Licensed & Insured Security Company for New Hampshire Businesses

Security Guard Services in New Hampshire

Businesses, property managers, and event organizers across New Hampshire trust AVERO Security for reliable, licensed security guard services. Since 2017, our Manchester-based team has provided armed and unarmed security guards, mobile patrol, event security, executive protection, and emergency fire watch to commercial clients throughout southern and central NH. Whether you need a single guard for a one-night event or ongoing coverage for a commercial facility, AVERO provides straightforward security solutions without unnecessary upsells or long-term contract pressure. Contact our team today for a free site assessment and same-week deployment.

What does a security company do?

A security company provides trained personnel and services to protect people, property, and assets. This includes stationary guards at facilities, mobile patrol officers who conduct regular checks across properties, event security for crowds and venues, executive protection for high-profile individuals, and specialized services like fire watch. Security companies work with businesses, property managers, event organizers, and government facilities to assess risk and deploy the right coverage.

How does a security company work?

You contact the company, describe your property or situation, and they conduct an assessment — either on-site or remotely. Based on that assessment they recommend a guard count, schedule, and service type. Once you agree on terms, guards are deployed on your schedule. You receive incident reports after each shift documenting anything that occurred during coverage.

How much does a security guard cost per hour?

Security guard rates vary depending on whether the guard is armed or unarmed, the location, hours of coverage, and contract length. In New Hampshire, unarmed guards typically range from $18 to $28 per hour. Armed guards run higher, typically $25 to $40 per hour. These are market estimates — actual rates depend on your specific requirements. Use the pricing calculator above for an instant estimate.

How much does it cost to hire security in New Hampshire?

For a single unarmed guard on a standard commercial property in New Hampshire, most businesses budget between $1,500 and $4,000 per month depending on hours and coverage requirements. Event security is typically priced per guard per shift. Use AVERO's pricing calculator above to get an instant estimate based on your specific needs.

What is the difference between armed and unarmed security guards?

Armed security guards are licensed to carry a firearm and are deployed in situations where the risk level warrants a stronger deterrent — high-value assets, cash handling, or environments with elevated threat levels. Unarmed guards provide a professional security presence without a firearm — suitable for most commercial properties, office buildings, retail locations, and events. Both are licensed through the NH State Police.

Do I need armed or unarmed security for my business?

Most commercial businesses, office buildings, and retail locations are well served by unarmed security. Armed guards are typically recommended when there is a specific threat history, high-value inventory or cash on premises, or when the environment requires a stronger visible deterrent. If you are unsure, AVERO will assess your property and make an honest recommendation.

How many security guards do I need for an event?

A general industry guideline is one guard per 100 attendees for low-risk events, and one guard per 50 attendees for events involving alcohol, large crowds, or higher risk environments. A 500-person corporate event would typically require 5 to 10 guards depending on venue layout, entry points, and event type. AVERO provides free event security assessments to give you an accurate recommendation.

What is mobile patrol security?

Mobile patrol is a service where a security officer conducts scheduled or randomized drive-by checks of your property in a marked patrol vehicle. Rather than stationary coverage, the officer moves between multiple checkpoints — parking lots, building perimeters, entry points — documenting each visit with a report. It is a cost-effective alternative to full-time stationary guards for properties that need regular monitoring without continuous on-site presence.

What is fire watch and when do I need it?

Fire watch is a service where a trained officer monitors a property for fire hazards when the building's fire suppression or detection system is temporarily offline or impaired. It is required by NFPA 101 life safety code whenever a fire alarm or sprinkler system is out of service for more than 4 hours in a 24-hour period. Construction sites, buildings undergoing renovations, and facilities with system malfunctions commonly require fire watch. AVERO provides rapid deployment fire watch coverage across New Hampshire.

Can security guards carry guns in New Hampshire?

Yes. In New Hampshire, security guards may carry firearms if they hold a valid armed security guard license issued by the NH State Police. This requires passing a background check, completing firearms training, and maintaining current certification. All AVERO armed security personnel hold valid NH armed security licenses.

What is a security guard not allowed to do?

Security guards in New Hampshire are not law enforcement officers. They cannot make arrests beyond a citizen's arrest in limited circumstances, cannot conduct searches without consent, cannot impersonate police officers, and cannot use force beyond what is reasonably necessary to protect themselves or others. Their authority is primarily to observe, report, and deter — not to enforce the law.

Can a security guard detain or handcuff someone?

In New Hampshire, a security guard can detain someone under citizen's arrest powers if they directly witness a crime being committed. This is a narrow legal standard. Handcuffing is rarely used and only justified when there is an immediate safety threat. Security guards are trained to contact law enforcement rather than attempt detentions in most situations.

Can a security guard lay hands on you?

A security guard may use reasonable physical force only in specific circumstances — to defend themselves, to defend another person from imminent harm, or to prevent someone from causing serious damage to property under specific legal conditions. They cannot use force simply to remove someone from a property — verbal direction and contacting law enforcement is the proper procedure.

Can a bodyguard touch you?

An executive protection officer — commonly called a bodyguard — may use physical force to shield or move their client away from a threat, and may use reasonable defensive force if their client is in imminent danger. They are not authorized to be aggressive or use force pre-emptively. Their role is protective, not offensive.

What makes a good security guard?

When evaluating a security company, look for properly licensed personnel, documented training records, clear incident reporting procedures, reliable scheduling with no-show guarantees, and transparent pricing. A good security guard is observant, professional in appearance, calm under pressure, and knows when to call law enforcement rather than escalate a situation independently.

How do I switch security companies?

Start by reviewing your current contract for termination clauses and notice requirements — most require 30 days written notice. Once notice is given, contact your new provider to begin the transition. A professional security company will coordinate the transition so there is no gap in coverage. AVERO handles transitions regularly and will work around your current contract timeline.

How quickly can security guards be deployed?

For standard commercial contracts, AVERO can typically deploy within 3 to 5 business days after agreement on terms. For emergency situations — fire watch, last-minute event security, or urgent coverage needs — same-day or next-day deployment is available depending on location and staffing availability.

What is security consulting?

Security consulting is a professional service where a licensed security expert evaluates your property, existing security measures, and operational policies to identify vulnerabilities and recommend improvements. Unlike hiring a security guard company to provide personnel, a security consultant focuses on assessment and strategy — analyzing what your facility needs and providing a formal written plan to address gaps before they become incidents.

What does a security site assessment include?

AVERO's security site assessments cover a full evaluation of your property and existing security posture. This includes entry and exit point analysis, perimeter vulnerabilities, lighting adequacy, camera coverage gaps, access control weaknesses, existing guard post effectiveness, and a review of current security policies and procedures. At the end of the assessment you receive a formal written security plan with specific recommendations tailored to your facility.

When does a business need a security consultant?

A security consultant is valuable when you are opening a new facility and need to build a security plan from scratch, when you have experienced theft, incidents, or breaches and need an independent assessment of what went wrong, when you are inheriting an existing security setup and want to know if it is adequate, when you need a formal security plan document for insurance, permitting, or compliance purposes, or when you want an objective second opinion before signing a new security contract.

How does AVERO's security consulting process work?

The process begins with an initial consultation to understand your facility, current security setup, and specific concerns. AVERO then conducts a thorough on-site assessment — typically completed within one to two weeks — evaluating all physical security elements and existing policies. You receive a formal written security plan outlining findings and prioritized recommendations. Consulting engagements are priced as a flat fee assessed before work begins based on the scope and size of your facility. Contact AVERO to discuss your property and receive a consulting quote.