Sandra LawsA friend of mine once organized a small, private event for game streamers and enthusiasts. He thought that a couple of volunteers at the entrance would be enough to keep things in order.
At first, everything was totally cool—until random, uninvited guests started walking in. Not only did the parking get messy, but there were also heated arguments around the area that turned physical.
The volunteers tried handling it themselves. However, they quickly realized that stepping in without proper training only escalated tensions and stressed everyone out.
My friend admits he should’ve hired a professional security company in San Diego instead—and he did so on his next event. So when it was my turn to hold one, I asked him for reliable recommendations. Here’s our shortlist if you need some peace of mind.
How much do security companies charge in San Diego?
Security companies in San Diego typically charge between $25 and $60+ per hour, depending on the time or shift, location, event, experience level, and company overhead.
1. Eagles Point Security
Address: 4550 Kearny Villa Rd STE 116
Contact Details:
- +1 844 600 0400
- [email protected]
Business Hours:
- Open 24/7
Eagles Point Security equips guards with real-time GPS tracking on personal devices and vehicles for constant location monitoring, which I feel many rivals skip.
Established in 2011, they have operated for over 14 years as a sole proprietorship, serving San Diego businesses, residential areas, and events.
They are led by CEO Adam A. Ibrahim, who holds a Bachelor’s degree in Education from Ain Shams University in 2001. He also has a Master’s in business management, marketing, and related support services from the International Business Education Alliance in 2005.
Additionally, it’s reassuring that their team conducts strict pre-employment background checks beyond law-enforcement standards. They use advanced vehicles plus security systems too.
Service-wise, they cover armed and unarmed security guards, crowd control, and remote video monitoring from an operations center.
And while their specific pricing isn’t publicly listed, they typically charge $25 to $50 per hour for guards, based on armed status and site needs. That’s pretty aligned with city standards for similar patrols and monitoring.
But while their GPS tracking looks pretty solid, there are no mentions of AI cameras or app-based client portals. I feel they lag behind other firms offering real-life dashboards.
PROS
- Over a decade of experience
- Real-time GPS tracking for guards and patrol vehicles
- Known for thorough background checks
- Offers competitive, city-aligned hourly rates
CONS
- Limited tech depth
- Reported issue with an unanswered call
Professional, reliable, and always respectful
“I highly recommend this security company to all workers. They are professional, reliable, and always respectful. Their team responds quickly, handles every situation with care, and provides excellent service. Working with them gives you peace of mind and confidence. Truly one of the best security companies to deal with.”
-Yasen Hamed, Google Review
Super professional and impressive at their job
“We are using Eagles point security for the past 1-2 years. Yassein is super professional and impressive at his job. He is always on top of his game and is always communicating with management about what is being observed and how he took care of it. A huge burden has been lifted off our management shoulders. Thank you so so much Yassein. I wish nothing but the best for you!! 💙”
-Nelson Amaral, Google Review
2. IGuard Security Services
Address: 8996 Miramar Rd STE303
Contact Details:
- +1 619 343 3189
- [email protected]
Business Hours:
- Open 24/7
IGuard Security Services places a high priority on smart, efficient operations through full-solution security, including custom assessments and loss prevention (to deter retail theft).
Operating since around 2018, they serve Southern California, focusing on events and businesses. They stand strongest in event flexibility (such as San Diego Comic-Con crowds) and in armed/unarmed options, with recent growth into residential patrols.
Since they are skilled in mobile patrols and traffic control, I believe their services are useful for many gatherings, such as graduations and corporate events.
A few people I spoke with praised their reasonable rates, which fit San Diego’s norms of $25 to $50 per hour. These fees can even be more affordable than premium firms for similar coverage—already covers trained personnel, assessments, and extras like vehicle escorts.
The only thing they need to improve on is their lack of backup dispatch systems. For me, they still risk service gaps during high-demand periods or emergencies.
PROS
- Offers custom security assessments
- Flexible armed and unarmed coverage
- Charges competitive hourly rates
- With comprehensive packages
CONS
- Lacks backup dispatch systems
Responsive, reliable, and friendly
“We had a great experience with I Guard! Responsive, reliable, and friendly. Highly reccomend!”
-Kelcie Parra, Google Review
The best when it comes to hiring security for your business
“iGuard Security services is THE best when it comes to hiring security for your business.. my dad owns a food truck business and needed to hire a high quality security company to keep an eye out on the trucks when we park them at night. iGuard Security was top notch, affordable and their guards are very professional!!! I would recommend them to any business.”
-Fady Faltaous, Google Review
3. ASAP Security Guards
Address: 9815 Carroll Canyon Rd #208
Contact Details:
- +1 833 272 7247
- [email protected]
Business Hours:
- Open 24/7
ASAP Security Guards offers ex-military-led management for disciplined patrols and daily texted reports with timestamps. Having been in the game since around 2016, they have grown to serve San Diego and federal contacts.
I also love that their accessibility extends to providing 24/7 coverage and same-day staffing for urgent needs. On top of that, they are highly skilled in responsive Homeowners Association (HOA), resort, and event coverage, offering affordable quotes.
For me, this seems comprehensive enough as the rates already include guards (armed and unarmed), mobile patrols, construction site protection, and more.
But there are a few potential issues you will need to discuss with them, though. For one, there are non-English-speaking guards here who might not be ideal for some events.
Also, a client I chatted with mentioned a time when the team was inconsistent with uniforms. This could be a problem if you value high security visibility.
PROS
- Ex-military leadership with disciplined operations
- Daily timestamped text reports
- 24/7 coverage with same-day staffing available
- Provides affordable, all-in-one pricing
CONS
- Limited English proficiency of some guards
- Complaint about the inconsistency with uniforms
Professional, attentive, and communicative
“I had a great experience with this company! The team was professional, attentive, and communicative. Their team was reliable and well-trained and their reliable presence helped us feel safe. They handle their work seriously and efficiently. I HIGHLY recommend this company and their services!”
-Azalea Castro, Google Review
Very responsive and super helpful
“great company to work with, very responsive, they have 24/7 human dispatch which is super helpful, other companies they don’t answer their phones, also, they have security academy to train their officers properly, which is a huge plus.”
-Michael Amin, Google Review
4. B.A.M. Security Group Inc
Address: 5755 Oberlin Dr. #215, WaterGarden Business Center
Contact Details:
- +1 858 205 0097
- [email protected]
Business Hours:
- Mon-Fri: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Sat-Sun: Closed
B.A.M. Security Group Inc stresses licensed guards, customized plans, and real-time reporting. This involves VIP protection and mobile patrols that I think smaller rivals often bundle less flexibly.
They have been in business since around 2020 and are known for their effective crowd control and commercial access management.
You wouldn’t see their rates online, but a former client shared with me that average San Diego fees apply to this company’s guard and event services.
The rates already include customized plans, 24/7 real-time reports, and licensed personnel, which I believe makes them extensive enough.
But though they promote BSIS (Bureau of Security and Investigative Services) licensing heavily, some believe this is merely California’s entry-level requirement. In my view, they still lack proof of advanced skills, such as ex-military leadership or specialized fire-watch training, as competitors do.
Of course, I reckon this agency can be a good option if you only need security for straightforward jobs, such as retail access control or small events.
PROS
- Custom security plans with real-time reporting
- Licensed guards with BSIS compliance
- Strong crowd control and access management
- Flexible services, including VIP protection
- Standard, market-aligned pricing
CONS
- Limited advanced or specialized training unlike some rivals
Outstanding customer service
“This is a great security company. Outstanding customer service and great results. I had hired them for one week and they did an amazing job. I would strongly recommended this for anyone looking. Jose was a great guard. Overall experience five stars.”
-Lillian Lord, Google Review
Extremely reliable and professional company
“B.A.M. Security Group Inc is an extremely reliable and professional company. Their team communicates clearly, responds quickly, and delivers excellent results. We feel much better knowing they’re handling our security needs. Highly recommend!”
-Gary Zamperelli, Google Review
5. Kingdom Security Services
Address: 4974 El Cajon Blvd, Suite G
Contact Details:
- +1 619 265 7000
- [email protected]
Business Hours:
- Mon-Fri: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Sat-Sun: Closed
Kingdom Security Services is a one-stop hub that conveniently combines on-site armed and unarmed guards with Live Scan fingerprinting.
I believe this is pretty unique for new hires who need a quick Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS) registration, along with patrols, unlike other pure guard firms.
Established in 2001, with 25 years of service in San Diego, they are known for construction, high-rise security, and veteran-owned operations. I like that the team has expanded to include event and mobile patrols to better meet client needs as well.
If interested, their live scan costs $40, which aligns with city standards. The company’s guard rates aren’t listed, but I heard from former clients that they match San Diego norms—neither cheap nor premium.
Just remember that their live scan runs on a cash-only policy here, which can be a hassle for those who prefer online or credit card transactions.
This small admin-focused operation was likely designed to skip card processing. This avoids merchant fees of 2 to 3% per transaction and ensures instant payments.
PROS
- One-stop service with guards and live scan
- Veteran-owned with long local experience
- Strong focus on construction and high-rise security
- Expanded services to events and mobile patrols
- Pricing matches city standards
CONS
- Live scan is cash-only
- Small operation with basic admin systems
Simple, easy, fast process
“Choosing Kingdom Security was the best decision I have made in a while. I went there to get my guard card, and the staff were absolutely amazing. Simple, easy, fast process. Also, they went above and beyond to make sure that you not only understand the material, but also what it looks like real life by providing examples/scenarios.”
-Ramy, Google Review
Went above and beyond
“Went here for finger prints and the service was amazing. Ali was awesome and went above and beyond.”
-Twan Sia, Google Review
