Hiring Security Guards? Here’s What You Need to Know

If you’re an organization considering hiring security workers for the first time, here are 6 Tips to set you in the right direction.

Security Tips for Resilient Businesses

1. Establish Your Goals

In many regions individuals must apply to obtain different levels of Security licensing to be qualified for certain Security tasks. Before you interview a Security Provider, get clear on what your organization needs from a Security Program.

• Do you need Security to patrol the buildings or the grounds?

• Do you need access management and control- someone at the entrance to validate ID?

• Do you need CCTV installed and monitored?

• Do you need asset protection?

• Do you want someone to ensure compliance- enforcement of rules, policies and procedures?

• Are you hosting an event?

• Do you need incident response- someone to respond to alarms or emergencies?

• How tactical do you want the uniform?

• Is the role focused on customer service - providing assistance to visitors and employees?

• Will you need specialized tasks like conducting bag checks, handling canines, operating metal detectors and alarm systems or conducting investigations?

Being specific about your goals means you’re more likely to get Security Workers with the qualifications, skills and personality aligned with your organization.

2. Vett the Security Provider

Security Companies in B.C. are licenced and regulated through the province. But like any other business- there’s good ones and not so good ones. Before you sign on the line, do your research.

• Employee reviews on job-boards like Indeed can provide insight into the company culture, wages and turnover.

• Customer reviews on social media, BBB and Google can give you a window into success and challenges. Check dates on negative reviews - have things improved over time, worsened or stayed the same? How did the company respond to negative reviews?

• Job postings contain information about training requirements and current salary. Low wages can lead to high turnover, disengagement, and performance issues. Given the responsibilities and risks involved, hiring a Security Company that pays their staff a living wage, respects the essential role that Security Workers play in your organization.

Gathering information beforehand helps facilitate deeper conversations, guide interview questions, and boost confidence in your choice of Security Provider.

3. Lessons from COVID-19: Uniformed Security Pros/Cons

COVID-19 forced organizations to quickly hire Security for contact tracing, temperature checks, and enforcing health mandates.

While uniformed Security can deter unwanted activity and promote a safer environment, the sudden presence of uniformed Security in spaces the public previously considered "safe", caused a huge increase in threat perception, fear and anxiety.

This highlighted how a lack of change management can negatively affect perceptions of safety, showing that Security presence alone isn’t always reassuring.

4. Prepare to own the SOP’s (Standard Operating Procedures

SOP’s are the framework Security Workers follow during their shift. SOP’s not only adhere to applicable laws, but they outline Security Worker duties and how the duties will be carried out.

The Security Company will draft the SOP’s, but your team is responsible to ensure they stay current. For example, if an SOP is to “At the end of shift ensure doors 1, 2, 3 are secure” and you add  “doors 4, 5 and 6” but fail to communicate that to your Security Provider, this could compromise security and safety, and render the SOP's irrelevant.

5. Establish Communication Expectations

Due to industry turnover, a high number of Security Workers are entry level and still gaining experience, so communication expectations between you, the security workers at your site, and the Security Company need to be clear. Some ideas:

• Have a centralized daily shift log to track activities and events. Security workers must have competent written communication skills, and (in my opinion) be proficient in verbal communication and de-escalation skills.

• Schedule a weekly touchpoint with Security Workers and a monthly touchpoint with your Security provider.

• Establish how performance management is handled. The Security supervisor is typically not on your site, they often manage a team of Security Workers, subcontracted to different companies in their region.

• Requesting periodic audits of Security Workers can be helpful.

Your Security Program isn't a “set it and forget it” situation. On the contrary, it must be reviewed regularly, and evolve to reflect the needs of your organization and address current hazards, risks, threats and vulnerabilities.

6. Integrate Security into Your Organization

Finally, Security and Safety are responsibilities shared by all. When implemented thoughtfully, a well-designed Security Program can significantly improve Occupational Health and Safety (OHS), emergency preparedness, employee mental well-being, and organizational resilience.

A good Security Company will safeguard your organization’s assets, reduce risks and collaborate with you to foster peace of mind.

For more information on Security Program Development, reach out to resiliencelab.vic@gmail.com