Armed vs unarmed security guards: most Chicago businesses are well served by unarmed guards, while some sites need armed coverage. Here is how to decide.
Unarmed Guards
Unarmed guards control access, patrol, help visitors and document incidents. Most of their value is prevention: a visible, alert guard stops many problems before they start, and they call police when needed.
Best for:
- Offices, lobbies and apartment buildings
- Retail floors, malls and parking lots
- Schools and healthcare settings
- Most events
- Construction sites and warehouses after hours
Learn more: unarmed security guards.
Armed Guards
Armed guards carry a firearm and have additional training and state authorization beyond unarmed guards. In Illinois, armed guards must hold state authorization issued through the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. They cost more and add responsibility for you and the guard.
Consider armed when:
- The site handles cash or high-value goods
- There have been violent incidents
- There is a specific threat
- A high-risk event or late-night shift calls for it
Learn more: armed security guards.
Off-Duty Police
Off-duty police add the authority and experience of sworn law enforcement. Clients use them for high-risk events, banks, dealerships and situations where a visible police presence matters.
Armed vs Unarmed Security Guards: Mixing Both
Many clients use unarmed guards day to day and add armed guards or off-duty police for specific nights, events or threats. You can switch as your needs change.
Questions to Ask Yourself
- What is the actual risk at this site?
- Will visitors be reassured by a firearm, or put off by it?
- Does your insurer or lease have a requirement?
- Is the risk about a place, or about one person? For a person, see executive protection.
The right level also varies by setting, such as healthcare security. For more on how we staff both, see our Chicago security guard company overview.
Related guides: what affects the cost of a security guard in Chicago and how to switch security guard companies.
We’ll Tell You Honestly
We walk your site and recommend the level that fits, even when that means unarmed.
Call or Text 630-212-8938, 24/7
