Necessary…not extreme

Armed Security Is No Longer Optional in Spokane

In Spokane, crime is on the rise while police resources are stretched thinner than ever. Property owners are faced with a difficult but unavoidable question: when something goes wrong, who will actually show up? Unfortunately, the reality in Spokane is that too often, the answer is no one. The Spokane Police Department is grappling with severe staffing shortages, which has led to significantly slower response times, particularly for crimes like commercial burglary, vandalism, trespassing, and vehicle theft. If you’ve ever filed a report and waited hours, or even days, for follow-up, you already know what that means: you’re on your own.

This is why armed security has become the only logical choice for property owners serious about protecting their businesses, assets, and people. Unlike unarmed guards, who can only observe, document, and call 911, armed security officers are trained, licensed, and equipped to take action when a threat arises. They don’t just look the part; they actively deter crime, intervene when necessary, and provide real protection for your staff, customers, and reputation. Without the proper authority and tools, unarmed guards can quickly become bystanders, or worse, victims, in a dangerous situation.

The need is clear across Spokane. From small businesses and apartment complexes to warehouses and construction sites, properties are being targeted daily. Break-ins, loitering, and theft are not limited to one neighborhood. From South Hill to Hillyard, property crime has become a constant risk. And when owners attempt to defend their space themselves, they often expose themselves to legal consequences or physical danger. Armed security provides the safe, legal, and effective middle ground.

At Columbia Protection, we fill the gap that law enforcement cannot. Our armed officers respond to alarms and suspicious activity within minutes, conduct visible patrols that discourage criminal behavior, and step in when needed, legally, professionally, and decisively. Unlike police, who are forced into a reactive role, we take a proactive stance. And unlike unarmed security, we don’t just watch and wait. We act.

Spokane is changing, and crime is not slowing down. Business owners are already reaching out after experiencing break-ins, vandalism, and costly losses. You don’t need to wait until it is too late. Columbia Protection offers free security assessments to identify vulnerabilities and build a patrol plan tailored to your needs and budget.

When police cannot respond in time and unarmed guards cannot intervene, the choice becomes clear. Armed security is not extreme; it is essential for protecting Spokane’s businesses, properties, and communities.