The officer's job is to deter, observe and report. You agree the limits of that job with us in writing first.
They spell out what gets checked, who can enter and the point at which police are called.
Officers observe, warn and report before anything else, and the plan names when 911 is the next step.
A uniformed, armed officer at the door often stops trouble before it starts.
Coverage can be set around opening, closing and cash pickups, when staff feel most exposed.
If incidents stop, the post can move to an unarmed officer with the same company.
Each shift ends with written notes that you can share with your insurer or landlord.
Local Coverage
Armed posts usually go where money or valuable goods sit. That means Downtown banks and offices, stores along North Monroe and storage sites around the city.
Early winter closings leave staff walking to their cars in the dark. Many clients want an officer present for those last hours and for the first ones in the morning.
Plenty of properties never need one. Consider one if you hold cash or expensive stock, or if unarmed coverage has not stopped repeat problems. A lender, landlord or insurer may also require it.
It starts with a look at the building and ends with a schedule and written orders you have approved.
The officer's position and rounds follow your doors, traffic and blind spots.
You get written notes on what was checked and what happened, in a form you can keep.
Banks and cash businesses can post an officer through business hours and whenever the vault or safe is opened.
Jewelry, electronics and other expensive goods draw quick theft. An armed officer near the front makes that much less appealing.
When break-ins, threats or trespassing continue despite unarmed coverage, an armed post can be the next step.
Clinics storing medication or dealing with tense waiting rooms can place an officer at the entrance, coordinated with staff.
Storage and distribution sites use armed officers at gates, loading areas and wherever valuable goods sit overnight.
Government offices, permit counters and meeting rooms can use an armed officer to keep order during public hours.
Armed security guards in Washington need a separate armed license from the Department of Licensing. They also need a firearms certificate from the Criminal Justice Training Commission and must be at least 21.
Armed and unarmed guards both watch, report and call for help, but an armed guard adds a stronger deterrent. That makes the role a better fit for higher-risk posts, such as cash handling or sites with repeat threats. An unarmed officer is often enough for front desks and shared entrances.
Armed coverage usually costs more per hour than unarmed coverage. The role carries extra licensing and training requirements. Your quote depends on the schedule and the number of posts. Tell us the hours you need and we will price it.
Armed guards call 911 at the point your post orders set, then follow police direction when officers arrive. The orders are written and agreed with you before the first shift. Afterward, the shift report records what happened, so you have it for your own files.
You can start with armed coverage and change it later. Risk often falls once a problem is under control. The post can then move to an unarmed officer with the same company. If trouble returns, it can move back.