Armed Guards NYC

Sentinel has offered full-service professional security services for over a decade. Event or executive protection, have peace of mind with Sentinel.

To apply for a Special Armed Guards Card in NYC and the state of New York (which enables you to carry a firearm while on duty as a security guard), you must complete all of the following before you can apply:

  • Possess a valid New York State pistol license.
  • Take an 8-hour “pre-assignment” training course. If you already possess your Security Guard Registration Card (unarmed), then you have already met this particular requirement.
  • Complete an additional 47 hours firearms training course.

Again, all of the above must be completed before applying.

Additionally, every year after you are given a valid Armed Security Guard Card, you will need to complete 8 hours of additional “maintenance” training to keep your registration valid.

The Application Process

The New York State Department of State Division of Licensing Services is where you will actually apply for your Armed Security Guard Card after you’ve met all of the requirements.

Along with your application, you will need to submit your fingerprint for your background check. This is done through something called L-1 Enrollment Services, which help you electronically scan your fingerprint, and they’ll give you receipts for proof that you include in your application. Then, you can use the Employee Statement and Armed Guard Application to apply. Be sure to check the “Armed Guard” box when you are applying. You can visit the State of New York Police Firearms – Pistol Permit Bureau website for information about obtaining a New York State Pistol License. The application for the pistol license can be seen on the right hand side of the page.

Hire the Top Armed Guards in New York City

When it comes to your security, second best isn’t good enough. Sentinel MGI’s armed security guards are motivated, well trained, and ready to defend what’s yours.

We handpick our guards from the finest the New York City law enforcement community has to offer. When you have Sentinel MGI armed security guards, you can have peace of mind.

Armed Security in NYC

Because we are based in New York City, we have extensive experience with the city itself and the surrounding area. We’re familiar with all applicable laws and licensing needed to provide superior security. When you’re hiring armed security in NYC, you want your guards to have extensive familiarity with legally carrying sidearms.

Licensed Security Guards

Each of our armed security guards needs to pass a rigorous training examination. They have to possess a valid pistol license from the state of New York, go through an 8-hour pre-assignment course, and take another 47 hours of firearms training before they can even apply for their Special Armed Guards card.

Even after attaining this card, our guards have to complete a minimum of 8 hours of maintenance training to stay sharp with their skills and keep their valid registration current.

Situations that Require Armed Security Guards

Armed security in NYC isn’t a walk in the park. However, we pride ourselves on our ability to defuse situations before they get out of control, which means actively engaging with the community to reduce the tension that armed security guards can increase.

Staying calm, cool, collected, and friendly maintains peace and reiterates that we’re here for law and order, not to start a fight. So in that sense, if you want us to accompany you on a walk in the park, we’re ready.

You can trust our guards to be friendly, courteous, and non-threatening. We don’t accomplish our goals if we scare away legitimate customers or seem threatening to your family members. It’s the bad guys we don’t mind intimidating. When Sentinel MGI security guards are protecting you or your property, we blend into the background.

Keeping this in mind, we don’t flaunt the fact that we’re armed. Yes, our firearms are at the ready in case we need them, but they’re not holstered in the open to scare people.

If you’re not comfortable having armed guards around, you may want to hire standard security guards, which we do provide. They’re no less well trained and motivated, but there are situations where only armed security guards will do.

Armed Security for Businesses

Preventing theft and violence can often be accomplished simply by having armed security guards present and visible. When a would-be thief sees an attentive security guard, they may reverse their plans. If you believe your business is a target for shoplifters (or worse), armed security guards can take care of this problem.

Executive Protection

If you find yourself, or perhaps you and your family, in need of armed security in NYC, Sentinel MGI is here to protect you. Serving politicians, celebrities, and other high-profile potential targets of terror or attack, armed security guards will allow you to travel where you might otherwise be afraid to go.

We know the city inside and out, so we know the best routes to go and where to escape if the situation goes south.

You can trust our armed guards to be discreet and out of the way. We are present and aware but don’t want to be intrusive. Most of all, we want you to feel like you can live normally as we move to the back of your mind. However, we’re always ready when you need us.

Crowd Control

Perhaps you have an event that needs security, rather than just a person or people who need protection. Sentinel MGI’s armed security guards can ensure the event occurs without a hitch. Whether it’s a concert, a speech, or some other public event, our guards in the right locations can guarantee it stays secure.

Investigation

If you need armed security in NYC, you need more than just muscle; you need brains, too. Our security guards know how to read situations and follow up on leads. If there’s danger ahead, we steer around it.

In other words, our armed security guards are proactive, not just reactive. Our goal is not to take the place of law enforcement, of course, but we wouldn’t be doing our job if we didn’t look into incidents that could help us to better protect you.

Short Term and Long Term Needs

Perhaps you just need armed security in NYC for the weekend. Maybe you need us for months or even years. We don’t go anywhere until the job is done. Whether you need to protect a business, people, or an event, we’re there as long as we’re needed. We can also provide round-the-clock security in shifts if that’s needed.

Stand in the Gap

Protection is our number one priority. We come to work knowing that if the need arises, the people and businesses we protect come first.

When you hire Sentinel MGI to provide armed security in NYC, you’re getting top law enforcement and military-trained individuals who know how to keep others safe. An armed security guard’s presence is supposed to make the situation better, not worse.

Learn More About Sentinel MGI’s Armed Guard Services

If you need armed security in NYC, you need Sentinel MGI. We’re ready to:

  • Protect property
  • Protect people
  • Deter theft and violence
  • Engage in crowd control
  • Investigate and act proactively
  • Patrol
  • Avoid escalation where possible

Everyone wants to go home and see their families, so trust us that we want to defuse potentially deadly situations before they happen. It’s just that we’re ready if they do happen. In addition to armed security guards, we can provide unarmed security guards, bodyguards, fireguards, and employment background screenings.

Call us and talk with us about your security needs. We’ll assess your situation and discuss what the best solution may be. Our team is proud to serve New York City, and we’re proud to serve you.