Red Flags When Hiring a Security Guard Company

**Protect Your Business From Hiring Poor Security Guard Companies**

Hiring a security guard company is a risk-management decision—not just a staffing decision. The wrong provider can expose your business to liability, lawsuits, reputational damage, and safety failures.

Unfortunately, many businesses do not realize there is a problem until after an incident occurs.

This article outlines the most common red flags when hiring a security guard company, what they mean, and how to protect your property, staff, and customers.

Red Flag #1: Extremely Low Pricing

If a security company’s rates are far below market average, something is missing.

Common corners cut include:

Minimal training
Inadequate supervision
Poor vetting or background checks
Limited or nonexistent insurance
High guard turnover

Professional security has real operating costs. Pricing that looks “too good to be true” almost always is.

Red Flag #2: No Clear Licensing or Compliance Information

A legitimate security company should be transparent about:

State and local licensing
Guard credential requirements
Firearms authorization (if armed)
Ongoing training standards

If a company avoids these questions or gives vague answers, that is a serious warning sign.

Red Flag #3: Poorly Trained or Unprofessional Guards

Security guards are often the first and last impression of your business.

Red flags include:

Sloppy uniforms
Poor communication skills
Lack of situational awareness
Aggressive or unprofessional behavior
Inability to explain their duties

Unprofessional guards increase risk instead of reducing it.

Red Flag #4: No Written Policies or Post Orders

Professional security companies operate under clear written policies, including:

Use-of-force guidelines
De-escalation procedures
Incident reporting requirements
Client-specific post orders

If guards are “just told what to do verbally,” accountability is weak and liability exposure increases.

Red Flag #5: No Incident Reporting or Documentation System

If something happens, documentation matters.

A reputable security company should provide:

Written incident reports
Time-stamped activity logs
Clear escalation procedures
Supervisor review and oversight

Lack of documentation can severely hurt a business during insurance claims or litigation.

Red Flag #6: High Guard Turnover

Constantly changing guards is not normal for a professional operation.

High turnover often indicates:

Poor management
Low pay or inconsistent scheduling
Lack of training or support
Burnout and morale problems

Stable staffing leads to better site knowledge, professionalism, and consistency.

Red Flag #7: No Supervision or Quality Control

Security guards should never operate without oversight.

Professional companies conduct:

Supervisor site visits
Performance evaluations
Uniform and equipment inspections
Ongoing training and corrective action

A company with no supervision structure leaves clients exposed.

Red Flag #8: Overpromising Authority or Capabilities

Security guards are not law enforcement.

Be cautious of companies that claim guards can:

“Arrest anyone”
“Handle everything themselves”
“Operate like police”

Overstating authority increases the risk of unlawful actions and lawsuits.

Red Flag #9: Lack of Insurance or Vague Coverage Answers

Security companies should carry appropriate insurance coverage for:

General liability
Professional liability
Armed operations (if applicable)

If a provider cannot clearly explain their insurance coverage, that risk can transfer directly to the client.

Red Flag #10: No Customization for Your Property

Every property is different.

A professional security company should:

Assess your specific risks
Create site-specific post orders
Adjust staffing and coverage based on real needs

One-size-fits-all security solutions rarely work.

Q & A: Hiring a Security Guard Company

Q: Is cheaper security ever a good option?
A: Low-cost security often lacks training, supervision, and insurance, increasing risk rather than reducing it.

Q: Should a security company provide written post orders?
A: Yes. Written post orders are essential for accountability, consistency, and liability protection.

Q: How can I verify a security company’s professionalism?
A: Ask about training standards, supervision, reporting procedures, and licensing compliance.

Q: Do armed security companies require more oversight?
A: Yes. Armed operations involve higher liability and require stricter training, supervision, and documentation.

Q: Can hiring the wrong security company increase liability?
A: Absolutely. Poor security practices can expose businesses to civil lawsuits and reputational harm.

Contact Us for Professional Security Guard Services

Choosing the right security provider matters.

We provide licensed, insured, and professionally trained security guards throughout Colorado for:

Retail and grocery stores
Apartment complexes
Commercial properties
Churches and places of worship
Short-term and long-term security needs

Our approach emphasizes:

Professional appearance and conduct
De-escalation and lawful response
Clear documentation and reporting
Active supervision and accountability

If you are evaluating security options, we are happy to provide a transparent, no-pressure consultation.

Contact us today to discuss your security needs and request a customized quote.

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Legal Disclaimer

Legal Disclaimer:
This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Security laws, licensing requirements, and liability standards can change, and local, state, federal, tribal, and municipal regulations may vary. Always verify current laws and consult a qualified attorney before making decisions related to security operations or risk management. Patrol Guard Security Services assumes no liability for actions taken based on this content.