Making the decision to hire a private commercial security guard company is a significant step in protecting your business, property, and personnel. However, not all security companies are created equal. The quality, training, and professionalism of security providers can vary dramatically. Choosing the right commercial security partner is a critical decision that will have a direct impact on the safety and security of your enterprise. To make an informed choice, it’s essential to know what key qualities and credentials to look for and what questions to ask when vetting a potential security guard company.
1. Proper Licensing and Insurance
This is the absolute most important and non-negotiable first step. A legitimate commercial security company must be fully licensed by the state in which it operates.
- Why it Matters: A license ensures that the company and its owners have met the minimum requirements set by the state, which often includes background checks and meeting certain operational standards. Hiring an unlicensed company is a major liability risk that may have long-lasting consequences down to line. You should always request a company’s state license number and verify it with the relevant state regulatory board.
- Adequate Insurance: The company must also carry a comprehensive insurance policy, including general liability, workers’ compensation, and often a specific errors and omissions policy. This protects you and your business from any possible future liability in the event of an incident or an injury on your property. Ask to see their certificate of insurance.
2. Rigorous Officer Training and Screening
The quality of a security company is a direct reflection of the quality of its officers.
- Screening Process: Ask about their pre-employment screening process. Do they conduct thorough criminal background checks and drug screenings?
- Training Standards: What does their training program involve? A professional company will provide its officers with extensive training that goes beyond the basic state requirements. This should include training in de-escalation techniques, emergency response procedures, report writing, customer service, and the specific duties of the post they will be assigned to. As professional organizations like ASIS International, a global community for security professionals, emphasize, ongoing training is a hallmark of a professional security force.
3. A Strong Reputation and Proven Experience
- Read Reviews and Ask for References: Do your homework. Look up the company online and read reviews from past and current clients. Ask the company to provide you with references from clients in a similar industry to your own.
- Experience in Your Sector: A security company that specializes in hospital security will have a different skill set than one that specializes in construction site security. Look for a company that has proven, demonstrable experience in protecting the type of business or property that you own.
4. Supervision and Management Structure
How is the company managed?
- Field Supervision: A good security company will have a strong field supervision structure. This means there are supervisors who are regularly visiting the officers on-site to ensure they are performing their duties correctly and are adhering to the post orders.
- 24/7 Dispatch and Support: The company should have a 24/7 dispatch and command center that you can call at any time to report an issue or to get in touch with your on-site officer.
Triumph Protection: Your Commercial Security Partner
Choosing a security provider is choosing a partner in the safety of your business. By doing your due diligence, you can find a company that is professional, reliable, and a true asset to your organization. The team at Triumph Protection is committed to the highest standards of professionalism and training. We provide expert commercial security. Contact us today for a consultation.