Portland, Oregon Security Blog

Factors to consider before hiring security Guards for your premises

When selecting a security guard company in Portland, Oregon, it’s essential to ensure that you are choosing a reliable, professional service that meets your specific needs. Doing your due diligence before hiring a potential security company will not only ensure that your needs are met but also allay any fears about the competency of the company providing service on your premises. Here are ten important factors to consider:

Licensing and Certification

Ensure the company is fully licensed and complies with Oregon state regulations for security services. This means they should have the proper certifications from the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) to provide security guard services and follow industry standards.

All Security companies in Oregon are required to provide you with proof of their company’s certification when submitting service proposals.

Experience and Reputation

Look for a company with a strong track record of success. A well-established company with a positive reputation will be more reliable and trustworthy. Check for reviews, testimonials, or case studies to verify their history and credibility.

Customized Security Solutions

Every property has unique security needs. Choose a company that offers tailored solutions to fit your specific requirements.A reputable company will offer to come to your site and perform a security site survey before issuing a proposal to ensure that all your property specific needs are met.

Qualified Security Personnel

Security guards should be well-trained, professional, and skilled. Check if the company provides ongoing training in areas like conflict resolution, emergency procedures, and customer service. Also, verify if the
company hires only certified security officers as mandated by law. In Oregon, the certification process only requires a 14 hour class to
become a licensed security officer. Look for a company that goes far beyond this training to ensure that your property is protected by
competent, reliable confident personnel. Ask what kind of initial and
recurrent training is provided to officers.

Ask your potential security provider regarding their background check process as well. In Oregon, while the State conducts a comprehensive FBI Background check on all applicants the result of that check is not
revealed to the security company. Furthermore, there are many crimes in Oregon that a potential applicant may have committed that are deemed acceptable and non-disqualifying by the State during the
certification process. Ensure that your potential company conducts an independent background check on all applicants with periodic
re-checks to ensure that only the most qualified individuals are
providing services on your premises.

Insurance and Liability Coverage

A reputable company should have comprehensive insurance to cover potential incidents or damages. Confirm that they carry general liability insurance and workers’ compensation coverage. In an industry such as security guards, it is also important to look for and errors & omissions policy which covers any arrests and/or detentions by security officers which are usually not covered under a traditional general liability policy. By choosing a company with a complete suite of insurance coverage you ensure that you are protected against all contingencies.

Technology Integration

A good security guard company should incorporate modern technology for surveillance and reporting.

Inquire if they use systems like video surveillance, GPS tracking, radio communication or mobile apps for real-time updates and efficient
reporting. Request a sample of all reports the company might be
providing you to evaluate their ability to communicate with you. Technology considerations should also include modern security
equipment possessed by the officer as well.

24/7 Availability and Response Time

It’s essential to select a security guard company that provides 24/7
response service and has a quick response time. In emergencies, you’ll need immediate action. Ensure they have a dedicated team to handle urgent situations including a dedicated dispatch phone number for clients to call to properly respond when needed.

This team should include a 24 hour dispatch call center with live call
takers to address your concerns.

Professional Uniforms and Equipment

A security guard is, by extension, a representative of your
company. During the evaluation process, ask any potential security guard company to allow you to see the uniforms and vehicles of officers who will be on your property.

Additionally, it is important that the security guard company you select invests in modern equipment for the officers and provides them with
adequate training on that equipment.

At a minimum all security guards should be equipped with a mobile
radio for communication with their dispatch, handcuffs and pepper spray. Additional advisable equipment may include a defensive baton and taser.

Cost and Transparency

Compare pricing structures and ensure they are transparent with no hidden fees. While affordability is important, ensure the cost aligns with the quality and service you expect. The cheapest option may not always be the best.

In today’s security market it is easy to find a low cost provider. Many are what can be termed “mom and pop” operations with one person doing all the work. Other, large companies may just provide “warm bodies” in a uniform with little to no training or experience. While it is important, of course, to be aware of your bottom line be wary of the type of service and the professionalism of the officers you may be receiving from a “low cost” security guard option.

A Hands On Approach

The vast majority of security guard companies out there have adopted the “observe and report” philosophy to minimize their liability insurance cost and exposure. A security guard from a company like this, who
observes suspicious activity on your property will simply retreat and
observe from a distance and attempt to contact law enforcement to
respond and handle the situation.

If you are actively seeking a security guard presence in some form for your company, no doubt you have expectations for those officers. Since you are necessarily looking to protect your personnel and assets look for a company with a “hands on approach” that will take positive action to deter suspicious activity and will make an arrest when appropriate. When it comes to security presence on your property, a security guard that does nothing else but “observe and report” is just another body with a cell phone to call 911.

By considering these factors, you can select a security guard company in Portland, Oregon that will offer reliable, professional, and tailored security solutions for all your needs.

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