Security in New York can involve controlling access to a Manhattan office tower, patrolling a Long Island residential community or protecting a university, hospital, warehouse or public event. The right company must provide more than uniformed guards. Strong supervision, incident reporting, emergency planning and properly licensed personnel are equally important.
The following companies were selected for their verified New York operations, physical-security services, specialist capabilities and clearly published office locations. Let’s check out our top picks.
1. Allied Universal
Allied Universal provides one of the broadest combinations of security personnel, technology and specialist protection services available in New York. Its services include security guards, armed officers, vehicle and bicycle patrols, visitor management, weapons screening and concierge security.
For organisations with higher risk levels, Allied Universal also offers executive protection, K9 security, investigations, emergency response and vulnerability assessments. Its technology division provides video surveillance, access control, intrusion detection, identity management and remote security operations.
The company works across commercial real estate, healthcare, education, financial services, manufacturing, retail, residential properties, transportation and entertainment venues. It maintains several New York offices, including locations in Manhattan, Melville, Rochester, Syracuse and White Plains.
Why Allied Universal is included: Its ability to combine guarding, security technology, executive protection and event services makes it suitable for large or complex organisations.
- New York City office: 501 Seventh Avenue, 6th Floor, New York, NY 10018
- Official website: https://www.aus.com/
2. Securitas USA
Securitas provides customised security services for small businesses, major corporations and specialised facilities. Its on-site services include security guards, visitor management, reception support, event security and unarmed guarding.
The company also offers mobile patrol, emergency response and key-management services. Customers can combine officers with alarm monitoring, remote guarding, video surveillance and access-control systems.
Securitas develops security programmes for industries such as logistics, healthcare, manufacturing and higher education. This industry-based approach can be useful when guards require specific post instructions, emergency procedures or customer-service training.
Why Securitas is included: Its balance of on-site guards, mobile patrol and remote security technology gives businesses several ways to build a customised programme.
- New York City office: 498 Seventh Avenue, Suites 1405 and 1450, New York, NY 10018
- Official website: https://www.securitasinc.com/
3. Arrow Security
Arrow Security is a New York-founded company established in 1985. Its corporate headquarters is in Smithtown, with additional offices in Manhattan, Melville and White Plains.
The company supplies armed and unarmed security officers for property-management firms, schools, universities, hospitals, retailers, shelters, construction sites, government facilities and critical infrastructure.
Arrow also provides protective and investigative services, remote video monitoring and security technology. Its New York State-accredited Arrow Training Academy offers officer education covering workplace violence, emergency situations, security management, traffic control and related topics.
Why Arrow Security is included: Its strong New York base, dedicated training operation and experience across both public and private facilities make it a valuable regional choice.
- Corporate headquarters: 300 West Main Street, Smithtown, NY 11787
- Official website: https://arrowsecurity.com/
4. Doyle Security Services
Doyle Security Services, commonly known as DSS, is a New York-headquartered provider of physical, electronic, investigative and risk-management services. The company marked 20 years of operation in 2025.
Its guarding services include permanent armed and unarmed officers, security patrols, control-room monitoring, emergency response and special-event staffing. DSS also provides fire guards, fire-safety directors, emergency medical technicians and mobile patrols.
Additional capabilities include access-control systems, surveillance cameras, remote monitoring, executive protection, investigations, background screening and security consulting. The company serves financial institutions, universities, hotels, industrial sites, real estate properties, retail centres and entertainment venues.
Why Doyle Security Services is included: Its combination of security officers, fire and life-safety personnel, investigations and electronic systems suits clients seeking one company for several protection needs.
- Corporate headquarters: 371 Merrick Road, Suite 301, Rockville Centre, NY 11570
- Official website: https://doylesecurityservices.com/
5. Century Protective Services
Century Protective Services is headquartered in White Plains and has served New York, Connecticut and New Jersey since 1994. It also lists service coverage in New York City, Albany, Saratoga Springs, Suffern and Scarsdale.
The company provides armed and unarmed security agents, concierge personnel, fire-safety directors, patrol vehicles and command-centre operations. Its specialist services include executive protection, investigations, employee screening and electronic counter-surveillance.
Century also conducts risk assessments and security consulting. Its Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design work examines how building layout, lighting, access points, policies and security systems can be used together to reduce opportunities for crime.
Why Century Protective Services is included: Its focus on customised corporate protection, risk assessment and executive security makes it a strong choice for clients that require close management attention.
- Corporate headquarters: 297 Knollwood Road, Suite 206, White Plains, NY 10607
- Official website: https://www.centuryprotective.com/
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does a private security company need a licence in New York?
A: A company supplying guards or private patrol personnel for payment generally needs a New York Watch, Guard or Patrol Agency licence. The licence is issued by the New York State Department of State and has a two-year term.
Q: How can a business verify a security company?
A: Search the company’s exact legal name through the New York Department of State Licensee Search. The database includes active Watch, Guard and Patrol Agency licences and allows searches by business name or licence number.
Official verification website: https://appext20.dos.ny.gov/lcns_public/chk_load
Q: Are individual security guards also registered?
A: Yes. New York maintains a separate registration system for security guards. The Department of State provides an online registry that employers can use when checking a guard’s status.
Q: What should be included in a security-service proposal?
A: The proposal should identify coverage hours, officer type, supervision, training, uniforms, equipment, relief staffing and emergency procedures. It should also explain overtime rates, holiday charges, incident reporting and responsibility when a scheduled officer is absent.
Q: Should a company hire armed or unarmed guards?
A: The decision should follow a documented risk assessment rather than appearance alone. Offices, residential lobbies and retail locations often use unarmed officers, while sites with higher-value assets or credible threats may require appropriately trained armed personnel.