In these uncertain times, protecting your business is not an option, it’s a necessity. Whether you have a retail shop, work out of an office building, or are hosting an event, security is the only way to maintain peace, prevent loss, and establish trust with your customers. Of all the crucial choices that you’ll make, one of the most important may be whether or not to have armed or unarmed security guards. Each option comes with its own set of advantages, disadvantages and associated costs. Understanding these differences will help you to structure your security plan accordingly to meet the requirements of your business.
The Importance of Choosing the Right Type of Security for Your Business
Each business varies by its location, operations and hours of activity. A jewellery shop in a high-crime area might require visible security measures compared to a corporate office park or suburban school. The wrong selection generates the wrong sense of safety, unnecessary cost, or perceived unsafe or uncomfortable conditions for customers and employees.
The correct choice of the type of security is not just about preventing intrusions—it’s about making a secure, professional environment that is supportive of your business morals and corporate goals.
Quick Summary: Armed vs. Unarmed Security at a Glance
Unarmed Security Guards
- Suitable For: Retail stores, schools, offices
- Main Duties: Patrols, surveillance, access control
- Cost: ₹300–₹600/hr
- Risk Suitability: Low to medium
Armed Security Guards
- Suitable For: Banks, warehouses, high-value asset facilities
- Main Duties: Armed patrol, emergency response, asset escort
- Cost: ₹700–₹1,500+/hr
- Risk Suitability: High-risk
Understanding the Two Options
Unarmed Security Guards
Unarmed security guards are usually the first line of defence for most businesses, particularly low to medium-risk businesses. They provide a visible presence, perform routine security tasks, and assist with customer service.“
- Best Location: Shopping malls, schools, office buildings, residential complexes, and event venues.
- Common Duties: Monitoring CCTV and access, patrolling premises, checking ID and logging visitors, assisting customers or employees with a query, reporting suspicious activity
Advantages:
- Economic security solution
- Approachable, non-threatening presence
- Ideal for customer-facing areas
- Easier to train and deploy quickly
Disadvantages:
- No weapon access or use of lethal force
- Limited effectiveness in violent or high-risk situations
- Might need escalation to law enforcement in severe threats
Unarmed guards are a great choice for companies that value a friendly atmosphere while still having standard safety measures in place.
Armed Security Guards
Armed Security Guards, as opposed to that, provide superior protection. These are licensed operators trained to deal with firearms and react to potentially hazardous situations. These guards work best for establishments handling large amounts of money, valuable materials, or institutions with a well-documented past of threats.
- Best Use: Banks, cash transportations, VIP affairs, warehouses for valuable commodities, and government buildings.
- Typical Responsibilities: Escorting valuable assets and cash, meeting emergency or violent circumstances, exercising visible deterrence in sensitive areas, controlling crowd control in high-profile events, providing instant response to possible threats
Advantages:
- Powerful deterrence element against criminals
- Effective in emergency and hostile situations
- Delivers high-security protection for assets and personnel
Disadvantages:
- More costly to hire due to training, insurance, and licensing
- Possibility of intimidating customers or employees
- Greater liability and legal obligations
Businesses must weigh the need for this level of security against potential downsides such as cost and customer perception.
You can also read: What Are The Duties Of A Security Guard
Key Considerations for Businesses
When evaluating armed and unarmed security services, it’s important to assess a few core factors that will guide your decision:
Risk Level
Consider your business location, local crime pattern, and prior incident history. Areas of high risk or vulnerability to theft, vandalism, or violent crime would be better served by armed personnel.
Nature of Your Business
What kind of business you have also plays a key role in determining the appropriate option. For example:
- Retail outlets with high pedestrian traffic may prefer unarmed guards to be perceived as having a friendly persona.
- Tech companies and banks with valuable assets or information might require armed security.
- Event spaces tend to vary depending on the size of the crowd and the degree of VIP participation.
Customer and Staff Comfort
Perception is everything. Although armed guards provide increased security, they can make others feel uncomfortable if not handled correctly. Think about how your clients and staff will react to various types of security officers.
Budget and Insurance
As can be noted in the comparison below, there is a significant cost variation between the two. Armed guards also demand longer liability coverage, which will increase your insurance expenses.
Cost Comparison: Armed vs. Unarmed Guards
Unarmed Guard
- Typical Hourly Cost: ₹300–₹600/hr
- Risk Suitability: Low to medium risk
- Liability Insurance: Basic general liability
Armed Guard
- Typical Hourly Cost: ₹700–₹1,500+/hr
- Risk Suitability: High-risk environments
- Liability Insurance: Extended liability coverage
Why Select Crest Force India for Your Security Requirements
At Crest Force India, we realise that each business has specific security requirements. Whether you are looking at armed and unarmed security services, our professional team will collaborate with you to evaluate risks, suggest the most suitable solution, and provide trained professionals who match your brand and safety objectives.
With years of experience as a reputable security guard agency, Crest Force India provides:
- Licensed and background-checked security officers
- Personalised security solutions adapted to your business setting
- Open pricing and total adherence to sector regulations
- 24/7 client care and instant incident response
Our dedication to quality, professionalism, and security guarantees that you have the liberty to grow your business while we work on keeping it secure.
Last Words: Which One Fits Your Needs?
Selecting between armed and unarmed security guards is not a universal choice. It involves careful consideration of your company’s risks, assets, public reputation, and budget.
Unarmed guards are best used in customer-accessed positions and general security within low-risk applications. They cost less and give the impression of being welcoming. Armed guards provide great deterrents and are best positioned in high-risk businesses where the protection of safety and assets is more important.
Ultimately, your decision should align with your security needs, customer comfort, and operational requirements. Collaborating with a professional security guard agency such as Crest Force India can enable you to do that with confidence and clarity.
Let us secure what matters most to you.
