When it comes to the protection of your family, business, property, employees, and customers, security is not an area where you want to cut corners. While it may be convenient and tempting to hire a cheap security company near you, doing so WILL cost you far more in the long run. Here are 10 reasons why you should never hire a cheap security company.
1. Lack of Proper Training and Certification
Cheap security companies often hire guards that are not certified, have no experience or proper training, and in some cases have no guard card. Every security guard need to be well trained in:
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Emergency response procedure
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De-escalation skills
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Attention to detail while patrolling
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First aid and CPR training
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Understanding laws to prevent lawsuits
Security guards without the proper training and certifications will not know how to handle critical situations or write proper reports which puts your business at risk. When hiring a security company, always ask about the guard’s training and certification.
2. Poorly Paid Guards Lead to High Turnover
Cheap security companies tend to underpay their employees, which leads to a high turnover rate. A new security guard every month means:
- Unknown schedule and inconsistent security coverage
- Unfamiliarity with the property, business and procedures
- Guards who will do the bare minimum and will not take their job seriously
Investing in a security company that offers competitive wages and employee retention programs will help you avoid these issues and ensure reliability in your security company.
3. Insufficient Background Checks
A reputable security company will conduct background checks, including drug tests, criminal history, and employment verification. Cheap security companies often ignore these steps to save money, which increases the risk of hiring untrustworthy employees.
Before hiring a security company, ask about their screening process and confirm the guards hired are licensed, trustworthy professionals.
4. Unreliable Security Coverage
Cheap security companies struggle with staffing issues, leading to:
- Guards showing up late or being a no show
- Last minute guard replacements with untrained guards
- Poorly managed scheduling
When hiring a security company, make sure your security provider is reliable, has reserved guards, and does proper shift management to guarantee uninterrupted protection.
5. Weak Deterrence Against Crime
Criminals can easily identify and intimidate untrained security guards. If your security team appears weak, unprepared and disinterested, your business becomes a target for:
- Theft and vandalism
- Workplace violence
- Trespassing and unauthorized access
When choosing a security company, ask them for a trial period or reference from previous clients to assess their effectiveness and ability to provide what is promised.
6. Increased Liability and Legal Risks
If an untrained guard mishandles a situation, your business can be in big trouble and face serious legal consequences including:
- Lawsuits for excessive force or negligence
- Workers’ compensation claims due to improper training
- Fines for failing to meet security compliance regulations
To avoid these issues, make sure your security company is licensed, insured and compliant to BSIS requirements.
7. Poor Customer Service and Representation
Security officers are constantly seen by customers and visitors and often the first point of contact. Cheap security companies provide guards who lack:
- Communication skills
- Professionalism and courtesy
- Appearance and proper uniforms
Customer service is often overlooked in security guards even though it is a very important skills. When choosing a company to protect you, make sure the guards have great communication and customer service skills. Afterall, they will be representing your brand!
8. Advanced Security Technology and Support
While cheap security companies focus on making a quick bucks, reputable security companies invest in the latest security technologies, such as:
- CCTV surveillance integration
- Access control systems
- Mobile patrol tracking
- Real-time incident reporting
When selecting a security company, ask them what technology they utilize in business and if you have will have access to these technologies.
9. Inadequate Emergency Preparedness
Cheap security companies do not invest in training programs which leads to unprepared guards. Without proper training and protocols, a guard will not be able to handle:
- Active shooter
- Natural disaster like floods, fires, and earthquake
- Medical emergencies
Work with your security company to prepare a proper emergency plan that can be implemented and familiarize your security guards with the plan. .
10. Hidden Costs and Poor Value
The irony of hiring cheap security service, is that it will end up costing you more in the long run for many reasons including:
- Constantly replacing security companies
- Potential lawsuits and legal fees/headaches
- Increased costs and damages to your property due to improper or no patrolling
- Damage to your business’s reputation
Hire a security company that will add value to your business, have proper licensing and insurances and ensure your assets, employees and customers are safe at all times. While cheap security might be appealing, there is always a reason why it is cheap.
Quality Security is a Smart Investment
While hiring a cheap security company might seem like it is saving you money, the risks far outweighs the savings. Untrained, underpaid, and underskilled guards will do far more damage to your business than you can imagine. Not only can they ruin your reputation, but they can also get you in a lot of legal trouble. Invest in a quality security company, and save yourself the headache and danger.