We’ll be the first people to tell you that securing your property is important, but armed security isn't always the best fit for every business, home, or HOA. Unarmed security guards are a great option depending on your circumstances.

If you have a property in Tampa, St. Pete, Clearwater, or a surrounding community in central Florida, learn how unarmed security guards can save you money and give you peace of mind long-term, as well as when it’s appropriate to hire unarmed versus armed guards.

Hire Unarmed Security Guards


Even the presence of a security guard can deter threats and prevent crime.

If threat deterrence and prevention is your main goal, an unarmed security guard may be what you need for your property. Criminals take the path of least resistance, and having a security guard in place means a direct point of contact with the police, as well as a watchful eye.

Essentially, the presence of security guards is generally enough to deter most crime. The Public Library of Science published a study on the effectiveness of security agents in public mass transit areas, which showed that increasing patrols resulted in a 49% increase in incident detection and a 16% reduction in criminal activity overall.

Hire Unarmed Security Guards


Armed guards can be overkill in many situations.

Many properties are considered fairly low-risk in terms of crime, and common threats include theft and vandalism. In situations like these, surveillance equipment may not be quite enough to deter criminal activity, but an armed guard would be an overcorrection.

An unarmed guard can keep eyes on the property and act quickly in terms of communication with authorities and keep low-risk properties more secure, including:

  • Churches
  • Schools
  • Parks

In many of these low-risk environments, the presence of an armed guard has the potential to cause unease and discomfort among patrons and residents. Hiring an unarmed security guard can provide a layer of added security without introducing lethal weapons to the property.

Hire Unarmed Security Guards


Unarmed security guards work well when budget is a consideration.

Security guard with hand up near Clearwater, FL.

Unarmed security guards are generally going to cost less than armed officers, for two main reasons:

  • Training requirements
  • Liability insurance

Unarmed guards don’t require as much training as armed guards, and thus the hourly rate will be lower. The bigger cost factor is insurance. Keeping an armed guard on the payroll means you also need to invest in liability insurance due to the presence and operation of lethal weapons.

Unarmed security guards are a middle ground between a surveillance system and armed guards, both in terms of budget and in safety.


Are you looking for security solutions for your residential or commercial property? Call us today to discuss your options.

Armed security guards are NOT always the correct solution to your security problem. Utilizing unarmed guards will increase the safety of your home or business and offer additional benefits that armed guards do not. You can save money, stay protected, and deter crime with unarmed guards. Call us today at (813) 314-9101 to discuss your security service options for your Tampa, St. Pete, Clearwater, FL property.

Hire Unarmed Security Guards