Things to Consider When Selecting a Security Provider
Security Company
- How long have they been established in your area, what is their reputation and are they licensed?
- Ask for current references to verify the quality of services they provide and be sure to call. Just because they provide a reference doesn't mean they provide a good service to that client.
- What is their turnover rate.
- What background does management have and how long have they been with the company?
- Are they automated with the latest computer technology to manage their business effectively?
Secureone uses the latest in computer technology to manage our security programs. Our system is written and maintain by Valiant Labor Management. This is the most advanced software available to our industry. 12 out of the 15 largest security companies globally use this product. This system controls payroll, billing, HR management and has a phone call in system for the officers. The call in system is unique that it not only cross checks using caller ID to ensure the officer is on site and it automatically dispatches a field supervisor if an officer fails to clock in within 5 minutes. Secureone management is the very best in the industry. Our management has over 200 years of combined experience. On staff we have a retired national security director form a fortune 50 company, a former director of security form one of the most prestigious resorts in America, a Capt. in the Army in charge of a Division of MP's. Our owner / CEO has been involved in all aspects of security for over 20 years, holding positions including Director of a multi state contract security company that he helped grow from $7 million in annual sales to in excess of $50 million in 5 years. Customer Service and Employee relations are our #1 goals. When you speak to our references, you will understand our priorities are different than other companies.
Contract
- Multiple year agreement - Never sign an agreement for multiple years. Is the security company that insecure about the services it provides that they must lock you in with no way out? If you do sign a multiple year agreement insist that increases must be negotiated annually and are not automatic. Don't allow for an automatic increase in case of poor performance.
- Termination Clause - Always make sure there is a termination clause for any reason included in the agreement. Why would you sign an agreement that you could not cancel? The termination clause should be for any reason with a 30 day written notice by either party.
- Additional charges - Make sure all additional charges are spelled out and do not accept general wording about charges you may or could incur. You will regret it later.
Contracts are used to provide the client and company an outline of the terms and conditions of the services provided. We will never lock you into a multiple year agreement and always include a 30 day termination clause in all contracts. All of our extra charges will be spelled out in the agreement. NEVER agree to service without a contract, how can you hold them liable if there is nothing in writing stating what they are suppose to provide.
Billing and Pay Rates
- Pay rates - This is important and could determine the quality of officers you will be getting. The local fast food establishment pays up to $9.00 per hour. Do you want the staff protecting your property making less than a burger flipper? We suggest mandating a pay rate so you're comparing companies evenly. This also ensures that pay rates will allow for quality staff.
- Billing Rates - The higher the rate does not mean you're getting a higher quality of service. It could mean the security company is greedy or has high overhead. Ask the blunt questions about margins and billings.
- Holiday Billing - Some companies charge 1.75x or even 2x the regular rates. Never pay more than time and a half for holiday coverage. How many holidays does the company charge for? Most companies charge for 6-8 holidays annually but certain companies charge for as many as 16.
- Supervisor Inspections - Some companies charge each time a supervisor stops to check on their employees. I don't care how it is justified, you are paying them extra to manage their own people. Never accept this extra charge and insist on multiple weekly inspections of their own people. Have it put in writing.
- Overtime billing - Many companies are charging the client for each and every hour of incurred overtime. It should not be your financial responsibility if someone calls off or they can't staff the account properly. We have heard it over and over again that the company promises to get the account staffed and overtime reduced. But where is the incentive because not only are you paying their largest controllable expense but they also make time and a half of the profit margin by billing for overtime. This unknown expense can cause a major problem to your budget.
- Equipment Billing - If the company charges extra for equipment ask for a breakdown of that cost. Some companies could make a good living just supplying equipment, it may be cheaper to buy and maintain it yourself.
Secureone maintains one of the lowest margins in the industry. We do not bill extra for overtime or supervising our own employees. We have one of the lowest turnover rates in the industry and our weekly overtime is under 1% which greatly reduces our overhead allowing us to reduce our margins and increase the level of supervision compared to other companies in the industry. Our clients experience more field supervisor inspections than the companies that charge for this feature.
Insurance
- Statutory State Requirements - Ensure your company has more than adequate coverage in place. State requirements are very low and only a small G/L and W/C policy are required to operate as a business.
- General liability - Make sure you read the exclusions portion of their policy. Make sure the exclusions will not affect your property, you will be shocked at how many there are. Did you know a standard General Liability policy will not cover theft by the security company employees and would not cover in the event a security employee crashes his personal vehicle into your building? Different coverage needs to be in place. Be sure to have your risk manager or insurance company review coverage prior to signing a company.
- Workers Comp - Most client feel that this is not important because they are our employees not theirs. But if the company does not have adequate W/C limits and an officer gets injured on your property, guess who gets sued and it won't be the small security company with limited insurance coverage. Most companies only carry a $100,000 W/C policy which is not enough to cover even a semi-major claim.
- Auto coverage - Even if there is no company provided vehicle on your property, this is very important coverage to have in place. Non-owned auto coverage will cover acts by the security companies employees while driving onto your property. If the officer hits one of your employees in the parking lot, you will be glad you required this coverage.
- Excess Liability - Most G/L policies are written with a per occurrence and General Aggregate policy limits. The per occurrence amount is the amount any single claim could possibly be paid up to. In most cases the security company has a per occurrence limit of $1 million. In today's sue happy world, a million dollars in not adequate coverage per incident. To ensure you're covered you must require higher limits. These limits can be increased by using an umbrella or excess liability policy.
- Crime policy / Fidelity Coverage - This coverage protects both the security company and client against acts of dishonesty by the security officers. This is very important if the security officers have access to client property. Make sure this coverage is in place, we have noticed that many of the national companies do not even have this coverage.
- Additional Insured - Always insist that you are named as an additional insured on the security companies policy. This is not automatic and many companies try and charge the client extra for this benefit.
Secureone maintains well above average coverage limits and all coverage listed above. We will be glad to provide a sample insurance certificate indicating coverage amounts upon request. Our coverage includes a comprehensive General Liability policy, Umbrella Policy, Auto insurance with hired/non-owned, Workers Compensation coverage and a crime bond on our employees. Demand these types of coverage and do not settle for less, it will be your company that suffers if you do.
Sales People
- Promises - Be wary of the sales person that promise the world just to get the account. These are not the people operating or managing the account and may be stretching the truth a bit to get you to sign the contract. Over the years we have heard many stories and promises like supplying off-duty law enforcement for a billing rate of $13 per hour (Show us a police officer that will work for $9 an hour?). Just like the internet scams, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is no matter how it's explained.
70% of our new business are referrals from existing clients. Our management and operations staff attend all of our sales meetings. While they may not be the slick sellers, they speak the truth about what kind of service they currently provide and what they can provide to you. No head games and our references will provide the backup for all of our claims.
Do not renew your agreement until you have spoken to us. Even if you decide to not use Secureone, we will be willing to give you advice based on real industry experience. Call today 800-807-5750
Dear Prospective Clients,
I am completely confident in the services we provide to all of our clients. We have made a huge investment in technology and management to ensure you get only the best service possible. We spend our time being proactive with proper screening, hiring, constant training and supervising our staff. We go above and beyond what you expect out of a security company to ensure our clients are happy at all times. Most potential clients are either happy with the officers or the company but rarely both. It's time you were happy with everything regarding your security program. This is a team effort that needs everyone to be on the same page to be successful. I believe you have found that team with Secureone!
Sincerely,
James McGovern
President / CEO
Secureone, Inc.
"We are proud of the professionals that protect our clients" ™
