Selecting the right private security company is one of the most difficult and important tasks your business will make: 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 the safety of your facility and the employees that fuel your business, here are a few tips to consider before hiring a security officer company.

Reputation Is Key

Take time to examine the reputation of a prospective security company, ensuring that the company has developed a trustworthy and reliable reputation.

To assess the quality of their past work, research whether there has been a recent history of valid or successful lawsuits/complaints to state agencies against the contractor-- you can gather this information from a local courthouse or through a local attorney.

When you're researching a security company's history, prioritize these factors: negligence, worker's compensation claims, and experience/management.

Are Their Security Officers Profficient In More Than One Field?

Security officer services vary greatly in specializations. For instance, there are security officers who work primarily as bodyguards, crowd controllers, mobile patrol officers, or even store security officers. If you're hiring security officers for a grocery store which is open 24/7, for example, there are companies that can provide officers on shifting schedules around the clock.

Does The Security Officer Company Have A Website?

Security guard service companies that don’t have a website, does not typically mean that the company is not a worthy security guard service provider. But, you will have to wonder if they do not have a web presence, are they information technically savvy? Can they provide you with web-based incident reporting? Can they automate daily, weekly and monthly reporting to your staff or agent that represents your sites or building locations? Do they have the IT support and software to send you emails or maintain a network for their firm?

Do Their 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.

Seek References

Positive testimonials will help you to narrow down your choices to find a reputable security contractor. Typically, references offer useful insight towards a company's performance as well as areas of possible improvement. Ask for references that help to verify the company's history of relevant experience. Ask how many years the contractor has worked on the property and request that the company provide you with sites similar to yours that they've been working on. Past client references will help you to verify the company's history of responsiveness.

Assess Cost 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.

USI | Security Officer Staffing Company

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.