Is There Really a Debate?
When it comes to security, business owners often face a critical decision: Should they hire armed or unarmed security officers? Many believe that unarmed security is sufficient, while others worry about the liability of hiring armed guards.
The truth? In today’s world, security isn’t just about having a uniformed presence—it’s about real protection. Let’s break down the facts and expose the real risks of unarmed security.
The Unspoken Reality of Security Firms
The majority of the 110,000 security officers in the United States are unarmed. Why?
Security companies often give two reasons:
🔹 Liability concerns—They claim having armed guards increases legal risk.
🔹 Cost savings—Clients don’t want to pay extra for armed security.
But what does this really mean? Many security firms convince businesses to go unarmed simply because it’s cheaper for them—not because it’s safer for you. In other words, you might think you’re getting security, but in reality, you’re just paying for a uniform.
Why Armed Security Matters
As a former law enforcement officer, I believe that every law-abiding citizen has the right to protect themselves, their businesses, and their customers. Criminals don’t follow gun laws, and when a violent incident occurs, an unarmed security officer cannot stop it.
Real-World Example: The Thousand Oaks Mass Shooting
In November 2018, a gunman opened fire at the Borderline Bar & Grill in Thousand Oaks, California, killing 12 people, including a sheriff’s sergeant. The venue had security, but most of the guards were unarmed.
Here’s the problem:
✔ The shooter knew the security was unarmed—making the location an easy target.
✔ The first people shot were the security guard and the bartender—eliminating the only potential threats.
✔ Hundreds of college students attended the event every Thursday, meaning the shooter had a predictable, defenseless crowd.
If security had been armed, could this tragedy have been prevented? Maybe. But one thing is certain—without the ability to fight back, there was zero chance of stopping the attack before lives were lost.
Soft Targets: Why Criminals Seek Out Unarmed Venues
When criminals plan attacks, they look for:
🔴 Unarmed security—No immediate threat to their plan.
🔴 Easy access—No screening, no metal detectors.
🔴 Confusion—A crowd of people running in panic makes it easy for them to blend in.
This is why businesses must rethink their security strategies. The belief that “security just needs to be a deterrent” is outdated. A uniform without a firearm is not a deterrent—it’s a target.
Liability: The Hidden Risk of Unarmed Security
Many business owners assume that armed guards increase liability. But here’s the truth:
✔ The courts have ruled that businesses are responsible for protecting customers.
✔ If an unarmed guard fails to stop an attack, the business owner can be held liable.
✔ Insurance companies look for ways to deny claims, especially if security was inadequate.
If your security is unarmed and ineffective, you could face lawsuits from:
🔹 Customers or employees injured during an incident.
🔹 Families of victims who claim “negligent security.”
🔹 Attorneys who argue that proper precautions weren’t taken.
The Bottom Line: Is Unarmed Security Worth the Risk?
If you’re hiring security to truly protect your business, employees, and customers, ask yourself:
❓ Would an unarmed guard stop a violent attacker?
❓ If a robbery occurs, can an unarmed guard defend your assets?
❓ Will your security team actually protect lives—or just be a body in a uniform?
The reality is that armed security is not just an option—it’s a necessity in today’s world. Businesses that fail to recognize this are putting themselves at financial and legal risk—and more importantly, they are putting lives in danger.
Final Thought
When hiring a security firm, choose a company that understands liability, proper training, and real-world threats. Don’t settle for a placeholder guard—hire professionals who can truly protect what matters most.
The question isn’t whether you should have armed security. The question is, can you afford not to?