5 Ways to Tell Your Security Guard Company Just Isn’t Cutting It

Hiring security guards is an investment of time and money. Certain expectations should be met when making this investment. Inevitably, there are times when a security guard company is not sending quality guards or not meeting the organization’s needs otherwise. Regardless, here are some sure signs that it is time to move on and find another security guard provider.

Security guards who don’t show up, are unprofessional in their character or show some other sign of incompetence upon arrival should be evaluated as poor candidates and terminated. There may be a one-off guard who takes advantage of the responsibilities of their role, and those are the easy ones to weed out. However, there are other signs to look for, and if you are experiencing these with your security guard company, it is time to find a provider that can better fit your organization’s needs.

Ho-hum Security Guards Don’t Cut It

There are plenty of average security guards out there looking for work. They likely meet the minimum qualifications and get hired by an average company looking to fill spots quickly. When a security guard company lacks professionalism, so do the guards they dispatch. The role of a security guard has so many facets, but integrity and professionalism should never be sacrificed for filling an opening.

Things that should not be tolerated are tardiness, guards napping or falling asleep on duty, or guards excessively on their phones for non-work-related things. It should go without saying — anytime they are not doing their jobs or doing rounds as expected.

Under Qualified May Mean Insufficient Training

It is the responsibility of security guard companies to train and continue to train their guards in current skills and trending threats. If a company provides for specific industries, training should continue in that area, as well, to provide the best security coverage for clients. An example is if a security guard company offers workplace security coverage or hospital coverage. Security guards assigned to these locations should be trained in the specific needs of those fields, including what typical threats are and how to mitigate scenarios that are likely to occur. Additionally, highly trained guards have the experience and confidence to act in unexpected scenarios and emergencies.

Thorough Vetting of Security Guard Candidates

Due to the growing demand for security officers for personal and business needs, some security guard providers have been skipping steps or overlooking red flags for candidates. Unfortunately, some security guard companies are known for cutting wages, not paying on time, and hiring before thoroughly vetting candidates. If you feel a security guard who has been sent to you is a danger or threat, possibly showing aggression, misusing their access or authority, or handling situations unprofessionally, do not wait to release them. Do not wait because bad security can be worse than no security.

Fortunately, there are high-quality security guard providers who have spent decades building a reputation for solid client relationships and providing the best-trained security guards.

Availability of Management

Nothing is more frustrating than needing to speak with someone about an issue or concern and being unable to reach anyone. At a minimum, the highest-rated security guard companies will have a point of contact available during extended business hours. Exceptional ones will have 24-hour service to handle emergencies. If you have trouble getting returned calls, or you have questions about invoicing and are unable to get in touch with someone at the company, how much worse is it going to be if you have a concern about the security guard they have dispatched?

If you can’t seem to reach anyone at the security guard company you are currently using, it is time to move on.

Sometimes Security Needs Change

Security needs often change whether a small company is growing or a large company is downsizing. When this happens, the best security guard companies should be able to accommodate the changes. If more security is needed or companies need to scale down, a reputable and professional security guard provider can adjust and work within new budgets. Excellent security guard providers will not try to upsell security guard coverage but listen to clients needs and ensure they are getting what they need. Not all security guard companies have the resources to do this, so this is a sign that your current security guard company is no longer cutting it. Find a different provider that can better meet your specific needs.

The fact is that hiring private security guards is an investment, and the most qualified guards provide an extension of staff, are professional, and are trustworthy. Exceptional guards come from great companies. Finding the right one is worth it, even if, in the short term, it is a little more work. If any of these things describe your security guard experience, do some research and find a security guard provider with a credible reputation, sustained client relationships, and highly trained and thoroughly vetted security guards. Do not settle when it comes to protection and safety.