Security Guard Cost

• Depending on the type of event and the level of security needed, security guards can cost $10 -$100 per hour. Guards in the higher price range typically work for a proactive agency like Denver-based Code-3 Protection & Security, which contracts security guards who can work effectively in high-threat situations and detain people if necessary. Inexpensive guards typically work for an "observe and report" agency, which contracts security guards who are not trained to act in high-risk situations, but report events to the police.
• An unarmed security guard typically costs $12 -$20 per hour, while an armed security guard costs typically costs $18 -$25 per hour. An unarmed guard from 21st Sentry Security in Dallas-Fort Worth typically costs $14 per hour, while an armed guard starts at $18 per hour.
• The time of day also affects pricing. Security guards working at a late-night party in the city may cost $30 -$50 per hour, for example.
• An off-duty police officer typically costs $40 -$60 per hour for security guard services. Interested clients can contact a local police department for availability and rates, which can be expensive because the officer is working overtime.

• Security guards working with an agency should be trained and their backgrounds should be checked.
• A standing security guard may be armed or unarmed, and stays on site throughout the service period or day. At each location serviced, 21st Sentry Security assigns a set of post orders, a set of mandatory duties for officers to execute each shift. Each security guard must submit a daily activity report, detailing the guard's activities during each shift, and additional forms detailing any suspicious activities on the property. Each agency varies in duties assigned during each shift.
• Unlike a standing guard, a uniformed patrol officer visits the property a specific number of times each day, as determined by the client. Each visit includes a written security report. At C.S.I. Patrol Service, multiple small business owners may share one patrol officer's services, splitting the costs and services evenly. Patrolling guards are helping in the ongoing prevention of fire, theft and vandalism.
• If requested by the client, security guards arrive in uniform. Security guards provide their own equipment, including but not limited to handcuffs, batons, pepper spray, stun guns, firearms and bullet-proof vests.

• Hiring armed security guards generally costs more than hiring unarmed guards because their agencies must pay higher insurance rates. Security guards working independently and not through an agency may be an insurance liability, so it's important to check into liability insurance before an event.

• A guard service company acts as a broker for assigning security guards to a number of clients, making sure they are paid fairly and are adequately trained. The Security Guard Services Guide discusses the benefits of hiring a guard through an agency.
• When hiring a security guard, think about the area that needs to be protected and the level of protection needed. For instance, a nighttime patrol officer may be preferable to a 24-7 standing guard in some situations.
• When hiring through a security guard service company, make sure that the agency is licensed and bonded. This will often affect how its employees are trained, background checked and insured. Also, some states like Colorado do not require security agencies to be licensed, so use caution when making an inquiry.

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