With civil unrest becoming alarmingly common in increasing parts of the U.S., it’s only natural for you to get concerned about the safety of your business. Creating a safe and secure environment for your employees and customers is of paramount importance; this is why hiring armed security is something that you should seriously consider.
Security risks threaten not just the life of your employees and customers, but also the reputation of your company as well. It will definitely put your business into bad light if something unfortunate happens in your premises.
Although the effects of civil unrest are not your fault, you do have the responsibility of making your environment as safe as possible. If you don’t attend to this, you will lose not just customers, but overall trust in your business as well.
How Do You Know If Your Business Needs Security?
Hiring armed security will definitely require a significant budget, so this is why some business owners are thinking twice about getting it. While it’s ideal that all businesses avail of the best security as possible, not all can afford it.
So what kind of businesses will benefit greatly from having armed security? Here are some that will unquestionably require higher security.
- Retail Establishments
This is one of the business sectors that needs top security. Given the high traffic of customers going in and out of stores, a business must prioritize the safety of the people and the inventory. Convenience stores, groceries, and department stores are the most prone to theft and robbery.
We have all heard horror stories of cashiers and store owners threatened at gunpoint, with a fair amount of them getting shot to death. Placing security guards at the entrance and within the store will definitely make criminals think twice about stealing and holding up the store.
- Financial Facilities
This is certainly an obvious one. Banks, pawnshops, and lending firms – these are at major risk for high stakes robbery and holdup.
You will definitely need armed guards not just to watch over the place, but also to frisk people and check packages of practically everyone, from customers to delivery people. Guards assigned to these establishments are usually armed with the best weapons allowed for their function.
- Industrial Companies
If your business contains bulk items, raw materials, and equipment that amount to millions, then hiring armed security is certainly non-negotiable. You have to protect your business against vandalism, tampering, and property damage. Your guards will be manning the entry and exit points in your facility and scan vehicles that will enter and leave your premises.
- Hotels and Resorts
Those in the hospitality business have to prioritize the safety of their guests and their belongings while they are in the premises. This is why security guards are needed here on a 24/7 basis. Aside from the protection of guests, the security personnel will also make sure that the hotel is safe from vandalism and other exterior damages.
Benefits of Hiring Armed Security Personnel
Obviously, protection is the main benefit of hiring armed security professionals, but it’s best to have a rundown on these benefits in order to explain how exactly security personnel provide a safety environment for businesses.
- They Receive Only the Best Training
Carrying weapons is a huge responsibility, which is why security agents make sure that their people get the best and the most thorough training before they can provide their specialized services. These are licensed professionals that are trained to take down people and therefore know how not to misuse their skills.
- They Provide Immediate Response
Whenever something bad happens, calling the police is the first order of business. Although the police normally respond to calls quickly, nothing beats having armed security onsite for a quicker and more immediate action to stressful situations. They are much better equipped to handle things while you are waiting for the police to arrive.
- They Have Clean Backgrounds
Armed security personnel have to undergo the strictest of background checks in order to get hired by private security companies. An FBI background check is just one of the things that they have to go through. The agency has to make sure that their people can be trusted to handle weapons and allow access to clients.
When you see an armed guard, you best believe that this is somebody with a spotless criminal record and passed rigid psychological tests, therefore totally qualified to own and carry weapons.
- They Have Surveillance Skills
Security personnel with surveillance skills are worth his weight in gold. This is why ex-military officers are a shoo-in to work with security agencies after they retired from government service. Their skills are very valuable assets in top-tier security agencies.
Armed security personnel must know more than to provide physical protection to their clients. They must also know how to monitor the premises via security systems and create a security plan tailored to the needs and situations of their clients.
- They Are the First Line of Defense
Because of their background, armed security personnel are the best people to help the police during investigations. Since they are known to supplement law enforcement agencies, they are best equipped to apprehend criminals while keeping the people in your business safe.
What to Look For In Armed Security Personnel
Getting the services of the best security agency is the key, as they are the ones who provide the people needed for your security needs. In detail, you should also have a checklist of requirements that a qualified security agent should have.
These requirements include their overall reputation, their level of training, their experience out in the field, and whether they have their insurance and license in order.