How To Hire A Security Guard Company In Atlanta

Security is just like any other business -- there are good, quality by-the-book operators and then there are unscrupulous, fly-by-night security guard companies in Atlanta.

Avoid the pitfalls that can come when you hire a security guard company in Atlanta that is less than stellar. Here are some things to consider when outsourcing your security needs.

Make sure the security company in Atlanta is licensed. This is a very important requirement, and is the #1 thing that must be done.

You'd be surpised by many unlicensed, uninsured companies operate. It's the law: Security companies in Georgia must be licensed by the state. Security guard companies in Georgia are regulated by a state agency -- the Georgia Board of Private Detective and Security Agencies. The company must be registered with the state and must meet state requirements.

If you are looking to hire a security company in Atlanta, do it the right way. Do a little research so that you know what the law is in your particular state. Many unlicensed companies place ads on sites like Craiglist and charge rock bottom prices. Or, you'll find security guards who freelance their services.

The only problem with freelance security guards is that they, most likely, aren't licensed, bonded or insured. Which means that if an incident happens at your company, you will be liable -- not the that guard you hired. And it is illegal to hire an unlicensed company.

Don't take the company's word that they are licensed; check for youself on the state agency's website. It has updated listings of all the licensed security guard companies in the state.

Next, make sure the company is insured - another critical point. Security guard companies are required to have insurance or bonding at a minimum in the state of Georgia.

The security company in Atlanta that you choose should have adequate insurance, just in case. Georgia security companies are required to maintain a minimum of a $1 million general liability policy in order to do business; companies that specialize in retail security or entertainers' bodyguards often are required to have much higher limits because of the increased liability that comes with these type of assignments.

You should verify that the Atlanta security company has insurance, their carrier, and their limits. Generally, a company will provide an insurance certificate, and you call the company to verify it. If the Atlanta security company doesn't have insurance, you, as the client, will be liable if a security incident arises. Insurance is very, very important!

The Atlanta security company should also provide properly trained and professsional guards. Unfortunately, the security industry battles the perception that it only hires minimum wage, low education officer. This is the perception, but it is not the reality.

Security officers' salaries range from mininum wage to six figures; it just depends on their duties, what they are guard, and the risk level.

A security officer with no experience who is hired by a privately owned company may make mininum wage; however, a security officer working a government contract may get six figures, especially if they are stationed overseas, and they have top-notch, superior training.

So, the pay grade for security guards really depends on what they do, and the company the work for. Some companies emphasize training, while others do not.

It's best to pick a security company with a comprehensive, continual training program in place. This is the best way to ensure that the guard chosen for your business is knowledgeable, professional and well-trained.

Don't just ask about rates, but also ask about what type of training that guards receive. If the response you get is a blank stare, then you should pick a company that values tranining.

By law, security guards must have mininimum training in order to perform their jobs. But do you really want a guard with minimal training to protect your business?

Instead, invest in a security company that values training and offers it continually to its employees. You will see a vast difference in the quality of guards that you receive as a result of this.

A security company will know state law, and will be able to supply you with the right kind of guards. For example, armed guards in the state of Georgia are required to have a blue card, which is issued by the state.

Hire a company and you'll be able to properly follow state law.

Rates aren't the only thing you need to be worried about when hiring a security company. By taking these ideas into account, you'll be happier with the outcome of the security guards that you receive.