USI Security Tips

Should My Business Hire Contract Security Officers?

October 12, 2016

Security Officers For Business

Security officers aren’t merely used for protecting celebrities and high-profile public officials. Security professionals, trained to provide safety support at your small business, can save owners money and considerable headaches. The front-end investment of business security provides priceless peace of mind and can save you money by deterring crime and shoplifting.

Having a security officer on-site can also help with any situations or circumstances that might give you cause for concern and will be noted and detailed in written reports, a valuable asset should there be further issues or problems.

The question of whether or not to hire an outside security officer staffing services firm or forming your own internal security department has puzzled managers for decades. Yet, the growth of the private officer services industry demonstrates that more companies are opting for the contract route. So what are the benefits of hiring a third-party security officer provider?

Expert Trained Officers Make A Significant Difference

When you're considering working with a security company, you're not only hiring an officer, but you're also investing trust in their management team's expertise. Seasoned managers will be able to provide insightful guidance, assisting you in developing, maintaining, and readjusting security policies and procedures on a regular basis. This highlights the importance of finding a trustworthy and reputable firm.

Seek out a company with a management team that's active in the security industry and on the forefront of the latest security education. Experienced security companies are well versed in educating professional security officers, implementing a researched curriculum and materials that exceed industry standards.

Using a third-party provider for security protects employees and assets, while saving money and allowing you to dedicate your attention and resources to your core competencies.

So, ultimately, the choice comes down to  whether you want to attempt training an officer from scratch or work with a company who can adapt their standard training programs to meet the specific needs of your organization.

In-House Security Can End Up Costing More

In the end, in-house security efforts cost more than a hired officer's wages-- the costs also include taxes, vacation time, benefits, and uniforms. Most importantly, security firms can achieve a level of efficiency in managing and operating a security team hat most businesses cannot achieve alone. In many instances, the cost of an outsourced security program is comparable to a company's in-house costs; yet, the expertise, and training resources a security firm provides is an intangible benefit.

In-House Security Is A Petri Dish For Liability

As companies from all industries aim to become more lean, leveraged resources must be committed to the personnel who directly impact your business. In-house security personnel can open up the risk of employment claims. specifically, areas of risk include worker's compensation, unemployment, discrimination and sexual harassment. Remember, employment related lawsuits are a drain on time and resources. Effective security programs are no longer comprised of an officer in a uniform. Today's security programs include comprehensive training with market specific knowledge that include technology-based training for access control systems.

Contract Security Services Offer Flexible Solutions

Security officer firms have processes in place to maintain a deep roster of talent. If a particular security officer is ill one day or on vacation, the staffing company can move over other officers that can be drawn in to provide coverage during an absence. Staffing companies can also provide extra security coverage to support your needs if you plan any special events to be hosted at your business. Some companies provide officers with experience directly related to your niche, making it easy for the officer to naturally assimilate with your organization.

Investing in a Professional Security Officer Provider

If your property suffers from a theft or other related crime, it can result in a great deal of financial stress due to increased insurance rates and litigation costs. The costs of dealing with the appropriate security company to prevent these issues are far lower, and you’ll be able to ensure protection for your business environment while keeping operational costs low. Guaranteeing that your property, employees and visitors are able to enjoy a more secure environment is a worthy investment that businesses should consider.

Factors to Consider When Hiring

It’s crucial to feel safe with the officers hired to oversee your property. Ask relevant questions before hiring someone to make sure you get the best in the business.

Research the security company to learn if they:

  • Perform background and security tests of employees
  • Conduct regular drug testing
  • Offer employee training and maintain high standards for who can and cannot work for them
  • Can provide armed officers—often armed officers are considered unnecessary unless you have high-risk situations. You want only the highest trained officers if they’re armed, as there is far more risk of liability involved
  • Can provide ‘observe and report’ guards—a more practical solution for most small businesses and facilities, wherein guards are specifically trained to take statements and collect evidence in the case of a crime or accident. Their main job is deterring crime via their presence

A quality security provider views security as a team effort and truly believes in and acts in the effort of your employees security and safety. That commitment will be evident in the company's practices and training programs, as well as their ability to cater services to meet your needs.

United Security Incorporated | Security Officer Staffing

Although it’s tempting to hire security officers as quickly as possible to protect your property, ultimately it will cost you more than it’s worth in the long term. Hiring unqualified security officers can damage your company’s reputation and financial livelihood, compromising security. It’s best to take your time and develop a hiring process that will help you get the high quality security officers that you need. In the end it is the only way to ensure your company’s long-term success.

Take a look at our “Security Officer Checklist” to ensure that you find the right officers to meet your building’s complex needs.

New Call-to-action

Recent Posts

Security Risk Assessment