Both put SIA-licensed officers on your site — but in very different ways, and at very different price points. Choose static manned guarding when a constant on-site presence is essential; choose mobile patrols when you need visible deterrence and checks without paying for someone to be there every hour. Often the smartest answer is a blend of the two.
Here’s how security guarding breaks down, so you can match the cover to your actual risk and budget.
Manned (static) guarding
A dedicated officer, or team, physically stationed at your site for set hours — often on reception, at a gate, or patrolling internally.
Best when you need:
- Constant presence — access control, reception, high-value or high-risk sites.
- A visible, immediate response to incidents.
- Front-of-house duties alongside security (concierge, visitor management).
- 24/7 or long fixed-hour cover.
Trade-off: the most thorough option, and the most expensive — you pay for every hour of presence.
Mobile patrols
An officer visits your site at scheduled or random times, checks the premises, secures it, and moves on — often covering several sites in a shift.
Best when you need:
- Cost-effective deterrence for lower-risk or out-of-hours periods.
- Lock-ups, opening checks, alarm response and void-property checks.
- Coverage across multiple sites or a large area.
- Random timing so intruders can’t predict the pattern.
Trade-off: far cheaper, but there are gaps between visits — not suitable where a constant presence is essential.
Quick decision guide
- Constant risk / access control / reception → manned guarding.
- Out-of-hours deterrence / lock-ups / multiple sites → mobile patrols.
- High-risk overnight but quiet by day → blend: patrols by day, a guard at night.
- Void or construction sites → patrols + key holding & alarm response.
Why many sites combine both
Risk isn’t constant, so cover shouldn’t be either. A common, cost-efficient model uses mobile patrols during lower-risk periods and a static guard when presence really matters — backed by key holding and alarm response so there’s always someone to attend. You pay for protection where the risk actually is.
How Crystal helps you choose
We assess your site and risk first, then recommend the right mix — static guarding, mobile patrols, key holding and alarm response — all SIA-licensed, BS 7858-vetted and coordinated from a 24/7 control room with GPS-tracked patrols and digital reporting. Right cover, right cost, fully auditable.
Not sure which you need? We’ll assess your site and recommend the most cost-effective mix — no over-selling.
Frequently asked questions
Is manned guarding or mobile patrol cheaper?
Mobile patrols are significantly cheaper because one officer covers scheduled visits across periods or sites, rather than being present every hour. Manned guarding costs more but gives constant, immediate cover.
Can I combine guarding and patrols?
Yes — and many sites do. A common model uses patrols in lower-risk periods and a static guard when presence is essential, backed by key holding and alarm response for the gaps.
Are both options SIA licensed?
Yes. Whether static or mobile, officers are SIA-licensed and screened to BS 7858, and their activity is logged via a 24/7 control room with digital reporting.
About The Author
