For business owners and property managers
How many security guards does my business or property need?
Short answer
Most single-entrance sites need one officer per shift. Add officers for each additional entry that must be staffed, for properties too large to walk in about 30 minutes, and where risk is high enough that an officer should not work alone. A site walk gives the real number, and it is often fewer than owners expect.
What drives the number
- Entrances that need a person. One officer cannot control two doors.
- Size. If a full round takes more than half an hour, problems have time to develop behind the officer.
- Hours. Around-the-clock coverage takes four to five officers on the roster to fill one post.
- Risk. Cash, alcohol, prior violence or armed posts may call for two.
Ways to need fewer
- Close secondary entrances after hours
- Use patrol visits instead of a second post
- Fix lighting and fencing so one officer can see more
We tell clients when they are asking for more coverage than they need. Request a free site walk on the contact page.
This is general information from a security company, not legal advice. Laws change and details matter, so confirm anything important with your attorney.
Talk to the owner, not a call center.
Call any hour. Michael or a supervisor answers, asks a few questions, and you have a written quote within about two hours.