Top Alternatives to Allied Universal, Securitas and GardaWorld

Top Security Alternatives to Allied, Securitas, & Gardaworld

The U.S. security guard industry is a $30+ billion market and continues to expand as businesses face rising risks—retail theft, workplace violence, supply chain disruptions, and the growing need for event and venue safety. For decades, three companies – Allied Universal, Securitas, and GardaWorld, have dominated this industry, controlling massive market share and brand recognition.

But here’s the question many decision-makers are asking today: Does working with the biggest means you’re getting the best fit?

Clients across industries are finding that the largest security service providers can sometimes fall short. Delayed response times, rigid contracts, and high costs are all common pain points. That’s why an increasing number of businesses are exploring alternatives that balance national capability with local expertise.

This article will walk through current industry trends, why reliable alternatives are needed, the typical challenges of working with the “big three,” and how companies like Citywide Security Company provide a better balance of scale, flexibility, and personalized security guard services.

Security Guard Industry Insights & Trends

The industry is changing quickly, and businesses need to adapt.

✅ Steady growth – Over 1.2 million licensed guards operate in the U.S., with demand rising in logistics, healthcare, retail, and hospitality.

✅ Technology integration – The future is hybrid: AI, CCTV, drones, mobile patrol systems, and remote monitoring working alongside skilled guards.

✅ Labor shortages – Guard turnover can exceed 100% annually, creating service gaps and client frustration.

✅ Local expertise matters – National firms can scale, but local providers deliver faster response times, consistent staffing, and cultural awareness.

✅ Future outlook: The industry is shifting toward hybrid models, deploying technology alongside well-trained guards. Businesses seeking resilience want flexible providers that can adapt quickly to risk and market changes.

Why Businesses Need Reliable Alternatives

Large companies like Allied, Securitas, and GardaWorld offer reach and resources, but their size introduces challenges that many clients encounter:

✅ High Costs – Corporate overhead inflates hourly rates.
✅ Bureaucracy – Even simple staffing changes require slow, layered approvals.
✅ Inconsistent Staffing – Rotating guards result in lost site knowledge and weak coverage.
✅ Standardized Contracts – “One-size-fits-all” models don’t account for unique risks.

👉 Industries Most Impacted:

Healthcare facilities that need consistent, vetted officers
Construction sites requiring flexible schedules
Retail stores battling shrinkage and theft
Logistics hubs protecting valuable cargo

👉 Myth vs Reality

Myth: Bigger firms are always more affordable.
Reality: Overhead costs often make them more expensive than local competitors.
Myth: National providers guarantee reliability.
Reality: Local responsiveness often suffers in favor of corporate uniformity.

Citywide Security Company: National Reach with Local Expertise

So, what does a modern alternative look like? Citywide Security Company delivers the best of both worlds—nationwide reach and local accountability.

✅ National presence in key markets: Houston, Dallas, Fort Worth, Austin, Columbus, Cincinnati, Indianapolis, Louisville, Atlanta, Phoenix, New York, Las Vegas,, Los Angeles, and Jacksonville
✅ Local accountability – Managers and supervisors are based in the same communities as the guards.
✅ Customizable contracts – Flexible terms designed around your specific needs.
✅ Technology integration – Real-time reporting, mobile logs, and supervisor oversight.

Comparison: Big 3 vs. Citywide Security Company

Feature	Allied / Securitas / GardaWorld	Citywide Security Company
Coverage	Nationwide only	✅ Nationwide + Local focus
Cost efficiency	Higher overhead, higher rates	✅ Leaner, flexible pricing
Response time	Slower, bureaucratic approvals	✅ Direct, manager-led
Flexibility	Standardized contracts	✅ Customizable agreements
Staffing	High turnover, rotating officers	✅ Consistent, locally vetted
Client care	Centralized call centers	✅ Local account managers
Tech integration	Standardized tools	✅ Tailored to site needs

What to Expect in Terms of Cost

Pricing varies by region, assignment, and guard type. Here are realistic averages:

✅ National firms: $40–$55 per guard hour (unarmed), higher for armed or specialized posts.
✅ Regional/local firms: $35–$40 per guard hour, with leaner structures and fewer surcharges.
✅ Specialized assignments: Event security, executive protection, or overnight patrols may cost more, but local providers usually deliver better value without inflated overhead.

👉 Pro tip: Always confirm whether uniforms, reporting systems, and supervision are included in the hourly rate—hidden surcharges are common with larger firms.

Testimonials & Case Studies

📊 Case Studies

Case Study 1 – Logistics Hub, Dallas, TX
Challenge: A Fortune 500 logistics company struggled with high guard turnover and delayed incident reporting. Guards were frequently rotated by their previous national provider, leading to unfamiliar officers and gaps in site knowledge.
Solution: Citywide Security Company deployed a dedicated local guard team supported by digital reporting tools. Supervisors received real-time incident logs, ensuring immediate response.
Result:
✅ Guard turnover dropped by 45%
✅ Theft-related losses decreased by 30%
✅ Improved ROI and stronger site consistency

Case Study 2 – Luxury Hotel & Event Venue, Las Vegas, NV
Challenge: A hotel and entertainment venue on the Las Vegas Strip needed reliable, flexible event coverage. Their former provider couldn’t consistently provide additional officers on short notice, especially for conventions and nightlife events.
Solution: Citywide introduced a hybrid staffing plan with a core on-site team plus an on-call roster of vetted officers. Enhanced access control was added at entry points during peak events.
Result:
✅ Access to additional officers within 12 hours’ notice
✅ Guest safety scores significantly improved
✅ Annual contract renewed due to responsiveness

Case Study 3 – Healthcare Network, Columbus, OH
Challenge: A regional healthcare provider was frustrated with guards lacking healthcare-specific training. Officers were unfamiliar with visitor protocols, HIPAA considerations, and patient de-escalation practices.
Solution: Citywide trained and deployed officers with specialized healthcare orientation, including compliance, patient safety, and de-escalation techniques. Local supervisors met weekly with hospital administrators to review service quality.
Result:
✅ Security complaints reduced by 50%
✅ Visitor management became smoother and faster
✅ Expanded coverage across multiple facilities

🗣️ Testimonials

Corporate Office – New York City
“With our old provider, every request went through multiple layers of management. Citywide gave us a local account manager who actually picks up the phone, and their officers have stayed with our site long enough to really understand our building. That consistency makes all the difference.”

Retail Chain – Houston, TX
“We operate 12 stores across Houston and shrinkage was a major issue. Citywide came in with a tailored plan that included store-specific coverage and patrols. Within six months, our loss prevention improved by 22%. They’re big enough to cover us, but small enough to care about every location.”

Event Organizer – Los Angeles, CA
“Running large concerts means safety is everything. Other firms often sent guards who looked disengaged. Citywide’s team was different—professional, proactive, and they even coordinated with LAPD ahead of our shows. The difference was night and day, and we’ll continue working with them.

FAQs

Q: Why are businesses moving away from Allied, Securitas, or GardaWorld?
✅ The most common reasons are rising costs, inconsistent staffing, and slow response times. Many clients feel like “just another account” with larger providers and struggle to get timely adjustments when issues arise. For example, a retail chain in Houston reported waiting weeks to replace a terminated officer, while a logistics facility in Las Vegas faced coverage gaps during peak shipping season because guards were redeployed elsewhere. These delays create serious vulnerabilities, which is why more organizations now prefer local-focused security companies that emphasize responsiveness and accountability.

Q: Can a smaller provider cover multiple states?
✅ Absolutely. Providers like Citywide Security Company operate across multiple U.S. cities with local management teams in each region. This hybrid model gives clients the reach of a national provider with the attentiveness of a local partner. For instance, a company with offices in Houston, Las Vegas, and New York can rely on one partner—Citywide—while still benefiting from supervisors in each city who know the community and the risks.

Q: Which industries benefit most from switching?
✅ Sectors that need specialized or adaptable security see the biggest advantages:

Healthcare facilities require vetted officers who understand compliance and patient safety.
Logistics and warehouses demand flexible staffing to cover overnight shifts and protect valuable cargo.
Retailers need visible deterrence against theft and the ability to scale coverage during busy shopping seasons.
Hospitality venues and events in cities like Las Vegas rely on officers who balance guest service with safety.

Q: How can I transition smoothly from a national firm?
✅ The best approach is to review your current contracts, identify service gaps, and plan a phased transition rather than switching overnight. Citywide typically assigns a local account manager to oversee onboarding, train officers on-site, and implement digital reporting systems so clients see improvements immediately. Many businesses searching for security companies near me choose Citywide because the transition process is handled locally, not by a distant call center.

Q: Are smaller providers licensed and insured?
✅ Yes—reputable firms like Citywide carry full state licensing, bonding, and insurance coverage. Whether you’re hiring in Houston, TX or Las Vegas, NV, clients are protected against liability and fully compliant with state and federal requirements.

Q: How are guards trained and supervised?
✅ Citywide ensures officers complete background checks, state licensing, and site-specific training. Supervisors provide continuous oversight with on-site visits and mobile tracking systems, ensuring guards stay accountable. In high-risk areas like downtown Houston or the Las Vegas Strip, additional protocols such as access control and crowd management are emphasized.

Q: How do I find the right Security Companies Near Me?
✅ Start by checking state licensing, insurance, and client reviews. Look for providers with local offices and supervisors rather than firms that manage accounts from afar. For example, when searching for Houston Security Companies or Las Vegas Security Companies, you’ll often find that Citywide Security Company ranks highly because of its strong local teams backed by a national network. This gives you the peace of mind of a national brand with the flexibility and accountability of a local firm.

Switching Playbook: 5 Questions Before Choosing a Provider

✅ What is the average guard turnover rate?
✅ How fast can staffing changes be made?
✅ Are supervisors locally based?
✅ What’s included in the hourly rate (uniforms, tech, reporting)?
✅ Can coverage be scaled up or down without penalties?

👉 Click here request a downloadable checklist for added value and lead capture.

Conclusion

Allied Universal, Securitas, and GardaWorld dominate the market—but that doesn’t make them the best fit. Businesses that value cost efficiency, accountability, and responsiveness are increasingly turning to Citywide Security Company.

With nationwide coverage and local expertise, Citywide provides protection that balances ✅ coverage, ✅ cost, and ✅ care.

Request a Customized Security Assessment →

This isn’t about switching for the sake of change. It’s about choosing a partner who is aligned with your needs, responsive in your community, and invested in your safety.

Other Useful Resources

For additional guidance and to better understand the security landscape, explore these resources on our website:

These articles provide in-depth insights and practical tips to help you make informed decisions about your security needs. Whether you’re local to Houston or Indianapolis, or looking for general advice on selecting a security provider, these resources are tailored to help guide your choices and improve your security strategy.