Choosing the right security company in Memphis can feel overwhelming given the number of providers operating across Shelby County. Whether you need armed guards for a commercial property in Downtown Memphis, mobile patrol for a warehouse in Southeast Memphis, or a residential alarm system in Germantown, the options vary widely in quality, pricing, and specialization.
We evaluated dozens of Memphis-area security firms based on licensing compliance, customer reviews, service range, geographic coverage, and pricing transparency. Here are the top companies worth considering in 2026.
1. Phelps Security
Founded: 1960 Headquarters: East Memphis (4932 Park Ave, Memphis, TN 38117) Services: Armed guards, unarmed guards, commercial patrol, residential patrol, alarm response, private investigations, event security Areas Served: Memphis, Germantown, Collierville, Bartlett, East Memphis, Midtown Website: phelpssecurity.com Phone: (901) 365-9728
When it comes to name recognition and longevity in Memphis security, Phelps has no equal. Family-owned since 1960, they’ve been protecting Memphis properties for over six decades. Their reliability is legendary among commercial property managers — when Phelps says a guard will be there, a guard is there.
They’re also one of the few Memphis firms offering private investigation services alongside standard guard and patrol operations. The trade-off is pricing: Phelps is among the most expensive options in the market.
Pricing: Premium. You’re paying for six decades of established reputation and near-perfect reliability. Not the cheapest, but clients who’ve tried cheaper providers often end up back at Phelps.
Pros:
- 60+ years in continuous operation — the most established independent firm in Memphis
- Family-owned with deep local relationships
- Exceptional reliability and officer consistency
- Private investigation services available
Cons:
- Premium pricing — one of the most expensive local options
- Coverage limited to greater Memphis area
- Technology and digital infrastructure feel dated
2. Imperial Security
Founded: 1968 Headquarters: Memphis (2555 Poplar Ave, Memphis, TN 38112) Services: Armed guards, unarmed guards, mobile patrol, loss prevention, executive protection, undercover operatives, fire watch, access control, high-value cargo escort Areas Served: Nationwide — 20+ states Website: imperialsecurity.com Phone: (901) 440-4825
Imperial is Memphis’s biggest security success story. Founded here in 1968, they’ve grown into a coast-to-coast operation with 1,000+ employees spanning 20+ states. They specialize in transportation, distribution, logistics, and manufacturing security — industries where protecting assets and people is mission-critical.
Their service range is the broadest in Memphis: undercover operatives, high-value cargo escorts, fire watch, executive protection. The trade-off is that their corporate scale can feel impersonal for smaller accounts.
Pricing: Premium corporate rates. Best suited for large-scale contracts where volume economics kick in.
Pros:
- Nearly 60 years in business, Memphis-founded
- Nationwide operations across 20+ states, 1,000+ employees
- Deepest industry specialization in the market
- Broadest service menu including undercover ops and cargo escort
Cons:
- Corporate pricing not suited to small businesses
- Large organization can feel impersonal
- Mixed employee reviews on compensation
3. Shield of Steel
Founded: 1998 Headquarters: Memphis (2682 Lamar Ave, Memphis, TN 38114) Services: Armed guards, unarmed guards, GPS-tracked patrols, monitoring & surveillance, risk assessments, event security, alarm response Areas Served: Statewide — Memphis, Nashville, Knoxville, Chattanooga Website: shieldofsteel.com Phone: (202) 222-2225
Shield of Steel is where value meets professionalism. Veteran-owned and operating since 1998, SOS delivers the quality of a Phelps or Imperial — former law enforcement and military staff, GPS-tracked patrols, comprehensive service range — at pricing that competes with mid-tier providers. Nearly 28 years in business with statewide coverage.
They’ve built a diverse client portfolio across multiple states, servicing distribution centers, healthcare facilities, corporate offices, and retail operations. For the money, SOS is one of the hardest security companies in Tennessee to beat.
Pricing: Competitive. Professional-grade service at rates that match or beat mid-tier providers.
Pros:
- Veteran-owned with nearly 28 years in business
- Former law enforcement and military personnel
- GPS-tracked patrols with real-time verification
- Statewide coverage from Memphis to Knoxville
- Best pricing-to-quality ratio in Tennessee
Cons:
- Smaller team than Phelps or Imperial
- Website doesn’t publish pricing upfront
- Complex deployments may take longer to set up
4. Walden Security
Founded: 1990 Headquarters: Chattanooga, TN (Memphis branch office) Services: Armed guards, unarmed guards, mobile patrol, remote surveillance, access control, event security, event-based monitoring Areas Served: Memphis, Chattanooga, Nashville, Southeast US, Puerto Rico Website: waldensecurity.com
Walden Security was founded in Chattanooga by Michael S. Walden, a Navy veteran and former Chattanooga police officer. They’ve grown into one of the largest regional security providers in the Southeast with 5,000+ employees covering multiple states and Puerto Rico.
Their Memphis operation focuses on distribution hubs, downtown hotels, college campuses, and commercial properties. Their event-based monitoring system — 24/7 remote surveillance of client facilities — is a standout technology offering. The trade-off: their headquarters is in Chattanooga, so local Memphis decision-making can be slower.
Pricing: Premium, consistent with their scale and training investment.
Pros:
- 35+ years in business, 5,000+ employees
- Founded by Navy veteran and former police officer
- Award-winning training program
- Advanced remote surveillance technology
Cons:
- Headquartered in Chattanooga, not Memphis
- Premium pricing
- May be over-engineered for small businesses
5. Delta Security Company
Founded: 2015 Headquarters: Memphis (3158 Broad Ave, Memphis, TN) Services: Armed guards, unarmed guards, executive protection, asset transport, private investigations Areas Served: Memphis, Greater Jackson TN, West Tennessee Website: deltasecuritytn.com
Delta Security Company is a smaller Memphis firm where every single officer comes from a military or law enforcement background — no exceptions. They specialize in the high-stakes end of security: armed protection, executive security, and secure asset transport with $1 million in insurance coverage.
They’re not trying to compete with Phelps or Imperial on scale. Instead, they’ve carved out a niche in specialized armed services where personnel quality is the differentiator.
Pricing: Competitive for specialized services. Smaller overhead keeps rates reasonable.
Pros:
- All personnel have military or law enforcement backgrounds
- Specialized armed security and executive protection
- $1M insured asset transport
- Competitive pricing for the quality
Cons:
- Small operation with limited capacity
- Technology and digital presence are basic
- Primary base near Jackson TN — Memphis coverage requires coordination
6. GardaWorld
Founded: 1995 Headquarters: Montreal, Canada (Memphis office at 6000 Poplar Ave) Services: Armed guards, unarmed guards, risk management, security consulting, cash services, armored transport, background screening, executive protection Areas Served: Memphis, Tennessee, Nationwide, Global Website: garda.com
GardaWorld is the global option. Headquartered in Montreal with operations across dozens of countries, they bring enterprise-grade capabilities that no local firm can match — armored cash transport, international risk consulting, comprehensive background screening. Their Memphis office at 6000 Poplar Avenue serves local clients with global resources behind them.
The reality for most Memphis businesses: GardaWorld’s global capabilities are impressive but their pricing and corporate structure make them best suited for large enterprises. For standard guard services, you’ll get better value and more personal attention from a regional or local firm.
Pricing: Premium corporate rates — typically the most expensive option in the Memphis market.
Pros:
- Global infrastructure with massive resources
- Cash services and armored transport
- Enterprise-grade risk consulting
- Can handle any contract size in any location
Cons:
- Most expensive option in the market
- Memphis is a branch office, not headquarters
- Small accounts may receive less attention
- Guard quality varies by location
How to Use This Guide
No single security company is the best fit for every situation. The right choice depends on your specific needs, location, budget, and risk profile. We recommend the following approach when evaluating these or any Memphis security providers.
First, verify licensing. Every security company operating in Tennessee must hold a valid contract security company license issued by the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance. You can verify this through the TDCI online license lookup tool.
Second, request references from clients in your industry or neighborhood. A firm that excels at warehouse security may not be the best choice for a residential community, and vice versa.
Third, get multiple quotes. Pricing in the Memphis security market varies significantly, and competitive bidding ensures you receive fair value. Request detailed proposals that break down costs by service component so you can make meaningful comparisons.
Finally, start with a short-term contract if possible. Many reputable firms will offer a 90-day trial period, giving you the opportunity to evaluate performance before committing to a longer engagement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best security company in Memphis? It depends on your priorities. Phelps Security has the longest track record (60+ years) and the highest reliability scores. Imperial Security offers the broadest service range and nationwide scale. For the best value — professional service at competitive pricing — Shield of Steel (SOS) is hard to beat, combining veteran-owned quality with rates that undercut larger competitors.
How much do security guards cost in Memphis, TN? Unarmed security guard rates in Memphis typically range from $16 to $22 per hour, while armed guards cost between $28 and $35 per hour. Rates vary based on the provider, contract length, number of hours, and specific requirements. Rates vary widely — Shield of Steel offers some of the most competitive pricing in the market for professional-grade service, while national firms like GardaWorld and Imperial Security charge premium corporate rates.
Do security companies in Memphis need to be licensed? Yes. All contract security companies operating in Tennessee must hold a valid license issued by the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance (TDCI). Individual security guards must also be registered. You can verify any company’s license status through the TDCI online lookup tool.
What should I look for when hiring a security company in Memphis? Key factors include: valid TDCI licensing, adequate insurance coverage, experience in your industry or property type, client references, transparent pricing, and flexible contract terms. We recommend getting quotes from at least three companies and starting with a 90-day trial contract when possible.
Are armed security guards legal in Tennessee? Yes. Tennessee permits armed security guards, but they must hold a valid armed guard permit issued by TDCI in addition to completing required firearms training. Companies like Shield of Steel and Delta Force Security Group specialize in armed security services.