For business owners and property managers
Should I hire a security guard or an off-duty police officer?
Short answer
For most businesses, events and communities a licensed security guard is the practical choice at $18 to $55 per hour. Off-duty officers cost considerably more, are arranged through their agency, and have limited availability. They make sense when you need police authority on site, such as traffic control on public streets or a high-risk event.
When a guard is the right fit
- Ongoing coverage: nightly, weekly or around the clock
- Access control, patrol, reporting and a visible presence
- You want the same person who learns your property
- Budget matters
When off-duty police make sense
- Traffic control on public roads
- A permit or venue specifically requires sworn officers
- A very high-risk event where arrest authority must be immediate
A middle path
Many clients want police judgment without police rates. Our company is owned and supervised by a retired Chula Vista police officer who writes the post orders and reviews the reports. For higher risk, armed officers are available.
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.