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 Security and security professionals:
Is the lowest bid the best choice?
By Dave Scepanski
SUN CITY SECURITY SERVICE, INC.
Security and safety is a predominant concern when a client hires a security company. Therefore, both have an obligation to make the right choice. There is an increased exception on the part of the public and the client for improved security and safety. It’s up to the client to
make the correct choice, and it’s up to the security company to assist the client in making that
choice.
The client’s obligation when hiring security, in most cases, is to prevent criminal acts, which are often reasonably predictable with good judgment and proper countermeasures.
Basically, clients have two legitimate options to meet their security
needs. They can hire, train and manage an in-house security team, or they can contract with a reputable, well qualified outside security company. While there are some major differences between contracted and in-house security, both are required to be registered with the Texas Private Security Bureau (TPSB) and both must comply with the mandated rules and regulations set forth by that agency as well as the proprietary standards established by the client.
Contracted security can be an attractive, cost-effective and efficient option because it tends to reduce the liability exposure and eliminates the human resource responsibilities of recruiting, hiring and training qualified employees. Reputable and experienced security companies understand the client’s legal responsibilities, can identify security weaknesses and vulnerabilities, and can immediately develop and implement sound security solutions to reduce or eliminate the potential threat of crime.
A client has the responsibility, when choosing and hiring contract security, to accept the fact that the words “quality and reasonable price” are often contradictory terms. Paying the highest or lowest price for contract security doesn’t always equate to the quality of
service. Ensure the company is registered with the Texas Private Security Bureau; investigate the company’s financial status, professional standing, management background, level of expertise and years of experience in security; and amount of liability and workers’ compensation coverage. Always obtain and evaluate references of their clients in the same profession.
Since security and safety is the responsibility of the security company and the client, a common starting point in the development of strong, proactive security presence is to
convince the client that you are the right choice. This can only be done by letting them know you have, above and beyond the amount of liability insurance required by the bureau, $100,000 in general to protect you, and a minimum of $1,000,000 for your client for each occurrence, and $2,000,000 general aggregate, and also show proof of having your company and employees
bonded.
The next major step is to let the client know that this state does nor require workers compensation and that your company is required to have a minimum of $100,000 for each accident that results to your employees working on his property.
You have one chance to present a positive impression about the relative areas of security, safety and employee training programs. Remind the client that you have the same cost in running a business that they have, and that the reason for the price you quoted is because of not cutting the cost of liability and workmen’s compensation to get the bid.
In closing, if a security contractor is carefully selected, and responsibilities and functions are clearly defined, outsourced security offers a viable and cost-effective solution. It is essential for the client to closely monitor the contracted security activities to ensure that there is no degradation of service, insurance.
Beware of security companies that profess more than they possess and the bid price is just above the price of the minimum
wage.
When hiring contract security, always ask for a copy of their company license, evidence of liability and workers compensation insurance, and a list references. Insist on having detailed written post-orders with proper instructions, and ensure uniformed security officers have the proper equipment, including a notebook, pen and flashlight. All incidents should be documented with written activity logs and the security officers should be professional, friendly and courteous.
Dave Scepanski is a security professional and one of the partners of Sun City Security Service, Inc., El Paso, Texas. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of Dave Scepanski and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and views of ASSIST or its members.
“Security is always too much…until it’s not enough.”
- Daniel Webster
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