One of the most common questions BC business owners ask is whether they need a guard stationed on-site or a patrol that checks in periodically. Both are effective, but they solve very different problems. Here is how to choose.
What Is Static Guarding?
Static guarding places a trained, licensed officer at a fixed location, around the clock or during set hours. The guard provides visible deterrence, controls access, responds instantly to incidents, and documents everything that happens on site.
Static guarding is ideal for:
- High-traffic lobbies and reception areas
- Sites with valuable assets or sensitive areas
- Locations needing immediate, on-the-spot response
- Construction sites with ongoing overnight theft risk
What Are Mobile Patrols?
Mobile patrols send an officer to visit one or more sites on a scheduled or random basis. Using a marked vehicle and GPS-tracked checkpoints, the officer inspects the property, deters intruders, and reports findings after each visit.
Mobile patrols are ideal for:
- Multiple properties that each need coverage
- After-hours checks on otherwise-closed sites
- Larger areas like industrial yards or parking structures
- Cost-effective deterrence when 24/7 presence is not required
Cost and Coverage Compared
Static guarding costs more per site because it dedicates a person to one location. Mobile patrols spread one officer across several sites, lowering the cost per property while still providing a strong, documented deterrent.
How to Decide
Ask yourself three questions: Do you need instant on-site response? Is there a continuous risk during specific hours? How many locations need coverage? If you need constant presence at one critical site, choose static guarding. If you need efficient coverage across several sites, choose mobile patrols. Many BC businesses use a blend of both.
Still unsure? Request a free assessment and our team will recommend the right mix for your property and budget, usually within 60 minutes.
