The Dangers of Hiring an Unlicensed security company

With many businesses cutting costs, the assumption is that going “cheaper” is the answer. This assumption can be detrimental with regard to security. Although, most reputable firms will compete aggressively for business when bidding; the truth is that they will never be able to underbid an unlicensed company. It seems as the organization has just done a great thing by cutting costs and seemingly the security company is responsible until something happens. Now, what seemed to be a great financial decision has turned into a major liability. Countless cease and desist orders have been issued by the Georgia Board of Private Detective and Security Agencies to these illegally operating companies. When hiring an unlicensed security company, there is no way to recover from loss and damages. Since they are not licensed by the state to perform professional services, insurance policies become void leaving the client to hold all the claims. The end result is paying more in loss and damages than having hired a licensed firm for 5 years.

In addition, it has been proven that most clients are unaware of the state laws to obtain and maintain a professional security firm license. This allows illegitimate security companies the opportunity to use deceiving tricks to gain business. Illegally operated companies will have a license to do business (this is not a company license to perform any form of professional security services). When asked if they are armed, they will show a concealed carry permit (this is a permit to carry a firearm but not to work in a professional security capacity and doesn’t require training to obtain). Both documents are issued by the county clerk. The proper credentials must come from the licensing board at the Secretary of State’s office. These crooks understand that most clients aren’t familiar with the required credentials. Therefore, their “armed security officer” may actually be a convicted felon and is not trained under the requirements of the Georgia Board of Private Detective and Security Agencies.

All things considered, the next crucial concern is how much does an unlicensed corner cutting company pay their officers? That’s right; they pay exactly what any untrained and unskilled worker makes (minimum wages). How serious will they take their job? That’s right again! Not serious at all! Above and beyond being unethical, this practice is also illegal and should be reported before it costs an enormous amount in legal liability. If after investigating an existing security firm or company, it is found to be operating illegally; make a report to the Secretary of State’s office and termination should take place immediately. So next time someone hands you a nice business card or tells you to visit their expensive looking website, you can know that it takes a lot more than presentation to be a professional.

Is your security plan really effective?

Surprisingly, many companies have daily operations that do not include security and safety planning. Most companies that have a security and safety plan haven’t tested them in years. The plans are usually outdated and are not current with the shifting trends in criminal activity. Mistakenly, the notion is that because nothing usually happens, it probably won’t. This idea causes employees to be more concerned with the replacement of the water cooler than workplace violence, CPR, evacuation plans or fire extinguisher usage procedures. This misapplication of security and safety practices doesn’t elevate much concern until it costs millions of dollars in liability or even death.

In 2009 studies showed that 80% of our onsite consultations and assessments exposed that corporation managers don’t have a clue about employee safety. It has also been found that workplace safety is not a part of the training program for most companies. Another serious error is that almost all buildings assessed had either expired or unfeasible fire extinguishers. When managers are asked:

Q: Who is responsible for maintenance of safety equipment?

A: I’m note sure, I’ll find out.

Q: How many employees know CPR?

A: I haven’t heard anyone mention that they know CPR.

Q: What do you do about a recently terminated employee who keeps coming on the property?

A: Well if they a dropping/picking someone up and not causing any problems I guess its ok.

Critically speaking, this is failure to provide a safe working environment. Most people cannot discern the missing factor due to lack of safety education and poor former practices. While interviewing security guards on these sites, we asked they knew the names of the last five employees who were terminated. Unsurprisingly the answer was NO. Because most companies are unaware of mandatory training and abilities of their security officers they usually don’t include the security officer in matters of terminations and schedule changing. When this happens the security officer will not be able to notice who is out of place. Your security officer is the first line of defense when it comes to being able to predict a potential problem. Since you hired a security company you should utilize them to receive a high return on your investment. You can do this by communicating with them about any problem that may cause a potential safety infraction.

Organized development of effective security plans is necessary. Employees tend to take seriously is vital when introducing an effective plan that has never been implemented. Assertive efforts must be put forth to show seriousness about safety matters. Employees should be informed and asked about their concerns. These simple steps should be taken to raise awareness and knowledge.

1. Retain a reputable security Consultation firm.

2. Ask for a full analysis of your current strengths and weakness.

3. Acquire training and information literature promptly.

4. Contact your local Police/Fire department (find out about free services that are available).

5. Implement new security plans and practices with seriousness.

6. Provide CPR and First Aid training for willing employees

7. Require all security personnel to have up to date CPR and First Aid training.

8. Security personnel should be required to keep a log of all maintenance done on safety equipment.

9. Often test and update company policies to match current threat levels.

*Remember that safety is a very essential part of daily operations, and should not be ignored because you don’t expect anything to happen.