Check out their portfolio on their given Websites and ensure the companies and businesses they’ve served are legitimate businesses. Ask them if the security company was up to standard, this helps you determine develop the understanding on if you can trust the ethics of your provider.

Is the chosen Security Provider listed as a Registered Member of a security organization within your country?

Check that this company is part of a security association or accreditation service within your country, A common red flag in could be a company promising global coverage. Unless of course the security association is worldwide and approved by your country’s authorities.

This brings some accountability to the service, which is also very important for your insurance company. knowing you’re using reputable services in your property.

What Type of Insurance Do They Have?

Your chosen security provider must have viable insurance coverage for the services they provide, Public, private. If they also sell security products then they should have products liability insurance. Around £2 to £10 million coverage; of course, this will depend on what you may be protecting, and what they are offering as a service.

Should I go for the Largest Security Company? Is it always Best?

Not necessarily. In our experience we have seen some big security companies employ inexperienced labor, continuously subcontracting work until they offer little back up in case of an on-site emergency. When you are putting out a tender for a security provider, or you are reading the proposal from a perspective provider, read and assess their tender proposal very carefully. Ensure the provider of security isn’t just subcontracting the job to a cheaper company and check all accreditations carefully.

Some things that you should be looking for are:

• What type of schedules do the security guard do they offer work? Is it 24/7? Or is it part time?
• What background, experience do they have, Have they been trained to industry standards?
• It may seem obvious – do all the security guards have a current accreditation clearance?
• Are they all First Aid qualified?.
• Are they experienced in emergency response – for crime, fire or even flood related events?
• If your requirement is for a single static guard or officer ask yourself; is there a succession plan? A plan b of sorts. If not you may be looking at a security provider
• Will the designated security supervisor/ static guard have access at all hours and all areas?

If so, can their background and integrity be guaranteed? Aside from the mandatory accreditations required has their background been thoroughly checked. Do they have criminal convictions?

• What are their handover procedures for shifts, information and in the event of an incident? How is this done? Does this leave large unguarded periods?
• What checks and backup does the security provider offer? should a guard call in sick or fail to show up on site?
• Does your security provider review their guards’ performance regularly? Continuing training procedures passed employment date.
• What ‘Courtesy’ services would the company provide, regarding going the extra distance such as: guards staying on longer if needed or additional guards being supplied at short notice?
• If requested, will the security company be willing to change a guard? What is their procedure? Do they replace based of preference of the site owners?
• Will there be a regular rotation of static guards, unfamiliar to the site, or will it be a more stable service?
• Read and fully understand the security contract and be as clear as possible when referring to what exact circumstances would allow you to terminate the contract in progress.
• Ask if the guards you are being supplied are culturally aware and sensitive to different ethnic customs. If your company requires security guards who are culturally aware it is recommended that you Clarify and ensure it is stated in the security contract & Ask if these type of guards will always be available….. Ask, Ask and once again ASK.
• Is there a liaison officer in a 24 hour control room from the security company to deal with any issues if and when they arise? You don’t want to be the one telling your guard to go home if he’s sick. That’s the companies job.

Now that you have chosen a Security Provider, You have all the knowledge to question if that company is what you need, your decision needs to be targeted, effective and have value for money.