Security for Pharmacies and Medical Offices
Guards and patrol that protect pharmacists, patients, and controlled substances day and night.
Controlled substances make pharmacies a target for both robbery and burglary, and independent pharmacies often have the fewest layers of protection. Between May 2018 and July 2019, a crew known as the Oxy Bandits committed 15 armed robberies of independent pharmacies across 13 Southern California cities, including Anaheim, Fullerton, Riverside, and Claremont, forcing employees at gunpoint to open the medication vault. The leader was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison.
After hours burglaries continue: in November 2025, three masked men broke into a Pico Rivera pharmacy and, by the owner's account, took up to $30,000 in narcotics on what he said was the fourth or fifth break in. Every loss also triggers reporting duties to the DEA and the California Board of Pharmacy. The right security keeps staff safe, deters both threats, and produces records that support those reports.
What we protect against
- Armed robbery demanding oxycodone and other controlled substances from the vault
- Overnight burglary through front doors and security gates
- Repeat targeting of the same independent pharmacy
- Fraudulent prescriptions and aggressive customers at the counter
- Internal diversion by employees
- Disturbances and threats against staff in medical offices
What we provide
- Armed or unarmed posts with a sightline to the entry and pharmacy counter
- Opening and closing coverage while vaults and safes are accessed
- Lobby presence and de escalation support in clinics and medical offices
- Overnight mobile patrol with door, gate, and roof access checks
- Incident reports with times and details that support DEA and Board of Pharmacy loss reports
- Staff walk outs and parking lot escorts after hours
- Security assessments of gates, lighting, and camera coverage
Rules and requirements
- DEA rules (21 CFR 1301.76(b)) require registrants to notify the DEA Field Division Office in writing within one business day of discovering a theft or significant loss of controlled substances and to file DEA Form 106 within 45 days.
- Under 16 CCR 1715.6, California pharmacies must report to the Board of Pharmacy within 30 days of discovery any controlled substance losses that reach the rule's thresholds (for example 99 dosage units of oral medication), any loss from employee theft regardless of amount, and any other significant loss.
General information, not legal advice. Confirm requirements for your license and location.
Example program with more than one officer
Example for an independent pharmacy: one armed officer during open hours (for example 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.), stationed with a view of the entrance and counter, and present for vault opening and closing. Overnight, mobile patrol checks doors, gates, and rear access three times on randomized timing. For a medical office building, one unarmed officer in the lobby during clinic hours is usually enough.
Questions we get
Does a pharmacy need an armed guard?
Not always. Independent pharmacies with heavy controlled substance volume or past robberies often justify armed coverage. Clinics and lower risk sites usually do well with an unarmed officer and overnight patrol.
How do your reports help after a theft?
Officers document times, entry points, suspect descriptions, and video locations. That record helps you complete DEA and Board of Pharmacy loss reports accurately and supports the police investigation.
Can you handle disruptive patients without escalating?
Yes. Officers are trained to de escalate, keep staff and patients safe, document, and call police when needed. Licensed security guards do not have police powers. Off duty sworn officers, when a client hires them, remain California peace officers under Penal Code 830.1, with authority limited to what that section allows.
Which officers fit
Most sites need one officer type. Larger sites and events sometimes use more than one.
Unarmed guards
Common
Fits medical offices, clinics, and lower risk pharmacies where the main issues are disruptive visitors and staff safety, and as an overnight patrol layer.
Armed guards
Primary
Fits independent pharmacies with high controlled substance volume, prior robberies, or late hours, especially at opening and closing.
Off duty police officers
Common
Fits pharmacies recovering from a robbery and practices dealing with specific threats where report quality and police coordination matter.
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Where we cover pharmacies and medical offices
Not sure what you need? Call or text (909) 927-7001 and talk to the owner directly, or send us a few details.