Security Guard FAQs

What services can an unarmed officer provide?

An Black Ice unarmed guard can provide low level and limited protection to persons and property. An unarmed guard is restricted by state law to only observe and report incidents, not to take action.

The unarmed guard is not permitted to intervene in any way with a person that is harming others or property. Unarmed officers are not allowed to prevent access to a building or area only to monitor and report violations. An unarmed guard can contact authorities and report, call for emergency personnel and assist a client in managing an incident (primarily they are to observe, report, and direct emergency services). While this may sound inappropriate, they become a professional witness to events, and aid in evacuation and in directing emergency services to the situation.  If you require positive access control or direct intervention with people to prevent access or to stop an individual from harming others or damaging property on your site, you should request armed security officers with different protocols, higher levels of training and arrest authority.

What services does an armed officer provide that an unarmed officer cannot?

The Black Ice armed protection officer is regulated by the Department of Criminal Justice Services of the Commonwealth of Virginia, or is a Distric of Columbia approved Special Police Officer (SPO).  These officers are required to attend mandated minimum training, annual weapons requalification, Virginia State Police or Metropolitan Police Department and FBI fingerprint checks, and a company background evaluation. An armed officer is permitted to stop and detain persons, make arrests, prevent entrance to facilities and can intervene to stop or prevent crimes to persons and property in progress using non-lethal and lethal levels of force as the situation warrants and within the constraints of the laws of Virginia or the District of Columbia. Armed officers are recommended when there are known or expected threats to persons or property, particularly in workplace violence situations, high traffic public areas, or when cash or high value goods are present. Armed officers are also recommended for situations that have a history of dangerousness, or where the client’s liability is at risk in not providing protection to its employees or visitors.

Are discounts available for short term guard requests?

Typically, discounted rates are reserved for long term or large contracts, as short duration or individual events are more difficult to manage.