One of the most important decisions you’ll make for your business is hiring armed or unarmed private security guard services. In this turbulent and sometimes dangerous world, it is essential to have reliable security partners on board to protect your company’s valuable assets and guard your premises against vandalism, theft, and other crimes.
You might be surprised to know that in 2017, nearly a million security guards were hired to ensure added safety and security for businesses. Indeed, security is becoming so important to companies that the global security market is expected to reach $292.40 billion by the year 2025. This surely dictates that security guards are in demand and are going to be in the coming years too.
Hiring the right security professional is not as simple as it appears. You need to factor in many considerations before you finalize your decision about which security company will monitor your premises, deter crime, and protect your company against potential threats.
Many companies opt for unarmed security professionals. Here is a list of essential questions to ask any unarmed private security guard service to ensure you are making the right decision for your business..
#1 Are you licensed?
This is the most important question to ask before hiring a security company. You need to make sure the security company is licensed by the Department of Public Safety. It matters that you get a licensed professional on board because they have the tools and training to ensure that all your employees are adequately screened and documented during the recruiting process. Also, if your security professionals are licensed, they can send fingerprints and other required background information to the appropriate government agencies for proper screening. These days it’s vital to perform a criminal background check every time a new employee joins your organization.
#2 What kind of training have your security guards received?
When it comes to hiring security guards, a classroom session with theoretical training is not enough to protect your premises. To handle real threats, guards require rigorous field training. You want to find security guards who are well trained in public interaction and security techniques, risk assessment, prevention, de-escalation, weaponry, counter-terrorism, team deployment, and more so they can handle critical issues for you. Doing so gives you the reassurance that any on-premises threat will be contained or dealt with immediately, effectively, and professionally.
#3 Do you monitor your guards?
A crucial question to ask your private security company is how frequently they supervise or monitor their guards. A good security company will maintain a clear chain of command and performance records for all its professionals. These companies also make it mandatory to maintain a continuous channel of communication to stay in touch with their guards while they are on duty.
In fact, the best security companies deploy GPS tracking systems to monitor every guard who is on duty. These systems are installed with automated features that are updated regularly. This extra layer of precaution ensures the safety of all the guards on duty. Additionally, it helps in monitoring every security guard’s movement and the status of the area in which they are deployed. In turn this protects you.
#4 What are your rates?
It is best to shop around for security guard services so that you can find a reasonable quote that fits your budget. Always compare rates to analyze which company offers the best combination of suitable services and prices. But make sure you don’t get swayed so much by a cheap quote that you make your decision based on that alone. Be especially cautious if you are getting a considerably lower price compared to other companies.
In cases like that, you may be cornered by the security company into a position you didn’t intend. For instance at an exceptionally low rate, you might be sent untrained or inexperienced security guards who are unable to adequately handle potential security situations. It’s also possible that security guards from low-priced companies may not have the required certifications, approval, or insurance that help to protect your business.
If you ever find yourself in such a binding situation, make sure you balance any price with the quality of the services that will be delivered. Hiring guards at the cheapest rate can turn out to be a costly and dangerous mistake – one that you may regret for a long time to come.
#5 Do you provide armed or unarmed guards?
Before you ask this question, review the kinds of security services you need. If you are considering hiring armed guards, first make sure that you need that higher level of service by analyzing the threats that are common in your business category or location.
If armed security professionals are the right solution, make sure they have proper licenses to avoid any liability issues. Also, ask questions to determine that they are well trained in operating all kinds of firearms. You’ll want to ask detailed questions about the experience of the specific guards that will be assigned to you.
Keep in mind that armed security guards are more expensive than unarmed ones. This is because a responsible security company will carry increased liability coverage for its armed guards. While this increases the cost, the additional layer of liability protection is very important for you.
Another reason armed guards are expensive is the cost of weapons training, which involves continual practice and updating. That is why armed guards are hired mostly for VIP events and special occasions where bodyguards are necessary. If you feel you or your business are at particular risk armed guards are worth the extra cost for both protection and deterrence. The presence of armed guards will cause bad actors to think twice before targeting your interests.
When you’re considering protection, ask these essential questions to the security service companies you interview before making your final choice of agency. Remember, it’s wise to hire guards from a security company that is perfectly suited to your requirements.
Best of luck on your quest!
