Construction sites and vacant homes are common targets for burglary and vandalism. Expensive materials and equipment are often stored on construction sites, making them an attractive target for criminals. Construction site theft costs companies more than a billion dollars each year; therefore, many construction site managers invest in a construction site security company to protect their assets.
Finding The Perfect Construction Site Security Fit
There are many security companies offering their services across the nation; finding a company that is the right fit and that has experience specifically with construction sites security plans is important.
Having around-the-clock security officers and cameras monitoring the property provides benefits that extend beyond deterring theft. Monitoring employees and contractors is a valuable resource for ensuring productivity and adherence to proper safety regulations, reducing liabilities. Security camera footage may also prove useful in the event of a worker’s compensation case or other type of lawsuit.
What Should You Ask When Finding A Company?
A reputable construction site security company will offer 24-hour controlled access, requiring visitors and vendors to log in and out, documenting who is on the property at any given moment.
They will also provide continuous patrol of the site including audits to ensure all materials and equipment are secure. In addition, security teams should manage any vagrancy in or around the construction site and detect and report any situations that pose a danger to employees, contractors or other authorized visitors.
Do You Have Experience Providing Security To Construction Sites?
Security is a broad field, and different industries have specific requirements related to security services. Regardless of how many years a security company has been in business, it is important to ask about their experience relative to construction site security.
What Do Your Previous Customers Say About You?
One way to gauge a particular construction site security company’s quality is by considering the reviews of previous customers. The company’s past customers may provide a more in depth assessment of their services than published testimonials on their website. If customer reviews are not available online, consider asking the company for references directly and be wary of those who are unwilling to provide them.
Are You Licensed And Insured?
It is essential that a construction site security firm possesses all required licensing and insurance. A reputable security company may be licensed by the Department of Public Safety or a Department of Professional and Occupational Regulations, which ensures that each employee has been properly screened using background checks and fingerprinting.
In addition to a general business license and security service license, further licensing may be needed depending on monitoring being on or off site and if officers are armed or unarmed. Insurance requirements may include general insurance as well as professional liability and workman’s compensation.
How Are Your Officers Trained?
When considering a construction site security company, confirm that their officers have been trained according to the qualifications in your state. Officers with many hours of in-person training and experience are prepared to respond to various unpredictable situations.
Can You Provide Armed And Unarmed Officers?
Construction site managers need to know whether the officers they are hiring will be armed or unarmed. In some cases, officers need to carry a weapon depending on the nature of the construction site and the area. When hiring armed officers, it is essential to ensure they are properly trained not only with weapons, but in critical situations.
Training, licensing and continued education requirements vary by state and may be located online with your state; however a reputable security company will provide confirmation of compliance with all state mandated regulations.
What Are Your Monitoring Options?
Although the presence of trained security officers enhances a construction site’s security significantly, additional technology tools provide even greater protection. Some construction site security companies will offer alarm systems or video monitoring systems in conjunction with their security officers to provide a more comprehensive view of the property at all times.
Another aspect of monitoring to consider is how the security services company monitors those officers on site and who directly supervises their performance. Confirm the chain of command and how the officers’ productivity will be monitored.
How Do You Price Your Services?
Before making a commitment, be sure to discuss the various pricing options available with prospective construction site security companies. Ask what contract lengths are offered and whether discounts are available for signing a longer-term contract. Some construction site security companies may offer add-on security services at a discounted rate for a comprehensive security package.
Contact Our Construction Site Security Team
If your company requires trained professionals to protect your construction site, contact the construction site security experts at APG. They provide armed and unarmed security officers as well as 24-hour monitoring and other security services. APG’s security specialists will assess your construction site and offer valuable solutions to ensure maximum protection.