Armed vs. Unarmed Security Guards: Which Does Your Property Need?
Updated: 3 days ago
Most properties in the San Gabriel Valley do well with unarmed security guards, who deter crime, watch the property, and call police when needed. Armed security guards make sense when a property has a higher risk of violent crime, handles cash or high-value assets, or has a history of serious incidents.
This guide explains the difference between armed and unarmed guards, what California requires for each, and how property managers, owners, HOAs and estate owners can choose the right fit.
What is the difference between armed and unarmed security guards?
Both types of guards protect people and property, observe and report, and act as a visible deterrent. The main difference is training, licensing and the level of threat they are prepared to handle.
Unarmed security guards focus on deterrence, access control, patrols, customer service and reporting. They are trained to observe, de-escalate and contact police.
Armed security guards do all of that, and they also carry a firearm on duty. They must hold an additional state permit and complete firearms training and range qualification.
Carrying a firearm does not give a guard police powers. Both armed and unarmed guards in California work under the same basic rules for arrest and use of force.
What licenses do armed guards need in California?
California security guards are licensed through the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services, known as BSIS.
Every guard needs a guard registration
Every security guard must hold a BSIS guard registration, often called a guard card. Getting one requires a background check and required training, including Power to Arrest training. Guards also complete ongoing training to keep their registration active.
Armed guards need a firearms permit
To carry a firearm on duty, a guard must also hold a BSIS firearms permit. According to BSIS, applicants complete firearms classroom training, pass a written exam and pass live-fire range qualification with the type of firearm they will carry. Armed guards must keep requalifying to keep the permit current.
The company needs a license too
The security company itself must be licensed as a private patrol operator. SGV Patrol is Licensed, BSIS PPO #17353. You can look up any company's license on the BSIS website before you sign a contract.
When should I hire an armed security guard?
Armed guards can be a good fit when:
Your property has had robberies, assaults or threats involving weapons
The site handles cash, jewelry, firearms, pharmaceuticals or other high-value goods
You need protection for executives, events or high-net-worth homes and estates
The location is isolated or operates late at night with few people around
Your insurance carrier or lender asks for a higher level of protection
When is an unarmed security guard the better choice?
Unarmed guards are often the better fit when:
The main concerns are trespassing, loitering, vandalism and property crime
Your guard spends much of the day greeting visitors, checking IDs or helping customers
You manage apartments, offices, HOAs, retail centers or construction sites with lower risk
You want a welcoming, low-key presence
Budget is a key factor, since unarmed coverage generally costs less
Many owners start with unarmed guards or mobile patrol and add armed coverage only for specific hours or events.
Do armed guards cost more than unarmed guards?
Yes, armed coverage usually costs more. The difference reflects additional permits, training, range qualification and insurance. The best way to get a clear number is a site review where the security company looks at your property, your risk and your hours before quoting.
How do I decide between armed and unarmed security?
Ask these questions before you choose:
What has actually happened here? Review police reports, incident logs and tenant complaints.
What are you protecting? People, cash, inventory, equipment or a private residence.
What hours carry the most risk? Coverage can change by time of day.
What image do you want? A retail center may want a friendly presence, while a high-value site may want a stronger one.
What do your insurer and lease require? Some policies and contracts set minimum security standards.
A good security company will give you an honest answer, even if that means recommending less coverage than you expected. Our guide to choosing a security guard patrol company covers the questions to ask any provider.
Does SGV Patrol offer armed security guards?
Yes. SGV Patrol offers armed guards and on-site security in every city we serve, along with mobile patrols. Overnight patrols are available in many areas, so contact us to confirm coverage for your address.
Estate protection in Pasadena and Arcadia
For high-net-worth homes, SGV Patrol offers Black Label estate protection in Pasadena and Arcadia, where we have active clients. Learn more on our Pasadena security page and our Arcadia security page. For a look at how high-profile estates approach protection, read our post on celebrity home security.
Frequently asked questions
Can an unarmed guard stop a crime in progress?
Unarmed guards are trained to observe, report, de-escalate and call police. They can act within California law, but their main value is deterrence and fast reporting.
Are armed guards allowed to use their firearm to protect property?
Armed guards must follow California law on use of force, which is focused on protecting human life. Property alone does not justify deadly force.
Can I switch between armed and unarmed coverage?
Yes. Many clients use unarmed guards most of the time and add armed officers for higher-risk hours, events or seasons.
How do I check if a security company is licensed?
Use the license lookup on the BSIS website. SGV Patrol is Licensed, BSIS PPO #17353, and has served the San Gabriel Valley since 2012.
To match armed or unarmed coverage to your property, start on the SGV Patrol homepage and call for a security assessment.
Talk to SGV Patrol about armed or unarmed security
Not sure which level of coverage your property needs? We will walk your site, review your risks and give you a straight recommendation. Call SGV Patrol at (626) 727-1592. Calls are answered 24/7.
About the author
Samantha Stephens writes for SGV Security Brief, the blog of SGV Patrol. SGV Patrol is Licensed, BSIS PPO #17353, and has served the San Gabriel Valley since 2012. You can verify the company license on the California DCA license search. Call (626) 727-1592 for a security assessment. Calls answered 24/7.
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