Frequently Asked Questions

Unarmed guards in Tennessee typically run between $18 and $30 per hour, depending on the provider and location. Armed guards cost more, usually $25 to $45 per hour. Pricing also depends on factors like shift length, number of guards, and whether you need specialized training for your industry.

Start by confirming the company holds an active license with the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance. Ask about their guard training programs, insurance coverage, and how they handle no-shows or call-offs. References from clients in your industry are worth more than any sales pitch.

Most companies can start coverage within 48 to 72 hours for standard unarmed guard services. Armed guard placements or specialized assignments might take one to two weeks because of additional vetting and training requirements. Rush deployments are possible but usually come with a premium.

That depends on your risk profile. Retail stores, office buildings, and residential communities usually do fine with unarmed guards. High-value assets, financial institutions, and locations with a history of violent incidents may warrant armed security. A reputable provider will conduct a site assessment and recommend the right level of protection.

Individual guards don't need their own state license, but the security company employing them must hold an active Private Protective Services license from TDCI. Guards are required to complete state-mandated training and register with their employing company. Armed guards face additional requirements.

Armed security officers in Tennessee must complete firearms qualification through a TDCI-approved training program. This includes classroom instruction on use-of-force laws, practical firearms handling, and a shooting proficiency test. Guards must requalify annually to maintain their armed status.

You can search the TDCI online license verification system at tn.gov/commerce. Enter the company name to check their license type, status, and expiration date. If a company can't provide their license number on request, that's a red flag you shouldn't ignore.

TDCI stands for the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance. They regulate private security companies through the Private Protective Services program. TDCI handles licensing, complaint investigations, and enforcement actions against companies that violate state regulations. They're the primary oversight body for the industry in Tennessee.

Tennessee has over 800 licensed private security companies, with the highest concentration in the Memphis and Nashville metro areas. The number fluctuates as new companies enter the market and others let their licenses lapse. Not all licensed companies are actively taking clients at any given time.

Contract security means you hire an outside company that provides guards to your location. Proprietary security means you employ guards directly on your own payroll. Contract security offers more flexibility and lower administrative burden, while proprietary guards tend to have stronger loyalty and site-specific knowledge.

Yes, but only if their employing company holds an armed guard license from TDCI and the individual guard has completed the required firearms qualification. Guards can carry handguns while on duty at their assigned post. They don't have law enforcement authority and must follow the same use-of-force laws as any private citizen.

Memphis is home to several major providers including Shield of Steel, Securitas, Allied Universal, and GardaWorld. Local firms like Hybrid Protective Services and Command Security also serve a large share of the market. Our company reviews page has detailed assessments of each provider.

We use a 5-point scale across four categories: reliability, pricing transparency, technology and reporting, and customer service. Each category gets its own score based on our research, site visits, client interviews, and regulatory record checks. The overall rating is a weighted average of those four scores.

Yes. We don't accept payment from any company we review, and our revenue comes from advertising and guide downloads. Our editorial team makes all rating decisions independently. You can read more about our standards on our editorial policy page.

We revisit each company review at least once per year, and more often if we receive significant new information. Licensing changes, major complaints, ownership changes, or service expansions can all trigger an off-cycle review update. Every review shows its last-updated date.