Do Bank Security Guards Carry Guns?

Written by Holly Savage

17th January 2023

Banks are used by everyone. And can be an ideal target for many different types of criminals such as hackers, thieves and burglaries. So, they often need high-security protection such as security guards. But are these guards armed? And do bank security guards carry guns to help them with their tasks?

We’ll be discussing this and more, such as the different bank security measures that bank owners will install, how much a bank security officer earns, and what a bank security guard’s duties are.

Do Banks Have Security Guards?

Although banks use many different types of security protection, which we will talk about more in detail later on, a common question that people have is whether security guards work in banks. And to answer this question, yes banks will hire guards as a form of protection.

Banks will use security guards as a form of physical protection for their premises against security threats such as thieves. Guards have been known to reduce crime and scare criminals away by the strong security presence that they provide. As people are less likely to commit crimes if they know they are being watched.

What Types Of Security Is Used In Banks?

As we mentioned above, one of the most common security measures that banks will use is security guards. But banks also use many other security measures. We have listed these in more detail.

Electronic Coded Keypad Doors

One key security measure that many banks will use are electronic coded keypad doors. These doors will be designed to only open when a certain code is entered, and they provide banks with an extra layer of protection.

security guard services for banks

Security Cameras

Security cameras will act as a visual deterrent against thieves. CCTV cameras will be used by banks to review and monitor any blind spots that guards might not be able to patrol. And they can be quite beneficial to banks as their recorded footage can be used as evidence.

bank security system

Panic Security Alarm Systems

Banks will also install a panic security alarm system on their property as an additional security measure. These panic security alarm systems will act like a regular security alarm system but they will also be connected to the police, so if an alarm does sound the authorities will be notified straight away.

bank security officer

Personal Alarms

Personal alarms will also be used as additional security measures within a bank. Bank workers will carry personal alarms with them as an extra layer of protection, and they will use these personal alarms to warn other members of staff if they see any suspicious activity.

Intruder alarms for banks

Cyber Security Tools

Banks will not only need physical protection but will also need cyber protection as well. Banks will constantly use online technology to review customer’s bank statements and to manage money transactions. So, it’s extremely important that their technology is well protected. One way that banks will protect them is by employing and using good security tools.

bank security guards

Do Banks Have Armed Guards?

Some guards who work in armed security may carry weapons such as batons or guns to help them protect high-profile people or businesses. As banks need a lot of security protection, many people would assume that banks have armed guards.

And in some places in the world, such as America, banks may hire armed security. But not all banks will have armed guards. For example, in the UK – banks will hire private security guards instead of armed guards, due to the UK government’s law on carrying weapons.

Do Bank Security Guards Carry Guns?

A common question asked about bank security guards is whether they carry guns or not, and this will depend on the laws of the country that the bank is operating in. Security guards who work in banks within America can use guns due to America’s laws on gun use. However, bank security officers who work in the UK, wouldn’t be able to use weapons such as guns due to the UK’s strict laws on firearms.

do bank security guards carry guns

What Is The Role Of A Guard In A Bank?

The main role of a bank security officer is to provide banks with ultimate protection and to ensure that all bank workers and customers are protected against any type of security threat such as criminals. Another key role that bank security officers will have is supplying banks with a safer working environment.

Guards will often try to do this by reassuring customers and workers and by providing them with peace of mind. When customers and workers have a highly trained bank guard protecting them it can allow them to feel a lot more confident about their safety and their valuables within the bank.

What Is A Bank Security Guard Duties?

Security guards who work in banks will often act as visual deterrents to any potential criminal. But they will also have many other tasks and responsibilities to oversee. Some of these are:

 

  • Doing routine patrols throughout the bank.
  • Keeping a watchful eye out for criminals.
  • Use CCTV monitoring equipment such as cameras to review all areas of the bank.
  • To assist customers with any enquiries that they may have.
  • To make note of any incidents that place and report these notes to the bank owner or a security manager.
  • To follow all safety and security regulations.
bank security

How Much Does A Bank Security Guard Make?

According to Glassdoor, a bank security guard’s salary in the UK will be almost £25,531 per year. However, how much a guard earns will depend on many factors such as the location they are working in as bigger cities may pay more than smaller rural areas to help cover for the cost of living. How much experience a bank guard has will also affect their pay, as guards with more experience will earn more than newer guards.

Why Do Banks Need Security Guards?

There are many reasons why banks will need to have security guards. One of the biggest threats that banks face is crime. Banks often become victims to crimes such as fraud, bank robberies, and cybercrimes. As banks often protect people’s valuables and money it essential to many that they have good security in place.

Security guards can be a huge advantage in boosting the safety within a bank. Bank guards not only ensure the safety of all customers and staff members at the bank, but they also act as a deterrent to potential criminals. Guards will be situated around the bank and will monitor everyone who tries to enter. Security officers are also highly trained so if a criminal does try to attack a bank, guards will be prepared to diffuse any type of security incident.

bank security guard

So, Do Bank Security Guards Carry Guns?

Overall, whether bank security can carry guns or not will ultimately depend on the laws of the country that the bank is operating in. UK bank security guards will not be able to carry guns due to the UK’s strong laws against firearms.

If you would like to be updated with all the latest security guard news, why not check out our blog? Where you can find articles about becoming a security guard and about where security officers work.

Let’s Stay In Touch

Want to stay updated with our latest content? Enter your email address to subscribe to our free newsletter.

Related Articles

How To Prepare For A Night Shift As A Security Guard

How To Prepare For A Night Shift As A Security Guard

In this article, we delve into the essential aspects of how to prepare for a night shift as a security guard. We’ll explore the strategies that can help you navigate the challenges of the night with confidence.

Our Guide To Security Robots

Our Guide To Security Robots

In the ever-evolving landscape of technology and security, new possibilities have emerged with the invention of security robots. Join us on a journey into the realm of security robotics!

What Does A Factory Security Guard Do?

What Does A Factory Security Guard Do?

Security guards work in a variety of positions and situations. As you probably know by now, protecting your business is not a decision to be made hastily. One of the places where security guards are most effective is a factory setting.

What Does A University Security Officer Do?

What Does A University Security Officer Do?

Student safety has come to the fore of public conversation lately, with initiatives such as the ‘Big Night In’. In this new climate, university security guards at universities are often under more scrutiny than ever.

Security Guards Vs CCTV

Security Guards Vs CCTV

When it comes to securing your business, security guards and CCTV cameras are two of the most popular options. However, it can be difficult to decide which option to go for.  When it comes to security guards vs CCTV, which is better?

What Is The Difference Between USA And UK Security Guards?

What Is The Difference Between USA And UK Security Guards?

Two areas in the world where security guards are the most popular are the UK and America. According to online statistics from Zippia, there are currently 823,148 guards employed in the USA. While the UK government website suggests there are around 64,226 active UK security guards.

What Is A Security Manager?

What Is A Security Manager?

Aside from close protection officers and security guards, there are many other jobs within the security industry. And one of the highest job positions in the security industry is a security manager.

Do You Need A Mental Health Check To Apply For An SIA Licence?

Do You Need A Mental Health Check To Apply For An SIA Licence?

Mental health is always important to consider when applying for or working in any job. But do you need a mental health check to apply for an SIA licence? We’ll be discussing this and more such as, can you be a security guard with mental illness, what you need to know about mental health in the security industry, and how guards cope with stress and pressure.