Unarmed vs Armed Security Guards: Which Does Your Business Need?

If you're looking to hire security in Sacramento, one of the first decisions you'll face is whether you need unarmed or armed security guards.

Both serve important roles, but have different purposes. Choosing the wrong type can mean overspending, creating the wrong atmosphere, or having the wrong level of protection for your situation.

Here's a breakdown to help you make the right call.

What Is an Unarmed Security Guard?

An unarmed security guard is a trained security professional who protects people, property, and assets without carrying a firearm. They rely on visibility, communication, observation, and de-escalation to deter and respond to incidents.

Unarmed security guards are the most common type of security professional, and for most businesses and events in Sacramento, they’re all that’s needed a majority of the time.

Common duties include:

• Patrolling locations and monitoring for suspicious activity
• Controlling access to buildings, venues, or events
• Watching surveillance cameras
• Responding to disturbances and contacting law enforcement when needed
• Providing a visible deterrence to potential crime
• Documenting incidents and writing detailed reports

What Is an Armed Security Guard?

An armed security guard carries a firearm and is trained in its use. In California, armed security guards must hold both a standard guard card and an additional Firearms Permit issued by the BSIS, which requires additional training and qualification beyond the standard guard card.

Armed guards are deployed in situations where the risk level is much higher and where the presence of a firearm is considered a necessary deterrent.

Common environments for armed guards include:

• Banks and financial institutions
• Cash transport and armored vehicle services
• Government facilities and courthouses
• High-value asset protection
• Situations involving possible threats of violence

Key Differences at a Glance

Unarmed Security Guards:

• No firearm
• No additional licensing required
• Lower cost
• Approachable, welcoming atmosphere
• Best for most businesses and events

Armed Security Guards:

• Carries a firearm and is trained in its use
• Requires BSIS Firearms Permit on top of guard card
• Higher cost
• More authoritative presence
• Best for high-risk environments

Which One Does Your Business or Event Need?

Choose unarmed security guards if:

• You're hosting a public or private event, things like weddings, concerts, festivals, corporate events, graduations
• You run a bar, nightclub, or restaurant where atmosphere matters
• You need access control and crowd management for a retail or office environment
• You want a professional security presence without intimidating your guests or customers
• You're a residential community or HOA looking for patrol services
• Budget is a consideration, unarmed guards are more cost-effective

Choose armed security guards if:

• Your business handles large amounts of cash or high-value assets on a regular basis
• You've received credible threats or have documented security incidents involving weapons
• You're operating in a high-risk environment where a firearm is a necessary deterrent
• A specific client, venue, or contract requires armed personnel

The honest answer for most Sacramento businesses and events is that unarmed security guards are the right choice. They're professional, effective, and create a safer environment without unnecessary escalation. Armed security is reserved for genuinely high-risk situations,  not as a general upgrade.

What About Cost?

Armed security guards cost more than unarmed guards for a few reasons:

• Additional licensing and training requirements - the BSIS Firearms Permit requires extra coursework and a shooting qualification on top of the standard guard card
• Higher liability and insurance costs for the employer
• Greater responsibility and risk for the guard

For most small businesses and events in Sacramento, the added cost of armed security isn't justified by the actual risk level. Unarmed guards provide strong deterrence and professional coverage at a more accessible price point.

Can a Security Guard Become Armed Later?

Yes. In California, an unarmed security guard can upgrade to armed status by obtaining a BSIS Firearms Permit. This requires:

1. Holding a valid California guard card
2. Completing a BSIS-approved firearms training course
3. Passing a shooting qualification
4. Submitting a Firearms Permit application through BreEZe at breeze.ca.gov

If you're starting a career in security and eventually want to become an armed guard, getting your guard card first is the required foundation. At Securing Communities, we offer in-person guard card training in Sacramento that satisfies the full 8-hour BSIS requirement in a single day.

Hire Unarmed Security Guards in Sacramento

Securing Communities provides professional unarmed security guards for businesses and events throughout the greater Sacramento area, including Sacramento, Elk Grove, Folsom, and Roseville.

Our guards are BSIS-licensed, trained in de-escalation and emergency response, and experienced across a wide range of environments from bars and nightclubs to large-scale conferences and events.

Not sure how many guards you need or what type of coverage fits your situation? Get a free quote and we'll put together a custom security plan.