Unarmed Security Services
Unarmed Security Guards in California
BSIS-licensed officers trained in observation, customer service and de-escalation — the right fit for most offices, communities, retail centers, clinics and events, at lower cost and lower liability than armed coverage.
- BSIS Guard Card
- De-escalation trained
- No long-term contract
- Se habla español
Visible deterrence
A uniformed officer stops most problems before they start.
De-escalation first
Trained to calm situations, not escalate them.
Hourly reports
Timestamped photos and notes every hour.
Lower cost
Less licensing and insurance cost than armed posts.
Quick answer
What does an unarmed security guard do?
An unarmed security guard protects people and property by being visible, observing, controlling access, enforcing site rules and reporting incidents — without carrying a firearm. In California every unarmed guard must hold a BSIS Guard Card and work for a licensed private patrol operator. Unarmed officers are the most common choice for offices, apartments, HOAs, retail, healthcare and events because they deter most problems at lower cost and liability than armed coverage.
Key facts
- Requires a BSIS Guard Card
- 40 hours of required training plus 8 hours yearly
- Most common type of security officer
- Deters, observes, reports and calls police
- Lower cost than armed officers
Why unarmed
Most security problems are solved by presence
Trespass, theft, loitering and disruptive behavior usually stop when a trained officer is visible and engaged.
Trespass and loitering
A visible officer moves people along and documents repeat issues for follow-up.
Theft and vandalism
Presence deters opportunistic theft; reports help police and insurers.
Disruptive visitors
Trained officers de-escalate and protect staff without force.
Coverage options
Unarmed security services we provide
From one post to statewide programs.
Our standards
What every unarmed post includes
The same standard on every shift.
Licensed officers
BSIS Guard Card verified before assignment.
Written post orders
Duties and contacts approved before day one.
Hourly reports
Timestamped photos and notes.
Supervisor checks
Unannounced field visits.
Before you sign
Questions to ask an unarmed security company
Here is how we answer.
| Ask the vendor | Safeguard On Demand |
|---|---|
| Are your officers licensed? | Yes — every officer holds a BSIS Guard Card and works under our private patrol operator license. |
| What training do your officers have? | State-required Power to Arrest and Appropriate Use of Force, skills training and yearly continuing training, plus site orientation. |
| Can an unarmed guard detain someone? | Officers follow your post orders and California law; their priority is to observe, report and call police. |
| How do we know shifts were worked? | Hourly reports with timestamped photos and supervisor checks. |
| Can we upgrade to armed later? | Yes — coverage can change as your risk changes. |
| Is there a long-term contract? | No long-term contract. |
Who we protect
Unarmed security for every industry
Most of our officers are unarmed — it is the right fit for most properties.
Statewide
Unarmed security guards across California
Served from the office nearest your site, with officers across 13 California counties.
How it works
How unarmed security gets started
Usually within 24–48 hours.
01
Site walk
We review the property, hours and risks.
02
Post orders
Duties and contacts written and approved.
03
Officer orientation
Officers learn your site before day one.
04
Reports & review
Hourly reports and regular check-ins.
Armed vs. unarmed
When unarmed security is the right choice
Unarmed officers are the right fit for most properties: offices, apartment communities, HOAs, retail centers, healthcare facilities, schools and events. They provide a visible deterrent, control access, help visitors, and document and report incidents — at lower cost and liability than armed coverage.
Consider an armed security guard only when there is cash or high-value inventory on site, a regulated business such as a cannabis dispensary, or a credible threat. Our armed vs. unarmed guide and security cost guide walk through the decision.
California requirements
What California requires of unarmed security guards
Unarmed security guards in California must hold a Guard Card (security guard registration) from the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services and work for a licensed private patrol operator. Requirements include:
- Being at least 18 and passing a DOJ and FBI Live Scan background check.
- 8 hours of Power to Arrest and Appropriate Use of Force training before registration (updated by AB 229).
- 32 hours of security officer skills training within six months — 16 of them within the first 30 days.
- 8 hours of continuing training every year, including a use-of-force review.
Security officers have the same arrest powers as any private person under Penal Code §837, and trespass is addressed by Penal Code §602 — which is why our officers focus on observing, documenting and calling police. Verify any company or officer on the state’s DCA License Search.
Before your guard starts
- Company license verified
- Officer Guard Card active
- Post orders signed off
- Emergency contacts confirmed
- Reporting format agreed
- Certificate of insurance received
Budgeting
What affects the cost of unarmed security
Priced to your site and schedule.
Hours and schedule
24/7, overnight or business hours.
Number of officers
One post or several.
Standing vs. patrol
Patrols can reduce full-time hours.
Special skills
Bilingual or concierge officers.
Location and risk
Site history and neighborhood.
Contract term
Short-term vs. ongoing.
Unarmed security guard FAQs
A BSIS Guard Card (security guard registration), and they must work for a licensed private patrol operator.
40 hours of state-required training — 8 hours before registration and 32 within six months — plus 8 hours of continuing training each year.
They have the same arrest powers as any private person under Penal Code §837. Our officers prioritize observing, reporting and calling police.
Yes. Visible, attentive officers deter most trespass, theft and disruptive behavior, which is why most properties choose unarmed coverage.
Most unarmed posts are staffed within 24–48 hours of a signed agreement.
Across 13 California counties from offices in Santa Ana, Los Angeles (Northridge), San Diego, the Inland Empire, Sacramento and Silicon Valley.
Industries we protect with unarmed security officers
Available from all six California offices
Coverage spans 14 county hubs — find yours on the service areas map, or call (800) 640-2327 for a free assessment, 24/7.