Are you thinking about hiring a security company for your residential or business property? Being responsible for choosing the company that will be ensuring the safety and security of your biggest assets can feel daunting. The quality of the company you choose can impact whether losses are prevented and whether a safe environment is created.
To help you navigate selecting the right security firm for your needs, here are some of the key questions to ask different providers.
1) How Do You Utilize Technology?
Technology is a critical component of any security plan and is important for securing the environment. With constant updates in security technology, companies that do not keep up to date may have fallen behind in the level of protection that they can offer you. For example, real-time reporting is a technology that more and more companies are beginning to offer. It allows you to track where your security guards are and get notifications when there is an incident. This means that security companies can take steps to address the situation instantly.
When evaluating a company, ask what type of technology they arm their guards with and how well the guards are trained in using this technology. A skilled security firm will be able to integrate technology with physical solutions.
2) How Frequently Do You Update Employee Training?
Security threats are constantly evolving. You want to ensure that you are choosing a security company that is able to keep up with the changes in the industry, including the latest technologies and regulations.
A security company that provides consistent training for its staff, shows a high level of professionalism and an indication that the company is invested in demonstrating good performance for their clients.
3) Have You Worked For Clients That Are Similar?
It is important that a security company you are considering working with has worked in a similar type of environment as yours. Companies and security guards have different skills and experience making them better suited to certain environments.
For example, a company that has experience providing guards for bars and nightclubs is typically going to have a better understanding of how these businesses operate, what their security risks are, and what safety processes are needed to keep the environment safe.
When selecting a security firm, you want to ensure they’ve worked with clients that are similar size, type, or industry as you.
Don’t hesitate to ask if the company can provide references of clients they have worked with. Take this opportunity to learn what the security is like.
4) Do You Have Insurance And Licensing?
It is important that you don’t assume that a security company is licensed and registered to legally provide you with security services. Make sure that the company has licensing in place so they provide you with proper security services.
It might even be tempting to select unlicensed guards because they are cheaper. However, it is important to remember that unlicensed guards have not been through the training and background checks required to get a license.
If a security guard is put in a position where they need to detain someone and incur injuries or damage property in the process, it is crucial that the security service has insurance to cover the incident. If the company does not have insurance, the liability could fall on you.
5) What Will Your Response Be In An Emergency Situation?
If someone breaks into your property, there should be a process in place to deal with it in the fastest way possible. A good security strategy should include details such as responsibility, response time and security equipment.
It is important to find out what type of backup will be available in case of an emergency. Look for a company where there are good levels of supervision and a 24/7 support team. When comparing companies, ask what the response time for a supervisor or patrol officer is to reach a guard if they need assistance. Follow up by asking how much time supervisors spend at each site.
Select a Security Company That Offers Exceptional Customer Care
Using these questions can help you evaluate different security companies. Ultimately, it is important to find a company that is dedicated to providing excellent care. At Impact Security Group, we have a passion for customer care, and we take no detail for granted.
Call us today to learn more about our services and find out how we can meet your security needs.