Unarmed security guards are uniformed BSIS-certified officers who provide visible deterrent presence, access control, observation, and reporting — without carrying a firearm. They are the standard, cost-effective choice for the majority of private-security needs in Los Angeles: lobbies, gated entrances, residential patrols, retail loss prevention, construction sites, special events, and any post where the threat picture doesn’t warrant armed coverage. 247 Private Security fields uniformed unarmed officers across Southern California from our Chatsworth dispatch, on post in under 90 minutes, every hour, every day, since 2009.
What unarmed security guards do
An unarmed officer’s job is to be visibly present, observe, document, and lawfully escalate when something happens. The uniform itself is the primary tool — a marked officer on a property deters the overwhelming majority of opportunistic incidents (theft, trespass, vandalism, harassment) without the operational cost or liability of armed coverage. When something does happen, the officer documents the incident, contacts dispatch and your designated point of contact, and coordinates with law enforcement if the situation warrants it.
Every unarmed officer on our roster carries:
- California BSIS Guard Card (40-hour state-mandated training)
- First Aid + CPR certification
- Verbal de-escalation training conducted in-house
- Incident reporting + documentation training
- Annual refresher curriculum on California security law and use-of-force
- Background check + fingerprint clearance verified at the state level
Where unarmed security is the right fit
Unarmed coverage works for the great majority of private-security situations — and is the recommended choice unless you have a specific threat profile that warrants armed officers. Common use cases:
- Residential gated communities with steady traffic — gate attendant + nightly patrol
- Office building lobbies — visitor screening, after-hours access, key control
- Retail loss prevention — visible presence during operating hours
- Construction sites overnight — equipment + materials watch
- Special events — crowd flow, credentials check, perimeter watch
- Production sets — staging area, talent trailers, dock control
- HOA-managed properties — patrol cycle, rules enforcement, incident documentation
- Vacant property checks for property managers and family offices
If your situation involves credible threats, high-value cash handling, or principal protection, we recommend armed security instead — the same officer training baseline plus DOJ firearms certification.
What’s included
Every unarmed deployment from 247 Private Security includes the uniformed officer; choice of shift coverage (scheduled, 24/7, on-demand); 24/7 dispatch with continuous radio contact; written post orders specific to your property; daily checkpoint logs delivered to your contact; real-time incident reporting; coordination with LAPD or local law enforcement when needed; $2 million general liability insurance; and no subcontracting — every officer is on our payroll.
Cost vs. armed coverage
Unarmed officer rates are typically 30–40% lower than armed officer rates for the same shift type. Standard estate and property posts start in the $28–38/hour range per officer, with monthly retainers offering better hourly rates for ongoing engagements. Request a quote for a property-specific number.
Coverage and credentials
We serve all of Greater Los Angeles, Orange County, and Ventura County from our Chatsworth dispatch. PPO #120440 through the California Bureau of Security and Investigative Services. Every unarmed officer holds a current BSIS Guard Card and has cleared a state-level fingerprint background check. For higher-threat scenarios that warrant a firearm on post, see our armed security guards service. Questions about your property? Call 818-805-4342 or contact dispatch.