Security Guard Services in Topeka, KS

See the Kansas page for coverage across Kansas.

Retail Districts Covered in Topeka

Security coverage is available across Topeka’s main commercial areas, including:

• Downtown Topeka and Kansas Avenue
• Evergy Plaza
• The Statehouse and Capitol area
• NOTO Arts and Entertainment District
• Westboro Mart
• West Ridge Mall

Security Considerations in Topeka

The Kansas Legislature convenes at the Statehouse on the second Monday in January each year. Under the Kansas Constitution, sessions in even-numbered years may not exceed 90 calendar days unless extended by a two-thirds vote. Session months bring legislators, staff and advocates downtown, and nearby offices, hotels and restaurants benefit from lobby coverage and visitor procedures set to that calendar.

Downtown Topeka has been revitalized around Kansas Avenue, anchored by Evergy Plaza, an outdoor venue for concerts and community events. North of the river, the NOTO district draws evening crowds to galleries, murals and local shops. West Ridge Mall was purchased by local owners in 2023 for a planned mixed-use redevelopment, and properties in transition need vacancy checks, construction coverage and clear access control while work is under way.

Topeka is also home to Washburn University and the Brown v. Board of Education National Historical Park at the former Monroe Elementary School, which draws visitors throughout the year. Spring and early summer bring severe weather and tornado warnings across Kansas, so officers should know where to direct people for shelter and how to report building damage once it is safe to do so.

Security Services in Topeka

Screening, Training and Supervision

Officers complete a five-stage screening process and tier-based training before assignment, including de-escalation and, for retail posts, organized retail crime recognition. Supervisors make unannounced site visits, and the McCray Operations Desk answers 24/7/365. Incidents are documented on scene, and clients receive reports in the same format at every location.

Kansas Licensing

Kansas does not issue a statewide security guard license. Where licensing applies, it is set by city ordinance; in Wichita, for example, the Wichita Police Department issues private security agency licenses, officer permits and firearm permit upgrades under City Code Chapter 3.72, with training through the Police Training Division. Other Kansas cities may have their own ordinances, so the requirements that apply to each Topeka site should be confirmed locally before coverage begins.

Common Questions

Is Coverage Available for Events Downtown and in NOTO?

Yes. Event organizers and nearby businesses can add officers for concerts, festivals and evening events around Evergy Plaza and in the NOTO Arts and Entertainment District, with entry, crowd and closing procedures written into the Post Orders.

Are Armed Officers Available in Topeka?

Kansas has no statewide armed guard license, so armed posts are assigned only after the local requirements that apply to the site are confirmed and the site’s risk, lease and insurance needs are reviewed. For most retail posts, McCray generally recommends unarmed officers focused on deterrence and customer service.

Can Coverage Be Arranged for Properties Under Redevelopment?

Yes. Vacant or partly occupied retail properties can receive patrols, gate and perimeter coverage and documented building checks until new tenants open. See construction site security.

How Is Security Guard Coverage Priced?

Rates depend on the officer classification, hours, schedule and site requirements. McCray provides a written rate schedule after reviewing the needs of each site. Holiday, overnight and short-notice coverage is billed at a premium rate.