Tennessee's Independent Security Company Reviews
Trusted by property managers, business owners, and security professionals since 2015
Rankings
Top Rated Companies
Walden Security
$$$Chattanooga-based Walden Security has grown from a one-man operation into a 5,000-employee regional force covering the Southeast US and Puerto Rico. Their training program wins awards. Their Memphis operation handles West Tennessee.
Shield of Steel
$$Veteran-owned Shield of Steel has protected Tennessee businesses since 1998. Read our detailed review covering armed guards, GPS patrols, pricing, and statewide coverage from Memphis to Knoxville.
Phelps Security
$$$Family-owned since 1953, Phelps Security is the longest-running independent guard company in Memphis. They charge a premium and they earn it. Coverage stays within greater Memphis.
Clarion Security
$$Memphis-headquartered award-winning security firm at 1780 Moriah Woods Blvd. Known for rigorous guard training, low turnover, and technology-forward approach.
Blackstone Security
$$Nashville-based veteran-owned security firm with operations since 1993. Specializes in corporate, government, and high-value asset protection throughout Tennessee.
From the editors
Latest Articles
Tennessee's Legislative Session Ends This Week. Three Bills Will Reshape Private Security Before the Gavel Drops.
The 114th General Assembly is about to adjourn after pushing through a sheriff-ICE cooperation mandate, the Charlie Kirk Act, and a privacy shield for undercover officers. Every one of those bills changes the ground private security companies operate on.
A National Guardsman Put a Tourniquet on a Stranger at 1:10 AM. Tennessee's Security Industry Should Be Taking Notes.
The Tennessee National Guard rendered civilian first aid at a North Memphis gas station on April 12. The same week, lawmakers passed a bill requiring DA reports on Memphis Safe Task Force pleas. Both developments change the ground under private security in Tennessee.
Tennessee Property Crime Jumped 38% and Half the State Doesn't Feel Safe. Both Numbers Matter.
Property crime in Tennessee rose from 23.4 to 32.2 incidents per 1,000 people in the latest report. Meanwhile, only 51% of residents say they feel safe, matching last year's historically low confidence.
Tennessee Senate Votes to Expand Homeland Security Arrest Powers. Private Security Should Pay Attention.
SB 1880 passed the Tennessee Senate 25-6 in March 2026, giving the Office of Homeland Security new investigative authority over cybercrimes and critical infrastructure threats.
Memphis Crime Is Ticking Back Up This Spring. Here's What It Means for Your Security.
Memphis crime rose from 62 to 76 daily incidents in Q1 2026. We explain what the spring creep means for Tennessee businesses and residents.
Security Industry Trends to Watch in 2026
From AI-powered surveillance to integrated security platforms, explore the trends reshaping the private security industry in Tennessee and beyond.
Free resources
Guides and Checklists
Commercial Property Security RFP Template
Complete RFP template for hiring commercial property security. Includes evaluation criteria, scoring methodology, and contract terms.
Download freeThe Complete Guide to Hiring a Security Company
A comprehensive 30-page playbook covering needs assessment, vendor evaluation, contract negotiation, and ongoing management of security service providers.
Download freeMemphis vs Nashville Security Companies: 2026 Comparison Guide
Side-by-side comparison of leading security companies in Memphis and Nashville. Services, pricing, coverage areas, and specialties for 2026.
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