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All security programs are not the same. Your security provider can have a significant impact on how safe your employees feel and even your visitors’ first impression of your facility. The following best practice considerations will help you select the most suitable security officer services provider.
1. Safety focus
Consider if the company has the manpower and knowledge to handle emergencies. Do they provide job safety analyses for every post and every shift? Do they have solid relationships with organizations such as OSHA? It is important to choose a security provider who can double as a safety partner to ensure everyone is protected at all times while at your facility.
2. Measurable and timely results
What process is in place for sharing pertinent knowledge and information? Can you use an extranet or other type of technology to stay on top of risk management issues? You should be able to precisely measure whether or not the security company will be able to enhance your brand, provide a peace of mind, help lower your costs and assist in efficient reporting methods.
Also consider if the company has the wireless technology to support your ever-changing business needs. Do they provide a platform which promotes sustainability and reduces paper waste? Make sure to review the procedures they have in place for trending reports and customized incident reports and ensure they are turned around in a timely manner.
3. Industry-specific training
Providing security when workers’ safety is on the line is different than handling security in other types of environments. Does the provider’s training include topics such as:
- Fire Safety Officer (FSO)
- Emergency Preparedness
- Evacuation Procedures
- Customer Service
- OSHA and HazMat
- General Safety Guidelines
- Patrol Techniques
- Terrorism Awareness
4. Enhanced program value
It is important to understand all the factors that go into the decision of choosing a security provider from a long-term perspective. Determining the value you will receive from a security partner requires an assessment of how the strategy will reduce risk, limit liability and lower the cost of the entire plant’s operations – not just the hourly bill rate. While it may be tempting to have an initial-price perspective, a better way to value a spending decision is to look with an eye towards how the provider can help you achieve all of your goals.
5. A customizable and proactive partnership
Before mapping out your security solution, the provider should become knowledgeable about your surrounding area, your plant, your employees and your visitors as well as a host of other important areas. In doing so, they will be able to make recommendations such as when to update your safety equipment or how to integrate strategic partners. Their plan should incorporate staffing levels, indoor and outdoor patrols, access points, visitor procedures, technology integration and other pertinent areas of concern specific to your site and your surrounding area.
