Whether you’re looking for security at your business, school, property, or upcoming event, choosing who to hire deserves some thought. After all, you’re trusting that company to help keep people safe and respond appropriately when something goes wrong.
So how do you know you’re hiring the right team?
Not all security companies offer the same services, training, or level of experience. And while cost is certainly a consideration, there’s a lot more worth looking into before you sign a contract.
At MProtective, we believe clients should feel comfortable asking questions and understanding exactly what they’re getting. Here are seven we’d encourage you to ask any security company you’re considering.
1. Are You Properly Licensed and Insured?
Start with the basics. In Pennsylvania, companies providing regulated security services generally must be licensed under the state’s Private Detective Act.
Ask to see proof of licensing and insurance, including general liability and workers’ compensation coverage, where applicable. You can also verify licensing information with the appropriate county authorities.
If a company can’t provide documentation or seems reluctant to share it, that’s reason enough to look elsewhere.
2. What Training Do Your Security Guards Receive?
A security guard’s job can involve much more than monitoring a doorway or patrolling a property. Depending on the assignment, they may need to recognize potential threats, manage a confrontation, or make quick decisions during an emergency.
Ask what training guards receive and how they’re prepared for the specific responsibilities they’ll have at your location.
For example, if you’re hiring security for a public event, experience with crowd management and de-escalation may be particularly important. For an armed position, you’ll also want to verify that personnel have the required certifications.
In Pennsylvania, individuals who carry lethal weapons as part of their employment generally must meet the requirements of Act 235. All MProtective armed agents are Act 235 certified, and our team includes professionals with backgrounds in law enforcement, probation, and investigations.
A useful follow-up question: Will the personnel assigned to my location have the qualifications and experience we’re discussing? A company’s overall credentials matter, but so do those of the people who will actually be on-site.
3. Have You Worked With Organizations Like Ours?
Security needs can vary significantly from one setting to another. A school managing visitor access has different concerns than a business dealing with after-hours activity. An event organizer may need support with entrances and crowd movement, while an organization facing a specific threat may require a more focused protective plan.
Ask prospective providers about their experience with situations similar to yours. What challenges have they encountered? How did they approach them?
You don’t necessarily need a company that has handled your exact situation before. You do want one that can demonstrate relevant experience and explain how it would approach your needs.
4. Should We Hire Armed or Unarmed Security?
You may already have a preference, but it’s worth asking a professional for their recommendation.
Unarmed security personnel can be well-suited for assignments involving access control, patrols, and maintaining a visible presence. Armed security may be appropriate in circumstances involving elevated risks or specific protective needs.
The decision should account for your property, the people present, any known threats, and what you expect security personnel to do.
A good provider should be able to explain why they’re recommending a particular approach. If the answer is simply that one option is more expensive or provides more protection, ask them to be more specific.
5. How Will You Determine What Security Coverage We Need?
Be cautious of a company that recommends a staffing plan before learning much about your situation.
A provider should want to know why you’re seeking security in the first place. Have there been previous incidents? Are there certain times when your property is more vulnerable? Do you need ongoing coverage or support for a specific event?
They should also ask about any security measures you already have in place.
For some organizations, the right starting point may be a formal threat or risk assessment. MProtective offers these services to help identify vulnerabilities and develop protective plans.
For others, a discussion about the property, operating hours, and specific concerns may be enough to begin determining appropriate coverage.
Either way, you should understand how the company arrived at its recommendation.
6. What Happens When There’s an Incident?
Having security personnel on-site is one thing. Knowing what they’ll do when an issue arises is another.
Before hiring a company, ask how its guards are expected to respond to incidents and how they’ll communicate with you.
For example, if someone refuses to leave your property, what’s the procedure? If an alarm goes off after hours, who gets contacted? How and when will you receive an incident report?
These are details you don’t want to figure out for the first time during an emergency.
It’s also worth discussing when law enforcement or emergency responders would become involved and how your own employees should coordinate with security personnel.
Clear expectations help everyone understand their responsibilities before something happens.
7. What Is Included in the Contract?
Before signing, make sure you understand exactly what services you’re paying for.
Your agreement should outline the number of guards, their schedules and responsibilities, the locations they’ll cover, and the cost of services. It should also address contract terms and any additional fees that may apply.
If you’re comparing quotes from multiple security companies, look beyond the total price.
Does one proposal include more coverage hours? Are you comparing armed and unarmed personnel? Does the scope include patrols, incident reporting, or other responsibilities you expect?
Two quotes may look similar at first glance while covering very different services.
And if something isn’t clear, ask for it in writing before moving forward.
A Few Red Flags Worth Watching For
As you evaluate security companies, pay attention to how they handle your questions.
Be cautious if a provider:
- Can’t verify its licensing or insurance
- Is vague about guard training or qualifications
- Recommends services without learning about your needs
- Won’t clearly explain pricing or contract terms
- Struggles to explain how incidents are handled
You should feel confident that the company understands your concerns and can follow through on what it promises.
Looking for a Security Company in Central Pennsylvania?
At MProtective, we know that hiring security often starts with a concern, whether it’s something that’s already happened or a situation you want to be better prepared for.
Our team works with businesses, schools, event organizers, and other organizations across York, Lancaster, and Harrisburg. We take the time to understand what you’re dealing with and discuss the security services that make sense for your situation.
Have questions about security for your organization or property? Contact us to schedule a free consultation.
