The short answer
An on-site guard remains assigned to a property or post for a scheduled shift, while mobile patrol visits one or more properties at planned or variable intervals. On-site coverage is usually better when a location needs continuous access control, immediate observation, a lobby or gate presence, frequent public interaction, or a person available throughout the covered hours. Mobile patrol is often more efficient when the objective is periodic perimeter checks, lock and unlock service, visible deterrence, or after-hours visits across…
What to know
The tradeoff is continuity versus coverage efficiency. An on-site officer can learn normal activity and respond quickly within the property, but one fixed post may not see a large site without patrol time. A mobile officer can cover more ground and vary visit times, but is not continuously present between visits. Neither model replaces 911 or guarantees an incident will be detected.
Choose based on site size, operating hours, access points, incident history, response expectations, and the consequences of a gap in observation. A hybrid program may use an on-site officer during peak hours and mobile checks overnight, supported by cameras or alarms. Arrow offers on-site security plus mobile, foot, and bicycle patrol; the proposal should specify visit frequency, minimum time on property, checkpoints, required tasks, reporting, and escalation procedures.