Often times unarmed security guards find themselves in potentially dangerous or violent situations with someone who is armed and/or dangerous. Because their resources are limited in terms of weaponry, they may have to resort to regular, unassuming items that are part of everyday life to help gain some leverage and protect themselves. Here are some of the best sources of self-protection for unarmed guards:
Keys: Despite being a mundane item that most of us would never think to use in a combative way, keys can be a powerful go-to weapon for guards who have limited options in terms of protection. They are also one of the few items that guards may have on their person at any given time. When held between your fingers with the ends pointing out, keys can simulate illegal weapons such as brass knuckles, and provide a quick defense against an attacker or simply as peace of mind when in a potentially compromising situation.
Pens: A pen is a rarely-used, last-resort type of weapon, but also one that is likely to be within reach in many environments, including that of an unarmed security guard. It most often comes into play when a person is caught in a situation where they must employ a grassroots method of self-protection. The pointed tip of a pen can do some serious damage when applied with great force, and, despite the grisly nature of such a scenario, can be a saving grace in a random attack of violence or aggression. In the same way that pens with rubber grips are preferable for easy writing, they’d prove equally resourceful when being used to defend oneself.
Flashlights: Though most unarmed security guards are not permitted to carry anything that resembles a weapon, it is standard for them to carry flashlights, especially when working at night or in an area that has poor or dim lighting. Though it is not intended to be used a weapon, a flashlight can act as a valuable resource for a guard who is in a precarious situation where he must defend himself. Flashlights are often quite heavy, especially industrial-sized ones made of steel or metal. The shape and weight of flashlights make for a solid form of self-protection, especially if a guard is faced with an attacker who is armed and undoubtedly, dangerous.
Breath Spray: This may sound strange, even comical, but anyone who’s ever felt the icy sting of a wrong-way nozzle (pointed anywhere near the eye) of a pocket breath spray will attest to their minty (though burning!) capabilities; fresh breath sprays are highly potent in anti-bacterial and cooling properties, while some even contain chlorine dioxide; these agents are all meant to be ingested as directed for specific purposes only and an accidental (or emergency) spray to the eye would result in a not-so-fresh feeling of burning beyond belief. This tactic would leave an attacker temporarily clouded vision and may allow the victim to escape or overtake the situation