subject: The Top Questions You Should Be Asking When Hiring A Security Company In Vancouver [print this page] Are your guards licensed and bonded? Are your guards licensed and bonded?
Being licensed ensures that the security company has been trained in the proper practices and regulations. This means the licensee is competent and capable of doing the work at hand. It also means the worker is familiar with the laws and standards of his field in that particular area of governance and can be held accountable if the regulations are not followed. The service provider may lose its license to operate if rules are not followed.
Its important that when hiring a security company you look to see if its licensed and bonded. This is a statement of legitimacy and trustworthiness and is therefore a safeguard against theft, and illegal practices of the guard. You should check for documented proof of bonds and licensure.
It ultimately protects you as the client while the guard is on site. For example, if the guard steals something or breaks anything while on the job you are protected. By law, if you have an unlicensed security guard its illegal. So dont trust any company that is not licensed and bonded.
Are you guards insured?
You should make sure to ask the security company how much insurance they have. There are various insurance levels. Insurance is an expensive component for the business, so not all companies have it. Some companies are not insured, others have 2.5 Million, and Arrow Security has $5 Million.
This is something youll want to investigate before hiring a company. Make sure they have the documentation to back up their claims.
Are daily reports provided?
There are two common daily reports. A daily patrol report and an incident report.
The patrol report shows everything is scanned and secured on the premises. You can have this report to be collected on every hour, therefore you have a clear understanding of the security of the site. Incident reports are what the guard would fill out when a particular incident happens.
Its important to have this daily report, so make sure your security company can provide this.
Do the guards speak English fluently?
This is a crucial part of your decision process because lets assume theres an incident on your property, you need to make sure the guard on site can speak with the tenants, the authorities and anyone else they come in contact with.
Always be sure to make sure your guard speaks the language you require for optimal resolution and dispute management while on site.
Do we have to sign a contract?
Some companies will have contracts while others will not. Its important that you first have a good feeling with the management of the security company. Make sure you get a feeling of commitment without a contract, and then if you require a contract its added assurance on top.
Arrow Security for one, is completely client driven, so if you want one, they will provide it. And if you dont, thats fine as well.
Are your guards uniformed?
Uniforms are great for visibility to all those around the site. When the guards are well uniformed, it gives the impression of presence and that someone is in charge. Ask yourself if the uniforms are professional and meet the visual requirements of your needs.
Some companies have one set of uniforms and others have multiple sets. Arrow Security for example has three kinds of uniforms.
Blazers
Bomber-style Blue Jacket
High Visibility Yellow
And they even have experience in doing undercover plain clothing. Each different uniform is suitable for different environments. Some are good for security concierges while others are good outside.
What kind of trainings do your guards have?
You should always ask what kind and where the guards were trained. In BC, the security training is approved by the solicitor generals office in Victoria. On another note, its important to also ask about on-site training as well. Each site will require different training, and its important to make sure your security company does a thorough job of this.
Is the company registered with Worksafe?
The WorkSafe premium is dedicated to promoting workplace health and safety for the workers and employers of British Columbia. In the event of work-related injuries or diseases, WorkSafeBC works with the affected parties to provide return-to-work rehabilitation, compensation, health care benefits, and a range of other services. Its a premium that companies pay by law to protect the guards while on site. Therefore, ask the security company if they are complying to this premium.
