8 Things to Consider Before Hiring a Security Guard

There are many reasons why businesses will consider hiring additional security. Having a security guard on patrol can do everything from protecting valuable merchandise to making your clients feel safe as they shop your store. Having an armed guard on patrol may be enough to deter a casual crime.

Whatever the motivation behind looking to acquire added security, here are a few of the main reasons you should consider as you evaluate your security needs and determine which security solution will best suit your business needs. Use the following criteria to make a decision that works for your business and takes the worry of securing your business off of your plate.

Will a security guard benefit my business?

Business owners consider hiring experienced security guards for several reasons. If your storefront is located in a less-than-desirable part of town with high crime rates, paying for security may help decrease theft and encourage traffic. For those who sell valuable merchandise like jewelry or electronics, loss prevention is key to maintaining profitability, and a security guard will help you keep your doors open with peace of mind.

Having security guards also helps other types of establishments, like bars, or in other situations where alcohol may be involved. Hiring security is also essential for different construction sites so that criminals don’t run off with expensive unattended equipment or building materials that can compound delays for tight timelines.

The following businesses might consider it beneficial to hire security guards:

• Retailers
• Banks and Financial Institutions
• School
• Residential & Retirement Homes

For many businesses, paying for security ultimately ensures your business’s smooth operation. This translates into greater profits down the line.

Also Read: TOP 15 QUALITIES TO LOOK FOR IN A RESIDENTIAL SECURITY GUARD

Do security guards utilize the latest technology?

When you vet security services, look into the types of technology that they plan to use to ensure the smooth and efficient protection of your site. While a personal security guard’s human element is essential, routinely incorporating different technologies makes them more efficient at protecting properties. Some common items that you’ll find are real-time GPS trackers. If your security services offer this feature, you can expect to know where every security officer is at a given point in time. This reinforces accountability, discourages guards from skipping patrol sites, and protects the guards themselves if they are working in remote locations.

Other technology, like mobile apps that allow patrol security guards to check-in along their routes, will result in more detailed guard tour reports. Knowing exactly what goes on during a patrol helps managers make decisions based on the facts of any event that occurs. Including equipment like security cameras helps security guards effectively cover more areas and protect larger spaces because it makes the whole job a bit more manageable. It’s important to note that while technology is crucial to most modern security setups, it should complement the human element rather than serve as a substitute for it.

What is the average cost of hiring a security guard?

Several factors will affect the average cost of hiring a security guard. It may be more affordable to hire a personal security guard through a company or through an online job posting. However, you may want to look at a security firm for a more comprehensive solution. Certified security guard services may cost a bit more upfront. In exchange for that premium, they will often take care of minor details that can cause major headaches. Having a certified security guard company handle uniforms, liability insurance, and training make it worth the added costs.

As you consider the cost of the service, make sure whoever you hire has the experience and favourable business ratings to justify your costs. Security guards with more training and, of course, more knowledge of their business will charge more, and you often get what you pay for when it comes to security.

Hiring a security guard will set you back between $10-100 per hour. That figure varies widely based on the level of security that they are being asked to provide. The time of day and whether you require that the security guards are armed or not will also figure into the cost as added training, certifications, and equipment will increase your expenses.

It’s always helpful to talk about payment upfront. After all, while there are genuine and tangible benefits to hiring extra security, this does little good if it pushes you beyond your budget to do so. When you consider adding protection, account for the fact that you’ll need to conduct criminal background checks for everyone that you hire, too.

Also Read: 8 MISTAKES TO AVOID WHEN HIRING SECURITY GUARD SERVICES

How effective are guard tour patrols?

Guard tour patrols undertaken with care and enhanced with available technology can be extremely useful in securing property and personnel. In conjunction with widely available proprietary mobile apps, real-time GPS can really boost on-site performance and improve the effectiveness of guard tour patrols. With those tools, you can know exactly where your security patrols are at any given time.

Technology also helps security guards add detail to their guard tour reports. That way, if anything out of the ordinary occurs, managers have precise information and can make smart decisions on the best way to move forward in securing the business.

Efficient scheduling of security guards

As firms continue to embrace technology, they are increasingly able to better dispatch security officers to your business. Incidents can take place at any time of day, so it’s vital that your security service can rapidly deploy security to your site when you need it. Modern patrol management systems will let dispatchers assign guards quickly to respond to emergencies and offer live updates after recording the information. This technology enables the dispatchers to make well-informed decisions based on real facts when you need them to the most.

How long has the security company been in business?

Before you settle on a security services provider, do your homework. Then look into the company’s credentials. Consider where the firm operates regularly, perhaps whether you’ve seen one of the guards or patrol cars around town.

Check the BBB to make sure that there aren’t any outstanding claims with previous clients, or run a quick LinkedIn or Facebook search to see if any satisfied customers have left good reviews. The longer a security company has been in business, the better the chances they are good at what they do and will offer you the level of service you are looking for.

Training and Certification

Make sure that any firm you consider is qualified and certified according to local ordinances first. Without full compliance, there’s no basis for moving forward. Then verify whether they will be capable of offering you the solution that you need. Armed guards, for example, may or may not be necessary depending on your situation. If you require that guards carry weapons, they must be trained and licensed to use them.

Similarly, make sure that the security firm is up to date with your current technology. Technological advancements aren’t beneficial if your guards aren’t trained to utilize these tools effectively.

Ready to hire?

Taking the time to investigate the best decision for your business when it comes to security is well worth the time. Contracting the right security firm for your needs at a price point that works for you can be such an asset. By ensuring your safety, the safety of your merchandise and equipment, and the safety of your patrons, you can operate in peace. Hiring the right firm takes the worry of managing individual security concerns. It essentially outsources the work to skilled professionals so that you no longer need to actively devote as much time and energy to it.

Reach out to the professionals at Stark Security

There’s a lot that goes into choosing a security firm that will best protect your business. Start by looking for reputable security providers in your area. Make sure that they are licensed and certified to offer security services for you and check them out on the BBB website or on social media sites like LinkedIn or Facebook to look at their reviews.

As you look to engage a security company, consider what you need. Ensure that they offer cutting-edge technology to provide you with the best, most reliable services and fully protect your business if that is what you are looking for. If you need armed guards, factor in the potential cost as you talk price before signing a contract.

Hiring an experienced security guard or team can offer many benefits to your business. As you consider your options, look for a group committed to creating a safer environment and willing to problem solve and meet your business’s particular challenges when looking to increase protection. With over 50 years of law enforcement experience, Stark Security are at the forefront of protecting Chicago. Contact Stark Security for all of your professional commercial and retail, personal, or event security needs.