In this year's report, security executives and guarding companies identify trends in security guarding throughout 2023, from emerging robotics to training strategies.

Security executives and guarding providers discuss the state of security guarding, including hiring, retention and new technology, such as robots & artificial intelligence.

The continued pandemic, labor shortages, a shift in the hybrid and remote workforce, and other factors have led to an increased threat landscape, hiring challenges and changing roles for security officers. Security leaders across many sectors share industry knowledge on how to adapt to these shifts, including interdepartmental communication, continued training efforts and more.

Typically, guarding companies are focused on threats like active shooter, potential terrorism and natural disasters. Though those concerns remained in 2020, security officers and guarding companies have weathered the COVID-19 pandemic, an economic shutdown, social and civil unrest, and an election. How did these concerns impact the guarding world?

Corporations, universities and other institutions have faced the question of whether to outsource or not to outsource for decades when it comes to physical security and more recently on the cybersecurity side. What is the correct answer to this question?

Traditional guarding is getting shaken up by new skills, services and technology. How are guarding firms and security officers shifting their priorities and offerings to keep pace and continue to add value to enterprises and security departments? It’s time to go beyond basic patrol, observe and report functions.

Consolidation, technology, training and partnerships are among the watchwords for security officer firms and their clients as the calendar turns toward 2017.

What are the top security guard companies in the industry this year? In our 14th annual listing, we outline the security officer and personnel companies that are the largest in the U.S.

13th Annual Top Guarding Firms Listing