How to Choose Between Armed and Unarmed Security Guards for Your Denver Property
Choosing between armed and unarmed security guards depends on your property's risk level, location, and assets. High-value sites or areas with elevated crime rates often benefit from armed guards, while lower-risk properties like retail stores or office buildings typically need only unarmed personnel. Consider your budget, insurance requirements, and the image you want to project to visitors.
Denver property crime increased 8.2% in 2023, with theft and vandalism hitting businesses from LoDo to Aurora particularly hard. Property managers across the metro area face a critical decision: should they hire armed security guards or stick with unarmed personnel?
This choice affects your budget, liability, and most importantly, your property’s safety. The wrong decision can leave you underprotected or expose you to unnecessary risks.
What Armed Security Guards Bring to Denver Properties
Armed security guards carry firearms and receive specialized training in weapon handling, threat assessment, and crisis response. In Colorado, armed guards must complete 40 hours of initial training plus annual recertification.
These guards excel in high-risk situations where deterrence alone isn’t enough. They’re trained to respond to active threats, protect valuable assets, and handle situations that might overwhelm unarmed personnel.
Best Situations for Armed Guards
- Cannabis facilities: State regulations often require armed security for cultivation and retail operations
- High-value construction sites: Projects with expensive equipment in areas like Five Points or Globeville
- Cash-heavy businesses: Banks, check-cashing stores, or dispensaries handling large transactions
- Corporate executives: Personal protection during high-profile events or travel
- Jewelry stores and luxury retailers: Properties targeting organized retail crime rings
When Unarmed Security Guards Work Better
Unarmed security guards focus on observation, reporting, and de-escalation. They provide visible deterrence without the liability concerns that come with firearms.
These guards handle routine security tasks effectively. They check credentials, monitor access points, conduct patrols, and respond to minor incidents while calling law enforcement for serious threats.
Ideal Applications for Unarmed Guards
- Apartment communities: Cherry Creek or Highlands residential properties needing access control
- Retail stores: Preventing shoplifting and providing customer service
- Office buildings: Downtown Denver corporate facilities with controlled access
- Event security: Concerts, festivals, or corporate gatherings requiring crowd management
- Healthcare facilities: Hospitals and clinics where de-escalation is paramount
Cost Differences Between Armed and Unarmed Guards in Denver
Armed guards typically cost 30-50% more than unarmed personnel. This reflects their additional training, licensing, insurance, and liability requirements.
Current Denver market rates range from $18-25 per hour for unarmed guards and $25-35 per hour for armed guards. Specialized assignments like cannabis security or executive protection command higher rates.
Hidden Costs to Consider
Insurance premiums increase significantly with armed guards. Your general liability policy may require additional coverage or exclusions.
Legal compliance becomes more complex. Colorado requires specific documentation, training records, and incident reporting for armed security personnel.
Background checks for armed guards involve federal databases and longer processing times, potentially delaying deployment.
Legal Requirements for Armed Guards in Colorado
Colorado’s Private Security Act sets strict standards for armed security personnel. Guards must complete state-approved firearms training and pass psychological evaluations.
The licensing process includes fingerprinting, background investigation, and demonstration of shooting proficiency. Guards must qualify annually at approved ranges.
Employer Responsibilities
Property owners hiring armed guards assume additional legal obligations:
- Verify current licenses: Check guard credentials through the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies
- Maintain insurance coverage: Ensure policies cover armed security activities
- Document incidents thoroughly: Any weapon display or use requires detailed reporting
- Provide clear protocols: Guards need written procedures for various threat scenarios
Risk Assessment: Matching Security Level to Your Threat Profile
Your property’s specific risks should drive the armed versus unarmed decision. A systematic assessment prevents over-spending on unnecessary protection or under-investing in critical security.
High-Risk Indicators Favoring Armed Guards
Criminal activity in the area: Properties near Union Station or Colfax Avenue face higher crime rates requiring stronger deterrence.
Valuable inventory: Electronics, pharmaceuticals, or cannabis products attract organized theft rings.
Previous incidents: Locations with robbery attempts or violent confrontations need enhanced protection.
Limited police response: Remote construction sites or areas with slow emergency response times benefit from armed security.
Low-Risk Scenarios Suited for Unarmed Guards
Customer service focus: Retail environments where guards primarily assist shoppers and check receipts.
Internal theft prevention: Employee monitoring and access control in office buildings.
Noise complaints: Apartment communities needing patrol presence for quality-of-life issues.
Insurance requirements: Properties mandating security presence without specific threat indicators.
Posted on GoogleIndustry-Specific Considerations for Denver Businesses
Cannabis Industry Requirements
Colorado’s Marijuana Enforcement Division mandates security measures for licensed facilities. Most cultivation and retail operations require armed guards during specific activities like transportation and cash handling.
Compliance violations can result in license suspension. Cannabis businesses typically need both armed guards for high-risk periods and unarmed personnel for routine monitoring.
Construction Site Security
Denver’s building boom creates attractive targets for thieves. Copper wire, tools, and heavy equipment disappear regularly from unsecured sites.
Remote locations like Green Valley Ranch developments may justify armed guards due to delayed police response. Sites in established neighborhoods often succeed with unarmed guards and remote monitoring.
Event Security Considerations
Large events at venues like Red Rocks or the Convention Center typically use unarmed guards for crowd management. Armed security stays concealed and handles specific threats.
Event organizers must consider venue policies, local regulations, and crowd demographics when planning security staffing.
Questions to Ask Security Companies
Before hiring any security provider, verify their capabilities and compliance with Colorado requirements:
- License verification: Can you provide current guard licenses and company registration?
- Training documentation: What ongoing education do your armed guards receive?
- Insurance coverage: Does your policy cover all activities at our location?
- Local experience: Have you worked with similar properties in our Denver neighborhood?
- Incident protocols: How do you handle weapon displays, police coordination, and reporting?
Making the Final Decision
The armed versus unarmed choice depends on balancing your specific risks, budget constraints, and legal requirements. Most Denver properties succeed with unarmed guards supplemented by technology and strong protocols.
Consider starting with unarmed security and upgrading based on actual incidents or changing circumstances. This approach controls costs while maintaining flexibility.
Document your decision process and security assessment. This creates a defensible position for insurance claims and demonstrates due diligence in legal proceedings.
Twin City Security Denver provides both armed and unarmed security guards with extensive Denver-area experience. Contact us at 303‑574‑0000 or Denver@TwinCitySecurity.com for a customized security assessment that matches your property’s specific needs and budget requirements.
Sources
- Denver Police Department – Crime Statistics and Maps
- Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies – Private Security Act
- Colorado Marijuana Enforcement Division – Security Requirements
Denver property crime rose 8.2% in 2023, making the choice between armed and unarmed security guards a key decision for property managers. The right option depends on specific risks, budget, and legal requirements.
- Armed guards cost 30-50% more than unarmed personnel and require 40 hours of initial training plus annual recertification in Colorado. They work best for cannabis facilities, high-value construction sites, and cash-heavy businesses.
- Unarmed guards focus on observation, de-escalation, and access control. They suit apartment communities, retail stores, office buildings, and healthcare facilities where customer service matters.
- Most Denver properties succeed with unarmed guards paired with technology and strong protocols. Starting with unarmed security and upgrading based on actual incidents helps control costs while staying flexible.
