Security guard costs range from $15 to $100+ per hour based on your specific requirements. Most businesses allocate between $130,000 to $438,000 annually for round-the-clock protection. These figures demand your attention when planning your security budget.

What good is a security budget if you’re only looking at hourly rates? The true expense of hiring security guards extends far beyond these basic numbers. Armed personnel demand $25-$60 hourly, while unarmed officers run $15-$30 per hour. Factor in benefits—which add roughly 30% to base salaries—and your monthly security expenses climb substantially higher.

Crime statistics tell a compelling story. Los Angeles witnessed an 11% increase in overall crime rates in 2023 compared to 2019 levels, with property crimes rising 3.5%. This alarming trend pushes business owners toward private security guard costs evaluation, including newer options like remote guarding services. Whether your operation requires temporary security or full-scale protection, understanding these seven critical cost factors ensures you make sound security investments while safeguarding your financial interests.

Type of Security Guard Hired

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The security guard you select determines both your protection level and financial commitment. Your choice directly impacts annual expenditures by tens of thousands of dollars. Security guard costs fluctuate dramatically based on personnel type, making this decision critical for your operational budget.

Type of security guard hired cost breakdown

Today’s security market offers multiple guard classifications at varying price points:

Armed Security Guards: These specialists carry firearms and undergo extensive training for high-risk situations. Costs range between $25-$60 per hour, with elite personnel commanding $50+ per hour. Businesses requiring constant protection face annual expenses between $219,000-$525,600 for 24/7 coverage.

Unarmed Security Guards: Deployed primarily in retail environments and residential complexes, these officers cost $15-$30 per hour. They provide visible deterrence without the premium associated with firearms certification.

Mobile Patrol Guards: These officers monitor extensive properties using vehicles, typically charging $30-$40 per hour. Mobile patrols are an outdated form of security since the advent of VirtuGuard™.

Event Security: Temporary protection during gatherings costs between $20-$50 per hour, with rates varying according to attendance numbers and event complexity.

Personal Bodyguards: Executive protection specialists demand $50-$100+ per hour, reflecting their advanced training and heightened responsibilities.

Why the type of guard matters

Your guard selection affects more than just hourly rates:

Risk Appropriateness: Armed officers represent substantial investments yet deliver essential protection for high-value assets and cash-intensive operations. Unarmed personnel serve as visual deterrents at facilities with lower threat profiles.

Legal Considerations: Armed security requires proper licensing and insurance, directly contributing to higher rates. Their presence introduces liability concerns requiring careful evaluation. Reputable security guard companies will carry liability insurance to protect your firm.

Customer Experience: Security presence communicates messages to your clientele. Unarmed, uniformed officers foster safety without intimidation, while armed personnel signal heightened security that might alter customer comfort.

Response Capabilities: Different security categories provide varying emergency response options. Mobile patrols cover extensive areas but might require longer response times than stationed personnel.

How to choose the right type of guard

Selecting appropriate security personnel demands methodical assessment:

1. Evaluate your specific security environment – Determine what assets require protection. Retail operations focus on loss prevention, residential communities need approachable yet vigilant officers, and corporate facilities require access control specialists.
2. Assess risk levels honestly – Review local crime data, asset values, and operational vulnerabilities. Higher-risk locations justify premium costs for armed personnel.
3. Consider operational hours – Security requirements fluctuate throughout the day. Many operations benefit from mixed approaches—on-site guards during business hours paired with alternative security during off-hours.
4. Factor in guard experience – Veteran security personnel command higher rates yet deliver superior expertise. Entry-level officers cost approximately $15-$20 per hour, while seasoned professionals range from $30-$50 per hour.
5. Explore modern alternatives – Remote video monitoring through VirtuGuard™ often delivers broader coverage at lower costs than on-site officers.

Security capabilities continue advancing beyond traditional models. A single on-site guard monitors limited areas, while remote systems observe multiple entry points simultaneously with faster incident response.

When budgeting for security, published hourly rates tell only part of the story. Additional costs include benefits (adding roughly 30% to base salaries), uniforms, insurance, and potential overtime—all affecting your total expenditure.

Understanding these distinctions helps align security decisions with both protection requirements and budget constraints, ensuring effective coverage without wasteful spending.

Experience and Training of the Guard

Security personnel qualifications dramatically influence your protection costs. Skilled guards command premium rates—but deliver superior protection value. Evaluating these credentials beyond basic hourly figures ensures smart security investments while maintaining essential asset protection.

Experience and training cost impact

Guard compensation scales directly with expertise and specialized training credentials. Entry-level officers earn $25,000-$35,000 annually, approximately $12-$17 hourly. This figure climbs substantially as guards acquire additional skills and certifications.

Veteran officers with specialized qualifications demand $35,000-$60,000+ annually, roughly $17-$29 hourly. This stark pricing difference reflects the considerable capability gap separating novice guards from seasoned security professionals.

Certification expenses further impact pricing. Basic unarmed guard training costs $70 on average, while comprehensive armed guard preparation—covering range time, ammunition, and certification—typically runs several hundred dollars. These necessary training expenses inevitably appear in client billing rates.

Guards with military or law enforcement backgrounds justifiably command higher compensation rates, given their extensive real-world security experience. Their specialized backgrounds prove especially valuable when facing elevated security threats or requiring sophisticated threat assessment capabilities.

Why experience affects pricing

Security effectiveness correlates directly with experience, making veteran guards worth their premium rates. Experienced personnel deliver superior value through:

1. Superior threat assessment – Seasoned guards identify potential security issues before they materialize, delivering preventative rather than reactive protection.
2. Calm under pressure – Veterans remain composed during emergencies, making critical decisions that prevent substantial losses.
3. Advanced response capabilities – Trained officers excel in conflict resolution, emergency response, and crowd management techniques.
4. Industry-specific expertise – Guards experienced in your particular sector bring specialized knowledge that justifies their higher rates.
5. Management capability – Experienced personnel often supervise junior team members, adding leadership value to their service.

These enhanced capabilities transform experienced guards from mere expenses into valuable security investments, particularly for operations with significant assets or complex security challenges.

How to assess guard qualifications

Apply these strategic assessment methods when evaluating security personnel:

Education verification: Guards must minimally possess a high school diploma or equivalent. For armed positions, seek candidates with college coursework in criminal justice or related disciplines.

Certification review: Demand proof of current security guard certifications relevant to your jurisdiction, including:

• Basic security training
• First aid/CPR certification
• Firearm permits (for armed positions)
• Specialized certifications (crowd control, emergency response)

Technology proficiency: Modern security demands familiarity with:

• Video surveillance systems
• Access control technologies
• Incident reporting platforms
• Two-way communication tools

Testing practical skills: Deploy specialized assessment tools like the Criteria Attention Skills Test (CAST) to measure vigilance and focus—critical attributes interviews alone cannot evaluate.

Background verification: Contact previous employers or commanding officers to confirm reliability, professionalism, and incident handling capabilities.

When evaluating security costs against qualifications, focus on total value rather than hourly rates. Experienced personnel charge more but deliver enhanced protection that often justifies the investment through superior risk reduction.

Security-conscious businesses seeking both quality and cost control should consider VirtuGuard™ remote guarding services. This approach combines highly trained security professionals with advanced technology, delivering expert oversight without the premium costs of 24/7 on-site experienced personnel.

Quality security firms typically provide access to guards whose training exceeds industry minimums—a crucial consideration when balancing security effectiveness against budgetary constraints.

Location-Based Pricing Differences

Your physical address dramatically impacts what you’ll pay for on-site security guards. A security plan costing $50,000 annually in Cincinnati might demand $75,000 or more in Manhattan for identical services.

Regional cost variations for security guards

Security guard pricing reveals stark regional contrasts:

Urban vs. Rural Divide: Major metropolitan areas command premium security rates compared to less populated regions. Security firms in New York and Los Angeles typically charge 20-40% more than identical services in rural areas. This pricing gap stems from economic realities security companies face across different markets.

City-Specific Pricing Examples:

City	Unarmed Guard (hourly)	Armed Guard (hourly)	Monthly Contract	Event Security (hourly)
New York City, NY	$38.00	$55.00	$110,000.00	$50.00
Houston, TX	$30.00	$45.00	$800.00	$40.00
Atlanta, GA	$28.00	$40.00	$750.00	$35.00
Cincinnati, OH	$29.00	$42.00	$770.00	$36.00

Regional Security Specialization: Colorado and California consistently post higher security rates. Local living costs, industry-specific demands (such as cannabis security), and resource availability drive these regional price differences.

Why location affects security guard prices

Multiple location factors determine your final security bill:

Cost of Living Impact: Security firms must pay competitive wages based on local economic conditions. Higher local living expenses translate directly to elevated client rates. The price difference isn’t arbitrary—it reflects real economic variations.

Crime Rate Correlation: High-crime areas demand premium security rates for two key reasons. First, these environments require better-trained personnel. Second, security companies invest more heavily in recruitment and training for challenging environments. Your security invoice reflects this additional investment in preparation and risk management.

Regulatory Requirements: State and local licensing regulations create compliance costs that vary significantly by location. These administrative expenses ultimately appear in your security bills.

Labor Market Competition: Urban centers feature more security firms competing for contracts while simultaneously facing higher demand for qualified personnel. This complex supply-demand relationship affects pricing differently across population densities.

Operational Expenses: Location-dependent costs like transportation, insurance, and equipment maintenance influence final pricing. Remote locations often incur travel expenses that increase overall rates.

How to estimate costs in your area

Want accurate security pricing for your location? Follow these steps:

1. Research Local Averages: The national average for security guards runs approximately $19.03 per hour, but requires adjustment based on your location. Use this baseline before applying regional factors.
2. Consider Contract Duration: Long-term security agreements typically reduce hourly rates by 20-30% compared to short-term arrangements. Factor these potential discounts into your monthly security budget calculations.
3. Obtain Multiple Location-Specific Quotes: Security companies understand local market conditions and provide estimates tailored to your geographic area. Request detailed breakdowns showing how location influences their pricing.
4. Evaluate Remote Options: VirtuGuard™ remote guarding services offer consistent pricing regardless of physical location. This modern approach eliminates many location-based cost variables while maintaining protection quality.
5. Calculate Location Risk Premium: Business operations in high-crime areas warrant security premiums. Nevertheless, these additional expenses often prove worthwhile through reduced losses and insurance premiums.

Location remains perhaps the most significant factor in your security costs. Understanding these regional pricing dynamics helps establish realistic budget expectations while identifying potential savings opportunities without compromising protection.

Duration and Frequency of Service

Time commitments shape your security expenses dramatically. The interplay between service duration and frequency creates budget implications that savvy business owners must understand to balance protection with profitability.

Hourly vs. monthly security guard cost

Security services command premium rates for short-term engagements. Temporary security needs cost substantially more:

• Short-Term (Unarmed): $35-$60+ per hour
• Short-Term (Armed): $50-$70+ per hour

Businesses committing to extended contracts secure significant financial advantages:

• Long-Term (Unarmed): $30-$40 per hour
• Long-Term (Armed): $40-$55 per hour

These rate differences create meaningful financial impact. A business needing full-time security (40 weekly hours) faces monthly costs of $7,840-$13,440 for short-term contracts compared to $6,720-$8,960 for long-term agreements. Your potential savings reach 33% through longer commitments.

Round-the-clock protection magnifies these cost implications. Continuous security presence ranges from $130,000 (at $15/hour) to $438,000 (at $50/hour) annually. Even partial coverage accumulates rapidly—12-hour overnight protection at market rates approaches $83,000 yearly.

Why service duration changes pricing

Several market factors drive the pricing advantage of extended contracts:

Operational Efficiency: Long-term partnerships enable security firms to streamline scheduling and minimize administrative burden. Short-term assignments require rushed vetting, onboarding, and premium compensation when reassigning personnel from existing deployments.

Resource Planning: Predictable, guaranteed revenue streams hold tremendous value for security providers. Extended contracts facilitate optimal personnel allocation, eliminating idle time and maximizing operational efficiency.

Volume Discounting: Committed relationships justify preferential pricing structures, often packaged as retainer arrangements ensuring priority access to security personnel.

Administrative Costs: Brief engagements generate disproportionate paperwork, scheduling complexity, and management attention per service hour.

Training Investment: Guards assigned to permanent positions develop valuable site-specific knowledge, enhancing their effectiveness without requiring additional training investment.

How to plan for long-term or short-term needs

Your security duration strategy requires thoughtful planning:

1. Evaluate risk patterns throughout your business cycle. Most organizations face variable threat levels—heightened during peak seasons or special events, reduced during routine operations.
2. Consider hybrid models blending baseline protection with supplemental coverage. Many clients maintain core long-term security teams augmented with temporary personnel during high-risk periods.
3. Calculate full cost impact beyond hourly rates. Short-term flexibility costs more per hour but might prove financially sound if your security needs fluctuate significantly.
4. Analyze contract length benefits. Multi-year agreements often secure substantially better rates, though this advantage must balance against flexibility requirements.
5. Explore alternative security models. VirtuGuard™ remote guarding services provide scalable monitoring solutions without the premium costs associated with temporary traditional guard services.

Before signing any security agreement, thoroughly examine termination clauses and flexibility provisions. While longer contracts deliver cost advantages, they must include mechanisms for adjusting service levels as your security requirements evolve.

Security coverage duration presents a fundamental business decision: pay premium rates for flexibility or commit to extended terms for pricing advantages. Your specific risk profile, operational patterns, and budget parameters should guide this critical choice.

Hidden Costs of Hiring Security Guards

Cameras today are just forensic tools after the crime has ended. The same applies to security guard costs when you only consider hourly rates. The true financial impact includes multiple hidden expenses that can balloon your security budget without warning.

Uniforms, insurance, and benefits

Most business owners fixate on hourly wages while missing critical supplemental costs. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reveals benefits alone add approximately 30% to a security guard’s base salary. This breaks down unevenly:

• Private sector security: 29.5% additional cost
• Government security personnel: 38% premium

For just one private sector guard, benefits can add thousands to your annual security expenses.

The financial burden extends further:

• Insurance requirements – Your operation needs comprehensive liability coverage, workers’ compensation, and specialized security incident protection
• Uniforms and equipment – Initial guard outfitting runs several hundred dollars, plus ongoing replacements
• Continuous training – Skill maintenance isn’t free but remains essential
• Workers’ compensation – Security positions carry elevated physical risk, driving potentially substantial claims

Why these costs are often overlooked

What good is a budget that misses 30% of the actual expense? Hidden security costs escape notice through predictable patterns:

First, security providers highlight attractive base rates while burying supplementary costs in proposal footnotes. This tactic makes genuine service comparison nearly impossible without meticulous examination.

Second, security positions suffer among the highest turnover rates across industries. Each replacement demands new recruitment, training, and onboarding—creating a relentless financial drain.

Finally, regulatory compliance creates jurisdiction-specific administrative expenses. These mandatory requirements ultimately appear in your security invoices.

How to budget for hidden expenses

Always attentive business owners follow these steps to avoid budget surprises:

1. Demand comprehensive proposals that detail all costs beyond base wages
2. Apply a 30% premium automatically to quoted hourly rates for benefit calculation
3. Clarify insurance requirements and responsibility boundaries upfront
4. Request turnover rate documentation from potential security providers
5. Evaluate remote alternatives like VirtuGuard™ that eliminate many traditional hidden expenses

Established security providers often absorb many hidden costs rather than passing them to clients. Alternatively, VirtuGuard™ remote guarding delivers transparent pricing without overtime surprises, benefit expenses, uniform costs, or turnover issues—while maintaining superior protection.

The complete financial picture enables accurate budgeting and prevents mid-year financial surprises that strain your resources and compromise your security posture.

Security Guard Company vs. Independent Hire

Security firm or independent guard? This decision carries substantial financial weight beyond the basic hourly rates quoted in your initial estimates.

Cost differences between firms and freelancers

Independent security guards offer lower rates without the overhead expenses burdening established companies. These freelance professionals attract budget-conscious businesses by operating without office premises, administrative staff, or extensive management infrastructure. Their streamlined operations translate directly into price advantages at first glance.

Security companies necessarily charge higher upfront rates. Your invoices from these firms must cover their extensive operational framework—recruitment programs, training systems, management oversight, and administrative staff. These essential components drive hourly rates higher compared to independent contractors.

Why security firms may cost more upfront

The premium pricing from established security companies delivers specific value that justifies the additional expense:

• Comprehensive coverage – Your protection remains uninterrupted when a company guard falls ill or becomes unavailable. Security firms immediately dispatch qualified replacements without service gaps
• Liability protection – Established firms maintain proper liability and workers’ compensation insurance—critical protections often absent with independent guards
• Administrative efficiency – Companies handle the entire administrative burden—payroll processing, benefits administration, training coordination, uniform provision, and equipment maintenance
• Quality assurance – Professional security organizations employ field supervisors who conduct regular performance audits, ensuring consistent service delivery

This price differential represents insurance against operational disruptions. Independent guards might reduce your security guard cost per month, but this approach transfers significant risks and responsibilities directly to your business.

How to decide between firm and independent guard

Your specific situation dictates the optimal approach through these decision factors:

1. Project scope – Short-term, limited security needs might justify independent guards, while complex, long-term requirements demand the resources of established firms
2. Risk tolerance – Security gaps occur when independent personnel become unavailable. Your comfort level with such potential vulnerabilities significantly influences this decision
3. Budget flexibility – The calculation extends beyond hourly rates. Determine whether potential savings truly justify the additional administrative responsibilities and increased exposure

Some businesses find neither option ideal. VirtuGuard™ remote guarding services present a modern alternative combining security firm reliability with cost efficiencies surpassing even independent guard arrangements. This technology-centered approach eliminates numerous traditional expenses while delivering uncompromised protection.

Modern Alternatives: Remote Guarding with VirtuGuard™

Cameras today are just forensic tools after the crime has ended. What good is a camera if no one is watching? VirtuGuard™ transforms passive security cameras into active crime prevention tools through advanced remote monitoring that costs a fraction of traditional guard services.

VirtuGuard™ pricing vs. traditional security guards

The numbers speak for themselves. Traditional unarmed security officers cost $25.00/hour or more while standing in one location. VirtuGuard™ remote monitoring services deliver superior protection at just $3.00-$10.00/hour based on your specific requirements. For businesses needing constant security coverage, this represents tens of thousands in annual savings.

Your VirtuGuard investment depends on:

• Number of surveillance cameras requiring monitoring
• Monthly activity levels at your property
• Two-way audio capabilities needed
• Scheduled remote guard patrol frequency

Why VirtuGuard™ is more cost-effective

VirtuGuard™ doesn’t just save money—it enhances protection through real-time surveillance and rapid response.

First, a single guard can only watch one area. VirtuGuard™ Agents monitor multiple zones simultaneously, eliminating security blind spots across your entire property.

Second, our technology doesn’t sleep. Artificial Intelligence and advanced video analytics instantly alert our Security Operations Center when suspicious activity occurs, enabling immediate intervention before crimes progress.

Third, our systems have demonstrated a 97.1% reduction in false alarms at client properties. This means law enforcement responds faster when genuine emergencies occur.

Fourth, VirtuGuard™ eliminates hidden expenses that plague traditional security—no benefits packages, uniform costs, turnover problems, or insurance premiums eating into your budget.

How to implement VirtuGuard™ for your business

Implementation follows a straightforward, professional process:

Start with a comprehensive security assessment that identifies your property’s vulnerabilities and high-risk areas.

Next, our security experts determine optimal camera placement for maximum coverage with minimum equipment.

Then, we establish custom protocols for threat detection, verification, and coordinated response based on your specific business needs.

Whenever anything on your property moves, our team of virtual guards is alerted and responds immediately.

Our team of virtual security officers, working together from our central Security Operations Center, remain always attentive to your property—keeping watch when nobody else is looking.

Contact BOS Security today to learn how VirtuGuard™ can transform your passive cameras into active security tools. Our security professionals monitor your property 24/7/365, issuing voice warnings to deter intruders and alerting law enforcement when necessary.

Comparison Table

Cameras today are just forensic tools after the crime has ended. This table cuts through the confusion—comparing every cost factor that impacts your security budget. Security decisions demand clarity. Numbers tell the story.

Cost Factor	Cost Range	Key Considerations	Additional Expenses	VirtuGuard™ Alternative
Type of Security Guard	Armed: $25-60/hr Unarmed: $15-30/hr Mobile Patrol: $30-40/hr Event: $20-50/hr	Risk level assessment Legal requirements Customer experience impact	Equipment Firearms training Specialized certifications	Remote monitoring at $3-10/hr
Experience & Training	Entry-level: $25,000-35,000/yr Experienced: $35,000-60,000+/yr	Training certifications Background verification Technology proficiency	Basic training: $70 Armed training: $265 Ongoing certifications	Highly trained remote agents included
Location-Based Pricing	Urban: 20-40% higher than rural NYC Armed: $55/hr Houston Armed: $45/hr	Local regulations Crime rates Cost of living	Travel expenses Regional compliance costs	Consistent pricing regardless of location
Duration & Frequency	Short-term (Unarmed): $35-60+/hr Long-term (Unarmed): $30-40/hr	Contract length Coverage hours Scheduling flexibility	Premium rates for temporary coverage Administrative costs	Flexible scaling without premium costs
Hidden Costs	+30% on base salary for benefits	Insurance requirements Uniforms Training Turnover costs	Workers’ compensation Equipment replacement Administrative overhead	No hidden costs or benefits expenses
Company vs Independent	Company: Higher upfront costs Independent: Lower hourly rates	Liability coverage Replacement availability Quality assurance	Management overhead Administrative costs	Combines reliability with cost efficiency
Remote Guarding	$3-10/hr	AI-powered monitoring Multiple location coverage 97.1% false alarm reduction	Camera installation Integration costs	24/7/365 professional monitoring

Smart security planning requires direct comparison. The table above spotlights potential annual savings of $100,000+ when switching from traditional guards to remote guarding solutions. Every dollar saved through efficient security becomes available for your core business priorities.

Conclusion

Security guard expenses cut deeper than advertised hourly rates. Armed guards commanding $25-60 per hour, location premiums, and experience level differentials quickly multiply your security costs. Factor in those hidden charges—benefits alone add 30% to base rates—and your 24/7 security budget faces substantial pressure.

Traditional security serves many businesses well, yet VirtuGuard™ remote guarding demands serious consideration. This security alternative delivers full protection at just $3-10 hourly—a stark contrast to even basic unarmed guards at $15-30 per hour. Annual calculations reveal potential savings reaching tens of thousands of dollars while maintaining superior coverage capabilities.

Every business faces unique security challenges based on industry, location, and risk profile. Your security solution must balance protection requirements against financial realities. Armed personnel might suit high-risk environments perfectly, while retail operations need different approaches. These seven cost factors provide the framework for decisions that shield both your assets and bottom line.

Final security decisions deserve careful evaluation. Traditional guards, independent contractors, and remote monitoring each offer distinct advantages depending on your location, hours of operation, and security goals. Contact the team at BOS Security to learn more about VirtuGuard™ remote guarding services for your business. Their security professionals can guide these critical decisions while crafting cost-effective protection strategies tailored specifically for your operation.

Security stands as essential investment, not optional expense. Smart protection strategies extract maximum security value without wasteful spending. Modern security technology proves that effective protection doesn’t require premium pricing—just the right solution for your specific security challenges.

FAQs

How much does it typically cost to hire a security guard? The cost of hiring a security guard can vary widely, ranging from $15 to $100+ per hour. Factors affecting the price include the type of guard (armed or unarmed), experience level, location, and duration of service. On average, unarmed guards cost $15-$30 per hour, while armed guards can cost $25-$60 per hour.

What are some hidden costs associated with hiring security guards? Hidden costs of hiring security guards can include benefits (which can add about 30% to the base salary), uniforms, equipment, ongoing training, insurance, and workers’ compensation. These additional expenses can significantly increase the overall cost of security services beyond the quoted hourly rate.

How does the location affect security guard pricing? Location plays a significant role in security guard pricing. Urban areas typically command 20-40% higher rates than rural areas due to higher living costs and increased security demands. For example, security services in cities like New York and Los Angeles are generally more expensive than in smaller towns or rural areas.

Is it more cost-effective to hire an independent security guard or use a security company? While independent security guards often charge lower hourly rates, security companies may provide better value overall. Companies offer benefits such as liability protection, quality assurance, and seamless coverage. However, the cost-effectiveness depends on your specific needs, risk tolerance, and budget flexibility.

What is VirtuGuard™ and how does it compare to traditional security guard services? VirtuGuard™ is a remote guarding service that combines surveillance technology with professional monitoring. It offers comprehensive security at a fraction of the cost of traditional guards, typically ranging from $3-$10 per hour compared to $25+ for traditional guards. VirtuGuard™ provides expanded coverage, proactive intervention, and reduced false alarms without the hidden costs associated with physical guards.