Hiring private security guards can be a hassle as there are a lot of security guard companies with hundreds of them licensed. In the middle of this diversity and at the brink of decision, you must make a decision. What should you do to pick the most suitable company that will ensure premium protection for property, event, or an individual?

Here are some key details you must consider to make informed decisions when choosing a security company:

1. Confirm the Licensing of the Company

The first thing you must do is to check if the company is either licensed as a private investigation company or as a security company. You should also check to see if it is licensed “dual” to carry out the functions of both companies.

The private investigation and the security company are two separate entities. According to the Private Security and Investigative Securities Act, Canada, a security guard is a person who performs the primary duties of patrolling or guarding to protect persons or property, for remuneration. On the other hand, a private investigator conducts investigations to provide specific information, for an agreed remuneration.

When a company is licensed to carry out the duties of both companies, it can provide the services of both security guards and private investigations. Where you hire for only security guarding, a company licensed dual will perform its duties with the additional expertise of a private investigation company where necessary.

• Ensure that the Security Company Has a Marked Security Vehicle for Patrols

Sometimes, the security guards who are protecting a property may require extra support especially in unfamiliar and emergency situations. When operated by experienced security personnel; a mobile security vehicle can provide this necessary help when needed. Also, a mobile vehicle can suffice when a guard is not available for their shift, a mobile personnel can fill in for them. However, this will only work with posts with one guard.

Also, where the guard in charge has to go for a washroom or lunch break, the mobile personnel will cover for them so the post will not be left unattended.

• See If the Company Does Its Own In-House Training Delivered By Their Own Employees

The basic requirement that any licensed security guard must meet is the mandatory provision that every security guard must have not less than 40-hours-long training. Also, they must be certified in Emergency First Aid/CPR. This training can either obtained either in a classroom or over the web.

Security guards also increase their ability to perform where they have training beyond the basic requirements including use of force and de-escalation. Some companies contract additional trainings of its staff to a third party provider.

In addition to the compulsory trainings, in-house training by staff of the company shows a greater commitment to its goals as a security company. This creates a situation of trust and reliability more often than not.

• Watch your Budget

While you check for security companies around you, you must also watch your budget. While there are tons of security firms in Canada, you must know if you can afford their services. Usually, most of these companies charge form 30 CAD. But this amount may differ according to the kind of protective or investigative needs you have.

Charges fall in different categories for different companies. Here are some of the categories that private security companies offer services in. You must consider them before hiring any security company:

• Controlling disputes
• Guest screening
• Patrolling event area
• Executive protection (which usually consists of a team of 8 to 12 men)
• Guard dogs
• Driving (armed and unarmed0 which can be up to 400 to 600 CAD per day.

• Find a Security Company Whose Services Match Your Lifestyle

When you are hiring a security company to take charge of the protection of your person, property, or event, you must ratify if their services can cover the lifestyle that you have. For instance, if you are a VIP with a lot of popularity and a high net value, you should go for an executive protection company. If you just want a subtle security, you can hire personal bodyguards who can blend well in your business meeting, mall or in a street crowd.

Whatever choice you make, be sure to know if they can adapt to the lifestyle that would fit your personality. Therefore, you should go through the categories that these companies provide before putting a call through to any of them.

• Decide on the Physique You Want Your Bodyguards To Have

Usually, bodyguards are muscular and built. This is as a result of the training that they undergo when preparing for their career. Depending on your preference, you can go for the Mayweather bodyguard-style 350-pound, huge and tall bodyguards. Usually, people prefer guards with this form as they are very effective physical deterrents. Criminals can recognize them for afar and keep away completely.

However, where you want your guard to blend in the crowd, you may hire regular-looking security personnel who can pass for someone with no knowledge or background in security. Their look does not affect how much they deliver the protection that you would require.

However, whenever you are choosing the right physique, you must base it on the height of threat that is facing you. If your threat is very high, it’s preferable to go for hefty and built security. On the other hand, where you need subtle security, the regular-looking security would do just great. In whatever case, your preference is king. Don’t trade that for anything!

• Test the Company’s Skills

This mostly works when you’re dealing with bodyguards. You should not believe it when they tell you that they meet all your requirements. Be sure to test them. Confirm the applicant’s driving skill, knowledge of martial arts, ability to perform under extreme pressure which your situation may require, and their ability to multitask as well. Test their responsiveness to instructions, commitment, attention to detail, as well as discretion.

Also, carry out a background check. Confirm who they have worked with. Contact the persons and ask how well the security company delivered the services.