
| Armed Security Guards | Unarmed Security Guards | |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Function | High deterrence + immediate threat response | Visible deterrence + access control + incident reporting |
| Best Environments | Government facilities, critical infrastructure, executive protection, high-value assets, documented-threat locations | Corporate offices, retail, residential communities, healthcare, events, construction sites |
| Threat Level | Medium-high to high — specific, documented, or elevated risk | Low to medium — deterrence and professional presence primary goals |
| Licensing Required | Security officer license + firearms qualification (DC/VA/MD) | Security officer license (DC/VA/MD) |
| Officer Appearance | Uniformed or plainclothes; weapon visible or concealed | Uniformed or plainclothes; no visible weapon |
| DC/VA/MD Compliant | ✓ Yes — Véllon Group | ✓ Yes — Véllon Group |
| Risk Assessment Recommended | ✓ Always — required for proper deployment | ✓ Always — prevents under-protection |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between armed and unarmed security guards?
Armed security guards carry a licensed firearm and are deployed in higher-threat environments government facilities, critical infrastructure, executive protection, and locations with documented security risks. Unarmed guards provide a professional visible deterrent ideal for corporate lobbies, retail environments, residential communities, and access control. Véllon Group provides both and recommends the right level based on a formal risk assessment never on what’s easier to sell.
Are Véllon Group’s security guards licensed in Virginia, DC, and Maryland?
Yes. Véllon Group holds Virginia DCJS license number 11-21910 and maintains full compliance with security licensing requirements across all three jurisdictions Virginia (DCJS), Washington DC (SOMB), and Maryland. Every security officer deployed is individually licensed and certified in the jurisdiction where they operate.
Do I need a risk assessment before hiring security guards?
Strongly recommended and included in every Véllon engagement. A risk assessment identifies your specific threats, physical vulnerabilities, and operational exposure before any personnel are deployed. Without it, you risk either overpaying for unnecessary protection or being under-protected against your real vulnerabilities. We include a risk assessment as the first step of every client engagement, not as an upsell.
Does Véllon Group offer plainclothes (non-uniformed) security guards?
Yes. Plainclothes officers are available for environments where a visible security presence is counterproductive retail loss prevention, corporate settings requiring discretion, and protective assignments where uniformed officers conflict with the environment. Our plainclothes officers maintain the same licensing, training, and professional standards as uniformed personnel.
What industries does Véllon Group provide security guards for?
Véllon Group provides armed and unarmed security for government agencies, corporate headquarters, embassies, critical infrastructure and utilities, event venues, healthcare facilities, construction sites, retail environments, and residential communities across Washington DC, Northern Virginia, and Maryland.
How quickly can Véllon Group deploy security guards?
Véllon Group handles both planned and urgent security deployments across the DC-Virginia-Maryland region. Contact us directly to discuss your timeline and specific requirements we will give you an honest assessment of deployment availability for your location, not a promise we can’t keep.
