Creating a Tailored Security Plan: A Guide to Hiring a Reliable Security Firm
In today's unpredictable world, ensuring the safety and security of your business or property is of paramount importance. Whether you're a business owner, property manager, or responsible for the well-being of a community, having a robust security plan in place is crucial. To achieve this, many turn to professional security firms to provide expert guidance and services.
In this article, we'll guide you through the process of creating a tailored security plan and how to go about hiring a reputable security firm that suits your unique needs.
Assess Your Security Needs
Before you can engage a security firm, you must first assess your specific security needs. Here are the steps to get you started:
Identify Your Goals: Begin by defining your security objectives. What are you trying to protect, and from what risks? Common goals include safeguarding people, property, assets, and information.
Risk Assessment: Conduct a thorough risk assessment. Identify potential threats, vulnerabilities, and any weaknesses in your current security measures. Consider factors like location, industry, and any historical security incidents.
Compliance Requirements: Determine if your business or property must adhere to specific regulatory or industry compliance standards. Compliance may impact the type of security services you require.
Budgetary Considerations: Establish a clear budget for your security plan. It's important to strike a balance between the level of security you need and the resources available.
Security Priorities: Prioritize your security needs. Decide what aspects of security are most critical for your organization, such as physical security, cybersecurity, access control, or surveillance.
Creating a Tailored Security Plan for Your Organization
With a solid understanding of your security needs, it's time to develop a tailored security plan. Executive Security Services will do a free site assessment and help you with getting an understanding of what you need. However, we know that you may be wondering about getting multiple security perspectives or other quotes so you can educate yourself. This is a smart way to make a decision, and we want to help you frame the conversation.
We are confident in our ability to approach these things, and want you to do the research to see how we stack up above the rest. So let’s dive in! What things should you ask security firms when looking to hire a physical security firm?
Hiring the Right Security Firm
Now that you have a security plan in place, it's time to find the right security firm to execute it.
What is their reputation and experience?: Ask for examples of clients and experience, and don’t be afraid to ask for references. They should have experience in your area of business and know how to approach your security goals. ESSI has experience in many areas such as: jewelry/high value/art, government, financial, medical, high-end retail, industrial/manufacturing, construction, energy, maritime, media, film sets, hospitality, concierge, residential and commercial property management, transportation, education, hotels and restaurants and more.
Licensing and Certification: Always make sure to check licensing and certifications. Armed or unarmed, the firm you decide to hire should be properly licensed and certified to operate in your jurisdiction. ESSI knows that compliance with legal and industry standards is a must. We are members of the following associations:
Association of Threat Assessment Professionals
International Association of Maritime Security Professionals
Columbia River Steamship Operators Association
To get a clearer picture of the security firm you're considering, inquire about their active affiliations with professional associations and the training programs they provide for their staff. This information will help you better understand their commitment to industry standards and employee development.
Training and Development: How do the security firms you are researching train their employees? What training do they require and what do they provide upon hiring? If you can’t find this information on their website, go look at their job postings if possible for more insight. ESSI requires experience for some positions, and others we provide training for, such as the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST).
References and Reviews: Ask references and read online reviews from past clients. You can do online research about Executive Security Services or other security firms on Google, or Indeed, and see what reviews they have received. It’s just as important to read reviews from current or past employees as well as clients. This shows their culture and how they treat their team members.
Security Customization: Does the firm you are considering offer customization of services and security schedules? A security firm that is willing to tailor its services to your specific needs shows that they care about your measure of success and outcomes rather than their one-size-fits-all approach.
Emergency Response Protocol: The firm you are looking to hire should know the law enforcement in your area and have a good relationship with them. At Executive Security Services we have a solid working relationship with PNW law enforcement and we are able to communicate with them and collaborate to find security solutions or follow up on crimes. Not only that, we are able to carry out an emergency response protocol tailored to your organization's needs. This makes response to an emergency seamless, potentially saving valuable time, property and potentially saving lives.
Communication and Responsiveness: Effective communication is crucial in the security industry, especially during emergencies. Executive Security Services utilizes the latest in staffing technology with our Web-based Management Platform. This allows for the strategic deployment and management of our security forces, which includes real time location monitoring. Our Management team is on call 24/7 which offers our clients and employees the ability to speak to a live person at any time of the day or night, reinforcing our commitment to secure emergency coverage within 2 hours or less upon receipt of a request.
Contact and Cost Transparency: Carefully review the terms of the service contract, including the duration, termination clauses, and service level agreements (SLAs). Request detailed cost estimates and ensure transparency in pricing. Understand what is included in the service contract and any additional fees that may apply. Be clear about the security schedule you want, and ask what the cost for that would be. Another thing to ask is if they have any recommendations on creating efficiencies and maximizing your budget. For example, we have found that offering longer shifts for overnight coverage is more efficient and better for everyone than short night shifts, even if the service hours are shorter.
We value being flexible with our clients and their needs. Don’t let a security company lock you into a long term contract. Executive Security doesn’t operate that way. We need 30 days prior to termination, and we are flexible with your security plan.
Ready to hire a security company?
Building a solid security plan and picking the right security firm are key to keeping your business or property safe. Just take a good look at your security needs, craft a custom plan, and do some thorough homework when choosing a security partner. This way, you'll make sure your security setup works like a charm, fits your unique needs, and gives you peace of mind while safeguarding what truly matters.
At Executive Security Services, our top priority is providing you with excellent security services,
and we make sure to do it right the first time around. Whether you need security coverage across multiple states or you're in a pinch for time-sensitive protection, you can rely on our team of experts to deliver top-quality service with a friendly and professional touch.
Contact Executive Security Services today for a quote on your security needs or to speak to an account manager for more information.