Security Guard Jobs: Armed Vs. Unarmed

Security guard jobs are appealing to many people because they provide both a stable income and a job that gives you a sense of doing something positive within your community. Security job opportunities have been growing for the past decade and are predicted to continue to grow through at least 2030. 

There are many different types of security jobs available, but the most visible are as security guards. Uniformed security guards come in two main categories: armed and unarmed. There are a myriad of reasons why a client would choose guards who are armed or not. Some prefer the extra layer of security that an armed guard can provide, while other clients prefer to not have the visual presence of guns at their location.

Whether you hope to be armed or not, there are some qualities that are necessary for all guards. When considering employment, Allstate first looks for many of the things any employer would consider. An applicant should:

  • Have a solid work history.
  • Have reliable transportation and a good driving record.
  • Have a professional appearance.
  • Be able to pass a background check and drug test.

In addition to these common requirements for employment almost anywhere, there are certain skills needed to be a security guard.

Security guards must be able to communicate clearly and effectively. This means that they must be fluent in English and fluency in any secondary language is also helpful. Communication goes beyond just speaking because guards are required to maintain accurate reports and records, so reading and writing skills are also necessary. 

Previous security work isn’t necessary for all guard positions, but it is very helpful. A background in the military or police work is also advantageous as the skills translate well to work as a security guard. With no previous security work history, it is very unlikely that you would find work as an armed guard immediately. 

In the state of California, the Bureau of Security and Investigative Service (BSIS) requires a criminal history background check and training requirements for licensure as a security guard. 

Armed Security Guard Job Requirements

Security guards are all required to work hard and remain focused on protecting the assets that they are employed to protect. While adding a firearm can add a layer of security and protection, it can also come with additional risks. 

To be employed as an armed security guard you must have additional skills. The basic skills required for security work become even more important because those are the skills that will keep a guard from ever having to use a firearm in the first place. 

Allstate is particularly vigilant about ensuring that only the top-of-the-line, best-trained guards carry firearms. In addition to the basic requirements to be a guard, to be an armed guard you must have previous security experience, must possess a firearm permit, and own a weapon. Additional qualifications that they look for when hiring armed guards include:

If you are interested in becoming an armed security guard and are new to the industry, without a military or police background, it is very likely that you will need to work for some period of time as an unarmed guard no matter what company you work for or in what state. Carrying firearms within your job duties is taken very seriously by authorities as well as any company that is reputably hiring security guards. 

If you are looking to hire security guards to protect your business or personal assets, please contact Allstate Security at 619-350-0981 or visit online for a free quote.

If you are interested in job opportunities with Allstate Security visit online here

Office Security: Guide to Secure Your Office After a Break-in

Office security is one of the most significant factors affecting a small business’s bottom line. This is because of the almost 3 million break-ins that occur in the United States every year, one-third of them involve small businesses and cost a whopping $3.4 billion in losses and damages. 

 

Unfortunately, after one successful break-in, your office becomes even more vulnerable to a repeat offense. What’s more, break-ins lead to a general feeling of insecurity amongst employees, staff, and customers.

7 Steps to Secure Your Office After a Break-in

If your office is broken into, you must take immediate action to secure the area, regain stability, and create a strategic plan to prevent future incidents. Allstate Security is here to guide you through this process and provide expert security solutions. 

 

Follow these steps if your office or business is recovering from a break-in:

 

  1. Call the police: According to the FBI’s Crime in the US report, the majority of non-residential crimes occur at night. If you receive an alarm notification after office hours, do not try to enter the building and handle the problem yourself. It is quite possible that a burglar may still be inside. Contact the police immediately. Law enforcement will inspect the building. Your safety and that of your co-workers must come first.
  2. Secure the property: The Criminal Justice Information Services Division says that more than half of all break-ins occur through forcible entry, such as a broken window or door. Prevent future break-ins and the immediate threat of theft by securing these areas. Be sure to photograph broken entry points before repairs, as they may be needed for police reports and insurance claims. If there are no visible signs of a forced entry, it’s likely the thief acquired a key or gained access to an electronic key card or password. Be sure to change all passwords and locks to ensure your premises are secured.
  3. Communicate internally: Reassure staff and customers that there is a plan in place to recover and prevent future incidents. Share your updated security plan so everyone knows what they can do to keep the workplace safe. Consider a more visible plan that includes cameras and security guards to deter any future problems.
  4. Determine what was stolen: Make a detailed list of stolen or damaged items, including their value, replacement cost, and serial numbers. This list will be crucial for the incident report and insurance claim. Gather any receipts you may have of these items to verify ownership and cost.
  5. Investigate what went wrong: Review any camera footage taken at the time of the incident, focusing on the point of entry and any suspicious activity. Analyze access control records, including unusual entries during the incident, who the last person to leave and first to enter around the time of the break-in was, and any recent visitors or temporary employees.
  6. File an incident report: File an incident report for police and insurance purposes. Ensure all necessary information is included, like the sequence of events, entry method, timeline, and list of stolen items.
  7. Call your insurance company: File an insurance claim. Be sure to collect and organize all necessary documentation for a smooth claim process.

Prevent Break-ins with Allstate Security Guards

Hiring Allstate Security‘s experienced security guards is one of the best ways to prevent future break-ins. Their expertise ensures an advanced assessment of risks and gaps in your current strategy. Allstate Security’s comprehensive approach ensures that your office remains secure, giving you peace of mind and allowing you to focus on your business.

 

Don’t let a break-in leave you vulnerable. Contact Allstate Security today at 866-475-3818 to fortify your defenses and protect your workplace or click here for a free quote.

 

Security Guards Define Event Security

Security guards are paramount to protecting large sporting events, which becomes more and more important season after season. 

 

In the United States, more than 100 million people attend major league sporting events each year. Beyond major leagues, like the NFL, NBA, and MLS, there are countless numbers of college, high school, and other organized sporting events that must be kept safe for fans and participants alike. 

 

In July 2022, the CIF (California Interscholastic Federation) which governs California high school sports, was forced to put a ban in place for anyone who assaults another attendee, participant, or official at an interscholastic athletic contest. This came about after a rash of violence at their events. 

 

Sports events are also finding themselves the target of protesters more and more often these days. Just recently, climate protesters disrupted play at the 18th hole of the PGA Tour’s Travelers Championship, and this new trend is getting more and more common. 

 

Additionally, sporting events are often home to hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of equipment, and that’s not even considering the value of the facilities that house many events. 

 

Facing these emerging threats, many sporting events and leagues are looking to security companies like Allstate Security for security guards to provide protection. 

How Do Security Guards Protect Sporting Events?

Sporting events are more than just games; they’re large-scale gatherings that require meticulous planning and execution to ensure the safety of spectators, athletes, and staff. At Allstate Security, security guards play a pivotal role in protecting these events. Their presence is crucial in maintaining order, preventing incidents, and responding swiftly to emergencies. 

 

Here is how highly trained security guards safeguard sporting events, creating a secure environment for everyone involved:

  • Comprehensive Pre-Event Planning and Risk Assessment: Before the crowds arrive, security guards are already hard at work. The protection of sporting events begins with thorough pre-event planning and risk assessment.
  • Event Management and Access Control: By maintaining orderly crowd flow and restricting unauthorized access, security guards create a safer environment for all attendees. Their visible presence also serves as a deterrent to potential troublemakers, reducing the risk of disturbances or altercations.
  • Surveillance and Threat Detection: Vigilance is key in protecting sporting events. Allstate security guards are trained to maintain constant situational awareness, utilizing both physical observation and advanced surveillance technologies
  • Emergency Response and Crisis Management: While prevention is the primary goal, security guards are also prepared to act decisively in emergencies. Whether it’s a medical crisis, fire, or security threat, Allstate guards are trained to coordinate evacuations and guide attendees to safety, assist emergency services upon their arrival, and more.
  • Protecting Athletes, VIPs, and Assets: Sporting events often involve high-profile athletes, celebrities, and valuable equipment. Security guards are experienced in providing specialized protection for athletes and teams, VIP guests and dignitaries, and expensive sporting equipment and technology.

Trust Allstate Security for Sporting Event Security

Protecting sporting events requires a unique blend of skills, experience, and dedication. Allstate Security provides security guards who possess the expertise necessary to safeguard these complex, high-stakes environments. From meticulous pre-event planning to post-event security, Allstate guards are committed to ensuring the safety and enjoyment of all attendees.

 

By choosing Allstate for your sporting event security needs, you’re not just hiring guards – you’re partnering with a team of professionals dedicated to creating a secure and positive experience for everyone involved. Their comprehensive approach to event protection, combined with their guards’ vigilance and preparedness, makes Allstate the ideal choice for keeping your sporting events safe and successful.

 

Don’t leave the security of your next sporting event to chance. Contact Allstate Security today at 866-475-3818 to learn how their expert security guards can protect your event or visit online for a free quote now. 

Security Guards Upgrade Commercial and Office Security

Security guards elevate your company’s overall security strategy. Commercial and office security best practices start with evaluating the needs of your specific business. Today’s security landscape offers businesses a plethora of solutions from cutting-edge technology to expert security personnel. 

 

Between current market conditions and daily operations, the last thing any office wants to contend with is intruders, robberies, and employee disruptions. To best provide a safe environment for your staff, clients, vendors, and employees hire professional security guards. Security guards upgrade commercial and office security by adding a human touch to your existing security technology and strategies. 

Mobile Patrols Increase Commercial and Office Security

When it comes to providing commercial and office security, mobile patrols are a great option. Mobile patrols are highly visible from the outside of your office warding off many would-be criminals on sight. Mobile patrols are also unpredictable for those who are seeking to enter or exit your premises covertly.

 

Acts of vandalism and arson are also serious concerns for offices and commercial enterprises. There were more than 1,800 arsons involving commercial buildings in 2022, and the number grows year by year. More than a billion dollars is done in damage from vandalism each year, and businesses are finding it harder and harder to get their insurance policies to cover the cost. Many of these types of crimes can be headed off by an active and diligent mobile patrol. 

 

Mobile patrols scare off most vandals and arsonists. They catch many others early enough in the act to prevent excessive damage and can even aid in their prosecution. 

 

Mobile patrols also provide commercial and office security by patrolling parking lots. This works to prevent:

  • Parking by unwanted or unregistered vehicles
  • Illegal parking
  • Theft
  • Break-ins
  • Vandalism to vehicles

Security Guards Provide Commercial and Office Security 

Offices and commercial facilities have unique security concerns that can be addressed by security guards. 

 

Security guards help to protect staff members by being able to de-escalate altercations and address irate personnel and customers. They can even be helpful when dealing with a hostile termination

 

Uniformed security officers enhance the reputation of your business because they show your commitment to safety. They remind staff and visitors alike that the company doesn’t tolerate inappropriate behavior on their premises. They are proactive and keep their eyes open for suspicious behavior.

 

Hiring security guards, like those at Allstate Security, also provides your office with a valuable resource for help with emergency planning and security systems as their insight can give you a significant advantage in these areas. 

Security Guards are a Cost Effective Commercial and Office Security Solution

Security guards are a cost-effective solution for offices and commercial spaces for several reasons. Most importantly, security guards save countless dollars in preventing losses and damages as well as potential lawsuits by preventing potential issues. Because security guards make great witnesses and provide excellent documentation of incidents, they often aid in the prosecution of offenders and payment of restitution when someone does damage your property.

 

In some cases, you will even find that you pay lower insurance premiums when you hire security guards for commercial and office security. Check with your provider to find out about potential savings on insurance premiums for your business. 

Security Guards for Commercial and Office Security at Allstate Security

Allstate Security is California’s premiere security guard company, providing the industry’s best armed security guards, unarmed security guards, mobile patrol, and special event security. Whatever your commercial and office security needs, Allstate Security has you covered. 

 

Call Allstate Security at 866-475-3818 to discuss the specific security concerns and strategy of your business or visit Allstate online for a free quote now. Don’t wait, get started today! 

Security Guards for Retirement Homes and Communities

Ensuring the safety and well-being of our elderly loved ones is a top priority for many families. As more seniors choose to live in retirement homes and communities, the need for reliable security measures becomes increasingly important. Security guards play a crucial role in protecting these vulnerable populations and providing peace of mind for their families. In this blog post, we’ll explore how security guards safeguard retirement homes and communities and how Allstate Security can help.

Security Guards Protect Retirement Homes and Communities

One of the primary responsibilities of security guards in retirement homes and communities is to protect the property from various threats. They work diligently to prevent property damage, which vandalism, accidents, or natural disasters can cause. By regularly patrolling the grounds and monitoring surveillance systems, security guards can quickly identify and respond to potential issues, minimizing the risk of damage to buildings, landscaping, and other assets.

 

Additionally, security guards act as a deterrent against theft. Retirement homes and communities often house valuable belongings like jewelry, electronics, and personal mementos. Security guards can help prevent theft and ensure residents’ possessions remain safe and secure by maintaining a visible presence and conducting thorough checks of visitors and staff.

 

Trespassing is another concern that security guards address. Unauthorized individuals entering the premises can pose a significant risk to the safety and privacy of residents. Security guards monitor entry points, verify visitors’ identities, and escort unauthorized persons off the property, maintaining a secure environment for all residents.

Security Guards Protect Residents

In addition to protecting property, security guards play a vital role in ensuring the safety of retirement home and community residents. They work to shield residents from outside harm, such as physical attacks, harassment, or scams targeting the elderly. By remaining vigilant and responding quickly to suspicious activity, security guards create a safe haven for seniors to live and thrive.

 

Security guards also help protect residents from harming themselves or wandering off. Many older adults face challenges related to memory loss, confusion, or physical limitations, which can lead to accidents or getting lost. Security guards are trained to recognize signs of distress and provide prompt assistance, whether helping a resident navigate back to their room or alerting medical staff in an emergency. This level of care and attention provides invaluable support to residents and their families.

 

Services Security Guards Provide to Retirement Homes and Communities

Security guards offer a range of services to effectively protect retirement homes and communities. Regular patrols on foot and in vehicles allow them to monitor the entire property and identify potential security breaches or safety hazards. Security guards deter criminal activity and provide comfort to residents and staff by maintaining a visible presence.

 

Surveillance is another key service provided by security guards. They monitor security cameras, access control systems, and alarm systems to detect unusual activity or unauthorized entry attempts. In the event of an incident, security guards can use surveillance footage to assist with investigations and provide evidence to law enforcement if necessary.

 

Controlling entry points is a critical security aspect in retirement homes and communities. Security guards are responsible for managing access to the property, ensuring that only authorized individuals are allowed to enter. They may issue visitor badges, check identification, and maintain logs of all visitors to the premises. By closely monitoring who comes and goes, security guards can prevent potential threats and maintain a secure environment for residents.

Allstate Security Guards for Retirement Homes and Communities

At Allstate Security, we understand the unique security needs of retirement homes and communities. Our experienced and highly trained security guards are dedicated to providing top-notch protection for both property and residents. Our comprehensive range of services, including patrols, surveillance, and access control, ensures your elderly loved ones can live in a safe, secure, and supportive environment.

 

Don’t leave the safety of your loved ones to chance. Trust Allstate Security to provide the peace of mind you deserve. Call us today at (888) 210-7333 to learn more about our security solutions for retirement homes and communities.

How to Enhance Security in Warehouses and Distribution Centers

In the fast-paced world of warehouses and distribution services, security is a paramount concern. The seamless flow of goods, valuable inventory, and sensitive information within these facilities means that you must have a robust security infrastructure. To address these challenges head-on, Allstate Security is the best in the business at offering tailored security guard services to protect warehouses and distribution centers. 

What Do Security Guards Do at Warehouses?

Security guards play a pivotal role in maintaining a safe and secure environment within warehouses. Beyond the traditional image of uniformed personnel patrolling premises, Allstate Security’s guards are highly trained to handle the unique challenges of warehouse security. Their responsibilities extend beyond mere surveillance; they act as a proactive deterrent to potential threats.

 

Allstate Security’s guards are adept at conducting thorough perimeter checks, monitoring access points, and implementing stringent access control measures. Their presence alone serves as a deterrent to unauthorized personnel, reducing the risk of theft, vandalism, and other security breaches. 

 

In emergencies, these guards act as the first line of defense, responding promptly to incidents and ensuring the safety of both personnel and valuable assets.

Do Distribution Centers Need Security?

Distribution centers, often hubs of intense activity, are not exempt from security concerns. In fact, due to the high volume of goods passing through them, they become attractive targets for theft and other criminal activities. Recognizing this, Allstate Security emphasizes the importance of tailored security solutions for warehouses and distribution centers.

 

Distribution centers benefit immensely from the physical presence of security guards who monitor the inflow and outflow of products. These guards enforce security protocols, conduct regular checks, and collaborate with advanced surveillance systems to maintain a secure environment. In doing so, Allstate Security not only mitigates risks but also contributes to the seamless functioning of distribution centers, ensuring the uninterrupted flow of goods from manufacturers to consumers.

What is the Best Type of Security for Warehouses?

The best type of security for warehouses is a multifaceted approach that combines human vigilance with advanced technology. Allstate Security recognizes that each warehouse is unique, requiring a customized security plan. This plan often involves a combination of security guards, surveillance cameras, access control systems, and alarm systems.

 

Security guards act as the eyes and ears on the ground, addressing immediate concerns and deterring potential threats. Surveillance cameras provide continuous monitoring, while access control systems restrict entry to authorized personnel only. Alarm systems add an additional layer of protection, triggering immediate responses in the event of suspicious activities or emergencies.

Let Allstate Security Protect Your Distribution Center

In the fast-moving and ever-changing landscape of warehouses and distribution services, security is not a luxury but a necessity. Allstate Security stands at the forefront, offering tailored security guard services that go beyond conventional measures. 

 

Elevate the security standards of your warehouse or distribution center by partnering with Allstate Security. Visit Allstate Security online or call (888) 210-7333 to learn more about their specialized services and secure the future of your business.

School Security Guards: Keeping Games and Extracurricular Events Safe with Allstate Security

A men's college basketball team practices in the gym. They are scrimmaging and a player in the foreground is driving to the basket while the defense tries to stop him.

The Importance of School Security Guards at Games and Extracurricular Events

School security guards play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of students, staff, and visitors at schools during games and extracurricular events. Allstate Security provides reliable and professional security services to schools, including the presence of trained security guards at games and events.

A men's college basketball team practices in the gym. They are scrimmaging and a player in the foreground is driving to the basket while the defense tries to stop him.

Preventing and Responding to Potential Threats

At Allstate Security, our school security guards are trained to prevent and respond to potential threats at games and extracurricular events. They maintain constant vigilance, scanning the environment for any signs of danger, and help ensure that only authorized individuals enter the premises.

In the event of a threat or emergency, our guards are trained to act quickly and efficiently to contain the situation and prevent harm to anyone on the premises. They work closely with school administrators and law enforcement agencies to coordinate a response and keep everyone safe.

Creating a Safe and Secure Environment

Having school security guards at games and extracurricular events creates a safe and secure environment for students, staff, and visitors. Allstate Security provides guards who are equipped with the necessary training and tools to prevent and respond to potential security incidents.

Our security guards are trained to handle a variety of situations, from access control to responding to medical emergencies. They are also trained in conflict resolution and de-escalation techniques to diffuse tense situations before they turn violent.

The Benefits of Working with Allstate Security

Working with Allstate Security for school security services comes with a number of benefits. Our guards are highly trained and professional, and we work closely with schools to tailor our services to their specific needs. We provide a visible security presence that deters potential threats and creates a sense of safety and security for everyone on the premises.

At Allstate Security, we are committed to providing the highest level of security services to our clients. If you’re looking for reliable and professional school security guards for your games and extracurricular events, look no further than Allstate Security. Contact us today to learn more about our security services.

When to Use Armed Security vs. Unarmed Security Guards

Security guards are a necessary part of operating many businesses. Security guards focus on safeguarding property, products, customers, and employees from a variety of threats. By having security guards on premises, you can focus on the operation of your business, and you can be secure in the knowledge that someone is watching out for you.

If you have reached the point in your business where you feel the need for security guards, there are several decisions you need to make. One of these decisions is whether to hire armed security guards or unarmed guards. Whether you’re going to need armed or unarmed security guards depends on your budget, the type of business you’re in, and what specific challenges you face.

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Armed Security

Armed security simply means that you have one or more guards who have been trained in safe weapon handling and carrying. If many cases, they receive the same training as law enforcement officers. In addition to their firearms training, they undergo extensive background checks, refresher training, and periodic drug screenings. They will defend and protect your employees, your customers, and your inventory from bad actors and may use lethal force, if need be, to perform their duties.

Situations Where You Might Need Armed Security Guards

  • If your business is in a high crime area
  • If you deal with high value products like jewelry, artwork, or high-end fashion products
  • If your business is one that deals with large amounts of cash. Examples would be banks, credit unions, or check cashing services
  • If want the mere sight of an armed guard to be a deterrent at your place of business. This would apply to hospitals, government buildings, airports, or grocery stores
  • If you’re in the business of transporting cash or other valuables
  • If you host large events such as concerts or sporting events

Unarmed Security

Unarmed security guards don’t carry firearms, obviously. Unarmed guards receive specialized training in mediation to deescalate dangerous situations. In some instances, unarmed security guards may carry non-lethal weapons such as batons, pepper spray, or tasers. In addition to providing protection, unarmed security guards can make arrests if necessary.

Unarmed guards are usually hired for jobs that are low risk, such as video surveillance positions, retail store security monitoring, or jobs inside schools. In many low-risk situations, the mere presence of an unarmed security guard may be an effective deterrent.

When to Use Unarmed Security Guards

  • If your business in inside a mall, the mall may use armed security guards, but may prohibit individual tenants from having their own armed guards.
  • If there’s a police presence nearby, you may not need armed guards. This would apply in situations where law enforcement can respond quickly to a call for assistance.
  • If your business is located in a low-risk area, unarmed security may be right for you.
  • If your security guards are located inside an office building, and their primary purpose is to limit access, unarmed guards are usually the best choice.
  • In a situation where the public might feel unsafe or intimidated by the presence of deadly weapons, such as schools, churches, or museums.
  • If the guard’s primary responsibility is providing information to visitors.
  • If you have a limited budget. Armed security guards are generally more expensive to hire than unarmed guards.

Uniforms or Not

When you make the decision to hire security guards, whether armed or unarmed, you may be offered the option to request uniformed or plain clothes guards. While the mere sight of a uniform can provide a deterrent to criminals, you may prefer to have your security guards in plain clothes to better blend in with the general public while still protecting your property, people, and assets.

The Choice is Yours

To make the right decision, you need to consider your business needs, the security risks, and your budget. Once you’d done that, you’ll be prepared to make the right choice. If you’re still not sure, you can consult the experts at Allstate Security Services.

Allstate Security is committed to making your security simple, quick, and efficient. We work with all types of businesses including government agencies, retail stores, hotels, restaurants, banking, construction, and many others. Our adaptable on premises guard and security patrol services allow our clients to concentrate on their core business. No matter what your security needs are, Allstate Security is here to help.

For more information about the services we offer, give us a call at 888-210-7333.