I get this question constantly from Tallahassee business owners. Usually after something’s already happened a break-in, theft, or employee problem they wish they’d prevented.
The short answer? It depends on what you’re actually trying to protect and how much you want to spend. The long answer involves some stuff most security companies won’t tell you because they’re trying to sell you something.
What’s Really Happening in Tallahassee Right Now
Crime’s actually down big time this year. Total incidents dropped 44% in January compared to last year. Commercial burglaries are down 75%. That’s legitimately good news.
But here’s what those numbers don’t tell you: FSU students are back, downtown’s busy again, and new businesses are opening. More activity means more opportunities for problems, even if overall crime is down.
Also, those statistics are city-wide. Your specific business might be in a higher-risk area or industry. A restaurant on Tennessee Street faces different threats than an office building near the capitol.
Security Guards: When They’re Worth the Money
Security guard services aren’t just about stopping bad guys. Most of what guards do is handle problems before they become crimes.
What guards actually do well:
- Deal with difficult customers without you getting involved
- Notice things that seem off and investigate
- Respond immediately when something happens
- Make everyone, employees and customers feel safer
- Handle situations that need human judgment
I’ve got guards working retail stores who’ve prevented thousands in theft just by being visible and professional. Not because they tackled shoplifters, but because most thieves go somewhere easier when they see security.
Armed vs unarmed guards: Armed security guards make sense if you handle cash, valuable inventory, or work late hours in isolated areas. Banks, jewelry stores, some restaurants.
Unarmed security guards work for most other businesses. Retail, offices, events. They’re cheaper and handle 90% of what you actually need.
The downsides: Guards cost $15-25+ per hour depending on their training and whether they’re armed. That adds up fast if you need coverage multiple shifts.
Bad guards are worse than no guards. I’ve seen guards who sleep on the job, show up drunk, or create more problems than they solve. Hiring the cheapest option usually gets you exactly what you pay for.
Surveillance Cameras: What They Can and Can’t Do
Security camera installation has gotten way better and cheaper in recent years. But cameras don’t prevent crime, they record it.
What cameras do well:
- Document what happened for insurance and police
- Let you check on your business remotely
- Deter some criminals who notice them
- Monitor multiple areas simultaneously
- Work 24/7 without breaks or paychecks
What cameras don’t do:
- Stop anything from happening
- Call police when they see trouble
- Make judgment calls about suspicious behavior
- Handle customer disputes or employee problems
Hidden costs: Good cameras need good lighting, secure storage, and reliable internet. Cheap systems break when you need them most or produce video too blurry to identify anyone.
Monitoring services add monthly costs but without them, cameras are just expensive decorations unless you’re watching them constantly.
Real Talk: What Works for Different Businesses
Restaurants and bars: Security guards usually make more sense, especially evenings and weekends. Drunk people, cash handling, and crowd control need human intervention.
Retail stores: Depends on your location and inventory. High-end stores benefit from professional security guards. Clothing stores or gift shops might do fine with good cameras and alarms.
Offices: Surveillance cameras cover most office security needs unless you’re dealing with sensitive information or have public access areas that need monitoring.
Auto dealers, contractors, equipment rental: Mobile security patrol services can be cost-effective. Someone checks on your lot several times per night instead of paying for a guard to sit there all night.
The Combination Approach
Most businesses that get serious about security end up using both. Security monitoring services watch cameras and dispatch guards when needed.
Building security guard services plus strategic camera placement gives you immediate response and video evidence if something happens.
24-hour security services can provide guards during busy periods and camera monitoring during off-hours.
Questions to Ask Yourself
Before you call anyone, figure out what you’re actually trying to protect:
- Is theft your main concern, or customer/employee safety?
- What hours do you need coverage?
- Do you need someone who can physically intervene or just observe and report?
- How much are you losing to theft/problems versus what security would cost?
- Would your insurance rates drop enough to offset security costs?
What to Look for in Tallahassee Security Companies
For security guards:
- Florida licensing (non-negotiable)
- Background checks on their employees
- Training beyond the minimum required
- Insurance and bonding
- References from similar businesses
For cameras:
- Local installation and service
- System that works with your existing network
- Clear explanation of ongoing costs
- Remote access that actually works reliably
Red Flags to Avoid
Guard companies that:
- Promise specific crime reduction percentages
- Pressure you to sign long-term contracts immediately
- Can’t provide recent references
- Quote prices way below everyone else
Camera companies that:
- Push the most expensive system first
- Can’t explain storage and monitoring costs clearly
- Don’t discuss your specific security needs
- Focus on gadgets instead of practical functionality
The Honest Bottom Line
Perfect security doesn’t exist. You’re trying to make your business a harder target than the place next door while spending what you can actually afford.
Security guards handle immediate problems and make people feel safer. Surveillance cameras document what happens and might deter some criminals.
Most Tallahassee businesses do fine with good cameras, proper lighting, and alarm systems. Add guards when you need human intervention or have specific high-risk periods.
Professional Security Throughout Florida
USA Security & Protection Group LLC provides both security guard services and surveillance systems throughout Florida:
Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Palm Beach, Delray Beach, Weston, Plantation, Port Saint Lucie, Palm Bay, Cocoa Beach, Fort Myers and Tallahassee.
Whether you need armed security, unarmed guards, mobile patrol, or security consultation, we’ll tell you what actually makes sense for your situation and budget.
Get Real Answers
Call us at (954) 477-1088 or email USACURITYPROGROUPLLC@GMAIL.COM. We’ll look at your business, discuss what you’re trying to protect, and give you honest advice about whether guards, cameras, or both make sense.
