While nobody could blame you for thinking that armed guards are automatically going to be more effective in their role because they carry weapons, this actually isn’t always the case. More often than you might realize, it makes a lot more sense to hire unarmed guards, and they can usually save you money, too.

Still not convinced? Here are 4 very good reasons to choose unarmed guards over armed ones:

1. They are very effective when the threat is low

If you’re facing a high security threat in your business or event, such as armed robbery or violent conflict, then naturally you would benefit from hiring armed guards. If the security threat is minimal, however, hiring armed guards probably isn’t necessary.

Below are some of the low-risk situations that still might require a security presence, but not that of an armed guard:

- Controlling traffic

- Access control

- General surveillance

- Retail loss prevention

- Corporate security settings

Most of these scenarios require only minimal security measures, and the presence of unarmed guards would serve the purpose perfectly.

2. Your budget is restricted

Armed guards will always cost more than their unarmed counterparts, and if you hire them when you don’t need them, you could quickly blow your security budget. While their higher cost is justified due to the extensive training that armed guards go through, not to mention their licensing and insurance costs, it’s often the case that you can save money by hiring unarmed guards, who will also be highly trained and licensed, but who do not carry a weapon.

3. You need to minimize liability

Many businesses have a low tolerance for liability and simply aren’t prepared to deal with the fallout that typically occurs after a security incident involving the use of lethal force by an armed guard. Hiring armed guards means that you assume responsibility if someone was to get injured or killed at your business in a security threat that armed guards dealt with. You would be held liable for the victims injury or death, along with all related legal fees and settlements.

Sticking to unarmed guards could save you money, time and stress, and is the best option for businesses needing to minimize liability.

4. You’re in a gun-sensitive environment

Just because you want to enhance safety at your business or event, doesn’t mean that an armed security presence would be appreciated or wanted. For some people, and in certain locations, the appearance of firearms can be a worrying and unwelcome sight, and while the purpose of an armed guard is to increase safety, the mere sight of a weapon is enough to put people on edge and make them unnecessarily fearful.

If you’re still undecided as to which type of security guards your business or event could benefit from, you should try scheduling a free consultation with a local security firm to talk through your options in more detail.

For more details about unarmed guard services, visit Allcode4.com (Unarmed Guards)