Protective Services Expanded: 5 Things You May Not Have Known

As we highlighted in our 5 Emerging Trends in Security for 2025 article, more and more clients are inquiring about specialized armed services.

While the K-12 armed-vs-unarmed debate and the need for executive protection are nothing new, we’re seeing a rise in armed services across verticals that we feel are advancing the conversation about existing armed security programs – and causing security directors to ask new questions.

1. Places of worship. Religious centers across the country are finding the benefits of armed security given the heightened risks. And while it is a bittersweet state of the state, having the right Officer is crucial to ensuring the parishioner base feels welcome, yet safe. 
2. Libraries. Believe it or not, libraries are also looking into armed services for late-shift protection. In addition, some are looking for Officers to serve both as that discreet armed guard AND an extension of the library’s “greeter” responsibility since Officers are usually in close contact with visitors.
3. Cannabis dispensaries. With hundreds of new dispensaries popping up in states where recreational cannabis is now legal, owners want to ensure their customers feel safe. Armed security (both concealed and overt) provides an effective deterrence in certain areas.
4. Discreet armed escorts. A variety of companies where staff provide at-home services are looking at armed escorts in areas where neighborhoods (and sometimes, the client/patient) warrant extra protection, specifically, medical home-visits-as-a-service.
5. Armed access control operatives. Much like libraries, property managers are adding discreet armed staff who not only provide patrol for tenants and their guests but serve as an extension of the property’s “brand” since they’re often times meeting and greeting residents; so having the right Officers with the right temperament & training are key.

“It’s not that the need for armed security has changed, per se, but more so the client’s comfort level has changed. I attribute this to the vast improvement in the quality, training, and the customization of armed services programs like ours here at Arrow,” says Mike Mullady, VP of Protective Services.

“There’s also a liability component. Many places are leveraging contract security companies to provide the armed services to complement their in-house unarmed programs because of the cost savings alongside the insurance liability of having armed security,” says Mullady.

As always, we’re happy to have the conversation. If you have questions, feel free to contact us at info@arrowsecurity.com for a confidential, or exploratory discussion about your armed security needs.