Security budgets allow minimal room for error, and armed guards are becoming a liability, both legally and financially. While armed security is undoubtedly a useful security asset, it is strongest when supported by more reliable solutions. From increased hiring costs to the risks of human error, more manpower doesn’t always translate into better security.
Instead of creating more liability, smarter security infrastructures transfer risk away from your business. Discover how armed security alternatives provide reliable protection for your property, at a fraction of the cost.
The Hidden Costs and Risks of Traditional Armed Guards
The security guard model is an outdated, expensive, and risky system. Traditional armed guards suffer from a trifecta of issues, including:
- Cost: The base annual salary for a guard can exceed $60,000, not including overtime, bonuses, and other hiring expenses. The cost of employing armed guards is always subject to change, leaving you vulnerable to dramatic variability in your spending.
- Liability: Companies are responsible for their security guards’ actions or lack thereof. Key liability areas associated with armed guards include excessive use of force, unlawful detention, and negligence.
- Inconsistency: All humans are susceptible to inconsistency. Whether due to fatigue or inadequate training, security guards cannot be relied upon to perform consistently 100% of the time.
The Escalating Price Tag of 24/7 Guard Coverage
Alongside hourly wages, companies that hire security guards must also consider the costs of staff turnover, onboarding, overtime, and benefits. The high costs associated with human capital include:
- High turnover rates: Annual turnover in the security guard industry exceeds 50% as of Q4 2025. High turnover rates can cost employers thousands of dollars in recruiting and training costs for replacing employees.
- Escalating wages: To accommodate the rising cost of living and higher minimum wage rates, employers are under pressure to pay higher wages for armed guards.
- Indirect costs: There are many indirect costs associated with hiring armed guards, including lost productivity, operational downtime, and increased administrative burden.
The Liability Trap
There are many legal risks associated with employing armed security guards, including reputational damage and even costly lawsuits. Using human guards opens employers up to liability in many ways. For example, if one of your guards uses excessive force, your business could be sued for the resulting harm. Similarly, if a guard sleeps through an incident of theft, you could be sued for negligence, which may render your insurance coverage ineligible.
Human Error: The Weakest Link in Your Perimeter
Some of the most substantial risks of employing armed security guards are human limitations, making traditional armed security a much higher liability to your property’s safety. The inherent drawbacks of armed guards include:
- Fatigue: Many security guards have to endure long shifts. When your property requires 24/7 protection, some night shifts will be necessary. But guards on the night shift can experience fatigue, leading to decreased performance and a higher risk of intruders gaining access to your site.
- Distraction: Human attention spans naturally wane after prolonged periods of concentration. Distractions can cause guards to miss security incidents that are taking place, as well as make your property increasingly vulnerable to criminal activity.
- Misjudgment: As humans, we all make mistakes, but lapses in judgment as a security guard can have catastrophic consequences.
- Slow responses: Slow reaction times can be the difference between stopping a breach attempt and your company losing thousands of dollars in assets and operational downtime.
- Collusion: When you employ security guards, you have to consider people’s loyalty. Unfortunately, guards can be compromised. With direct access to your assets, disloyal guards can cost your company through incidents of internal theft.
Armed Security vs. Perimeter Security: Why Electric Fencing Is the Ultimate Alternative to Armed Guards
Unlike armed guards, electric fences are reliable and cost-effective, provide 24/7 security, and are not susceptible to human error. As proactive physical barriers, the best electric fences deter would-be criminals from attempting to breach your perimeter. The Electric Guard Dog™ Fence is the ultimate solution, providing a more consistent, customizable alternative to many of the challenges associated with armed security guards.
Fixed Costs vs. Variable Labor
Instead of dealing with the varying costs of manual labor, The Electric Guard Dog Fence provides consistent security at a fixed cost. The average AMAROK customer saves $120,000 annually by replacing 24/7 security guards with our system.
Our manageable monthly fee covers unlimited maintenance service and repairs, making The Electric Guard Dog Fence one of the most cost-effective security solutions. Predictable monthly payments provide our customers with peace of mind and the ability to budget in advance.
Transferring Liability
While companies are legally liable for their armed guards, AMAROK customers are protected by our comprehensive indemnity agreement. AMAROK, as the sole owner of The Electric Guard Dog Fence, can protect and defend you with confidence. AMAROK is backed by $11 million in liability and will defend its customers, who are contractually added as additional insured.
The Consistency Advantage
After installation, our solutions provide customers with a 99% reduction in external theft. Although security guards can make mistakes, electric fencing limits the risk of human error.
You can rest assured that our electric fencing is always operating and will deter would-be thieves with a safe but memorable shock. Our unique security fence combines efficacy with the art of surprise. Plus, when you integrate alarm-based lighting, attempted breaches trigger loud sirens and bright LED lights.
Making the Switch to AMAROK: A Strategic Move for Your Bottom Line
At AMAROK, we know that peace of mind comes from certainty, not high-priced labor. That’s why we offer award-winning, multi-layered perimeter security solutions you can rely on.
By combining The Electric Guard Dog Fence with video surveillance and remote monitoring services, you can remove the risks of armed security. When you layer your security approaches, you no longer have to rely solely on a human monitoring team and can get remote alerts sent directly to your phone.
Instead of risking your company’s assets with unpredictable security guards, AMAROK’s multi-layered security solutions give you 24/7 perimeter protection. If you’re ready to safeguard your property, people, and profits, contact our perimeter security experts for a free threat assessment.
