If you’re hiring security, you need to get it right. Whether it’s for your home, business, or an event, the service you choose should match your situation. Not all security is the same. Some jobs require trained, armed guards. Others just need visible presence and control. This guide helps you decide what type of security fits your needs and what to look for in a company.
Why the Right Security Service Matters
Hiring security isn’t about ticking a box. It’s about preventing real problems. A guard who’s not trained or isn’t suited for the job won’t help much when something goes wrong.
Every location and situation brings different risks. A quiet residential street won’t need the same response as a busy retail site. If you don’t match the service to the risk, you could be wasting money or leaving a gap in protection.
You need security that works for your location, your people, and the type of threats you’re dealing with. That’s where a good provider comes in.
Types of Security Services and Who They’re For
Here’s a breakdown of common types of security and where they work best:
Residential Security
This covers apartment buildings, gated communities, and private homes. Guards handle patrols, keep an eye on who comes in, and deter break-ins. If you live in a busy city like Los Angeles, hiring residential security gives your property an extra layer of safety.
Commercial Security
Businesses deal with more foot traffic, deliveries, and cash handling. That means more risks. Guards help prevent theft, handle disturbances, and manage access to the building. Offices, warehouses, retail stores, and construction sites all benefit from commercial security services.
Event Security
Short-term but important. These guards manage crowds, check tickets, watch for threats, and handle emergencies. Whether it’s a concert, wedding, or conference, the right event team keeps things under control.
Mobile Patrols
These guards drive or walk through your property at regular intervals. They’re a good choice for larger areas or lower-risk sites where constant on-site presence isn’t needed.
VIP and Executive Protection
This is for individuals at higher risk—public figures, CEOs, or people under threat. It involves close personal protection, route planning, and trained response in case of emergencies.
Armed vs. Unarmed Guards: Which Should You Choose?
Here’s how to decide between the two.
Unarmed Guards
Choose unarmed guards if your risks are low. These guards handle gatekeeping, patrols, and monitoring. They’re a good fit for residential areas, office buildings, and places where just having someone present discourages trouble.
Armed Guards
Choose armed guards when the risk is higher—like guarding cash, valuables, or sites that have had past incidents. They’re trained to respond to serious threats. Armed guards come with more responsibility, higher costs, and more legal requirements, but they also bring stronger deterrence.
If you’re not sure what you need, a good security company can help you figure it out based on a risk assessment.
What to Look for in a Professional Security Company
You’re not just hiring a body. You’re trusting someone to prevent problems before they start. Here’s what you should expect from a reliable provider:
Valid License and Insurance
In California, every guard company needs a license. They should also carry liability insurance in case something goes wrong. Always ask to see proof.
Clear Pricing
You should know what you’re paying for. Ask for a quote that breaks down hourly rates, overtime, patrol costs, and extra services. Watch for vague contracts or unexpected fees.
Properly Trained Guards
The guards on your property should know how to handle real situations. That includes basic security protocols, emergency response, and communication. Good companies run background checks and ongoing training for their team.
Experience That Matches Your Needs
A company that works with large hotels might not be the right fit for your small business or quiet neighborhood. Look for a provider with real experience in your type of property.
Reliable Reporting
Security isn’t just about presence—it’s also about accountability. You should receive clear updates, daily logs, and incident reports. You’re paying for a service, so you deserve to know what’s happening on your property.
Shaheen Security Services: Trust, Training, and Transparency
Shaheen Security Services stands out in Los Angeles for a reason. Their approach is simple: do the job right, train their team well, and treat every client with respect.
They don’t offer cookie-cutter solutions. Instead, they assess your site, recommend a plan, and explain the cost upfront. Whether you need guards for a retail store, a private residence, or a temporary event, they’ll send trained professionals who know what they’re doing.
Clients choose Shaheen Security Services because they’re reliable, professional, and easy to work with. If you want a team that takes your safety seriously, they’re worth talking to.
Final Tips for Making the Right Choice
Before hiring anyone, ask yourself a few key questions:
- What am I trying to protect? (People, property, assets?)
- What are the likely risks?
- Do I need someone on-site all the time or just patrols?
- Do I want guards to carry weapons?
- How much can I realistically spend?
Talk to at least two providers. Compare what they offer, how they train their staff, and how transparent they are about cost. A few extra questions up front can save you a lot of trouble later.
Shaheen Security Services is a good starting point. They’ll walk you through your options and give you honest advice—no pressure, no pushy sales talk.
FAQs
What type of security service do I need?
It depends on your property and risk level. A quiet home may only need patrols, while a business may need full-time, armed guards.
Should I hire armed or unarmed guards?
Use unarmed guards for low-risk areas. Use armed guards if there’s a threat, high-value assets, or previous incidents.
What’s the difference between mobile patrol and on-site guards?
Mobile patrols come and go on a schedule. On-site guards stay at your property. Patrols cost less, but on-site guards offer more coverage.
How much does private security cost in Los Angeles?
Rates vary, but unarmed guards usually cost around $25–$40 per hour. Armed guards can go from $45–$75+, depending on experience and job type.
How do I choose a reliable security company?
Look for proper licensing, clear pricing, strong training programs, and good reviews. A company like Shaheen Security Services checks all the boxes.
