Situations that warrant an armed security presence are inherently sensitive. Property executives, corporate facilities directors, and community leaders must ensure that armed personnel provide a powerful deterrent while maintaining a courteous, polished, and professional demeanor that respects everyday business operations.
1. Verify Licensing and Regulatory Compliance
Before selecting a security company, confirm that the provider is properly licensed and authorized to provide the security services required for your property. Licensing and regulatory requirements vary by state and jurisdiction.
For example, in Virginia, private security businesses providing regulated security services must be licensed by the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS). When armed security services are provided, armed security officers must maintain the appropriate DCJS registration and firearms endorsement. Required firearms training and qualifications must also be kept current.
When evaluating a security provider, ask to verify:
- The company holds a current, active Private Security Services Business License issued by the applicable state regulatory agency, and the company’s license number can be verified.
- Security officers assigned to your property hold the required current registration, certification, or license applicable to their position and jurisdiction.
- For armed officers, required firearms endorsements, qualifications, and training are properly documented and kept current.
2. Look for Comprehensive, Ongoing Training
State licensing establishes baseline requirements, but a professional security company should also provide ongoing training that prepares officers to handle the specific responsibilities and challenges of their assignments. When evaluating a security provider, ask about training in areas such as:
- Conflict de-escalation and effective communication
- Use-of-force principles, applicable laws, and liability awareness
- Site-specific post orders, emergency procedures, and evacuation protocols
- First Aid, CPR, and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) awareness or operation, when required
- Incident reporting, documentation, and professional conduct
- Access control, patrol procedures, and recognizing suspicious activity
Supervisory Oversight in the Field
A security program is only as effective as the supervision supporting it. A professional security company should maintain active field supervision through mobile patrol supervisors and field inspectors who conduct scheduled and unannounced visits to evaluate officer alertness, compliance with post orders, uniform and professional appearance, documentation, and overall operational readiness.
Supervisors should also verify that officers understand their assigned duties, are following site-specific procedures, and are properly documenting and reporting security-related activity.
3. Comprehensive Insurance and Bonding Protection
Confirm that the security company maintains appropriate commercial insurance coverage for the services it provides. Depending on the scope of services, coverage may include Commercial General Liability, Commercial Auto Liability, Workers’ Compensation, and Employee Dishonesty or Fidelity Bond coverage.
Before entering into an agreement, ask the security provider for a current Certificate of Insurance (COI) and confirm that the coverage meets your organization’s requirements. When appropriate, discuss whether your organization should be listed as an Additional Insured.
Conclusion
Selecting the right security company is an important decision that can affect your organization’s safety, operations, reputation, and risk management. By evaluating licensing and regulatory compliance, training standards, field supervision, insurance coverage, experience, and overall professionalism, you can make a more informed decision about the security provider that best fits your organization’s needs.