Top Tips for Smarter Security Guarding Decisions:
- Factor in the true cost of in-house security staffing
- Outsource to access better-trained, vetted guards
- Reduce admin overhead with third-party scheduling and compliance
- Scale coverage up or down without operational friction
- Leverage tech tools for reporting, tracking and transparency
- Boost ROI by eliminating hidden labor and liability expenses
When it comes to protecting your people, property and peace of mind, one of the most important operational decisions a business can make is how to staff and manage its security presence. While most organizations agree on the need for security guards, there’s less consensus around how to deploy them: Should security be handled in-house, or should you partner with an outsourced security contractor?
While in-house security might initially seem more cost-effective or offer more control, a closer look often reveals that outsourcing delivers greater savings, consistency, professionalism and operational efficiency.
This blog will explore the key differences between in-house and outsourced security contractors, examine the pros and cons of each approach and help you evaluate which option best fits your organization’s needs.
Understanding In-House vs. Outsourced Security Contractors
What is In-House Security?
In-house security refers to security personnel hired and managed directly by the organization they protect. These guards are on the company’s payroll, may wear the company’s branding and often report to internal leadership, such as facilities or operations managers.
What is Outsourced Security?
Outsourced security involves contracting a third-party security firm, such as Protos Security, to provide trained security guards and oversee day-to-day security operations. These guards work on your premises and follow site-specific post orders designed to meet your operational goals.
The True Cost of Private Security with In-House Teams
At first glance, building an internal security team might appear to offer more control and cost efficiency. However, the reality is more complex. The true cost of in-house security includes:
- Recruiting and onboarding costs
- Training and certification programs
- Scheduling and shift coverage logistics
- Uniforms and equipment
- Insurance and liability coverage
- Supervision and compliance monitoring
- Administrative overhead
If your security team is understaffed or poorly trained, or if turnover is high (as it often is in the industry), these costs can escalate quickly. According to Security Magazine, the average annual turnover rate in the security guard industry is 100–300%, making staffing an ongoing and expensive challenge for in-house teams.
Internal management teams must continually dedicate time and energy to filling shifts, addressing compliance issues and resolving performance concerns. This is time that could be better spent on core business priorities.
The Advantages of Outsourced Security Guarding
Outsourcing your security operations to a trusted provider like Protos offers several key benefits:
Access to Experienced, Specialized Talent
Professional security firms invest heavily in vetting and training guards. Whether you need unarmed guards for customer-facing roles or highly trained armed guards for high-risk environments, outsourcing ensures you get personnel with the right experience for the job.
Fewer Administrative Burdens
Outsourcing transfers the day-to-day responsibility for hiring, scheduling, training and managing guards to the security provider. You don’t need to worry about filling a shift when a guard calls out or tracking licenses and certifications. This frees up your internal teams to focus on their core roles.
Improved Scalability and Flexibility
Business needs evolve. You may need additional coverage for a holiday rush, a special event or an increase in risk. Outsourced security providers can quickly scale up or down to match your needs without the administrative lag that comes with internal staffing.
Better Compliance and Risk Management
Security firms are required to stay current with state licensing, insurance, background checks and industry regulations. By outsourcing, you reduce your legal exposure and gain peace of mind knowing that compliance is being handled by experts.
Advanced Technology Integration
Modern security providers often bring more than just personnel; they offer integrated security solutions, including incident reporting tools, remote site monitoring, analytics dashboards and compliance tracking. With Protos, for example, clients benefit from a proprietary dynamic security management platform that enhances visibility, accountability and communication.
Cost Savings
Industry data states that businesses can save 30-40% by outsourcing security guard services compared to maintaining an in-house team. These cost reductions come from eliminating expenses tied to hiring, training, payroll benefits and providing equipment for internal staff.
Let’s talk about how Protos can help you stretch every dollar further.
Making the Right Decision for Your Business
Ultimately, the decision to outsource or keep security in-house depends on your business goals, risk profile and internal capacity. Here are a few questions to guide your evaluation:
- Do you have the time and expertise to manage a security team effectively?
- Are you experiencing high turnover or performance issues with internal staff?
- Is your business growing or expanding into new markets?
- Would your operation benefit from advanced reporting, analytics or tech integration?
- Are there gaps in your current compliance or risk management structure?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, outsourcing might be the strategic move your organization needs.
Why Choose Protos for Outsourced Security Guarding?
At Protos Security, we deliver more than just security personnel. We offer guarding solutions backed by data, technology and 24/7 support. Our nationwide network of vetted security partners ensures consistency and reliability across every site. We also offer:
- Real-time reporting and incident management tools
- GPS and time-tracking for accountability
- Centralized billing and contract management
- Rapid deployment for urgent coverage needs
Our team works closely with you to develop a custom security program tailored to your site-specific needs, risk level and operational goals.
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to the debate between in-house and outsourced security. However, for many organizations, the flexibility, reliability and operational simplicity of outsourcing make it the clear winner.
By partnering with an experienced provider like Protos, you can gain access to elite security talent, reduce administrative burdens and enhance your overall risk posture without compromising control or quality.
