Since the pandemic, 88% of US companies have experienced a rise in physical threats due to the changing landscape since the pandemic. There is a serious need for better security due to vaccination requirements, conflicts between employees, and theft. If you’re running a business, improving your security measures is vital. But hiring the best security guard services for your business can be challenging if you don’t know where to begin. Luckily learning what questions to ask can move you in the right direction.

Are you ready to find the right security guard services for your business? You’ll need to keep reading to learn five questions to ask when choosing a security guard company.

1. What Types of Businesses Do You Have Experience With?

You’ll need to ensure the security guard company you’re considering has experience with businesses like yours. Many security companies have guards with experience that makes them better suited for specific environments.

For example, if you own a bar, you’ll need a security guard with different skill sets than you would for a retail store.

An experienced security guard company will offer services for a variety of industries, such as:

  • Hotels
  • Restaurants
  • Movie sets
  • Malls
  • School campuses
  • Banks
  • Hospitals
  • Maritime operations
  • Loss prevention

You should look for additional services for your business, like employee background checks and employee termination. You may need security services or a specific event as well, so be sure to find one company that can cover all your needs.

Doing this is good business management since it saves time and money.

2. Do You Have Licenses and Insurance?

If an incident on your property causes injuries and damage, you can be liable if the company doesn’t have insurance.

Reputable security providers should have general liability insurance. This type of insurance covers property damage and bodily injury at another location like your business.

A security company with workers’ compensation insurance is a great sign you’re dealing with a reputable business. Workers’ compensation insurance is mandatory in almost every state and ensures employees have the coverage they need if injured on the job.

Finally, you must make sure that the company’s security guards have the proper licensure in place. In the US, many states require security guards to be licensed in the state they work in. For example, California security guards must have a license with the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services.

To get a license, a security guard has to have specific educational requirements and pass a background check.

Be sure to research this thoroughly, and don’t be afraid to ask the company as many questions as needed.

3. Do You Use the Latest Technology?

It’s best to get a good understanding of how a security guard company’s process works before you hire them for your business. You’ll first want to find out what kind of technology the company uses for its security guards.

With all the new security technology out there, you should find a company that makes the process as easy as possible. Online booking is a valuable feature to look for. This allows you to select a date, time, and location. You can also make any special requests that you might need. You can choose whether you need armed or unarmed security guards to ensure the proper security measures are in place.

Beyond that, you should look for technology that allows you to track your security guard in real-time. Many programs allow you to track a guard’s progress during each shift and see any incident reports. You can also send your security guard messages.

Overall, companies that offer the latest technology make securing a business much easier.

4. What Is Your Pricing Like?

Staying on budget when hiring for business security services is vital, but you must still be mindful of the prices. For example, if you find a company that offers security guard services at an extremely low cost, you have to consider what extra charges there might be.

To avoid this, you’ll need to get a comprehensive price quote. In many cases, you’ll pay for security services by the hour. Armed guards can be more expensive than unarmed guards, and the price can vary depending on your needs.

You’ll usually pay more if you need a guard last minute for a special event or if you have a lot of people attending. Businesses that manufacture expensive materials might also face higher prices.

You should make sure that the price quote includes things like:

  • 24/7 support
  • Custom incident reporting
  • Supervisor check-ins

Ensure you communicate your needs and get your price quote in writing to avoid surprises.

5. How Do You Train and Screen Your Staff?

Remember, each state has different requirements for licensure, which usually include educational qualifications. However, each company has its own training and screening methods they use.

For screening, security companies will do a complete background check. They’ll look at a security guard’s past experience closely. You’ll find that some companies mainly hire guards with past military or law enforcement experience.

They may also hire people ready to learn and willing to go through training. Many companies have training programs that include:

  • Online and in-person classroom training
  • Patrolling procedures
  • Traffic management
  • Alarm systems
  • Effective communication skills
  • Theft prevention
  • Dealing with emergencies

Since training programs vary, you must ask the company you’re considering more about their training and screening procedures. This way, you’ll feel confident that the security guards you hire have the training they need to protect your business.

Hire the Right Security Guard Services Today

Hiring the right security guard services for your business takes time and effort, but asking the right questions makes the process much easier.

Are you looking for a reliable security guard company that can meet the needs of your business? You don’t have to look any further than Security Now USA.

We offer licensed, bonded, and insured security guards with over 40 years of combined military and law enforcement experience. We can provide security for many businesses like restaurants, hotels, schools, and more.

Make sure to contact us today for a free quote to get the best security guard for your business!