A security company, also called a security or protective services company, is an organization that provides security or armed security services to customers both in the public or private sectors. Security companies usually employ individuals who have expert knowledge on surveillance tactics, communications security, and related field activities. These security professionals often act as private security agents or guards on behalf of large corporations, wealthy individuals, government agencies, and highly sensitive or protected areas. For example, a security company that provides guards for high-security buildings in cities and large towns may also provide alarm systems, perimeter fencing, and various security monitoring equipment.
In order to become a security company, security personnel must fulfill certain licensing requirements and take continuing education courses. They are required by law to be licensed in order to carry out their duties; however, there is no regulatory body that regulates this industry. Some states require security personnel to be licensed by the National Security Guard Association, while others may also require security personnel to be employed by a state approved security company. Security personnel must complete either an associate degree in security management or a two-year bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, security management, crime scene investigation, or operations coordination. Security personnel can obtain an expedited license by meeting the state’s minimum qualifications.
A security company employs security personnel who have either been professionally trained or have been through classroom training for up to 12 months, depending on the type of security company they work for. Security personnel who have been through this training program are known as certified security guards or CSPs, and are qualified to perform all types of security guard duties, such as apprehending perpetrators, protecting property and personnel, conducting surveillance, and transporting arrested individuals to court. Certified security officers also complete a repeat cycle of training every two years, which is designed to keep them up to date on the changing technology and tactics used by other industries, and to make them more effective in their daily duties. A security guard may also be dispatched on a repeat patrol to an off-site location to provide security.
An unarmed security company offers security services that do not require security staff to be physically present on site. It also offers a variety of off-site security measures that do not require security staff to be present at the site. This type of security company has a lower cost per hour of service than a security company that requires its security personnel to be onsite at the business. Off-site measures typically include surveillance and protection of property at an off-site location, which is often less expensive than hiring additional staff for protection at the business premises.
A security company may employ one or more security officers. They may also hire off-site security staff that will be trained by the company to serve as security officers. One of the major differences between these types of security services is that an unarmed security company provides its security services without having a staff on site. This means that there are no wages or benefits provided to its employees, so employees will not receive a healthcare benefit if they are injured while working for the security company. Armed security services are usually run by a company that employs staff and provides health care benefits to its employees.
When choosing a security company for your business, it’s important to find one that is licensed, bonded and insured. Your security service provider should have an office located in a convenient place where its guards can be easily reached. It should have sufficient information about the guards so you can be sure that the guards are well-trained and capable of providing adequate security services. Remember that the safety of your business and property is one of the most important things you will ever deal with. Taking the time to learn about the different types of security service your company provides will allow you to find the right company for your security needs.