Hiring A Security Guard? Here’s What You Need To Know

Hiring A Security Guard? Here’s What You Need To Know

Reprinted from SecurityConsensus.org

When it comes to the protection of your property, whether that property is your personal home or a business you’ve built from the ground up, the hiring of a security guard is a big step to be taking. But just giving a security guard the keys to your property isn’t enough. In order to ensure that your property is being fully protected, you need to know the ins and outs of hiring a security firm to keep watch when you cannot.

No matter which security option you choose, it’s important to understand that no security measure is 100% guaranteed. Confirmation that your property is completely secure may take some time, and so patience is something that anyone hiring a security guard will need to ensure they possess.

Your Security Options

There is more than one way to obtain security personnel for your property. One way is to contact your local law enforcement agency to see whether or not they would be willing to supply you with an off-duty officer. This can be a good option, as hiring a police officer means that a background check, as well as references from past employers, are already available. In addition, police officers have been trained how to handle a wide variety of situations.

The other option is to acquire a security guard from a security agency. This will require more leg work on your part, as you will need to screen your local agencies for several factors. Choosing a bigger security agency may mean more luck in terms of selecting the right officer for your application, simply because bigger companies will have a wider variety of officers. It may also mean better quality of officers, due to the higher likelihood that those not meeting requirements will be fired.

Why Hire A Security Guard?

Hiring a security guard has many benefits. At the most basic level, the presence of a security guard can be enough to deter a thief. This is because a security guard communicates to thieves that their chosen target will not be an easy one. As well, a security guard can be trained to spot potentially threatening behavior, meaning a higher chance of that behavior being curbed before it even becomes a problem.

Another benefit is that a security guard can react right away if there is trouble afoot. Unlike a security camera, which simply records security breaches, a guard can address problems immediately.

Even having access to a security guard company’s phone number can be enough to defuse situations when they arise during working hours. There is little more effective than saying “I’m going to call security” when a situation looks like it’s going to get out of control.

What To Ask The Security Company For

It is widely recommended that anyone looking for a security company ask each company they are investigating to supply both a document stating the experience of any potential guard candidates, as well as a background check release. Knowing the experience of your potential guard will tell you whether or not they can offer the level of service you’re looking for.

Training Is Crucial

Regardless of the company you are considering, the training received by the guards will be vital to the security of your property. You may wish to take note of the more common certifications associated with guard training, such as WHMIS, Occupational First Aid from levels 1 to 3, and advanced security training, or AST.

Depending on the company, you may discover that specialized training is offered to guards. This can include things like residential patrol training, vehicle patrol techniques, customer and concierge service, and foot patrol training.

What To Do After The Guard Has Been Hired

Once you’ve hired a security guard, it’s time to set the terms of employment. These may include run-of-the-mill rules like no television or smoking, all the way up to specifics, such as what to include in their activity logs.

You will also want to ensure that you have a collection of patrol routes for the security guard to follow. But try and concentrate on smaller and more specific patrol areas so as to ensure regular thorough inspection.

Ensure your own protection from negligence by the guard by asking the security company to add you to its policy. Also ask for a copy of its license and proof of indemnity insurance coverage. And as always, read the fine print of any contract before you sign it.