Armed security guards at banks and other businesses

As security consultants I have been watching the news with growing concern. Within 24 hours two banks got robbed by armed people who went into the bank heavily armed, ready to use force and without regard for their own or other people's lives. Two things the banks had in common been that they were not protected by armed security guards. Research by the FBI has shown that bank robbers that enter banks with the intent to rob it and are ready to use force normally observe the bank for a while and choose their targets according to several things. Firstly the escape route should be close to several freeways and they should not be held up by traffic. Secondly bank robbers make sure that they rob a bank where they expect the least resistance. That means that a bank protected by an armed security guard will not make their list. Banks, jewelry stores, pharmacies, pawn shops, check cashing places and medical marihuana places that employ armed security officers are rarely the targets of robbery. The simple fact is that as long as there are easier targets there is no reason for a robber to take on an armed security guard. As the economy continues to be terrible and as there are more weapons on the streets than ever before and as criminals are more ready to use force the trend at places of business will go towards hiring armed security officers. The cost of hiring armed security guards is enormous and it creates an additional liability for businesses. Nevertheless, it also protects businesses from huge liabilities. The reputation of business getting robbed normally suffers and it will take a long time before all the customers return after a robbery. Employees get traumatized and are normally not right away able to return to work. Many businesses get sued by their own employees after a robbery and have to pay out huge sums of money. Business managers have to weigh the risk of being unprepared when they get robbed and between the extra cost and the liability of having an armed security officer in the store. I have been a security consultant for a long time and after a business hires an armed security guard the owners will tell me that it is the best business decision they have ever made. It does not only provide them with peace of mind, but it ensures that their employees and customers are safe. While the cost is enormous it is an insurance that the business will seize to exist from one day to the next. The right security company will help a business to manage costs and to devise an effective security plan. Talking to a security consultant is free and the cost of security might be more affordable and most business owners think.