Hiring Competent Security Guards

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Home Page > Home Improvement > Home Security > Hiring Competent Security Guards

Hiring Competent Security Guards

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Posted: Sep 23, 2010
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Hiring Competent Security Guards

By: Jordan Frankel

About the Author

Global Security Experts, Inc. founder, Jordan Frankel, develops and implements revolutionary products that save and protect lives. Countless agencies and companies such as NASDAQ, the US Military, and law enforcement entrust Mr. Frankel with their security and safety.

Mr. Frankel is a frequent media speaker on international security, addressing the personal and financial consequences associated with home invasions and other serious threats. His ability to outsmart the proverbial bad guys – coupled with his commitment to making security an affordable reality for all consumers – is also the key to Mr. Frankel’s success.

Mr. Frankel is a proud member of the American Society for Industrial Safety & Security and the International Association for Counter Terrorism & Security. http://www.globalsecurityexperts.com

(ArticlesBase SC #3326122)

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/ – Hiring Competent Security Guards

The security personnel that tours the grounds of apartments and condominiums often fall into one of two categories: (1) they are either hired by and work directly for the property management company, or (2) they are contracted and employed by an outside security agency.

Whether you employ a security guard directly or contract one through an outside security agency, there are several things you need to be aware of to ensure you receive the maximum security services possible from your security staff.

Weigh the Risk

When it comes to hiring security staff, the risk of liability is a key factor and choosing the right guard company or individuals is paramount to reducing your legal exposure.

Should you opt to hire a security guard directly, keep in mind that your property management company will be considered the responsible party should any type of altercation or worse event arise. This same liability extends to residents, staff members, and other civilians as a result of the actions of the security guard.

Security guards that are hired as an outside contractor through a security agency do not present the same liability risk to property management companies. With the right contract in place, if something happens, the security agency that employs the security guard will usually (but not in all cases) be considered the responsible party.

In order to determine whether or not to hire security staff directly or contract with an outside security agency, you need to decide what level of liability risk you and your company are willing to assume. (Consult with a law office specializing in this field.)

Qualifications

Many security guards are retired or off-duty police officers or military personnel. As a result, they usually are better trained and have more real-word experience. But don’t assume that this means they are qualified to provide adequate security to the premises of your residential complex. Police training does not include such coursework.

On the other hand, many of the other people employed as security guards are just regular civilians. Although most usually have some form of training and/or experience, there are those who have very little or no professional security training whatsoever.

It’s always important to ensure that whomever you hire as a security guard for your complex has adequate training and experience. So be sure to ask the necessary questions, verify references, and obtain written proof of qualifications for all potential applicants.

As a rule of thumb—when in doubt, cross them out!

Background Checks

An extensive criminal background check and complete job references are an absolute must! Additionally, if your guard is to carry a firearm, you must obtain a valid copy of his or her gun permit. If you rely on your contracted security agency to provide these, make sure to obtain written proof of this important information for each and every security guard they contract out to you. Do not rely on word of mouth.

Most contracted security officers have had background screenings conducted by the security agency for which they work. But it’s up to you to ensure that a background check has, in fact, been conducted and done so within the last 24 months.

If you decide to employ your own security staff, you will need to take the necessary steps to ensure they are qualified. Be sure to they provide verifiable job references and have a criminal background check performed to ensure they have no felony criminal convictions. Do not hire anyone with a criminal record, as they present a higher level of liability risk for you.

There are many company and private investigators that provide background screening services at affordable prices. Many of them can be found through a simple online search for your local area or through your local telephone directory. You can also check with other residential complexes or associations for referrals.

Do not hire applicants without verifiable references. Keep in mind that you will most likely be turning over keys to the premises to one or more of your security guards. So be sure to follow up on each and every reference. Remember—when it doubt, cross them out!

How to Ensure Optimum Service from Your Security Agency

When choosing a security agency, it’s best to go with a larger firm that has been around for a few years. The benefit of a larger agency over a smaller one is that larger agencies have a greater amount of employees to choose from. They can easily replace no-shows and/or officers that do not meet to your satisfaction. Larger agencies also have a better employee retention rate, as these agencies are able to provide better benefits, training, and job opportunities.

You can also improve the services you receive by taking the initiative to set up strict patrol compliance standards or “post orders” and include them as part of your written contract. Post orders are the written details that explain how your property is to be serviced by each security guard on patrol. An example would be stating what time and for how many hours the premises are to be patrolled by foot.

Having these orders in writing is important because it acts as a contract. Any failure to provide the services outline in the post orders can be considered a breach of contract by the security agency and provide you with a valid reason to refuse payment of their services or terminating their services altogether.

When it comes to agencies that offer drive-through security patrols, it is recommended that you avoid this type of service, as they are usually just a waste of time and money. This is because in order to be effective, the security guard needs to spend a significant amount of time on the premises. However, this is often not the case with many drive-through services, because many drive-through services have multiple complexes to patrol. This causes the security guard to zip through the complex so that he can do the same for the many others on his list.

The following is some additional advice on how to ensure you receive optimum security services from your contracted security agency:

Read the contract in its entirety. Watch out for any clauses that release the security agency from liability.
Ensure your contract lists you as an insured person and holds you harmless from negligent acts of the security agency or guards they contract out to you.
Obtain copies of the security guard company license and evidence of insurance.
Include your written post-orders/patrol instructions as a contract addendum.
Obtain in writing that the contract agency will provide background screenings and all training required for the premises to be properly patrolled.
Obtain in writing that the security guard agency is responsible for providing all security equipment to their security guards.
Ensure that each security guard is provided with emergency contact numbers and access to a telephone.
Provide written instructions to residents on how to contact a security guard.
Communicate directly and frequently with security agency supervisors to ensure optimum service.

Accept nothing less than the best from your security guard service.

Retrieved from “http://www.articlesbase.com/home-security-articles/hiring-competent-security-guards-3326122.html”

(ArticlesBase SC #3326122)

Jordan Frankel -
About the Author:

Mr. Frankel is a proud member of the American Society for Industrial Safety & Security and the International Association for Counter Terrorism & Security. http://www.globalsecurityexperts.com

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Article Tags:
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