The following is based on the Colorado (Denver Metro specifically) economy, crime stats, and cost of living. For other states and varying economies, you’ll need to calculate for those areas.
How much are you paying for security? Is the marginal utility (cost/benefit) worth it? Has it helped reduce crime? Do the people on your property feel safe? Are the personnel professional?
What is having security on site costing you? Often, when asked for a proposal, It’s met with “I have other quotes for $25 an hour.” That’s bad news. Not for me, but for the poor soul that hires that company. Anything less than $30 I can guarantee the employees aren’t paid enough to even survive, let alone have a life. Keep in mind, out of that $25/hr you’re being charged comes the guards’ wages, payroll taxes, Office rent, office staff payroll, various insurances (liability is through the roof if the company employees armed personnel), Uniforms, equipment, training, vehicles, supplies, etc. Just like any other business, overhead is costly. At $25/hr, the guards might be making $15-$16/hr. They’re not going to be happy to be there. Obviously, if the guards aren’t happy, they’re not going to do a very good job, are they?
However, there are some clients out there that only want a security façade. They merely want the appearance of having security. They don’t care if the guards actually do anything pro-active. In this case, go with the ‘cheap’ company. However, if you are looking for professional security that is pro-active and will do everything in their power to reduce crime and make people feel safe, as well as present professionalism, you’d better be willing to shell out for it.
Is the amount you’re paying for security worth it? If you’re paying in the low $30’s, don’t expect much. Again, if that’s what you’re paying, you’ve probably got guards that don’t care. For them, it’s just a job until something better comes along. For companies charging more, you should expect more. To know if you’re getting bang for your buck, ask yourself the following questions:
- Does your security make you and others feel safe?
- Are you confident that if a serious incident occurred, your security personnel would be capable of responding to the threat appropriately and efficiently to mitigate property damage or loss of life?
- Are the numbers of crime and other negative situations dropping since hiring security?
- Are the security personnel professional in appearance, in speech, and in the way they carry themselves?
- Do their uniforms and posture relay a message of “Don’t even think of trying stupid stuff here,” while at the same time being friendly and approachable?
If you answered yes to these questions, you’re doing pretty good and should stick with this company. If not, you may want to find another security firm.
When searching for a company, and you’re serious about protecting your property and people, Do your research.
- Is the company licensed (business license, as well as professional license (if required by your State or municipality)?
- Is the company insured and are the amounts appropriate? Vehicle insurance? Does it have ‘Any Auto’ coverage?
- What kind of training do their employees get before being turned out on the street? Is there any supplemental or advanced training during the year in the classroom and/or in the field? Are you allowed to see their training first hand?
- Does the security company work with your staff to develop emergency action plans? Do they even train their own employees for emergency action?
If you are truly concerned about the safety and protection of your property, expect to pay for it. Do your research and don’t settle for the cheapest. As the old saying goes, “You get what you pay for.”
