The world today is filled with an array of security challenges, from global conflicts to local issues, each of which impacts our sense of safety. For any organization, safeguarding employees and property is a top priority. Hiring the right type of security personnel can make a significant difference. A choice often faced by businesses is whether to opt for armed or unarmed security guards. To help you make an informed choice, Miraz Securitas, Delhi NCRs leading security guard company for armed and unarmed guards, offers insights into selecting the right type of guard that suits your purpose.
Who are Armed and Unarmed Security Guards?
As their name implies, the armed security guards usually carry a firearm, which is considered a lethal weapon, and undergo intensive training to handle this responsibility. Unarmed security guards on the contrary, do not carry firearms but may carry non-lethal weapons, like batons, pepper spray, or occasionally tasers, for protection.
Armed security guards are typically hired for high-risk environments, such as banks, large hospitals, technical firms, or courthouses. Unarmed security guards on the other hand are usually employed in lower-risk settings, such as video surveillance positions, retail establishments, and school environments.
What are the Pros and Cons of Armed Security Guards?
Some of the Pros:
- Visible Deterrence: Armed security guards act as a clear deterrent to criminals. Their presence can discourage potential wrongdoers from targeting your business.
- Better Protection: Armed guards are trained to handle serious threats effectively. They undergo rigorous training in firearms and self-defense, making them better equipped to manage dangerous situations.
Some of the Cons:
- Risk: Firearms increase the risk of accidents and misuse. Even well-trained guards can make mistakes, and the presence of a gun can lead to unnecessary aggression or dangerous situations.
- Expensive: Hiring armed guards is more expensive than unarmed guards. The additional costs come from their training, licensing, and higher insurance needs.
What are the Pros and Cons of Unarmed Security Guards?
Some of the Pros:
- Cost-Effective: Unarmed guards are cheaper to hire. They require less training and insurance than armed guards.
- Reduced Liability: If an armed guard causes harm, property owners might face legal and reputational risks. Unarmed guards avoid this issue, using non-lethal tools like batons, tasers, and sprays for protection.
Some of the Cons:
- Limited Deterrence: Unarmed guards are effective against minor incidents but may not deter determined criminals.
- Limited Protection: They are not equipped to handle armed threats and often rely on local police for dealing with serious crimes.
How to Make The Right Choice Between Armed or Unarmed?
Whether you need an armed or unarmed security guard depends upon the following factors:
Risk Assessment
First and foremost, it is important to assess the risk level of your business to determine whether you need armed or unarmed security guards. Businesses with high-value assets, large amounts of cash, or those hosting significant public events, or dealing with sensitive information in high-crime areas, should consider armed guards due to their ability to use deadly force if necessary.
In contrast, unarmed security guards are generally suitable for low-risk settings like schools, churches, parks, and museums where criminal activity is less likely and concerns mostly involve vandalism or minor theft. Proper assessment ensures you choose the right type of security to effectively protect your assets and manage risks.
What kind of Business do You do?
Another important consideration when deciding between armed and unarmed security guards is the nature of your business. The presence of an armed guard could impact your business’s atmosphere and how customers and employees perceive safety.
If an armed guard is visible, it might create a formal and intimidating environment, while an unarmed guard could foster a more approachable and welcoming atmosphere. Assess whether an unarmed guard can adequately deter crime and ensure comfort for employees and clients. Also, think about whether the security guard will be in plain view or behind the scenes. Your choice should align with your business’s image and specific needs.
Cost
Cost plays a vital role when you have to choose between armed and unarmed security personnel. Armed guards are more expensive due to the extensive training they require and higher salaries.
They also necessitate liability insurance because of the risks associated with firearms. On the other hand, unarmed guards are less costly, as they need less training and do not require liability insurance. They can still provide essential security services, monitor surveillance systems, assist customers, and handle general activities. For organizations with budget constraints, unarmed guards offer a more cost-effective solution while still fulfilling many security needs.
Owner’s Liability and Legal Considerations
Hiring armed security guards involves serious legal and ethical considerations. Business owners must ensure that guards meet all licensing and training requirements and adhere to strict use-of-force guidelines.
Liability is a significant concern, as employers may be held accountable for the actions of their security personnel, especially armed guards handling firearms. If guards discharge their weapons, causing injury or fatalities, businesses could face expensive lawsuits.
Therefore, it’s important to carefully assess your security needs and risks before deciding between armed and unarmed guards, as you are best positioned to understand your specific requirements.
Once you know the purpose and scope of your security needs, choosing between armed and unarmed guards becomes clearer. Armed guards offer robust protection and deterrence for high-risk environments but come at a higher cost. Unarmed guards are cost-effective and suitable for lower-risk settings, balancing safety with budget considerations.
Under the successful leadership of Mr. Mahajan, Miraz Securitas Pvt Ltd today has achieved an over 100% growth rate within half a decade time. His vision for upgrading private security service has helped Miraz Securitas established a footprint PAN India. Today Miraz ,a trusted name has clients , across all market segments such as top universities, private & international schools, prestigious institutions of government of India, retail establishment, & more.
In the year 2017, Miraz Securitas won the prestigious ‘MSE 4’ ratings by global rating & research organization – CRISIL & India’s Public Sector unit NSIC for accomplishing high-performance capability & above-average creditworthiness among other Indian companies.
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