As a business owner or property manager in the Toronto area, you know that ensuring the safety and security of your premises, tenants and visitors is of the utmost importance. One of the most traditionally effective methods to achieve this is by hiring security guards from a reputable and reliable firm.
However, there are quite a lot of options to choose from within the current security market, which means selecting the right security guard service can be a daunting task. Let’s take a step back and examine what you should remember when choosing the right security guard service for your Toronto area property or event.
DEFINE YOUR NEEDS
Before you start searching for a security guard service, you’ll definitely want to identify your specific security needs, which will vary depending on your circumstances. For instance, what type of property do you own or manage? Is it residential, commercial or industrial? What are the potential security risks associated with your property? Perhaps vandalism, theft or trespassing concerns?
Next, move on to specifics, such as whether you will need parking lot security, event security, etc., and your overall budget for security services? Asking these rudimentary questions will help you narrow down the list of current security service providers, and cut down on research time.
CREATE A SHORTLIST
Once you’ve established a clear understanding of your own security needs, the next step is to research and shortlist potential security guard services in Toronto. You can save time and effort by asking for referrals from friends, family, or business colleagues who have used security guard services in the past. Next, you can check online directories such as the Better Business Bureau, or the Ontario Security Guard Association, to find licensed and certified security guard services.
And finally, make sure to do some online homework to search for security guard services on social media platforms like LinkedIn or Facebook. This will help you learn more about the individual services and reputation of specific security companies.
CHECK FOR CERTIFICATIONS
Before signing off on a security firm, you should always ensure that the service you are considering is licensed and certified by the relevant authorities. In Ontario, security guard services must be licensed by the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services.
Additionally, security guards must be certified by the Ontario Security Guard Academy. If these credentials are in place, you know you’re hiring a reputable and established security firm that understands proper techniques, situational awareness, and effective methods for dealing with incidents.
EXPERIENCE & EXPERTISE
There’s no substitute for experience, which is why you should determine how much the firm has in providing security services to properties similar to yours. When in doubt, ask questions such as how long they have been in business, and what types of properties they have protected in the past?
You can always dive into specifics by asking if they have experience with specific security concerns, such as parking lot security or event security. This will give you indication that the firm in question has deployed their security personnel into different property types and event scenarios, signaling their ability to adapt and manage the situation quickly.
REVIEW SERVICES
Understanding a security firm’s services and protocols is vital, and the more information you have, the better equipped you’ll be to make a good decision. Ask about whether they have uniformed guards, CCTV monitoring, and alarm response, and their response time in case of an emergency. Similarly, you can discuss whether they have a protocol for handling specific security incidents, such as trespassing or theft.
CHECK INSURANCE & BONDING
Before moving ahead with your choice, make sure to verify that the security firm has adequate insurance coverage and bonding, which will provide you with financial protection in case of any accidents or damages caused by their personnel. The last thing you’ll want is to deal with a cloud of uncertainty over your head in the form of legal liability.
GUAGE THEIR COMMUNICATION & CUSTOMER SERVICE
A security firm’s job is to make sure that you feel safe and reassured, and this extends beyond the actual premises in question. Try to assess the security firm’s communication and customer service skills, including how they communicate with clients, respond to concerns, and whether they have a dedicated point of contact.
Grill them on how they handle complaints or issues, so you can get a sense of how they handle things. If you sense any alarm bells, don’t ignore them. Professionalism lies at the heart of a good security company, and they should be delivering at all times.
REQUEST A SITE VISIT
If possible, ask about conducting a site visit to a property they are currently protecting. This will give you an opportunity to meet the security guards and management team, and ask questions to get a sense of their professionalism and expertise.
CONCLUSION
Based on all the research and evaluation we’ve just mentioned above, you’ll be in a much better position to make an informed decision about which security guard firm to hire. Always consider factors such as experience, expertise, services, and pricing, and remember to evaluate their communication and customer service skills, as well as their licenses and certifications.
At One Step Security, we’re completely confident in our abilities, professionalism, training and certifications, not to mention our expertise handling a multitude of different properties and scenarios. Our job is to make you feel safe from the very first phone call, so contact us today, and let’s discuss your security needs so that we can devise the ultimate plan, custom-tailored just for you.
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