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The city typically adds a few hundred security guards every year, but since January 2023, Denver has added more than 1,000.
DENVER — Denver is seeing a sizeable surge in the number of security guards. The city typically adds a few hundred security guards every year, but over the past year, the city has added more than 1,000.
“We have now passed 8,000 active security guards in Denver,” said Eric Escudero, spokesperson for the Denver Department of Excise and Licenses. “It’s hard to say if crime going up or going down, how much of an impact that has on business decision on whether they want to hire a security guard or not.”
Another explanation for the huge jump in security guards could be more businesses.
“Denver is a boomtown,” Escudero said.
- In January 2021, Denver had 6,425 licensed security guards.
- In January 2022, Denver had 6,641 licensed security guards.
- In January 2023, Denver had 6,969 licensed security guards.
- In January 2024, Denver had 8,156 licensed security guards.
Denver is unique, as it’s one of the only cities in the state that requires security guards to be licensed. Escudero said the city has had security guard regulations since the 1950s.
“It’s hard to imagine someone working security who doesn’t have the training, anyone who just comes off the street and they put a security guard badge and uniform on,” Escudero said.
The most common businesses hiring security guards are banks, nightclubs and bars. Licensed security guards in Denver must finish training and pass an FBI background check.
No matter the reason for the uptick, there’s no such thing as being too safe.
“The good news for the public is that because there are more security guards on the job, we think that’s going to help support law enforcement to make Denver safer,” Escudero said.
More 9NEWS stories by Lauren Scafidi:
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