How To Hire A Security Company

New year, new you? What about for your security team? Contracted security services should not just be good enough. They should aim to not only meet but to exceed your expectations. At AEGIS Security & Investigations, we work with each client to understand and not only meet their needs, but exceed them. With us, the client is the priority.

Hiring security can be a daunting task with so many options available. We want to help you discover the best route to accomplish the task.

First, know whether or not a security professional is necessary. Ask yourself these questions:

  • What is the security issue at stake?
  • Do I feel that I, my property or my business is at risk or unsafe?
  • Is this a matter that requires additional assistance related to safety?

Second, decide what means will best meet your demands. Do you need and unarmed or armed guard? Unarmed guards are required to have the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS) guard training. This means they are subject to a criminal history background check and complete the Power to Arrest training (for more info, visit the BSIS fact sheet). Armed guards have to have a guard card plus a permit to carry firearms. At AEGIS, these officers are generally (but not always) current or former military or law enforcement officers.

Within both categories of security officers, their use to a site should be determined by your needs. Having a security guard alone acts as a deterrent for potential criminals as it visually symbolizes protection. This sense of security in addition to an easily identifiable form of customer service (yes, security guards can be useful to telling a client where to find the bathroom!) can boost your customer satisfaction and general sense of enjoyment in your business. On a personal level, having a security officer nearby can prevent you from being considered an easy target.

For businesses, there are many perks. However, your specific needs will dictate the type of officer you require. If you are looking for loss prevention, armed guards are generally a better fit because having a weapon acts as a deterrent. In protecting large estates — either personal or business — the same rule applies. However, if you want guards for a party, going the unarmed route is best. Since most entertainment events simply need someone to monitor the perimeter, check invitations or guest lists, and stop confrontations between guests, unarmed guards are the perfect fit to ensure guests feel safe but not overwhelmed by the amount of protection (e.g., scared by weapons).

Third, know your budget. Different operations will offer different pricing. And with that pricing comes varying abilities and expectations of security officers. Operations that offers low pricing may tend to offer low quality. Guards may be newer or simply more careless. We’ve heard from potential clients numerous times that they are dissatisfied with their security but that their budget dictates they must remain with folks who are not necessarily the best in place. On the other end of the price spectrum, there is a reality of high cost equates to stellar service. This is where celebrity security guards typically end up, and their wages are certainly reflective of their genuinely good service.

Lastly, you can assume, most of the time, a company licensed by BSIS is operating the right way insofar as it has proper structure and insurance. Many people assume security guards are independent contractors – and justifiably so because the market is quite fragmented. But security guards in the State of California are required to be employees and making sure your company operations properly couldn’t hurt. For more information, check out our post about 1099 Guards.

As a boutique security operation, we provide top-notch service at affordable prices. Because we value both our guards and our clients, we aim to meet in the middle on pricing while ensuring that all parties are satisfied and cared for well. In all, you will want to go with a professional security team that provides you with the best service to meet your needs.

AEGIS Security & Investigations is a Los Angeles region company that is licensed and insured in the State of California to provide high-end armed and unarmed regular and temporary off-duty police officers, bodyguards, security officers, loss prevention agents, and event staff. Additionally, we offer services for private investigation, consultation, people tracing, and background investigation. Our trainings and workshops in the field of security licensure and counter-terrorism have been featured in news media and are renowned for their efficacy. For more information or to contact us, visit www.aegis.com.

Author: Chelsea Turner & Jeff Zisner