employees and qualified staff. This ensures everyone’s safety. Some businesses have servers that store vital customer information and confidential data, and security personnel guard these servers, ensuring nobody can access them without permission.

Schools and residential buildings
Schools and universities hire guards to prevent criminals or other people from endangering the safety of students. They are the first line of defense if someone gets inside. In residential areas, guards protect people who live there and prevent trespassing, theft, and other illegal activities.

Banks
Trained professionals are hired to escort bankers when cash is brought into the facility. These guards serve as a deterrent for criminals. They may also be stationed outside lockers, ATMs, and other places that store valuables and are prone to robberies.

Private individuals
Besides protecting important buildings like shops, banks, and schools, guards may serve private individuals. You might have noticed that many celebrities, government officials, and CEOs of companies have bodyguards. They protect them from potential threats from paparazzi and other people with malicious intent.

What are the benefits of hiring security guards?
Rather than being a hardship, hiring knowledgeable, experienced guards offers a host of advantages. The following are the main reasons for hiring a professional:

Protection and safety
The presence of security officers makes people comfortable and provides peace of mind. They not only cater to managers and owners in big companies but also staff and clients. Hiring proficient guards improves staff retention, particularly in establishments situated in high-risk regions or those that offer high-end products.

Prevention of untoward incidents
Having a guard signals criminals that you are serious about protecting your business. Just the sight of security will deter thieves from breaking in. These professionals can prevent incidents like vandalism, theft, and even terrorism. Preventing a problem is always better than solving the consequences of not being careful enough.

Managing emergencies
Security guards receive varying levels of training to deal with dangerous situations. If you hire them, you can rest assured that they will act skillfully and intelligently in unanticipated health emergencies or natural disasters. Some are specially trained to handle calamities like tornadoes and floods and help people to safety during such times.

Monitoring
Guards have training and experience in various techniques, such as patrolling after hours, keeping an eye on video surveillance, limiting access to certain places, and verifying visitor credentials. Such monitoring tasks significantly reduce business owners’ and workers’ security responsibilities.

Who are armed security guards?
The apparent distinction between armed and regular guards is that the former are armed at all times while the latter are not. Armed professionals receive special training to carry and use firearms. But these weapons are only intended for self-defense in most cases and not for use against invaders. An armed guard is expected to have a cool head and thorough awareness of the conditions in which they work. They are usually trained to coordinate with law enforcement authorities and possess a valid firearms license.

Armed guards are recruited in places where items of high value, such as antiques, priceless papers, jewelry, works of art, and rare books, are stored. They also work for VIPs who are under threat from others. Further, big companies hire armed guards to perform duties like surveillance, patrol, reporting, and more that are typical of conventional guards. Having armed security on the business premises ensures the safety of employees and those who frequent the office.

How do you hire security guards?
Many security guard companies provide armed and unarmed personnel when you need them. A few examples include Allied Universal and Spear Security. Once you have decided to hire a guard, contact any of the top providers. Set up and interview with the individual to access their skills and experience. The cost may vary depending on whether it is an armed or unarmed service.

Remember that security officers, armed or unarmed, are never intentionally sent to locations with violence or potential violence due to their nature as citizens and not as part of law enforcement. However, you can rest assured that they will take care of all your private security requirements and provide assistance during times of need.