Hiring a guard for your Orlando event or commercial business isn’t always that straightforward. Finding a company you can trust is one thing, but deciding between hiring an armed or unarmed guard is also part of the decision. There are benefits to both, but there are also consequences, so you’ll have to determine which option provides the best overall protection.
In order to make your decision, you should know just how armed and unarmed guards differ. It’s not only about whether or not they carry a weapon. They are trained differently in order to provide slightly different services.
Here’s what you need to know about the differences between the two.
Armed Guards
As can be expected, armed guards are trained to carry weapons, whether concealed or not. Some companies may choose to hide their armed guards in plainclothes, though if you’re hiring an armed security force, the point is typically to show potential threats that you’re prepared.
When hiring armed guards, you’ll face a higher insurance rate. This is because armed guards are trained to use deadly force if necessary, hence the weapons. Your insurance needs to know that you have armed guards on the premises so they can accurately update your insurance rate. Don’t be surprised when it changes to reflect your new security.
Armed guards will also cost you more in general. Due to licensing fees and the intensity of their training, the cost to rent or hire armed guards will be higher.
Another thing to keep in mind if you are renting the security service is the contractor’s shoot policy. You should have access to all company policies and know exactly when your armed security is allowed to shoot or use deadly force according to their employer’s policy.
Just like unarmed guards, armed guards have training in CPR and AED. Unlike unarmed guards, however, they also know how to use weapons such as guns, batons, pepper spray, and stun guns.
Unarmed Guards
Unarmed guards are trained to de-escalate the problem or threat without the use of deadly force. There might be a misconception about the effectiveness of hiring a security force that won’t use weapons or deadly force against a threat, but don’t count them out so quickly.
The purpose of unarmed guards is to observe and report. They’ll watch everyone and before a potential threat can begin their attack or try to steal something, the unarmed guard will have already accounted for it.
You don’t have to advertise that your guards are unarmed either. Many people will automatically assume that a guard is carrying a weapon, albeit concealed, even if they aren’t. This can deter lots of potential problems before they ever arise.
When to Choose an Armed or Unarmed Guard in Central Florida
There are some situations where you know you’ll need an armed guard. If you will have precious jewelry or other expensive items where criminals could get to them, hiring an armed guard is your best bet. Areas with a high crime rate may require armed guards as well.
However, in some situations, unarmed guards are better suited.
In schools or areas with a young workforce, you may not want an armed guard wandering around. Even in high crime areas, the choice to use an unarmed guard around children may be better in order to prevent parents or students from being intimidated or even more scared than they may already be.
In any case, choose what’s best for your business first. If you really do need to hire an armed guard to protect valuable items at an auction, don’t skimp because of the raised insurance price. Your security force can only do as much as their company allows and you certainly don’t want to find out too late that there was an easy way to prevent something.
Conclusion
Deciding between armed or unarmed guards can be a bit tiring. On one hand, you want everyone to stay safe but on the other hand, you may not want to risk the use of deadly force. If you really aren’t certain, then consider calling your local security company and ask for their opinion. Most companies will readily offer advice and help you decide.