Unarmed vs Armed Roles Explained
Thinking about hiring a security guard? Not sure if you need armed or unarmed security? Here’s exactly what a professional security guard does—and why the right guard can make all the difference for your property, business, or community.
Quick Answer: What Does a Security Guard Do?
A security guard is a trained professional responsible for preventing crime, protecting property, and responding quickly to emergencies. The best security guards don’t just watch doors—they actively deter threats, report problems, and manage risk. If you want real results, you need a security guard company that sets a higher standard.
Table of Contents
What Does a Security Guard Actually Do?
Core Duties of Security Guards
Unarmed Security Guards: When and Why
Armed Security Guards: When You Need More
Unarmed vs. Armed: Key Differences
How to Choose the Right Security Guard
Why Watchmen Solutions is Different
Get a Custom Security Plan
What Does a Security Guard Actually Do?
Don’t believe the Hollywood stereotypes. Professional security guards are trained to:
- Deter crime through presence and patrols
- Observe and report—identify risks, document incidents, and spot suspicious activity
- Respond to emergencies (trespassing, alarms, medical events, disturbances)
- Enforce site rules and company policies
- Assist employees, residents, visitors, and customers
- Work with law enforcement and first responders when needed
Most days, a security guard’s work is about prevention—not confrontation. But when it counts, a real professional knows how to respond.
Core Duties of Security Guards
Typical Security Guard Duties
Patrolling property by foot or vehicle
Monitoring surveillance cameras and alarm systems
Checking doors, gates, windows, and restricted areas
Responding to alarms, disturbances, or suspicious activity
Writing detailed incident and activity reports
Providing customer service to anyone on-site
Supporting property managers or facility staff
Effective security guards are trained in communication, de-escalation, and quick decision-making—not just standing around.
Unarmed Security Guards: When and Why
Unarmed security guards are the right choice for most properties, businesses, and residential communities—especially where the primary concern is trespassing, theft, vandalism, or enforcing property rules.
Common Sites for Unarmed Security Guards
Apartment complexes and HOAs
Office buildings and business parks
Hotels, retail stores, shopping centers
Construction sites, warehouses, and distribution centers
What Unarmed Security Guards Do
Provide a visible deterrent against crime
Report suspicious activity and safety issues
Offer fast response to minor incidents and emergencies
Deliver safety and customer service for residents, tenants, and staff
Pros: Lower cost, less liability, fits most general security needs
Cons: Not appropriate for sites facing credible armed threats
Armed Security Guards: When You Need More
Armed security guards are required for properties at higher risk—where there is a real threat of violence, high-value assets, or a history of serious incidents.
Where Armed Security Guards Are Essential
Banks and financial institutions
Jewelry stores and high-value retail
Cannabis dispensaries, pharmacies, and sensitive facilities
Critical infrastructure and government buildings
Sites with credible threats or recent incidents
What Armed Security Guards Offer
All the prevention and reporting of an unarmed guard
The legal authority and training to use firearms if required
Higher-level deterrence for sophisticated or violent threats
Pros: Maximum deterrence and response capability
Cons: Higher cost, more liability, strict training and regulatory requirements
Unarmed vs. Armed: Key Differences
Unarmed Security Guard |
Armed Security Guard |
|
|
Training |
Basic security, de-escalation |
Firearms, advanced tactics, legal |
|
Cost |
Lower |
Higher |
|
Deterrence Level |
Moderate |
High |
|
Best Use |
Low/moderate risk sites |
High-risk, asset protection |
|
Liability |
Lower |
Higher |
How to Choose the Right Security Guard
For most properties: Unarmed security guards provide reliable protection at a reasonable cost.
For sites facing real threats or protecting high-value assets: Armed security guards are non-negotiable.
Don’t guess—assess your risks honestly.
The wrong guard can mean wasted money, higher liability, or even reputational damage.
Why Watchmen Solutions is Different
At Watchmen Solutions, we set a new standard for professional security guard services:
Highly trained Security Athletes™—not just “bodies in a uniform”
Focus on de-escalation, customer service, and rapid response
Transparent Cost-Plus pricing, with no hidden fees
Locally managed, with real support—not a national call center
Don’t settle for less than the best. Security matters.
Get a Custom Security Plan
Get security that actually works—built for your property, your business, and your risks.
Call: (866) 922-0101
Email: Brandon@watchmensolutions.net
Request a quote: watchmensolutions.com/contact
Ready to upgrade your security?
Contact Watchmen Solutions today for a free site assessment and expert recommendations.