Security Guard Companies in Atlanta

Finding Reputable Security Guard Services in Atlanta GA

Published on October 08, 2012 by: Wayne Manning

How to Choose a Reputable Security Guard Company

The reasons why you might need to hire a security guard are myriad. You might soon host a swanky, black-tie soiree for two hundred very important guests. You might be the victim of a death threat. Or, you might just feel that it is time that you protect your business assets with regular security guard monitoring. Whatever the case, educate yourself now on how to choose a good security guard company before you spend your hard-earned money and precious time on a sub-standard, fly-by-night operation. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, state laws for security guard licensing and training vary. Therefore, it is pertinent to find a company known for upholding strict hiring procedures, enforcing licensing requirements if necessary, and constantly monitoring their guards behavior and work ethic before you make your final decision.

Security Guard Company Training and Licensing Verification

Search your state's official website for links to security guard licensing laws. Ask your potential security guard company to furnish the license numbers of all security guards who will fall under your employ, if applicable. Avoid any company that does not willfully volunteer this information. Once you receive the names of potential trained security guards and their #039 license numbers, contact the issuing agency to verify the license. States such as California allow you to verify this information on their websites.

Ask About Formal Security Guard Training

According to ASIS International, a nationwide security professional organization, security guards should meet minimum criteria to be considered for employment. First, ASIS recommends that the guards receive basic 8 to 16 hours of on-the-job training in addition to first aid, crisis deterrent, protection and public relations skills education. Additionally, the organization recommends that the guards receive specialized training for each individualized assignment. The ASIS guidelines also mention that the guards should pass written exams before being allowed to assume a security post. Request all potential security guard companies' training guidelines to ensure that they meet minimum industry standards before you hire a company.

Uniformed Guards vs. Plain Clothes Guards

Ask potential companies if they provide both plain clothes and uniformed guards. Do not assume that the company furnishes both. Some companies only employ one type of guard that might not match your current security needs.

Inquire About Lawsuits

It is your right as a potential client to ask any security guard company about past or pending lawsuits due to security guard misconduct. If the company representative hesitates to disclose lawsuit information, find another company who will be completely honest with you about its litigation history.

Check Local Online Reviews

Use the internet to uncover local reviews from both satisfied and disgruntled clients. However, do not dismiss a company because of one bad review. It's a given that most security guard companies that have been in business for a long time might have a blemish or two on their record. If a company has more positive reviews than negative reviews, give them a chance to explain their side of the story before you write them off. Take all of the facts into consideration, then ask for references that you can speak to personally before you choose to hire the company.

Learn More

Contact us to learn more information about trained security guards staffed at your next event or business venture. Our professional security guard company is here to answer all of your licensing, training, lawsuit and testimonial questions. We offer full transparency on all aspects of our operation, and free personalized price quotes.

Security Guard Services

Hiring The Best Security Guards

Published on October 08, 2012 by: Wayne Manning

Security Guard Companies Service Offerings

By their very nature, homes and businesses store a lot of valuable goods that can easily be sold for cash or exchanged for goods or services. In fact, one well-executed robbery can take an individual or company for everything that they are worth. On the other hand, some criminals simply want to destroy a property out of sport or spite. Still other criminals harbor malicious bodily intent against employees or guests of a residence or business complex. Security guard companies exist to provide consumers with an extra level of home or company protection. Uniformed, plain clothes and patrolling security guards perform different functions within their discipline. They all must also undergo specific security guard companies training to attain and retain their positions.

Security Guard Companies Service Offerings

By their very nature, homes and businesses store a lot of valuable goods that can easily be sold for cash or exchanged for goods or services. In fact, one well-executed robbery can take an individual or company for everything that they are worth. On the other hand, some criminals simply want to destroy a property out of sport or spite. Still other criminals harbor malicious bodily intent against employees or guests of a residence or business complex. Security guard companies exist to provide consumers with an extra level of home or company protection. Uniformed, plain clothes and patrolling security guards perform different functions within their discipline. They all must also undergo specific security guard companies training to attain and retain their positions.

Uniformed Security Guards

Uniformed security guards offer the maximum visibility presence of all security guard company services. They protect properties and events that have a high potential of being robbed or frequented by persons with bodily harm or property damage intent. Store security guards are usually armed because of their high-profile presence. Typical events and venues covered by uniformed security guards include warehouses, banks, affluent neighborhood entrances, hotels, casinos, shopping malls and commercial office complexes. Uniformed security guards are also hired for temporary protection at concerts, political rallies, weddings and private parties.

Plain Clothes Security Officers

Used mainly in retail stores, plain clothes security officers provide virtually unnoticed loss prevention protection. These types of guards play varying supporting roles, including mall security guards, mystery shoppers and in-store private investigators. Some highly established plain store security guards also teach business owners how to select employees that have a low probability of becoming internal thieves. Plain clothes security guards also function as effective undercover agents at high-profile events, office complexes and high-traffic warehouses.

Security Guard Patrols

Security guard patrol services deter individuals from wrongfully entering a residence or business' gates, doors and windows. Patrolling guards usually inspect entryways at regularly scheduled times to uncover signs of unlawful intrusion. Some security guard patrol services use remote activity devices to monitor specific areas of the business. In fact, these contemporary methods allow the security guards to remain out of the public eye until a theft or bodily harm or property damage attempt is made. These types of guards also investigate disturbances, respond to alarms, and monitor visitors and employees for signs of theft or disorderly conduct.

Security Guard Licensing for Firearms Training and Certifications

Some security guard companies require their employees to undergo an in-house certification process before securing employment. This procedure usually entails passing a criminal background check and illegal or controlled substances test. Additionally, many security services professionals must also attend classes on performing all aspects of their jobs, and pass subsequent testing to become gainfully employed. Armed guards must receive their state-mandated firearm training and gain licensure from the state in which they live to function in that capacity. Most security guards must also attend yearly classes and hands-on instructional events to remain employed by their firms.

Plain Clothes Security Officers

Used mainly in retail stores, plain clothes security officers provide virtually unnoticed loss prevention protection. These types of guards play varying supporting roles, including mall security guards, mystery shoppers and in-store private investigators. Some highly established plain store security guards also teach business owners how to select employees that have a low probability of becoming internal thieves. Plain clothes security guards also function as effective undercover agents at high-profile events, office complexes and high-traffic warehouses.

Security Guard Patrols

Security guard patrol services deter individuals from wrongfully entering a residence or business' gates, doors and windows. Patrolling guards usually inspect entryways at regularly scheduled times to uncover signs of unlawful intrusion. Some security guard patrol services use remote activity devices to monitor specific areas of the business. In fact, these contemporary methods allow the security guards to remain out of the public eye until a theft or bodily harm or property damage attempt is made. These types of guards also investigate disturbances, respond to alarms, and monitor visitors and employees for signs of theft or disorderly conduct.

Security Guard Licensing - Firearms Training & Certifications

Some security guard companies require their employees to undergo an in-house certification process before securing employment. This procedure usually entails passing a criminal background check and illegal or controlled substances test. Additionally, many security services professionals must also attend classes on performing all aspects of their jobs, and pass subsequent testing to become gainfully employed. Armed guards must receive their state-mandated firearm training and gain licensure from the state in which they live to function in that capacity. Most security guards must also attend yearly classes and hands-on instructional events to remain employed by their firms.