Armed Security Guards in Los Angeles County
Some situations call for armed security. Not most—but some.
When they do, you need guards who are properly licensed, thoroughly vetted, expertly trained, and backed by real insurance. Anything less is a liability waiting to happen.
Scaife Protection Services has provided armed security guards throughout Los Angeles County since 1997. We carry $1M+ liability insurance specifically because we understand the stakes. Here's what you need to know before hiring armed security.
When Armed Security Makes Sense
Armed security isn't for every situation. It's for situations where:
High-Value Assets
Cash transport, jewelry stores, high-end retail, valuable inventory. When what you're protecting is worth enough to attract serious theft attempts, armed deterrence changes the calculation.
Credible Threats Exist
You've received threats. There's been an escalating situation. Someone specific poses a danger. Armed security provides a level of protection that unarmed presence can't.
High-Risk Location
Certain locations—based on history, neighborhood, or nature of business—have elevated risk profiles that justify armed response capability.
Industry Requirements
Some industries and contracts require armed security by policy. Financial institutions, certain government contracts, cannabis operations, some high-security facilities.
Not sure if you need armed vs. unarmed security? We'll help you assess it. We don't push armed security when unarmed guards would serve you just as well.
What Makes a Qualified Armed Guard
Not all armed guards are created equal. Here's what we require:
Licensing
All armed guards must hold a valid California BSIS (Bureau of Security and Investigative Services) Guard Card AND Firearms Permit. No exceptions. Ever. Learn about California licensing requirements →
Background Checks
Beyond what's required for licensing, we conduct our own thorough background investigations. Criminal history, employment verification, reference checks.
Training
- Firearms proficiency (and ongoing qualification)
- Use of force protocols
- De-escalation techniques
- Legal parameters for armed response
- Emergency procedures
Judgment
The most important qualification. Armed guards need excellent judgment about when force is appropriate—and when it isn't. We screen for temperament, not just credentials.
Need Armed Security?
Armed security is serious. The decision deserves a real conversation. Call us directly to discuss your situation.
License: PPO-12958 | $1M+ Liability Insurance | Fully bonded
Our Armed Security Standards
We take armed security more seriously than most because the stakes are higher.
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$1M+ Liability Insurance
Substantial coverage because we understand the risk. If a company offers armed guards with minimal insurance, think about what that says.
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Documented Protocol
Weapon handling, storage, transport, and use—all documented, all trained, all monitored.
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Regular Requalification
Armed guards aren't certified once and forgotten. Ongoing firearms qualification ensures continued proficiency.
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Incident Review
Any situation involving weapons—even drawing without discharging—triggers a full review. We learn from every incident.
Armed vs. Unarmed: Making the Decision
| Factor |
Armed |
Unarmed |
| Visible Deterrence |
Maximum |
Strong |
| Threat Response |
Lethal force available |
Physical/verbal intervention |
| Cost |
Higher |
Lower |
| Insurance Requirements |
Substantial |
Standard |
| Ideal For |
High-risk, high-value |
General security needs |
Our honest take: Most security needs are well-served by professional unarmed guards. Armed security is the right choice for a specific subset of situations. If you're not sure which you need, call us—we'll give you a straight recommendation based on your actual risk profile, not based on what costs more.
Read our full armed vs. unarmed comparison guide →
Industries We Serve with Armed Security
- Financial institutions and cash handling
- High-end retail (jewelry, electronics, luxury goods)
- Cannabis dispensaries and cultivation facilities
- Executive and VIP protection
- Construction sites with high-value equipment
- Critical infrastructure
- Threat-specific protection assignments
Areas We Cover
Armed security guards available throughout LA County and California:
South Bay: Lawndale, Hawthorne, Gardena, Torrance, Redondo Beach, El Segundo, Carson, Manhattan Beach, Inglewood
Greater LA: Long Beach, Downey, Norwalk, Lakewood, Bellflower, Compton, Paramount
Statewide: Armed security services available throughout California. View all service areas →
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I need armed security?
Start with a risk assessment. What are you protecting? What are the likely threat scenarios? What's the history of incidents? We can help you think through this—call us at (323) 786-8140 for a consultation.
Are armed guards more expensive?
Yes. Armed security costs more due to additional licensing requirements, insurance costs, and the specialized nature of the service. How much more depends on specifics—see our pricing guide or call for an actual quote.
What weapons do your guards carry?
Handguns appropriate to the assignment. All firearms are registered, properly maintained, and guards are qualified on specific weapons they carry.
Can armed guards make arrests?
Security guards in California can make citizen's arrests under specific circumstances. However, our priority is deterrence and de-escalation, not apprehension. We're there to protect, not to replace law enforcement.
What if something goes wrong?
Our $1M+ liability coverage exists for a reason. If an incident occurs, we have protocols for immediate response, documentation, law enforcement coordination, and follow-through. You're not on your own.
How quickly can you deploy armed guards?
For urgent situations, we can often deploy same-day. Planned deployments typically start within 24-48 hours.
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Ready to Discuss Armed Security?
Armed security is serious. The decision deserves a real conversation, not a form submission. Call us directly—we'll discuss your situation, assess whether armed security is appropriate, and if it is, build a protection plan that fits.
Scaife Protection Services: 27 years of protecting what matters most. Licensed (PPO-12958), bonded, and insured for $1M+.