What is the definition of a person or entity that provides security services?

A person or entity that provides security services is best defined as a security agency. This term typically encompasses a broader organization that might employ various security personnel, including guards, consultants, and other professionals trained in the field. Agencies can offer a range of services from personal protection to risk assessment, and they can operate in various environments, including corporate settings, public events, or residential areas.

Understanding the distinction is key; while security personnel refers specifically to individuals who carry out security tasks, and a security consultant is someone who advises on security measures, a security agency encapsulates the entire organization providing those services. A security firm often implies a similar concept to an agency but may sometimes denote a more specialized or smaller organization focused on specific security solutions. Thus, the term "security agency" broadly covers the definition sought in this question.