Selecting the right private security company can be a difficult but extremely important task your business makes as you're essentially entrusting your property and safety to a company and the officers they employ. However, contract security can be a huge benefit to your business on several levels; just make sure you do your homework before any contract is signed. As soon as you've affirmed the need for a security firm, your search will begin by selecting a company that has valid, current state licenses. You should be confident that a company is reliable and in good standing. In order to ensure you are employing the right security officer company for your business, here are a few questions to ask to better assess your security and safety needs.

What Are The Costs Of Services?

When you've established that you're dealing with a reputable company, eventually cost will come into the picture, and it's important to discover whether or not the security contractor can address core issues. For instance, how frequently will the contractor bill for services rendered? Will they charge a flat monthly rate, a uniform hourly rate for all employees or a unique hourly rate for each individual officer.

Typically, paying a unique hourly rate for each officer provides clients with the most scalable service. Inquire about whether additional charges will be made for uniforms, equipment or supplies-- these items should be proposed, justified, fair and mutually agreed upon. Regardless, it's important to develop a nuanced understanding of a how a security contractor assesses costs before you sign a contract.

Are The Officers Professionally Trained And Licensed?

Make sure the company you hire provides only well-trained and licensed security officers. Without a professional company facilitating the officer, you would not have the needed affirmation that the officer will be capable of doing the job correctly and offer the services you require. Therefore, licensed security officers will be able to ensure proficiency and expert security services so you know that you’re hiring a true professional, well capable of protecting your property and residents. When speaking with a company make sure their security officers are trained, licensed and are required to pass an extensive background check. 

Do Your Security Officers Appear Professional?

If the company's security officers don't wear uniforms or patrol in plain white vehicles with no logos, then you may need to consider a few questions. Is the company reliable or a fly-by-night operation? A professional appearance entails a clean fleet of easily identifiable patrol vehicles and officers who wear uniforms with clear labeling.

Obviously, security officers shouldn't arrive for duty in t-shirts and jeans. In addition to physical appearance, the security officers should also maintain professionalism on and off the company's premises. Even when the officers are on break or have down time while patrolling, they are representing the company and therefore should continue to look and act professional. 

Is Your Security Company Insured? 

Make sure the security company you are considering carries general liability, workers comp and business insurance. This will ensure if an issue does occur on your property, the company will have the proper resources for added protection. 

Do Your Officers Have Experience Working In Our Industry?

One of the most common concerns is that the officers don't have experience working with a particular company. It's important officers are able to immerse themselves into company culture to better understand specific policies as well as become business ambassadors. Security officers offer the added benefit of becoming customer service representatives.

As a patrolling officer becomes immersed into company culture they understand your business inside and out. Customers feel comfortable walking up to uniformed security personnel to ask for directions or learn more about a business's products and services. You can rest assure that employing personalized and capable officers will keep your business secure and your customers happy. 

What Are The Type Of Officers And How Many Do I Need?

Every company's risks and business objectives are different requiring customized approaches, policies, procedures and requirements. It's important to employ a security officer company that offers management and personnel to work with you in developing security officer staffing solutions for either armed or unarmed officers that cost-effectively address your challenges while supporting your business.

With this in-depth consultation, you should discuss and analyze each and every entry point, visitor access, hallway cameras as well as any area will benefit the property as you’ll know the sections needing improvement. Not only can you see what areas require an upgrade but also have the opportunity to learn about innovative security technology as well as how many and what type of security officers will be beneficial to advance property safety measurements altogether.

Do You Monitor Your Officers?

Many security officers are on duty at night, over the weekend or during closed hours when the security company’s office is also closed. This can lead to worry and possible lack of oversight, which is one of the top complaints in the security officer industry. A dependable and professional security company should clearly exhibit management and supervisors that stay in contact with guards on duty to ensure reliable and consistent service.

How Will I Know If An Incident Occurs?

A professional security company should maintain and uphold logbooks, incident reports, and other necessary documents as needed by the client’s specific individual needs as well as having an organized system to provide this information to the client when requested.

United Security Incorporated | Security Officer Staffing

We know every client’s risks and business objectives are different requiring customized approaches, policies, procedures and requirements. Our management and field personnel work with you to develop security officer staffing solutions for either armed or unarmed officers that cost-effectively address your challenges while supporting your business.

Download the checklist below to know exactly what you should be looking for when hiring security officers.