Searching for a reputable and qualified security firm can be, in a word, overwhelming. With all the choices out there, what are you supposed to do when you absolutely need to hire the very best? These days, with stalking, jealous ex’s, or even for your business, personal and business security has become more and more affordable.

By no means do you have to be a VIP or megastar to have a security entourage, as a matter a fact security services have became so affordable many people are using guards or executive protection these days.

Examples of Why You Might Need Security

– Children are being bullied by a gang or group of children
– Ex-Spouse or Partner Stalking
– Carrying Large Sums of Cash
– Vacationing in Foreign Countries
– Own a Business
– Home or Business has been Vandalized or Burglarized
– Victim or Domestic Violence

If you have experienced any of the above, it will be in your best interest to hire a professional security company as soon as possible to guarantee your safety, as well as the safety of your family. Alongside this, you may want to consider taking additional security measures such as installing surveillance systems, securing your property, and even using a bug sweep Vancouver service to ease any suspicions you have about your home being compromised while you’re not there. Additionally, staying vigilant and practicing situational awareness can provide an extra layer of protection in various security scenarios.

How to Find A Qualified Firm

Surely, there’s got to be a better way than looking through the yellow pages or reading online reviews, right? Well yes there is, and we’re going to give you a few tips today that will help you along the way.

Whether you’re hiring a security firm for your business, for a special event or for any other reason, you want to make sure you’re hiring a company that will give you the most professional service for the most reasonable price.

Here’s how you can turn the odds in your favor when you’re trying to do just that:

Is Security the Main Focus of the Firm?

You don’t want a firm that just handles security issues on the side while having its main focus on another business entirely.

Actual security service companies have spent time training their employees, which are generally licensed and specialize in security and security related issues.

That’s who you want working for you!

How Well Trained are the Guards?

This is one of the first questions you want to ask when calling or emailing a security firm that you’re thinking of hiring.

Does the training meet or exceed state requirements? How so? How many hours of training have the guards undergone?

These are folks you’re going to be entrusting with a great deal of responsibility, so make 100 percent sure that you’re hiring the right people for the job.

Is the Company Licensed and Insured?

Upon request, the company you’re dealing with should be able to provide you with valid licenses, permits, and proof of insurance for the state or states in which they’re doing business.

This is another extremely important step to hiring the best security firm for your unique situation.

The last thing you want is a company that isn’t properly insured working in your place of business.

Does the Company Have a Good Reputation?

Now, this is where the online reviews we mentioned above will come into play, as well as phone calls to the local Better Business Bureau and Chamber of Commerce.

You can also check out social media sites like Yelp, where there could very well be reviews about the company you’re researching.

You can also ask the company for references and actually take the time to call and have a discussion with the folks whose contact information they’re providing to you.

Another idea is to talk to current and former employees and see what their opinion is about the firm. If a former employee, however, keep in mind that he or she could have a skewed opinion if their departure was a result of the termination.

Consider a Trial Run

If you’ve found a company you think you might be happy with, ask if you can try them out on a temporary basis rather than signing a long-term contract.

If they’re willing to work with you, great! If not, that could be a red flag that they’re not really serious about earning your business.

Are They Customer Service Oriented?

This is obviously not as important as the security aspect, but we do want to mention it here anyway as it is something you’re going to want to consider.

You want a firm that’s going to do a fantastic job for you on-site, but you also want to be able to communicate effectively with management or when the time comes.

If the guards are doing a first-class job, but you only hear from management when there’s a major issue, then you have to decide if that’s acceptable for you.