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Searching for the right security service in a class city like Chicago can be a challenge. How do you know you're choosing the right company for the job? We take the guesswork out of finding expert security services by connecting you with a network of professional security providers.

Whether you need to secure a corporate office in The Loop, protect a luxury condo on the Gold Coast, or manage security for a major convention, we'll help you find the perfect match. Just answer a few quick questions, and start receiving custom quotes from companies in minutes - absolutely free.

Get quotes for any type of Chicago security service


Whatever your security needs, there's a professional on Bark ready to help. Our network includes Chicago-based security companies that provide a wide range of security offerings.
Find security professionals specializing in:

  • Unarmed Security Guards: Find skilled guards, each holding a valid Illinois PERC card, to provide a strong visual deterrence for corporate lobbies, residential buildings, and retail locations.
  • Armed Security Guards: For situations requiring a higher level of protection, we'll connect you with armed guards who hold both a PERC card and a Firearm Control Card (FCC), as required by the state of Illinois. We recommend confirming that your preferred professional is licensed when hiring.
  • Event Security: Ensure your event runs smoothly and safely. Get quotes from experts in event security who handle everything from crowd control to access management.
  • Construction Site Security: Find reliable security officers to protect your valuable equipment and materials from theft and vandalism, 24/7.
  • Personal Protection & Bodyguards: Connect with discreet and professional bodyguards for executive protection, VIPs, and individuals requiring dedicated personal security.

Chicago Security Guard FAQs

When should I consider hiring a security guard in Dallas?

You should consider hiring security for any situation where there is a risk to people, property, or assets. Common scenarios include:

  • Events: Concerts, festivals, private parties, weddings, and corporate functions.
  • Businesses: Retail stores (loss prevention), office buildings (access control), and corporate campuses.
  • Properties: Gated communities, HOAs, construction sites, warehouses, and vacant properties.
  • Personal Protection: High-profile individuals or those facing specific threats (often called Executive Protection).
  • Emergency Cover: Alarm system failures, natural disasters, labor disputes, or temporary threats.

What should I look for in a Chicago security company?

  • State Licensing: The most important factor. Verify the security company holds a Private Security Contractor Agency license from the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR). Additionally, confirm every guard has a valid PERC card, and any armed guard also possesses a Firearm Control Card (FCC).
  • Adequate Insurance: Ask for a certificate of insurance showing their General Liability coverage limits and Workers' Compensation.
  • Experience: Look for a professional with proven experience in the areas you need.
  • 24/7 Dispatch/Operations Center: A professional company will have a round-the-clock contact point for clients and their guards.
  • Reputation: Ask for references and read previous customer reviews on Bark.

How much does it cost to hire a security guard in Chicago?

Costs in Chicago depend on the officer's training, certifications (an FCC-licensed guard costs more), risk level, and location. In the East North Central region, you can generally expect to pay anywhere from $28 to $80 per hour, per guard.

According to Bark data, the average price of a Security Guard in Illinois is $35 per hour.

You can find out more in our guide on security guard pricing.

What are the legal powers of a security guard in Illinois?

A security guard's authority is that of a private citizen, governed by Illinois law. They can perform a "citizen's arrest" under specific circumstances outlined in the state's criminal code. Their primary function is observation and deterrence, not public law enforcement. Their use of force, especially for armed guards, is governed by strict state laws (including use-of-force training required for the FCC) and company policies, and it is almost always limited to self-defense or the defense of others from imminent harm.

What does a security guard do?

The primary role of a security guard is to observe, deter, and report. Their visible presence is a powerful deterrent to criminal activity. They monitor for irregularities and report any incidents to their management and, if necessary, to the Chicago Police Department (CPD) or appropriate local law enforcement.

What is the difference between armed and unarmed guards in Illinois?

This is a critical distinction governed by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR).

  • Unarmed Guards (Non-Commissioned):All security guards in Illinois must first undergo a 20-hour basic training course and pass a state and federal background check to receive a Permanent Employee Registration Card (PERC). This is the baseline license for any security professional.
  • Armed Guards (Commissioned): In addition to having a valid PERC card, armed guards must complete a separate, state-approved firearms training course and receive a Firearm Control Card (FCC), often called a "Tan Card." This authorizes them to carry a firearm while on duty. The decision to use armed guards should always be based on a thorough risk assessment.


Before hiring, please confirm that the security agency has the correct certifications from the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR).

What types of security guard services are there?

  • Static Guarding: A guard is posted at a fixed location, such as a gatehouse, lobby desk, or a specific access point.
  • Mobile Patrols: Guards patrol a larger area (e.g., a business park, shopping center, or residential neighborhood) in a marked vehicle or on foot, performing checks at irregular intervals.
  • Event Security: Staff trained in crowd management, bag checks, access control, and responding to incidents at public or private events.
  • Loss Prevention: Plain-clothed or uniformed guards focused on preventing shoplifting and internal theft in a retail environment.
  • Concierge/Front Desk Security: Security personnel who also perform reception duties, providing a welcoming yet secure presence in corporate or high-end residential buildings.
Reliance Security Services profile image
R

Reliance Security Services

RSS Management Team has Over Forty Years of Experience in Law Enforcement and Security. RSS has developed the following services to our clients, at no cost; No Other Company will provide you with such benefits! Services: Armed, Unarmed Security, Off Duty Police and Taser Armed Officer. Foot, Mobile and Bike Patrols. Retail Loss Prevention: Uniformed & Store Detective – Plain Clothes Executive Protection. Consulting Services include: Security Plans, Physical Security – Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design – CTED. Undercover Operations. 24/7 Camera Monitoring. Superior Insurance: $2 Million Umbrella. $2 Million General Liability. $1 Million Worker’s Comp. $1 Million Auto Insurance. $1 Million Professional Liability – Errors and Omissions. Quality Assurance Division – QAD: QAD is comparable to the Police “Internal Affairs Division”. RSS conducts random, covert/overt site inspections to ensure the highest level of services to our clients. Inspection Reports are provided within 24 hours. Employee Screening: Criminal FBI Background Check. Previous Employment Check. Drug and Alcohol Testing. Superior Credentials – Our Leadership Team holds the highest credentials in the industry: CPP – Certified Protection Professional – ASIS Board Certified. CFE – Certified Fraud Examiner 40 Years of Law Enforcement – Security Experience. NRA – Law Enforcement Instructor Training Academy: Unarmed and Armed Training. CPR and First Aid. Customer Services. Fire Safety and Prevention. CCTV and Alarm Systems. Report Writing. Professional Demeanor. Computer Skills. Handcuffing and Baton. Criminal Law and Procedure. Safety Procedures. Required Specialized Training.

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Hear from
a professional

What do you love most about your job?

Reliance slogan is "Protection of People, Property and Assets". This is what we like about our job, Protect, Serve and Provide Exceptional Customer Service.

What inspired you to start your own business?

Wanted to be Police Officer when I was young. But learned that the Police Job is Reactive. Call Police when the crime is committed.
But the entire essence of Security Job is be proactive.
Observe, Prevent, Report and Take Corrective Actions.
Thus Security Job highly important.
The Opportunity to Protect and Serve. Security is a business of protecting People, Property and Assets.

Why should our clients choose you?

Superior Insurance: RSS exceed all State required $1 Million only; we provide the following:
 $2 Million Umbrella.
 $2 Million General Liability.
 $1 Million Worker’s Comp.
 $1 Million Auto Insurance.
Quality Assurance Division – QAD: This Department is comparable to the Police “Internal Affairs Division”. RSS conducts random, covert/overt site inspections to ensure the highest level of services to our clients. Inspection Reports are provided within 24 hours.
Employee Screening: We conducts following:
 Criminal FBI Background Check.
 Previous Employment.
 Drug and Alcohol Testing.
Reporting Procedures: Our reports are generated electronically.
Supervision: We provide 24/7/365 Field Supervision.
Employee Screening: We conduct the following:
 Criminal FBI Background Check.
 Previous Employment.
 Drug and Alcohol Testing.
 Client involvement and recommendations.
 Proof of legal right to work.
 Orientation testing and evaluation sessions.
 Physiological examination and testing
Client Privileges: We provide our clients with extra benefits:
 Customer satisfaction is our priority.
 Client’s right to reject.
 Client can choose type of uniform, color, equipment used by officer, hardcore, softcore or suit and tie.
 Custom Patches
 Observe and Report or Corrective Action Required.
 Level of Officers / Training required.
Superior Credentials - Experience: Our Leadership Team holds the highest credentials in the industry:
 CPP – Certified Protection Professional – ASIS Board Certified.
 CFE – Certified Fraud Examiner
 40 Years of Law Enforcement - Security Experience.
 NRA – Law Enforcement Instructor
Superior Operations: We use “ShiftPlanning” Scheduling Software, with GPS tracking. Rates: We offer reasonable - negotiable rates. Rates are determined by Levels of Security desired. The job requires Observe and Report or Take Corrective Action.
Our Services: RSS Residential Security Services include:
 High-Level Concierge, Lobby Security / Receptionists, Doormen, Foot and Mobile Patrols.
 Conducting Preventive Patrols – Foot, Mobile and Bike. Armed, Unarmed Security, Off Duty Police and Tazer Armed Officer.
Residential Security Training: RSS employees receive following Training:
 Site Specific Security Training.
 Access Control System.
 Fire Safety and Prevention.
 CCTV and Alarm Systems.
 Customer services.
 Emergency Situations Handling.
 Package and Deliveries.
 Unarmed and Armed Training.
 CPR and First Aid.
 Report Writing.
 Professional Demeanor.
 Computer Skills.
 Safety Procedures.
 Required Specialized Training.
 Active Shooter Preparedness and Prevention Training.
Mobile Units: All Mobile Units are equipped with GPS Tracking, decaled, lights and sirens
Policy and Procedures: At no cost to our clients, Site Specific Policies, Procedures and Safety Program are designed.

What changes have you made to keep your customers safe from Covid-19?

RSS follows CDC Guidelines. All Employees are tested and physically fit with any prior health conditions.

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Reviews

4.76/5.00

based on 354 reviews

The average rating for Bark Security Guard Services in Chicago is 4.76, based on 354 reviews.

Get quotes from Security Guard Services in Chicago