Who Will Be Watching Over You? Do You Know Enough?

Do you know who you are partnering with when you select a security services provider? The price in the proposal and the promised services are only the start. You need to dig much deeper to uncover a suitable partner to meet your current and future security needs. 

Security officer services is a much more complex decision than purchasing a product or even selecting temporary personnel who will provide a service and then leave your property. A quality security team has a vested interest in your success, stands by you during emergencies and integrates with your culture – becoming a seamless part of your operations and a caring resource that you and your teams can depend on. You need to learn enough to select a provider that you will be proud to align with. To say this must be a careful and well-informed decision is an understatement.

So, what should you look for when selecting a security services provider? While the list of evaluation points is long, breaking it down to five core areas can help. Here are just some of the points you should consider:

1. Organizational Criteria

• Financial stability and a background and values that align with your own

• Size and scope

• Experience in similar environments

2. Recruiting & Screening

• Comprehensive background checks and drug screening

• Matches candidates to job functions/requirements

• Hires former law enforcement and military

3. Uniforms, Equipment & Benefits

• Medical benefits in line with the Affordable Care Act

• Uniform style options

• 401(k) with employer match

4. Training

• Industry-specific training program

• Online learning center

• Professional local training staff

5. Systems & Processes

• Automated security officer check-in

• Multiple technology solutions

• 24/7 customer support center

While some of these might seem like basic requirements, you cannot afford to assume that they exist and are executed well. In-depth discussions, office visits and a comprehensive RFP process can help you align with a provider you can trust. Download our Vendor Checklist Evaluation Tool to complete a simple scoring process. The results will give you a new outlook on security. 
 

  About the Author
  Jon Rodenspiel is the Vice President of National Accounts for Allied Universal.