Traditional guarding is getting shaken up by new skills, services and technology. How are guarding firms and security officers shifting their priorities and offerings to keep pace and continue to add value to enterprises and security departments? It’s time to go beyond basic patrol, observe and report functions.

Security and facility services company Allied Universal today announced that it has reached an agreement to acquire U.S. Security Associates (USSA) from Goldman Sachs Merchant Banking Division (GSMBD), further building on its position as a leading player in the security services industry.

Check out the top guarding firms in this year's listing.

The pay for a security officer in NYC has increased by 10 percent over the last decade, compared to one percent for the rest of the country. 

The news that G4S would not be able to provide enough guards for the Olympic Games came "out of the blue," according to G4S chief executive Nick Buckles.

A potential guarding shortfall spurred Olympic organizers to request additional forces from the military.

A new bill allows the Sacramento County Sheriff's Department and the Sacramento Police Department to bid on security contracts, especially for outfits supporting national security. 

D.C. officials are looking to commandeer their own school security after running into continual problems with contracting companies.