Armed Security Guards

Armed security guards face the most dangerous situations and have to make split second decisions that will sometimes decide about life and death. It sounds exaggerated, but especially in Los Angeles where armed security guards are paid substantially more and with businesses trying to cut costs in economic challenging times, businesses will not hire armed security guards without a good reason. In most cases threats have been made, expensive property must be guarded, the business has experienced armed robberies or other realistic risk factors like being located in a dangerous part of town exist. Regardless which of the reasons motivated a client to hire an armed security guard; it is extremely important that they hire the right armed security officers. As a security consultant in Los Angeles I have encountered many clients that had to mitigate extreme risk to their property and sometimes to the lives of their employees, but they were more concerned about the hourly price of hiring an armed security guard than about his training, skill level and experience. In those cases it is important that a security consultant explains to the client that keeping their budget constraints in mind he will ensure a security officer will be assigned that possesses the necessary training and skills that are necessary for the job. Additionally, it is highly important that clients hire a security company that employs a security concept that will hold armed security guards accountable, provides frequent supervisory visits and assigns a direct contact person that will be able to respond to emergencies and changes in the service the client requests. An armed security guard needs to be provided detailed and concise post orders, which a security consultant should write according to the client’s expectations. A security plan should be put in place after the security consultant identifies all risk factors. Most clients assume that it is a security company’s responsibility to provide an armed security guard. Unfortunately many security companies will do just that and not more. A good security company should provide a free security consultation, a security plan, post orders, frequent supervision and an experienced security consultant as a direct contact person. The security consultant should also frequently review the security plan and adjust it as risk factors change. Most clients that hire armed security guards are not aware of all these additional services a good security company will provide. It will be the responsibility of the security company to educate them and to guide them to make the right decision. A client should ask the security company good questions about the above named services and expect these services to be provided. Many times the security company providing these services will be the most cost effective solution as well. In any case the worst case scenario will be hiring a security company and armed security guard without considering all elements that are pertinent. At the time of crisis or at the time of an emergency the armed security guard will make decisions that will affect the wellbeing of business owners, employees and the reputation of the business. Asking the right questions before signing a contract with a security company will ensure that your security and the security of your business will be in the right hands.