Security Blog for Portland, Oregon & Vancouver, Washington

Welcome to the Hawkeye Security Blog — your trusted source for professional insights on security and protection in the Portland, Oregon, and Vancouver, Washington areas. Whether you’re managing a commercial facility, residential property, or public space, this blog is designed to help you make smarter, safer decisions when choosing a security partner.

Below you’ll find ten key topics that highlight what to look for in a reliable and capable security provider. Each section includes a short summary and a direct link to learn more.

Licensing and Certification

Ensure the company you are considering is fully licensed and complies with Oregon and/or Washington state regulations for security services. This means they should have the proper certifications from the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) in Oregon and the Department of Licensing in Washington which enables them 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 and Washington requires less 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.

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

Stay Informed. Stay Protected.

At Hawkeye Security, we believe that informed clients are better protected. Check back regularly for new articles offering insights into regional security trends, best practices, and emerging
technologies.

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