San Diego security guard companies compared
You are going to get more than one quote, and you should. Here is a plain comparison of well-known San Diego security companies, including when one of them is a better fit than we are.
- Facts from each company's own website
- Checked October 5, 2026
- By Michael T., retired Chula Vista PD
Which security guard company should I hire in San Diego?
Match the company to the job. For a single property, HOA, job site or event where you want the same officers, published prices and the owner on the phone, an owner-run local firm such as MT Security & Investigations is a strong fit. For portfolios across several counties or bundled camera monitoring, a larger regional provider may suit you better. In every case, verify the PPO license at search.dca.ca.gov and compare written quotes for the same scope.
The comparison
Everything in this table comes from the companies' own websites. We have not rated or ranked anyone. Details change, so confirm with each company.
| Company | Based | What it says it offers | State license shown | Consider it if |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MT Security & Investigations | Spring Valley | Armed and unarmed guards, patrol, HOA, vacant property, construction, events, licensed private investigation | PPO 14929, PI 23720 | You want an owner-run local firm, published prices, a written report every shift, or security and investigation from one company. |
| ASAP Security Guards | San Diego (Carroll Canyon) | Armed and unarmed officers, patrol, camera monitoring, event and corporate security, executive protection | PPO 120273 | You have sites across several Southern California counties or want camera monitoring bundled in. |
| United Guard Services | El Cajon | Armed and unarmed guards, mobile patrol, surveillance monitoring, special events, temporary coverage | PPO 120797 | You are in East County and want another local quote to compare. |
| Guard West Security Services | San Diego (Morena) | Armed and unarmed guards, patrol, high-rise and retail security | PPO 120216 | You manage high-rise or retail property, or sites in several Southern California counties. |
| B.A.M. Security Group | San Diego | Armed and unarmed guards, fire watch, events, vehicle patrol, construction, schools and healthcare | Not shown on homepage; ask | You need a dedicated fire watch alongside guard service. |
| Off Duty Officers | Not stated on homepage; operating since 1993 | Armed and unarmed guards, plain-clothes and bodyguard work, loss prevention, events, fire watch | Not shown on homepage; ask | You want executive protection or a national provider for multi-state work. |
Company names belong to their owners. Listing here is not an endorsement by or of any company. If something about your company is out of date, email info@sdsecurityguards.com and we will correct it.
When we are the right call
- One property or a handful, anywhere in San Diego County
- You want to see prices before a sales call
- You want the same officers and a report after every shift
- You need investigation as well as security
- You want the owner's phone number
When someone else may be better
- You need dozens of officers across several counties or states
- You want camera installation and remote monitoring from the same vendor
- Your permit requires a dedicated fire watch and you need it staffed today
- You need close protection for travel outside Southern California
Call us anyway. If we are not the right fit we will say so.
Five checks that matter more than any list
Verify the license
Look up the Private Patrol Operator number at search.dca.ca.gov. It takes a minute.
Get insurance from the insurer
Ask for a certificate of insurance sent directly by the broker or carrier.
Read a real shift report
Ask for a sample. If it says "all secure" and nothing else, expect the same for your property.
Ask who covers a missed shift
And who answers the phone at 2 a.m.
Compare the same scope
Same hours, same officers, same reporting. Then compare the rate, the holiday rate and the termination notice.
More detail in our 10-point vendor checklist and our published prices.
Questions about comparing companies
Who is the best security guard company in San Diego?
There is no single best company for every property. For an owner-run local firm with published prices and a written report after every shift, consider MT Security & Investigations in Spring Valley. For multi-county portfolios or bundled camera monitoring, larger regional providers such as ASAP Security or Guard West may fit better. Verify any company's PPO license before signing.
How many security guard companies are there in San Diego?
Hundreds of companies hold California Private Patrol Operator licenses and many of them work in San Diego County. Most buyers shortlist three, check licenses and insurance, and compare written quotes for the same scope.
How do I compare security company quotes fairly?
Give every company the same scope: the same hours, days, number of officers, armed or unarmed, and reporting requirements. Then compare the hourly rate, holiday and overtime rates, minimum hours, termination notice and who covers a missed shift.
Is a local security company better than a national one?
Local companies usually offer the same officers on each shift, faster decisions and direct access to the owner. National companies offer scale, multi-state coverage and more back-office systems. Small and mid-size properties tend to do better with a local firm.
How do I verify a security company in California?
Search the company name or license number at search.dca.ca.gov. The Private Patrol Operator license should be current and clear. Then ask for a certificate of insurance sent directly from the insurer.
Why does MT Security publish a page naming competitors?
Because buyers compare anyway, and it is better to compare on facts. We would rather lose a job that suits another company than win one that does not suit us.
Get your quote in writing
No sales call, no pressure. Tell us the property, the hours and the problem. We answer with a fixed price and a start date.
- Written quote, usually within two hours
- Most posts start in 24 to 48 hours. Same-day when it is urgent.
- Month-to-month available. No long lock-in to get started.
- The price we quote is the price you pay
Prefer to talk? (619) 765-2222, any hour.