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Facility managers, organizational leaders, and anyone responsible for maintaining safe and secure environments for a specific population must lend careful consideration to the selection of a security provider.
Many facilities routinely entrust the security of their employees, tenants and physical assets to contract security providers to ensure an up-to-date and comprehensive program is in place. Choosing a security provider is an important decision. As there is no one-size-fits all approach to security, it is vital that the security team is a good match for the facility’s culture and security goals. There is also a growing demand for the integration of security officer services and evolving technologies that enhance and/or augment traditional service delivery. The co-deployment of people and technology offers the opportunity build an efficient and sustainable security platform that enhances the enterprise facilities management plan.
Some of the key points to consider in identifying qualified service providers in this ever evolving landscape are:
Partnering Mindset – Determine if the security services company maintains site security standards that address your mission, culture and priorities. Today’s quality contract security providers must be customer-centric and, as a result, focused on the individualized needs of the facility.
Employee Centric – Every company would love to employ the best, most experienced security professionals. Quality security companies make that happen by establishing employee retention programs and a culture of excellence. Security professionals and managers who are motivated, appreciated and competitively compensated are loyal to both their employer and their job site.
A Supportive Culture – As employment cost pressures continue to rise and industries see more and more consolidation, having a service provider that’s close to you in all of your locations becomes increasingly critical. So does having a platform that is consistent and repeatable, so that you don’t experience a high level of service in one area and a low level of service in another. Decreasing the level of management support to help offset rising cost pressures is a short-term solution to a larger problem.
Technology Integration – With so many business functions becoming integrated through networked devices or systems, it is no wonder that one of the newly re-introduced buzzwords spreading throughout the physical security industry is integrated security services. Technology is a critical element of all security programs and is important to the provider selection process.
Making the Right Choice
There are many national and regional providers and it is important to find one that best fits your needs. Forward thinking security companies combine a problem solving culture with the necessary investments to stay on the leading edge of technology. As with any important decision, you must be well informed to make the right choice. You can facilitate a review process that will help ensure the company you select will be a long-time partner and resource by considering the following:
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Geographic Experience
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Industry Experience
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Similar Engagements
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Meaningful Performance Tracking
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Relationship Governance
A high quality contract security provider is one who views security as a team effort, understands the value of integrated solutions and truly believes in and is dedicated to the safety and security of your employees, tenants and assets. That commitment will be evident in the company’s practices and training programs, as well as their ability to customize services to meet your individual needs.
About the Author
Greg Falahee is Managing Director, Facilities Management, for Allied Universal.
