- August 10, 2025
- |security guard company, security guard services
- | 0
Different Levels of Security Guards
Level 1 – Unarmed Security Officers
Entry-level personnel trained in access control, customer service, and basic incident reporting. Ideal for front desks, retail storefronts, and residential lobbies where visibility and approachability are key.
Level 2 – Unarmed Mobile Patrol
Licensed officers conduct scheduled or random vehicle patrols, check multiple properties in one shift, and respond to alarms. They carry radios, flashlights, and digital logging tools to cover large areas efficiently.
Level 3 – Armed Security Officers
State-licensed to carry firearms after rigorous background checks, psychological screening, and firearms qualification. Used for banks, jewelry stores, cannabis dispensaries, and high-risk commercial sites.
Level 4 – Executive Protection / Personal Bodyguards
Elite specialists trained in advance work, route planning, defensive driving, and discreet close protection. They protect CEOs, celebrities, and dignitaries at home, at work, and during travel.
Level 5 – Tactical Response Teams
Highly trained units prepared for active-shooter scenarios, crowd control, and high-threat environments. Equipped with body armor, less-lethal tools, and rapid deployment vehicles for crisis situations.
Level 6 – Fire Watch & Compliance Guards
Certified to patrol construction sites, hospitals, and manufacturing plants when fire systems are offline. They maintain OSHA-compliant logs and coordinate directly with fire marshals.
Level 7 – Undercover & Plain-Clothes Officers
Blended into staff or customer flow to detect internal theft, workplace violence, or harassment. They gather evidence discreetly and coordinate with management or law enforcement.
Level 8 – Event Security Specialists
Trained in crowd management, bag checks, emergency evacuation, and VIP escorts for concerts, festivals, corporate events, and political rallies.
Level 9 – K-9 Security Units
Handlers paired with bomb-detection or patrol dogs for airports, schools, stadiums, and cargo facilities. Dogs add an extra deterrent and rapid detection capability.
Level 10 – 24-Hour Command Center Oversight
Remote supervisors monitor live CCTV, GPS patrol logs, and alarm feeds to coordinate field teams in real time. This layer ensures no post is ever truly alone and incidents are escalated instantly.
Frequently Asked Questions About Security Guard Levels
Which level is best for a small retail store?
Level 1 Unarmed Officers are ideal. They greet customers, deter shoplifters, and handle minor incidents without the added cost of firearms or advanced tactical gear.
When should I upgrade to an armed guard?
If your business handles large cash deposits, high-value inventory, cannabis products, or is located in a high-crime area, Level 3 Armed Officers provide the visible deterrent and response capability you need.
What is the typical price range for each level?
Costs generally fall between twenty and fifty dollars per hour for Levels 1–3, fifty to one hundred dollars for Levels 4–5, and seventy-five to one hundred fifty for specialized Levels 6–10. Long-term or multi-guard contracts receive volume discounts within those ranges.
Do all levels include insurance coverage?
Yes. Every XPressGuards officer—regardless of level—is covered by general liability, professional liability, and, when applicable, firearm-specific insurance. Proof is provided before the first shift.
Can I combine different levels in one contract?
Absolutely. Many clients pair Level 1 daytime reception officers with Level 3 overnight armed guards, or add Level 8 event specialists for special occasions. We customize each post to match your risk and budget.
How quickly can I move from one level to another?
With one phone call. XPressGuards keeps certified officers on standby, so upgrading from unarmed to armed, or adding tactical support, can happen the same day.
Are higher-level guards trained in medical aid?
Yes. Levels 4 and above include CPR, AED, and trauma first aid certification. All officers can render assistance until paramedics arrive.
What documentation is provided for compliance audits?
Each level generates digital shift logs, incident reports, training certificates, and background-check summaries. Records are stored and delivered in formats accepted by OSHA, HIPAA, PCI, and state regulators.
Do undercover officers (Level 7) wear uniforms?
No. They dress in plain clothes and blend with staff or customers to detect theft or harassment discreetly. Management receives daily confidential briefings.
How do I determine the right level for my needs?
Call (866) 407-4342 or use the contact form on this page. A local supervisor will conduct a free risk assessment and recommend the optimal level—or combination of levels—within hours.
