# How to Hire Security Guards in Los Angeles

By [Great America Security Team](https://greatamericasecurity.com/about.php) · Updated October 10, 2026 · 7 min read

**What this guide covers**
- [Assess your needs](#assess)

- [Choose armed or unarmed](#choose)

- [Verify licensing](#verify)

- [Post orders and deployment](#deploy)

To hire security guards in Los Angeles, assess your property and risk, choose armed or unarmed coverage, verify the company's BSIS license and insurance, review written post orders, and confirm supervision and reporting before deployment.

## Step 1: Assess Your Needs

Start by defining what you need to protect. Identify your property type, entry points, operating hours, and known risks. This determines how many officers you need and when. A clear brief leads to an accurate quote.

## Step 2: Choose Armed or Unarmed

Unarmed officers handle access control, deterrence, and customer-facing posts. Armed officers are appropriate for high-value or high-risk sites. If you are unsure, ask for a security assessment rather than guessing.

## Step 3: Verify Licensing and Insurance

Confirm the provider holds a BSIS PPO license and request certificates of insurance. Ask about officer screening, training, and supervision. A professional provider shares this documentation without hesitation.

## Step 4: Post Orders and Deployment

Post orders describe exactly what guards do at your site. Review and approve them before deployment. Confirm how incidents are reported, how supervisors check posts, and how quickly coverage can start.

## Hiring Checklist

StepAction1Define property type, hours, risk2Choose armed vs unarmed3Verify PPO license + insurance4Review and approve post orders5Confirm supervision + reporting

**Our recommendation**
Hiring the right provider is about process, not just price. Great America Security walks you through assessment, post orders, and deployment for [security guard services in Los Angeles, CA](https://greatamericasecurity.com/). We serve [Los Angeles and nearby cities](https://greatamericasecurity.com/location/Los-Angeles/Security-Guard-Services/) with trained, supervised officers.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How fast can a security guard start?

Deployment time depends on scope and staffing. For urgent needs, contact our 24/7 team at (424) 944-1606 and we will advise the fastest available coverage.

### Can I hire a security guard for one event?

Yes, we provide event and short-term coverage. Contact us with your event details for a quote.

### Do you provide armed and unarmed guards?

Yes, we provide both armed and unarmed officers depending on your site risk and requirements.

### What is a post order?

Post orders are written instructions that define guard duties, patrol routes, access rules, and reporting at your site.

**Related resources**
- [Best Security Guard Companies in Los Angeles](https://greatamericasecurity.com/blog/best-security-guard-companies-los-angeles.html)

- [Standing Security Guard Services](https://greatamericasecurity.com/Services/standing-security-guard.php)

- [About Great America Security](https://greatamericasecurity.com/about.php)

- [View all articles](https://greatamericasecurity.com/blog/)

**Great America Security Team** — We are a licensed California security guard company serving Los Angeles and Southern California since 2003. [Learn more about us](https://greatamericasecurity.com/about.php).

**Get a Free Security Assessment**
Custom post orders, no obligation.

[Get My Free Quote](https://greatamericasecurity.com/#openModal-quote) [Call (424) 944-1606](tel:+14249441606)