First Security Services is a physical security guard company based in the San Francisco Bay Area — Silicon Valley specifically. They’ve been operating for over 50 years, providing manned guard services to businesses, tech campuses, and events across Northern California.
Critical distinction: First Security Services is NOT a home alarm company. They don’t sell security systems, cameras, sensors, or monitoring subscriptions. If you found this page searching for a home security system, you’re in the wrong place — skip to our home security buyer’s guide or Abode review instead.
Company Overview
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Company | First Security Services |
| Founded | 1970s (50+ years) |
| Headquarters | Silicon Valley, California |
| Service area | San Francisco Bay Area / Northern California |
| Type | Physical security guards (NOT electronic alarms) |
| Clients | Tech companies, offices, events, HOAs, construction sites |
| Industry | Manned guarding / physical security |
| Licensing | California BSIS (Bureau of Security & Investigative Services) |
What First Security Services Actually Does
First Security Services provides physical security personnel — real humans standing guard. Their services include:
| Service | Description | Typical Client |
|---|---|---|
| Uniformed guards | Visible security presence at fixed posts | Corporate offices, tech campuses |
| Patrol services | Mobile patrols covering properties on schedule | HOAs, apartment complexes, industrial parks |
| Event security | Crowd control, access management, VIP protection | Conferences, corporate events, concerts |
| Executive protection | Personal security for high-profile individuals | Tech executives, celebrities |
| Construction site security | Preventing theft and vandalism at job sites | Developers, contractors |
| Access control management | Managing entry points, visitor check-in | Corporate lobbies, gated communities |
| Loss prevention | In-store security to reduce shoplifting | Retail stores, malls |
Guard Companies vs Home Security Systems
Many people confuse guard companies like First Security Services with home alarm companies like Abode or Ring. They serve completely different purposes:
| Feature | Guard Company (First Security) | Home Security System (Abode/Ring) |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Physical security personnel | Electronic sensors, cameras, monitoring |
| Coverage | Scheduled shifts at your location | 24/7 continuous monitoring |
| Response | Guard on-site handles incidents | Monitoring center dispatches police/fire |
| Cost | $25-50/hour per guard ($4,500-$9,000/month) | $0-20/month for monitoring |
| Cameras | Not included | Smart cameras with AI detection, cloud storage |
| Sensors | None | Door/window sensors, motion, glass break, smoke/CO |
| Smart home | None | Geofencing, automations, app control |
| DIY option | No | Yes — self-install in minutes |
| Annual cost | $54,000-$108,000+ | $0-$240 |
Bottom line: Guard companies make sense for commercial properties, large estates, or special events. For 99% of homeowners and renters, an electronic security system provides far better protection at 1/100th the cost.
When a Guard Company Makes Sense
| Scenario | Guard Company | Security System | Best Choice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home protection (average home) | Overkill — $4,500+/mo | $0-20/mo | Security system |
| Apartment/condo | Not practical | $0-20/mo | Security system |
| Corporate office (100+ employees) | Lobby, access control | Cameras, sensors | Both |
| Tech campus | Patrol, gates, visitors | Perimeter cameras | Both |
| Special event | Crowd control, parking | Not applicable | Guard company |
| Construction site | Night watch, theft prevention | Cameras as supplement | Guard + cameras |
Bay Area Security Guard Companies
| Company | Location | Specialty | Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Security Services | Silicon Valley | Tech campus, corporate | Regional |
| Allied Universal | National | Full-service | 800,000+ employees |
| Securitas | National | Corporate, tech | 370,000+ employees |
| Garda World | National | Corporate, events | 132,000+ employees |
What Homeowners Should Get Instead
| System | Equipment | Monthly | 3-Year Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abode | $199-$399 | $0-20 | $199-$1,119 | HomeKit, smart home, no contract |
| Ring | $200-$330 | $0-20 | $200-$1,050 | Alexa homes, cameras |
| SimpliSafe | $250-$510 | $0-28 | $250-$1,518 | Easy setup, Fast Protect |
| ADT Self Setup | $0 (lease) | $28-46 | $1,008-$1,656 | Brand trust, Nest cameras |
Abode is our top recommendation — only major system with Apple HomeKit, Z-Wave/Zigbee/Matter, no contract, free self-monitoring. A complete Abode system costs less than a single 8-hour guard shift.
Related Reviews & Comparisons
System Reviews
- Abode Home Security Review 2026
- Ring Alarm Review 2026
- SimpliSafe Review 2026
- Vivint Smart Home Review 2026
Comparisons
- Abode vs SimpliSafe 2026
- Ring vs SimpliSafe 2026
- Abode vs Vivint 2026
- Best Home Security in Los Angeles 2026
Buying Guides
- How to Choose a Home Security System
- Best No Monthly Fee Security Systems
- Best Security for Renters 2026
- Best Home Security Cameras 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Is First Security Services a home alarm company?
No. First Security Services provides physical security guards for businesses and events in the Bay Area. They do not sell home alarm systems. For home security, see our buyer’s guide.
How much do security guards cost in the Bay Area?
$25-50/hour for uniformed guards, $35-65/hour armed, $50-150/hour executive protection. A 24/7 post runs $9,000-18,000/month. A home security system costs $0-20/month.
Can I hire a security guard for my home?
Yes, but at $4,500-9,000+/month it is unnecessary for residential security. A $199 Abode system with monitoring provides 24/7 protection for under $20/month.
Do I need a guard company or a security system?
Homes and apartments: security system. Guard companies serve businesses, campuses, and events where physical presence is required.
What is the best home security system in the Bay Area?
Abode (Apple/HomeKit), Ring (Alexa), and SimpliSafe (easiest setup). All DIY, no-contract, work anywhere.
Are California security guards licensed?
Yes. California requires BSIS licensing. Verify at California BSIS website.
William is a tech buff and former corporate security officer turned cybercrime analyst. Computers have few secrets left for him, but home security and alarm systems… Well, those have plenty of secrets for their users, which William is now uncovering and explaining. His articles on home security helped many people take the matter seriously, invest in highly performing systems, and avoid becoming victims of burglaries.
Rich says
A lot of people tried telling me not to go with First Security and I felt like something was off. I contacted them several times and asked question after question. I found no reason not to choose them. They didn’t hide anything from me, they were honest. They told me what I was going to be paying and they made sure it would be in the cap of my budget. I am overall impressed with First Security!
Rick says
First Security has been my family’s go to choice for yeas now and I am proud to say that I got them in my home now too. My wife and I recently bought our first home together and since we are expected soon (4 months a long) we want to have security to keep her and the babies safe when I am away on business. I usually spend 5 to 10 days of the month out of town. I am over all pleased with our experiences.
Brian Patrick says
I live just north of LA and the more years that go by the more I want a security system for my home. I told my daughter I will be getting one this year. It is just me and her in the house and when I am at work she is on her own. She is a smart girl but still she is only 15 so I do worry a lot. Thanks for all this information on First Security. I will check out your other reviews to see my other options.