In today's world, security is of paramount importance.

Society has found many ways to keep our homes, communities, schools, businesses, and cities as safe as possible. We have everything from law enforcement agencies to CCTV technology and neighborhood watch programs.

That doesn't change the fact that paying for a little extra security can buy you peace of mind. Understanding regional crime trends is essential when hiring security. According to California crime statistics, certain areas experience significantly higher rates of theft and vandalism, making professional security a necessity.

Maybe you need to hire a temporary security guard for a special event.

Or, perhaps you want the reassurance of hiring permanent, full-time security to protect your property - many security guard types exist.

The process of researching and hiring the perfect security guard company might sound overwhelming. That's why we've created this handy guide to help you navigate the process as smoothly as possible.

We'll teach you everything you need to know about hiring security guards. Learn how to find and hire the best professional, licensed, and trustworthy security guards who can keep you, your loved ones, and your property safe and secure.

1. Determine Your Security Needs

Before you begin your search for a security guard company, take a moment to consider your specific security needs.

To help you get started, think about how you would answer the following questions

  • What security-related concerns am I most at risk of facing?
  • What level of security do I require?
  • What are my expectations for how security guards should solve my unique security needs?
  • When and where will I need to use security guards?

Here are a few more helpful considerations. Some but not all may be relevant to your situation

  • Will you need armed security or unarmed guards?
  • Will the security guard service need to supply one or more vehicles?
  • Will this job require any special licenses, certifications, or clearances?
  • What duties will the security guards need to perform?

Once you know what you need, write a brief security guard job description. Include a list of key job duties and requirements. For example, you might need a school security guard or celebrity security guard

You can provide this information to prospective security companies to explain what you're seeking from a security guard service.

Related: How to Start a Security Company

2. Determine Your Budget for a Security Guard

Know what you need, but also know what you can afford.

Years of experience in the private event security business have taught us that you'll get the best value for your money if you define your budget up front.

Review the average cost of security guard services before crunching the numbers. Make sure you're factoring in regional cost-of-living factors that may influence pricing.

Does your budget have available funds to cover what you need for a gated community security, nightclub security or K9 security services team?

If not, check if your budget will allow you to reallocate money from another expense. It's possible that some of the services you pay for now (such as a home security system) may become redundant once you hire a security guard firm.

3. Research Potential Security Guard Firms

Researching security firms is similar to researching most service-based businesses.

Having said that, there are a few vital differences. The most significant difference is that you'll need to verify the legitimacy of each and every firm you consider.

Keep the following in mind when searching for a high-quality security service company

  • Is the security guard company licensed?
  • Are they insured?
  • Who owns the company?
  • How long have they been in business?
  • How many employees do they have?
  • What do other customers say about them?

If you have a friend who is satisfied with the security services they've used in the past, their word-of-mouth endorsement is worth your consideration.

However, the fastest and most reliable way to find local security firms is to use a security guard marketplace like Security Explorer.

Security Explorer matches you with top-rated security and protection services in your area.

Whether you need part-time event security, full-time security for your shopping center or small business, or simple security for a small home or parking lot, Security Explorer will connect you with vetted security firms who are ready to exceed your expectations.

Explore Popular Security Companies

[gt3_listing_categories items_per_line="3" spacing_beetween_items="20" number_of_items="6" categories_slug="armed-security, commercial-security, event-security, private-bodyguards, residential-security, unarmed-security"]Navigate to our California security guard services page.Use the dropdown menu at the top of the page to select your county and/or filter to only show security firms that operate in your area and offer the specific type of service you're looking for.

Examples of security service filters include

Visit profiles of relevant security services to learn more about them. See which services they offer, read what past customers have to say about working with them, and more.

For example, here's a snapshot of the Special Security Services listing page.

When you're ready, fill out the "Request a Quote" form on the right side of the page to learn about their availability and receive a pricing estimate.

Request a security guard quote

4. Contact the Security Company

Consider how a security firm responds to your initial phone call or inquiry to quickly vet the quality and professionalism of their services.

As you contact each company, ask yourself:

  • Were you able to reach a human being or did you have to leave a voicemail?
  • If you left a voicemail, did they call you back? If so, how soon?
  • Did they come across as organized, knowledgeable, and professional?
  • Did the person with whom you spoke sound genuinely interested to help you? Or did they sound like they were just trying to make a sale?

5. Schedule an In-Person Meeting

Schedule a face-to-face consultation with the security company's management before you decide to hire them.

During a personal security consultation, it's wise to take the following steps:

  • Show them around your home or facility to give them an overview of the environment's security needs.
  • Describe your needs, expectations, and concerns as thoroughly as possible.
  • Ask plenty of questions.
  • Be ready to provide a rough estimate of your budget.
  • At the conclusion of the meeting, ask them to send you a formal proposal by email or through the postal service.

How a security firm conducts its day-to-day business can reflect the quality of its services. That's why you should also consider:

  • Did they arrive on time for the meeting?
  • Did they dress and conduct themselves in a professional manner?
  • Did they come across as competent, organized, and well-prepared?

At the end of the meeting, ask the security professional to mail or email you a detailed proposal of the services they can provide. Make sure it includes a detailed breakdown of what those services will cost.

6. Review Proposals from Security Firms

Each proposal should describe the type of security solutions the company will provide. It should also include a line-by-line estimate of service fees, including miscellaneous expenses.

When reviewing a proposal, check to make sure the document:

  • Is easy to read and understand.
  • Includes billing terms.
  • Includes indemnification information.
  • Details each service.
  • Itemizes the costs for any special requests, and describes how the firm plans to honor and fulfill those requests.
  • Includes an overview of the contract terms, as well as proof of the company's liability insurance and licensing.

Proposals should also include the following:

  • A proposed start date.
  • Renewal terms.
  • A termination clause.
  • References and contact information.
  • Their background check procedure for each individual security officer.

The company you choose to hire is ultimately at your discretion.

Having said that, you're more likely to find the right security guard company for the job if you observe the above guidelines.

7. Negotiate a Billing Rate

It's normal (and expected) to have questions about billing rates and the cost of services.

Most security firms will provide a proposal with context and information to justify their rates. In those circumstances, it's probably not necessary to negotiate.

But if you do have questions, or if you want to negotiate a change or amendment to the proposed terms or billing rate, there are a few guidelines you should follow.

When negotiating services and costs, be sure to ask about:

  • The description and scope of each individual service.
  • The per-hour billing rate, including a breakdown of what expenses and fees are included in the rate.
  • How many hours the security firm will work each day and each week.
  • The cost of any incidentals or extra fees.

Many factors can impact a security guard company's hourly billing rate. Not all factors will be obvious, either.

To give you a better idea of what security providers consider when calculating their rates, here are a few of the most common expenses:

  • Onboarding and supplemental training for guards
  • Vehicles
  • Uniforms
  • Equipment or technology that is specific to the security industry
  • Tax liability
  • Insurance
  • Specialized certifications and/or licensing requirements
  • Supervisor wages
  • Employee wages
  • Overtime
  • Holiday pay

For the most part, hiring a security company works like this:

You tell them exactly what you need, and they charge you either a flat or per-hour rate for the services they will furnish.

The company assumes the responsibility to provide guards, equipment, technology, security training, and anything else that helps them provide outstanding security service.

Once you have chosen the firm you will hire, the firm should draft and send you a professional and legally binding contract. The contract should outline the terms of the agreement based on the deal you already discussed.

8. Sign the Security Contract

Review the contract to verify that it addresses everything you have discussed with the security firm.

Here is an overview of essential contract elements, as well as other information you should be looking for:

  • A Certificate of Insurance (COI) that confirms the business has adequate liability insurance in the event of damages.
  • A defense and indemnification clause, which outlines which parties are responsible to pay the cost of damages.
  • A detailed list and description of each service the company has agreed to provide.
  • The date when the contract will begin.
  • The date when the contract is eligible for renewal.
  • A list of equipment and technology that the security firm will supply.
  • A list of equipment and technology that the security firm will not agree to supply or subsidize, if applicable.
  • Whether the firm will cover the cost of firearms for armed guards (if applicable). It should also address the quantity and type of firearms.
  • Payment expectations and terms.
  • A simple description of how any federal, state, or local laws and customs may impact or otherwise interact with the terms of the contract.
  • Copies of the agency's licenses. This is not required, but it's a good idea to have copies for your reference.

Conclusion

Finding quality security services should never have to be a shot in the dark.

Search Security Explorer's marketplace to find high-quality and vetted security guards in your local area.

In an increasingly insecure world, finding professional, trustworthy security guards are a must when protecting your loved ones.

You can do it! And we'll be here to help you.

FAQs About Hiring a Security Firm

In general, security guards are responsible for:

  • Protecting people and property.
  • Deterring crime and maintaining order.
  • Investigating incidents and reporting suspicious activity.
  • Complying with local laws and regulations.

The answers to this question can vary greatly based on your location and circumstances.

Here is an overview of the average per-hour rates you can expect to pay a security guard or security guard firm:

  • Unarmed security guards: $20 to $30 per hour.
  • Armed security guards: $25 to $30 per hour.
  • Experienced or specialized guards: $30 to $45 per hour.
  • Security guards in a high-crime area: $30 to $35 per hour.
  • Security guards with a car: As a general rule, you can expect to add $10 to $20 per hour, per guard, on the lower end of the pricing spectrum when you request to have a car added to the contract.

Most businesses and homeowners can benefit from hiring a security guard.

Some entities may have a more immediate need to hire a security guard, such as:

Most security contracts will be straightforward and easy to understand.

But for more complex contracts or for people who run businesses, the legal jargon can run deep.

For that reason, it's always best to review a security guard contract with a lawyer if you don't understand the contract with total clarity, or if you don't feel comfortable interpreting the contract language.