Private Security and the Company You Keep
by Michael E. Berumen

More commercial businesses and property managers are turning to private security to protect their interests from criminals, safety hazards, and natural disasters. Theft, vandalism, violence from disgruntled employees, damages caused by rowdy tenants, gang activity, industrial espionage and, as we now know too well, terrorism can cause a variety of adverse and costly effects. Moreover, in today’s litigious society, protecting employees, customers, residents, and even trespassers from safety hazards and natural disasters is of paramount importance.

A private security guard could well catch someone actually committing a crime, but that is only a fraction of his value. What is especially important is the visible presence of a uniformed officer, for this serves as a deterrent, and helps to prevent crime from occurring in the first place. While the same can be said of law enforcement personnel, unfortunately, the fact is that there are not enough of them to go around.

Security officers can be used in a variety of ways, including patrolling the client’s property on foot, guarding points of entrance into a particular site, or patrolling a given area in a marked vehicle, making random stops for walkthrough inspections. The officer might be armed or unarmed, depending upon the scope of his individual license, as well as the requirements of the client and security company.

Many businesses and property managers now use burglar alarm systems and security cameras for protection. Alarms, by themselves, are not necessarily an impediment to experienced criminals, for they realize that they generally have enough time to get in and get out before anyone will be able to respond, and they usually know in advance exactly what they are after and where it is located.

Cameras can be a deterrent when they are visible, but this is a double-edged sword, for their visibility necessarily makes their whereabouts known, which makes them vulnerable to being foiled. People can disguise themselves, use stolen vehicles, or disable the cameras. Film might have evidentiary value, though pictures are often unclear. And, in any event, the damage is already done. The bottom line is that while alarms and cameras are useful security supplements, they do not replace the noticeable presence of an alert security officer who is constantly observing his surroundings, questioning people, and reporting incidents to his superiors or law-enforcement on a real-time basis.

Today’s security officer is not the stereotypical night watchman of yore, someone sometimes depicted in movies as a disheveled, semi-literate, incompetent who is often found asleep on the job. Professional security officers are trained in a variety of security principles, including citizens arrest procedures, search and approach, safety, terrorism, and various laws and regulations governing private security; they must also pass a written test, and undergo a rigorous criminal background check. They might well have advanced training in first aid and CPR, as well in crowd control and handling natural disasters. Many have training in various weapons and restraint devices, including baton, chemical sprays, firearms, handcuffs, and in defensive techniques. Some will have other areas of specialization, such as working at sensitive government facilities, airports, schools, construction sites, residential communities, working in areas beset with gang problems, or performing vehicle patrol.

When evaluating a security company, there are certain fundamental things a buyer should know. While not exhaustive, here are some of the principal things to examine.

Licensure. Make certain the security company has a current Private Patrol Operator (PPO) license issued by the State of California’s Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS). Ask to see a copy of the license or go directly to the BSIS to verify the company’s standing.

Insurance. By law, a security company must carry workers compensation for its employees, commercial liability insurance for its patrol cars, and a general liability policy with a minimum of $500,000 coverage. The best companies will generally have $1,000,000 or more. Unfortunately, some security companies are uninsured or inadequately insured, so it is important to seek independent verification from the company’s insurance broker or insurance carrier.

Training. Ask about the training program for new officers as well as ongoing training. Security officers should have at least 40 hours of initial training and 8 hours of continuing education each year. Make certain that you know the officer assigned to your property has a current license from the BSIS and sufficient training and skills (e.g., CPR, first aid, weapons, etc.) to meet your needs.

Dispatch. Be sure that officers have radios or cell phones and that the company has an in-house dispatching operation that is available 24-7, not just an outside answering service. The company must be able to respond to emergencies at all times.

Supervision and support. Be sure that a patrol supervisor is in the area managing security officers, routinely checking their performance, and that someone is always available to give them back-up support during an emergency.

Reports. The client should insist that security officers provide a clear and concise written report that outlines their activities during each shift worked, including identification of unusual occurrences and any pertinent observations (e.g., safety hazards found on site).

References. Be sure to ask for references in your geographic vicinity, preferably from clients who are receiving services similar to what you are considering.

Contract. Make certain that the contract enables you to terminate services at any time with reasonable advance notice (usually 30 days). Also, ensure that the relevant duties for your specific site and all of the charges (including overtime for extra hours and holidays) are stated in the contract. Insurance requirements should be clearly stated, as well.

Costs. Certainly competitive pricing is very important. However, your analysis should lead you to be confident that you are going to get your money’s worth, especially for something as important as protecting property and people. Otherwise, the hidden cost could be much greater than you think!

Michael Berumen is President and CEO of Four Star Private Patrol, which is headquartered in Temecula and provides services throughout Riverside, San Bernardino, and San Diego Counties. He is the author of Do No Evil: Ethics with Applications to Economic Theory and Business (www.barnesandnoble.com)