Did you know that there were about 9,140 victims of robbery recorded in Australia in 2021?
When you experience a crime on your property, it can be challenging to recover from it — not just financially but emotionally and psychologically. Therefore, you need to hire a security company to protect your loved ones, assets, staff, and customers.
But you can’t just pick the first company you stumble on when you need private security services. Hiring an unreliable and unprofessional company can cost you a fortune. Unfortunately, finding the right security company in Sydney can be challenging.
Below are some tips to help you choose the best security company in Sydney for your private property or business.
Know Your Requirements
Various security companies offer different services. For instance, some have the expertise to secure businesses, while others specialise in residential security or event crowd control. This is why you should assess your security concerns and goals before you hire a security company.
Understanding your security requirements will give you a clear picture of the type of security firm you need to meet your expectations.
Focus on Training and Certification
Another factor to consider when hiring security guards is the training and certification that they’ve received. Working in security isn’t easy. It requires an individual who has a high level of attention to detail, vigilance, honesty, and the capacity to work under pressure.
The last thing you want is to choose a security guard who doesn’t know how to react in an emergency.
Evaluate security teams to see if they have sufficient security training and certification. This will help you pick security guards that have the qualities to deliver better services.
In addition, find out if the security firm you’re interested in offers ongoing training. While their security guards may have the training to obtain a license, the company must offer continued training. It shows that their team is knowledgeable on current security issues and operations.
Verify Licensing and Accreditation
Security companies in need a license and authorisation to operate. Therefore, you must authenticate a company’s licensing and accreditation before hiring them.
Since security licensing requirements in Australia vary for each state and territory, it’s also essential to understand the policies in your locality. What’s more, check the license of each security guard appointed to your case.
Apart from licensing, ensure the security company you are hiring has the right insurance coverage to protect yourself if anyone gets injured.
Ask About Guard Screening
When looking for security services, you need trustworthy and reliable guards. Requesting details on a security firm's staffing policies can help you determine this.
Ask if the company vets their security guards to certify that they've passed criminal background checks at the local and state level. Also, confirm that the security staff have been screened for drug use.
Evaluate Work History
One way to select the right security agency to hire is through its proven track record of success. Your goal is to find a company with a strong work history. They should have the necessary experience and dedication to provide the high-level protection you need.
Reach out to friends who have engaged the services of a particular security company so that you can assess its reputation. You can also check online reviews.
Additionally, security guards with prior experience in law enforcement or the military can be a good pick. Avoid agencies with a negligence litigation lawsuit.
Inquire About the Security Systems in Place
To do their jobs well, security guards must work with the right equipment. Aside from defensive weapons like tasers and firearms, the security officers you hire should have the necessary technical capabilities to handle and operate security systems like:
- Radio equipment
- Sensors
- Alarm systems
- CCTV video surveillance
- Scanners
- Access control
Assess Their Professionalism and Communication Skills
Working with a security company that’s unprofessional or communicates poorly is very challenging. For example, security guards that are always late, distracted, or never present on their spot can put you at risk. It makes matters worse if they also can’t communicate well.
To avoid mishaps, find professional security guards. What’s more, they should have the right communication skills to pass and receive information, listen to emergency calls, and address high-stress circumstances.
To evaluate a security agency’s professionalism, pay attention to how they communicate with you. If they address you in an improper manner or are slow to respond, they may not be a good fit for you.
You can also visit a security company’s website. In case a company doesn’t clearly define its services, it is best to avoid them. This is a clear indication that the agency isn't dependable.
Evaluate the Company’s Financial Health
Confirm that the security agency you hire is financially stable. You do not want to work with a company that has monetary troubles as it can cause you problems in the long run.
Look for indicators of financial strength and stability, like profit margins.
Ask for a Service Level Agreement (SLA)
A service level agreement highlights the services that the security company will and will not provide for you. For example, all the services you require, from guard patrol to video surveillance, should be covered in the agreement.
SLAs also offer recourse in case there are any unmet service obligations. This can protect you and holds the security agency accountable.
Consider the Budget
Pricing is also an essential factor when you are choosing a security company in Sydney. Select a company that fits your budget and offers you the type of security you want.
Many security agencies often charge too high with the promise of high-range security. But unfortunately, it may not be worth it. If the quality of service isn’t compromised, the price may not matter.
This is why you need to find the right tradeoff between cost and quality of service to ensure better safety.
Hire a Reputable Security Company in Sydney
Need a professional security company in Sydney?
Look no further than Secureguard Corporate Services. Our security professionals are fully certified and licensed to protect your private property and business. Contact us today to get an obligation-free quote.