Top 10 Security Guard Companies in Los Angeles in 2026
For businesses looking for a Los Angeles licensed security company with local operations and the ability to scale, American Global Security stands out with a Los Angeles office, California BSIS licensing, 24/7 dispatch and operations, and coverage extending across multiple states. AGS provides armed and unarmed guards, mobile patrols, fire watch, event security, access control, parking enforcement, and remote surveillance monitoring, allowing businesses to build security around the property.
For larger enterprise security programs, Allied Universal brings extensive national and international resources, while Securitas combines on-site guarding with mobile security, monitoring, and global security capabilities.
Top Security Guard Companies in Los Angeles – 2026 Comparison
Here is a quick comparison of top 10 security guards serving Los Angeles in 2026 and their coverage along with their focus on security programs.
- Services: Licensed Los Angeles security guard company providing armed and unarmed guards, mobile patrols, fire watch, event security, parking enforcement, remote monitoring
- Coverage: Los Angeles, California and multiple states
- Established: 1997
Allied Universal
- Services: Security guards, technology, monitoring and access control
- Coverage: Global
- Established: 1957
Securitas
- Services: On-site guards, mobile security and remote monitoring
- Coverage: Global
- Established: 1934
GardaWorld Security
- Services: Security guards, mobile patrols,and monitoring
- Coverage: Global
- Established: 1995
Direct Guard Services
- Services: Security guards, patrol services, surveillance support
- Coverage: California
- Established: 2010
OnGuard Security Services
- Services: On-site security guards and related security coverage
- Coverage: California
- Established: 2008
Guardian Integrated Security
- Services: Security guards and alarm-related security services
- Coverage: Greater LA area
- 20+ years in the market
Security Guard Pros
- Services: Security guards and patrol services
- Coverage: Southern California
Apollo Protection Agency
- Services: Commercial security services
- Coverage: Westside/Culver City
- Established: 2007
American Guard Services
- Services: Security guard services and specialized protection
- Coverage: California and additional markets
- Established: 1997
1. American Global Security
Known for: Los Angeles businesses that want local guard coverage with 24/7 multiple security services and the ability to scale to additional locations.
American Global Security provides security guard services in Los Angeles for businesses, commercial properties, construction sites, warehouses, residential communities, healthcare facilities, retail properties, corporate offices, industrial facilities, schools, government properties, and other environments.
AGS maintains a Los Angeles office at 835 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 525, Los Angeles, CA 90017, giving businesses access to a security provider with an established presence in the city. AGS lists California security license #120021.
A major part of the AGS approach is building coverage around the property. It supports these assignments with 24/7 security operations and can combine guards, patrols, access control, overnight coverage, and incident response based on the property.
2. Allied Universal
Known for: Large corporations and enterprise portfolios requiring extensive staffing and integrated security resources.
Allied Universal is one of the largest security companies operating globally and serves organizations ranging from individual commercial properties to major enterprise accounts.Its security capabilities include on-site guards, patrol services, access control, monitoring, security technology, event services, and integrated security programs.
3. Securitas
Known for: Multinational organizations looking to combine guard services with broader monitoring and security technology.
Securitas provides on-site security, mobile guarding, electronic security, remote monitoring, and other security solutions.Its international footprint also allows it to support companies operating properties in different countries.
4. GardaWorld Security
Known for: Businesses looking for guarding and patrol capabilities backed by a large international security organization.
GardaWorld provides security guard and patrol services throughout Los Angeles. Available solutions include security guards, mobile patrols, concierge security, monitoring, and customized commercial security programs. The company serves organizations that need a combination of physical security personnel and broader security resources.
5. Direct Guard Services
Known for: Businesses looking specifically for guard and patrol coverage from a California security provider.
Direct Guard Services provides security guard services in Los Angeles and other California markets.Its offerings include security guards, patrol services, surveillance support, tracking, and security reporting. Its California-focused operation makes it another provider businesses may encounter when comparing local and regional Los Angeles security companies.
6. OnGuard Security Services
Known for: Southern California properties looking for locally concentrated security guard coverage.
OnGuard Security Services in Southern California focus may be relevant for properties requiring on-site guards, multiple security posts, event staffing, or additional personnel during high-traffic periods. For larger assignments, businesses should confirm the number of guards available, supervisor coverage, replacement staffing procedures, and how security posts are monitored.
7. Guardian Integrated Security
Known for: Los Angeles properties interested in coordinating guard and alarm-related services.
Guardian Integrated Security combines security guard services with alarm-related capabilities. This can be relevant for businesses interested in coordinating physical security and alarm services through fewer providers. When considering this type of service, businesses should compare alarm response procedures, guard coverage, after-hours support, reporting, and supervision.
8. Security Guard Pros
Known for: Businesses with properties across several Southern California markets.
Security Guard Pros provides security services across Los Angeles and several other Southern California markets. Businesses with multiple Southern California properties can consider whether regional coverage would make security management and reporting easier across locations.
9. Apollo Protection Agency
Known for: Westside businesses and properties looking for locally based commercial or concierge-style security.
Apollo Protection Agency’s location places it close to commercial properties, offices, media businesses, and other organizations throughout Culver City and the Westside. For businesses looking specifically for a Los Angeles security company, proximity to supervisors and replacement personnel can be an important consideration.
10. American Guard Services
Known for: Transportation-related and restricted-access properties with specialized security requirements.
American Guard Services is a California security provider with experience in commercial and transportation-related security environments. Organizations associated with airports, ports, transportation facilities, and controlled-access properties may therefore place additional value on relevant industry experience.
How Much Do Security Guards Cost in Los Angeles in 2026?
With starting rates typically around $20 – $21 per hour, the cost of hiring security guards in Los Angeles can vary depending on the type of assignment, level of coverage, and specific security requirements. Security service pricing may include recruiting, training, supervision, payroll expenses, insurance, uniforms, scheduling, replacement staffing, administration, patrol vehicles, and other operational costs. For this reason, businesses comparing security guard prices in Los Angeles should consider the full scope of services included in each proposal rather than comparing hourly rates alone.
Security Guard Service Needs and Requirements in Los Angeles in 2026
Businesses hiring security guards in Los Angeles in 2026 should focus on licensed personnel, appropriate coverage, and security services that match the property.
- BSIS-licensed security guards: Look the number up at search.dca.ca.gov California guards must meet BSIS registration, background-check, and training requirements. Guards also have ongoing annual training requirements.
- Armed and unarmed security guards: Choose coverage based on the property's risk level, responsibilities, and operating environment. Armed guards require additional BSIS firearms permits.
- 24/7 security coverage: Construction sites, warehouses, residential communities, healthcare facilities, industrial properties, and commercial locations may require overnight or continuous guard coverage.
- Mobile patrol services: Vehicle and foot patrols can extend coverage across parking lots, perimeters, construction sites, warehouses, and large commercial properties.
- Access control and security reporting: Guard services should support controlled entry, visitor management, documented patrols, incident reporting, and supervisor oversight.
The right Los Angeles security guard service should match the property's hours, access points, industry, risk level, and after-hours security needs.
Find a Security Guard Company in Los Angeles
After comparing the top 10 security guard companies in Los Angeles, the next step is finding a provider that matches your property, location, hours, and security needs.
If you need a licensed security guard company in Los Angeles or nearby areas, you can compare available security guard services, request a security quote, or visit the Los Angeles office at 835 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 525 for more information.
Need security guards in Los Angeles? Get a free quote or security consultation — available 24/7.
Call: (877) 482-7343
Frequently Asked Questions About Security Guard Companies in Los Angeles
Top 10 security guard companies serving the Los Angeles security market include American Global Security, Allied Universal, Securitas, GardaWorld Security, Direct Guard Services, OnGuard Security Services, Guardian Integrated Security, Security Guard Pros, Apollo Protection Agency, and American Guard Services.
For standard, non-emergency requests, most firms prefer to calculate their own timing to build a customized security plan and assign the right personnel. However, if your business suffers a sudden break-in, a broken storefront window, or a sudden equipment failure, premier companies with a dedicated Los Angeles office and 24/7 emergency dispatch can frequently deploy emergency backup guards to your site within a few hours.
A fire watch is a physical safety patrol required by the LAFD (Los Angeles Fire Department) when a building's automatic fire sprinkler or alarm system is broken, undergoing maintenance, or powered down. In these situations, property owners must legally deploy 24/7 certified fire watch services to constantly patrol the premises, look for early signs of smoke or fire, maintain a written safety log, and alert emergency services if a hazard breaks out.
Any company offering protection services in LA must hold an active Private Patrol Operator (PPO) license issued by the California Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS). For example, local firms like American Global Security hold California security license #120021 to operate legally. Never hire an agency that cannot instantly provide their PPO license number, as using an unlicensed firm exposes your business to massive legal liabilities and compliance fines.
In 2026, security guard rates in California vary based on risk levels, location, and the guard's experience. Short-notice requests, holiday shifts, and specialized event security will also command premium pricing.