What Maximum Security Services Offers and How They Work in South Carolina
Maximum Security Services provides armed and unarmed security personnel, surveillance systems, and event protection across South Carolina
Maximum Security Services is a private security firm operating in South Carolina that deploys both armed and unarmed guards for residential, commercial, and event-based protection. The company installs and monitors surveillance equipment, manages access control at facilities, and provides specialized services like executive protection and loss prevention. Unlike a monitored alarm system that alerts authorities when a sensor trips, Maximum Security Services sends actual personnel to your location or maintains a physical presence on-site.
The company operates as a for-profit business, meaning you pay directly for their services rather than through a government program or subsidy. Costs depend on the type of service, the hours of coverage you need, the number of guards deployed, and your location within the state. A small business needing evening foot patrols will pay differently than a large facility requiring 24-hour armed security or a special event needing crowd management.
Key Takeaways
- Maximum Security Services sends actual security personnel to your location, rather than relying only on alarms or remote monitoring.
- The company offers armed guards, unarmed guards, surveillance installation, access control, and event security as separate or bundled services.
- Pricing is custom based on your specific needs, location, and the hours and type of coverage you request.
- All security personnel in South Carolina must hold a state license issued by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, which Maximum Security Services guards are required to maintain.
Types of Security Services Maximum Security Services Provides
Armed security means guards carry firearms and are trained in weapons handling and use-of-force protocols. Armed guards typically cost more than unarmed personnel and are often used at high-value locations, banks, jewelry stores, or events where the risk of theft or violence is considered higher. South Carolina law requires armed guards to meet specific training and background check standards.
Unarmed security involves guards who monitor premises, check credentials, control access, and respond to disturbances without carrying weapons. Unarmed guards are common at office buildings, retail stores, apartment complexes, and events. They can still detain someone, call police, and document incidents, but they rely on de-escalation and physical restraint rather than firearms.
Surveillance and monitoring includes installing cameras, monitoring systems, and alarm equipment. Maximum Security Services can set up video feeds that security staff watch in real time or record for later review. Some systems send alerts to a central monitoring station or directly to your phone when motion is detected or a door is opened.
Event security covers concerts, festivals, private parties, corporate functions, and other gatherings. Security staff manage entry points, check tickets or credentials, monitor crowds, and respond to disruptions. Event security is typically priced per guard per hour and may include a minimum number of hours or personnel.
How to Request a Quote or Service
Contact Maximum Security Services directly to discuss your specific security needs. You will typically speak with a representative who asks about your location, the type of property or event, the hours you need coverage, whether you want armed or unarmed personnel, and any special concerns like high-value inventory or large crowds.
Based on that conversation, the company provides a custom quote. There is no standard price list because every situation is different. A retail store needing weekend evening coverage will receive a different quote than a construction site needing 24-hour monitoring or a wedding needing four hours of entry management.
Once you agree to terms, Maximum Security Services schedules personnel, conducts any necessary site visits to understand the layout and access points, and begins service on your start date. Most contracts specify the term (weekly, monthly, or longer), the cost, the exact hours of coverage, and what happens if you need to cancel or modify the agreement.
Licensing and Training Requirements in South Carolina
All security guards working in South Carolina must hold a security guard license issued by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED). This applies to both armed and unarmed personnel. Maximum Security Services is responsible for ensuring its staff meets these requirements before they work on your behalf.
To obtain a license, a guard must pass a background check, complete required training hours (the number varies by whether the guard is armed or unarmed), and pass a written exam. Armed guards face stricter requirements, including firearms training and certification. SLED renews licenses periodically, so Maximum Security Services must track renewal dates and ensure no guard works past their expiration.
When you hire Maximum Security Services, you can ask to see proof of licensing for any guard assigned to your account. This is a reasonable request and protects you by confirming the person is trained and vetted by the state.
Armed Versus Unarmed Security: What to Consider
Armed security is more expensive but may be necessary if your location holds high-value items, handles cash, or faces a genuine threat of violence. Banks, jewelry stores, and armored car services typically use armed guards. Armed guards also carry liability—if a guard uses force, you and the security company may face legal questions about whether that force was justified.
Unarmed security is less costly and is appropriate for most retail, office, and residential settings. Unarmed guards can still stop theft, manage access, and call police. Many businesses find unarmed security sufficient and prefer to avoid the legal and insurance complications that come with armed personnel on-site.
Your insurance company may have requirements or preferences about armed versus unarmed security. Some policies offer discounts if you use armed guards at high-risk locations, while others may require additional coverage if you do. Check your policy before deciding, and inform your insurance agent once you hire Maximum Security Services.
Cost Factors and What Affects Your Quote
The main factors that determine what you pay are the number of guards, the hours they work, whether they are armed or unarmed, your location within South Carolina, and the specific tasks they perform. A single unarmed guard working 8 hours on a weekday costs less than two armed guards working 24 hours. Event security is often priced per guard per hour, while ongoing facility security may be quoted as a monthly retainer.
Travel time and distance can also affect cost. A guard stationed in Charleston working at a location in Charleston costs less than a guard traveling to a remote rural area. Specialized services—like executive protection, loss prevention consulting, or security for high-risk events—may carry premium pricing.
Most security companies require a minimum contract term, often 30 days or longer. Some offer discounts for longer commitments or multiple services bundled together. Ask about these options when you receive your quote.
When to Use Maximum Security Services Versus Other Options
A monitored alarm system is appropriate if you own a small retail store or office that closes at night and you want an alert if someone breaks in. Maximum Security Services is better if you need someone physically present during business hours, at an event, or at a location that operates around the clock.
A security camera system alone records what happens but does not stop it. Maximum Security Services adds a human response—a guard can intervene, call police, or document details in real time. Many businesses use both: cameras for recording and evidence, plus security personnel for active deterrence and response.
If you are concerned about a specific threat—a disgruntled employee, a stalker, or organized retail theft—Maximum Security Services can tailor a response. A generic alarm system cannot. If you are hosting a large event and need crowd management and entry control, you need personnel, not just equipment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Maximum Security Services guards make arrests?
Security guards have the same right to detain someone as any private citizen—they can hold someone suspected of a crime until police arrive, but they cannot formally arrest anyone. Guards are trained in detention procedures and documenting incidents so police have clear information when they arrive. If a guard uses excessive force during a detention, both the guard and the company can face legal liability.
What happens if a guard is injured or causes damage while working?
Maximum Security Services carries liability insurance to cover injuries to guards and damage caused by their actions. Your own business insurance may also apply. When you sign a contract, review the liability terms and confirm that the security company's insurance covers the specific risks at your location.
Can I request the same guard every time?
Many security companies will assign a regular guard if you request it and if scheduling allows. This builds familiarity with your location and staff. Ask about this preference when you sign your contract, and understand that vacation, illness, or turnover may mean a substitute occasionally.
How quickly can Maximum Security Services start?
Response time depends on current staffing and your location. Some requests can be filled within days; others may take a week or two if the company needs to hire and license additional personnel. Discuss your timeline when you contact them for a quote.
What if I need security for just one event?
Maximum Security Services offers event-based contracts separate from ongoing facility security. You pay for the specific hours and number of guards needed for that event, with no long-term commitment. Pricing is typically per guard per hour, plus any setup or consultation fees.