The presence of a security guard can help deter theft, vandalism, violence, and other destructive behavior. Guards can also spot suspicious behavior and activity and take appropriate action before things escalate, and report incidents to authorities as needed should something occur. Here are some things to consider when looking at hiring a security guard company.

 

What type of guard do you need?

Do you want an armed or unarmed guard? Uniformed or plain clothes? How many guards do you need? If you aren’t sure, don’t worry; you aren’t expected to know the answers to these questions right away. A reputable company will work with you to determine your security needs and create plans that fits your situation. For example, you may want only one guard in order to save money, but you also don’t want to overload one guard with so many tasks and patrol areas that he can’t effectively do his job.

 

Who answers the phone?

When you call the company, does a live person answer the phone, or are you routed through a recorded menu? During an emergency situation, you don’t want to leave a message on a machine. You want to speak to a real person. Knowing that the security company has a dispatch center staffed 24/7 will give you peace of mind, knowing that they are accessible and dependable.

 

Find out details about the company.

First off, you want a company that is licensed and insured. Next, find out how long the company has been in the security industry. The demand for security officers has led to a sharp increase of companies in the market, so go with one who has been in the industry for years. Also find out who some of their past clients are; you want a company with a proven track record. A good security company will also keep you informed throughout the process of creating your security plan, and provide you with reports of any incidents that occur. If you go with a small, independent security company, you will likely receive more personalized service, and find the opportunity to speak directly with the company owner or a manager when setting up the security detail.

 

Who are the guards? What kind of training do they need to go through?

Not all licensed security officers are the same. Find out about the officers the company hires. For example, some companies use off-duty law enforcement officers and military personnel as security guards. Good companies will also provide regular training to its personnel. While price will probably be an important consideration for you, remember the phrase, “you get what you pay for”. The lowest price might reflect on the quality of service you receive.