With 1.2 million violent property crimes reported in the USA yearly, business owners are under increased pressure to prioritize security. Whether you have a commercial or residential property, security guards improve your building’s value in the eyes of property consumers and deter criminals. Hiring security officers from a security services company is the most effective way to ensure your property’s safety.
Requirements
Security guards protect private and public buildings, such as retail stores, hotels, casinos, and parking lots. They patrol property on foot or by car and report the activity they observe to police authorities. Security guards also deter criminal activity by monitoring video surveillance systems, alerting emergency personnel to potential threats, and enforcing rules set by property owners. They support customers and staff during emergencies and may develop crisis plans and lockdown drills. Before hiring a security guard, check their background and references. You can do this by contacting previous employers or checking websites like securitynowusa.net to check the company’s reputation.
Training
Security guards protect people and property, particularly at public and private buildings such as hotels, banks and shopping centers. In addition to protecting against illegal activities, they may also be responsible for fire protection and access control duties. You must complete training from an approved school to become a security guard. This may be through your employer or the state. Your training should include specific legal issues, such as which powers are vested in you and whether you can arrest a person while on duty. It should also provide information on handling incidents and protecting your safety and that of others. New laws and industry reforms can affect how you do your job, so it’s important to ensure your training program reflects these changes quickly. You can do this using software that lets you easily create, distribute and track training programs.
Licenses
According to experts like CAE Marketing & Consulting, one of the most important requirements for hiring security guards is ensuring that they are licensed. This will provide a strong, third-party endorsement that they are well-trained and qualified. Ensure that they have all the required licensing materials and are always updated. This will reduce the chance of legal issues and protect your business from any liabilities. Another critical requirement is background checks and drug screenings. These can deter a person from using illegal drugs, stop them from working in the field, and help you identify potential problems before they arise during employment. Security guards should also be screened for firearms, which may be a job requirement. Whether you hire armed or unarmed guards, it is important that they have all the required licenses and training to be able to carry their weapons by federal laws.
Cost
The cost of hiring security guards in the USA depends on several factors. First, the experience and training of the guard will influence their rate. A security officer with a law enforcement or military background can expect higher wages than an untrained guard. The location of your business also impacts the hourly cost. Companies in high-crime areas pay more because they require armed security. Another factor that affects the price of a security guard is the risk the guard takes. A guard working for a store robbed six times in the past year incurs more personal risk and demands higher wages. The hourly rates for security guards can range from $35 to $50 per hour, depending on the experience and training of the guard. The cost can be as much as $100 an hour if you need armed security guards.
Daniel Bailey is a known content writer from California, USA. He writes content in different niches such as social media marketing, finance, business, etc. He’s a day time blogger and night time reader currently working for some blogs. He enjoys pie, as should all right-thinking people.