An interesting study put out by The Freedonia Group concerning the growth of the security guard industry in the years to come highlights some of the factors responsible for that growth.

The U.S. guard service market reached $29 billion in 2018 and is expected to continue to grow through 2023 reaching a projected $33 billion.

Why the growth in the face of automation, AI, and other technologies?

One of the key factors is that there’s a growing demand for highly trained guards who provide a variety of market specific services at a higher rate than standard guards.

The growing concern over the frequency of mass shootings in public places, terror risks, and increasing crime rates in some cities have all spurred growth. Specifically in corporate offices, residential facilities, and schools, many of which did not utilize security guard services a number of years ago.

This ties into the demand for guards who can meet the needs of specific industries by working in additional capacities such as taking on receptionist or concierge responsibilities. Now guards are often the first point of human contact for visitors and employees/residents which adds even more emphasis to customer service skills.

There’s additional pressure on security guards to bring a broader skill set to the job in the way of technology and it’s increasing integration into physical guarding. We now have visitor management systems which are enabled through the cloud, mobile-based guard tour applications which often utilize NFC tech, and more advanced AI driven CCTV systems which enhance a guards ability to detect threats.

When you consider all of the available technology that clients want to see adopted within the security industry, it should be no surprise that the bar is being raised (along with the pay) for the guards who need to operate all of this technology. There may be some stubborn holdouts who still have not embraced the tech revolution in security, but those who don’t have been left behind.

Thankfully, this is exactly where we specialize and I encourage you to learn more about our security guard services.