Safety is a huge concern for businesses today. Part of a company’s security plan may include hiring a security guard to watch over the business. Security guards can provide assistance in a variety of situations both inside and outside the building. Before hiring a security guard, however, there are a few things the business should consider. Doing this will help them make sure they find a security company that will meet their needs.
Consider How Many Guards are Needed
Before deciding to hire a security guard, it’s important to consider how many security guards are needed for the property at one time. Smaller businesses likely only need one security guard, but larger businesses may prefer one inside and one outside, two circling the parking lot, or multiple security guards for large events. The amount of business done in a day, the security risks for the business, and more can go into deciding how many guards are needed.
Consider When Guards are Needed
Many small businesses will want a security guard to deal with potential shrinkage or to help keep the parking lot safe. For these tasks, the business may not need to have a security guard available when the business is closed for the night. On the other hand, if there are potential issues with break-ins or the business operates 24 hours a day, it may be necessary to have a security guard on the property at all times.
Consider What the Guards Will Do
What are the security guards going to do while they’re on the property? While it is a good idea to have security cameras focused on the parking lot, a guard may be able to patrol the area better. If the guards will be in the building, they may need to patrol the store to keep an eye out for suspicious behavior or check the identification of anyone who needs to get into secured areas. The business’s security concerns impact what the guard will do at the property.
Consider Armed Versus Unarmed
Security guards can be armed with a weapon or can be unarmed. Armed security guards may be needed in some situations, but they could also scare off customers, so this is something to think about carefully. Consider the specific security risks the business faces on a typical day as well as whether a security guard may need to be armed to handle the situation. If there aren’t situations where a guard will need to be armed, hiring an unarmed guard may be a better option.
Consider the Budget for a Guard
Last, consider the budget available for hiring a security guard. Remember, the security guard can help reduce thefts, reduce liability for certain issues, and more. This can help the company save money in the long run, especially if the company is dealing with a significant amount of stolen items or related issues. With the potential to save money, the budget may be able to be a little higher for hiring a security guard.
If you’re a business owner who is concerned about the safety of your business, employees, and customers, it may be time to consider hiring a security guard. Use the tips here to start thinking about what you need. Then, you can use the information gained to start looking for a security company that will fit your needs exactly.
