In order to keep your business protected, it is essential to ask the right questions to security guard agencies about hiring. Partnering with a security firm is a huge decision that directly impacts your assets, employees, and peace of mind. To assist you, we have put together a helpful guide that includes the essential questions to ask prospective security guard agencies to sift through the selection process. This method ensures, through a rigorous vetting process, that you are dealing with a professional, reputable, competent security service.
2. Company Background Questions
Before getting into the nitty-gritty, it’s worth talking about the agency’s history and experience. Here are other questions to consider asking:
- How long have you been in the security industry?
- Who are the clients you usually work with?
- Can you offer references from existing customers in our sector?
- How many security guards do you have employed?
- What makes your agency different from competitors?
- Do you have sector-specific experience with our customer base?
These questions can help you determine if the agency has the expertise you require and if the relationship would be a good fit for your needs. The recent 2023 Agency Experience Index shows that 85% of businesses will prioritize an agency’s experience in their decision-making process.
3. Operational Questions
Knowing the workings of the agency is essential to judge their professionalism and credibility.
a. Guard Training Programs
- What is the basic training for your guards?
- How frequently do guards get retraining?
- Do you provide in-depth training for specific industries?
b. Quality Control Measures
- How do you maintain service quality across the board?
- Which performance metrics do you use to assess guards?
- How frequently do you perform internal audits?
c. Supervision Methods
- What is the supervisor-to-guard ratio?
- How frequently do supervisors visit guard posts?
- How are guards able to communicate with supervisors?
d. Emergency Response Protocols
- How do you deal with an emergency?
- How quickly are you able to give backup if an order occurs?
- Are you familiar with local law enforcement?
e. Technology Integration
- What security technologies do you integrate with guard services solutions?
- What sources do you leverage to keep up with the latest security advancements?
- Do your systems integrate with our security infrastructure?
Keep in mind that a well-trained security team acts as your first line of defense. Those agencies that invest in ongoing training enjoy a 30 percent reduction in security incidents, according to the Security Industry Association.
4. Sector-Specific Questions
All industries have varying security requirements. Here are some questions tailored to specific sectors:
Aviation Sector Security
- Are your guards familiar with TSA policies?
- What measures are taken to maintain order in crowded locations?
Banking Sector Security
- What is your experience with cash handling procedures?
- How are you training your guards to spot potential fraud?
IT Sector Security
- Do your guards know anything about data center security?
- How do you control access to sensitive locations?
E-Commerce Sector Security
- What steps do you take to deter package theft?
- How do you secure large warehouses?
Logistics Sector Security
- To what extent are high-value shipments secured?
- What are your procedures for vehicle inspections?
Educational Sector Security
- What does the interaction between your guards and students/staff look like?
- What kind of active shooter training do you offer?
Manufacturing Sector Security
- What do you do to maintain safety in high-traffic fields?
- What procedures do you have in place for handling hazardous materials?
Healthcare Sector Security
- Are your guards trained on patient confidentiality laws?
- How do you manage security in emergency rooms?
Retail Sector Security
- How do you try to prevent theft in your store?
- What is the way your guards deal with challenging customers?
Shopping Malls Sector Security
- How do you sustain security for sprawling, open areas?
- What kind of crowd control do you do when things get busy?
By asking these sector-specific questions, you can ensure the agency understands your unique security challenges.
5. Compliance and Documentation
You must make sure that your security partner is legally compliant. Ask these questions:
- Are all of your guards adequately licensed and certified as per state law?
- Are you able to show proof of liability insurance?
- How do you conduct background checks on guards?
- Is there an up-to-date record of training for each of the employees?
- Are you all in compliance with any applicable industry standards?
Reputable agencies are incredibly open about compliance. Indeed, 95% of the highest-rated security businesses offer documentation unsolicited.
6. Cost and Contract Questions
Understanding your business partnership finances is super important:
- How does pricing work?
- Is there any other fee we need to be mindful of?
- What are your typical contract terms?
- How open are you to changing contracts?
- What is covered in your service level agreement?
- Do you have a system for handling billing and invoicing?
Just keep in mind that the lowest price isn’t necessarily the best price. Emphasise value for money rather than the cheapest bottom line.
7. FAQ Section
Here are some common questions about hiring security agencies:
Q: How much does it typically cost to hire a security guard agency?
A: Costs vary based on services, location, and needs. It’s best to get customized quotes.
Q: Can I request specific guards for my property?
A: Many agencies allow this, but it may depend on availability and scheduling.
Q: What happens when a guard doesn’t show up for duty?
A: Reputable agencies will have backup systems in place to provide coverage at all times.
Q: How soon can an agency begin to provide services?
A: It varies, but many can kick off 1-2 weeks after we’ve signed a contract.
Q: Do security guards have arrest powers?
A: In general, guards can only hold people until law enforcement arrives.