Every business faces security challenges. Some come up suddenly, while others are part of day-to-day operations.
Deciding between temporary security or a dedicated security presence isn’t just about how long you need it. Assessing risk, urgency, and flexibility is important. Whether you're managing a retail storefront, coordinating a special event, or helping protect a large corporate facility, the best solution depends on your needs.
When temporary security is the right choice
Temporary security is a great option when something unexpected happens or when you only need support for a short time. It’s flexible, fast, and fits right in when you need coverage, without a long-term commitment. Temporary security is perfect for unpredictable situations that arise and fast-changing needs. Businesses use temporary security when they need short-term event coverage to help maintain safety and operations.
Here are some common situations where temporary security works well:
Retail & site emergencies
Things break. Doors or storefront gates don’t lock, alarms or surveillance systems go offline, or you have a break-in. We’ve seen it all. A temporary officer can offer peace of mind while someone resolves the issue.
After-hours & overnight coverage
Sometimes you have cleaning crews, IT teams, or contractors working late. Or maybe your store manager has to leave unexpectedly. Having someone on-site can help protect your space when no one else is around.
Special events & pop-up shops
Big sale? Grand opening? Festival in town? Temporary security is a smart way to help manage crowds. It helps keep people moving and watches over your space during short but busy periods.
Disaster response
In the aftermath of emergency events, having someone there, even temporarily, can make a big difference in helping people feel safe.
Construction & renovation projects
If you have materials, tools, or inventory out in the open during construction or remodeling, temporary security can help keep an eye on things. Having a physical presence helps deter theft, safeguards property, and supports worker safety while crews are on-site.
When long-term site security is the right fit
Some locations need more than short-term coverage. They need a consistent, dedicated security presence. That’s where our on-site guarding services come in.
Having trained security officers at your property, on-site guarding is a great fit for locations with daily activity, such as hospitals, banks, schools, and corporate offices. It’s also well-suited for facilities that face ongoing risk, like warehouses, manufacturing sites, or distribution centers, where valuable assets or sensitive equipment need steady protection.
Our officers are more than just a visible presence. They help manage access, support emergency response, and work closely with your existing systems, like cameras and alarms. Because they get to know your site and routines, they’re able to respond quickly and effectively when something seems off. If you’re looking for reliable coverage and a team that becomes familiar with your operations over time, on-site guarding can be the right long-term solution.
Temporary & long-term security: key differences
|
What to consider |
Temporary security |
Long-term security |
|
Duration |
Days to weeks |
Ongoing |
|
Deployment speed |
Can often be in place quickly |
Planned |
|
Cost approach |
Higher hourly, short-term setup |
Fixed contracts |
|
Best for |
Emergencies, events, seasonal security |
Ongoing facility/site protection |
|
Officer familiarity |
Rotating security personnel |
Embedded team with consistent site knowledge |
Which is right for you? Questions to ask
When deciding between temporary and long-term security, consider your business's needs. Is the situation short-term, like a weekend event or a one-time emergency? Or does it need regular support? How quickly do you need someone on-site?
Consider what’s at stake: whether it’s property, people, or daily operations, and whether you’d benefit more from a familiar, embedded team or flexible, quick-to-deploy coverage. In some cases, temporary needs can evolve into longer-term solutions as your business grows.
Why Securitas USA offers both without compromise
We understand that no two security challenges are the same. Whether you need emergency coverage, custom security, short-term guard services, off-hours security, or a long-term embedded team, we have the expertise, scale, and flexibility to support your needs.
With our response teams and experienced security professionals, we help deliver peace of mind on your terms. As your needs evolve, our services can grow with you, from temporary support to fully integrated protection services.
Let’s talk about what you need
Security isn’t one-size-fits-all. Whether you have an overnight emergency or run a growing business, the right solution should fit your timing, risk level, and operational needs.
Talk to one of our security experts today to discuss the best approach for your business, whether that’s temporary, permanent, or a custom integrated solution.
