What To Look For When Hiring a Security Guard Company

February 13, 2023

Security is an essential requirement for any business or organization. Hiring a security guard company can be an effective way to protect your property and ensure the safety of your employees and customers. However, with so many companies available, how do you find the right one?


Fortunately, several key factors can guide you when selecting a security guard company. Read on to discover some of the factors to keep in mind when hiring a security guard company.


Are the Security Guards Trained and Certified?


A properly trained guard is necessary regardless of the type of service you need or the company you select. The knowledge and experience from training help security personnel respond better to different situations. Therefore, ensure you work with licensed guards who have undergone state-certified security training.


Moreover, if the guard carries a firearm, they must have a firearm permit. Obtaining the firearm permit requires taking a Bureau of Security and Investigative Service (BSIS)-certified firearm permit course and passing the exam.


Does the Company Embrace Technology?


A good security company not only has well-trained guards but also technological capabilities and equipment. Technology plays an important role in securing the environment and is also helpful in assessing the efficiency of security operations. 


Companies offer a variety of technology equipment, including radios, cameras, sensors, and scanners. With security technology advancing every day, more equipment is available. Thus, when evaluating a company, find out what kind of technology it offers and whether the guards understand how to use it.


How Customer Service Oriented Is the Company?


You want to find a company that prioritizes people and creates a polite, pleasant atmosphere. When you first contact a security guard company, pay attention to how they engage with you. You can learn a lot about the difficulties you might encounter with the company based on the quality of the replies. 


Is the Company Licensed and Insured?


In view of the number of security companies on the market, you should be careful to hire a legitimate company. If you're hiring a security company, ensure that it has the professional licenses it needs to operate legally in your state. Additionally, if you're hiring guards for locations across different states, ensure the company has the proper license for each state.


You should also check the agency's insurance details to ensure they have up-to-date coverage. The security company should carry insurance coverage such as worker's compensation, auto, and general liability. Proper insurance is essential in case an incident occurs among security personnel, such as:


  • Damage to security equipment
  • A takedown results in an injury


Legal liability or financial responsibility could fall on you if the company you choose to work with doesn't have up-to-date insurance. Ideally, the company's insurance agent should add your business as an additional insured party.


Is the Company Willing to Accommodate Your Unique Needs?


As every business and individual has different security needs, a good security company must be able to provide tailor-made solutions for each client. For example, the security company should be flexible to work with your schedule, even if it involves varying hours. The more flexible a company is, the better.


Investing in a reputable and reliable security guard company is a smart move that will pay off in the end. With the above factors in mind, you can confidently choose a security guard company that will provide the protection you need.


If you're ready to take the next step by hiring a reputable and reliable security guard company, don't hesitate to contact us at Spear Security today. Our team of experts will provide you with more information about our services and answer any questions.


October 23, 2026
Running a business in Los Angeles means dealing with a lot of moving parts, and security is one that too many owners put off until something goes wrong. When that moment comes, the question is almost always the same: should you build your own in-house security team, or bring in a professional firm? The answer isn’t as obvious as it looks on paper. The Real Cost of Going In-House Hiring your own guards sounds simple until you actually try it. You’re not just paying an hourly wage — you’re covering recruitment, background checks, licensing, uniforms, payroll taxes, workers’ comp, liability insurance, and ongoing training. And in a city like Los Angeles, where turnover in entry-level roles is high, you’ll likely be doing that hiring process more than once a year. There’s also the management burden. Someone on your team now has to supervise guards, handle call-outs, build schedules, and deal with HR issues — on top of whatever job they were actually hired to do. For most small and mid-sized businesses, that’s a quiet drain on time and focus that doesn’t show up on a spreadsheet. Where Outsourcing Pulls Ahead This is exactly why so many businesses end up working with private security guard companies in Los Angeles instead of building their own teams from scratch. A reputable firm already carries the licensing, insurance, and liability coverage required under California law, so that risk sits with them, not you. Guards come pre-trained, pre-vetted, and ready to rotate in if someone calls out sick — no scrambling, no coverage gaps. Cost-wise, it’s often more predictable too. You’re paying for a service contract rather than absorbing the hidden expenses that come with employment. And because private security guard companies in Los Angeles manage staffing across multiple clients, they can flex coverage up or down based on your actual needs — something that’s nearly impossible to do with a small in-house crew. The Trade-Off Worth Understanding Outsourcing isn’t without its own considerations. You’re trusting an outside company with your site, your staff, and sometimes your reputation, so vetting the firm matters just as much as vetting an employee would. The businesses that get the best results tend to choose private security guard companies in Los Angeles with a long operating history, verifiable licensing, and guards who are trained specifically for the type of property or event being protected. For most Los Angeles businesses, the math favors partnering with an established firm over building an internal team. Spear Security has spent more than 30 years protecting properties, businesses, and events across Southern California, offering trained, licensed guards without the overhead of running security in-house. Spear Security | (323) 962-7515 | info@spearsecurity.com | 1642 North Cahuenga Blvd. Suite 201, Hollywood, CA 90028 | spearsecurity.com
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