Another option would be to evaluate the carrying of non-lethal weapons. A bank can face extreme liability if it errs in setting or complying to standards, choosing either the person, or weapon, failing to train, supervise, or to assure the proper operations which involve the presence of an armed guard. The decision regarding the use of guards is not one to be made based upon only one, or two aspects. Rather, several variables, both potentially positive, and negative, must be evaluated. The use of any guard requires high standards of hiring, training, supervision, management, and administration.
Guards are normally uniformed, and equipped.
Each of these considerations carries with it an element of time, maintenance, and cost. Not only is there an element of cost, but some of these variables can pose difficulties in and of themselves. If the guards are to be the bank's employees, one prime concern is the problem of hiring qualified guards from the available employment pool. Simply stated, there is a demand for guard personnel, and the best qualified candidates may already be employed. Contract or off-duty police officers can also be used in the guard role.