As a business owner, the safety of your assets and your business, as well as your family, is critical. With a wide range of security companies to choose from, hiring one that meets your security requirements is essential. Contract security offers great benefits for both business owners and homeowners. But some people think that hiring security services is like giving your building keys and alarm codes to a total stranger. However, it doesn’t have to be this way if you have the knowledge to choose a good security company. You just have to follow these tips before signing a contract with a security agency.

1. Know what kind of security guard you need. You can choose armed or unarmed security guards. Unarmed officers are generally limited, but they are perfect if your needs are relatively simple. For example, if you just need someone to closely monitor CCTV footage and call the authority when something happens, hiring an armed officer to do the job is clearly a waste of money. Armed officers are excellent at deterring crime. Although they are not unbeatable, they can make criminals rethink entering your building.

2. Create a list of good security agencies. You can get a couple of references from other business owners or search the web for reputable security companies. Either way, it is important to have several options to choose from. Compare your services, performance records and qualifications. Check customer reviews and the list of your past customers. Never base your decisions on price alone because it might not be a good idea to entrust the security of your business in the hands of underpaid security guards.

3. Know how long the company has been in the security business. The longer the company has been in business, the better. It is also important to determine if the company has a strong track record of performance under its current management. In fact, it doesn’t really matter if the company has been in business for more than fifty years if the new manager just joined a few months ago. Obtain the director / manager’s credentials and insist on meeting with him in person.

4. Know their hiring policies and procedures. It is important to make sure that you can trust the company you will be hiring. A trusted security company has extensive policies and procedures in place when it comes to hiring their employees. These should include thorough background checks, training and licensing requirements, drug screenings, and more.

5. Choose a company that has a detailed contract readily available. Make sure the provisions of the contract are fair and reasonable. If the security company cannot provide a suitable and detailed contract, find another company. A reputable and professional security company will not provide services without a formal contract signed by both parties.