Hiring unarmed security guards is a crucial decision for any business or organization.
As the name suggests, they don’t carry firearms but may be equipped with batons, tasers, or pepper spray. Like their armed counterparts, they play an important role in protecting your property, employees, and customers.
There are many security guard companies around, giving you plenty of options to choose from. And this is where you are prone to make some key mistakes that can lead to inadequate protection to legal liabilities.
In this blog post, we will walk through such mistakes that people make while hiring unarmed security guards and how to avoid them. By avoiding such mistakes, you have peace of mind that you have chosen the best-unarmed security guards for your unique requirements.
Not Clarifying Responsibilities:
Make sure you are aware of your needs and the security company can fulfill those.
Clearly define the roles and responsibilities of security guards during the hiring process to set expectations from the outset. Provide detailed job descriptions and conduct thorough orientation sessions to ensure that guards understand their duties and obligations.
Overlooking the Importance of Proper Licensing and Certification
One of the most critical mistakes when hiring unarmed security guards is disregarding the necessity for proper licensing and certification. Each state has its regulations and requirements for security personnel, which may include specific training courses, background checks, and examinations.
By not ensuring that your potential hires meet these standards, you're not only jeopardizing the safety and security of your premises but also exposing your business to potential legal and financial penalties.
Verify that all candidates possess up-to-date certifications and licenses to demonstrate their knowledge and compliance with local laws and industry standards.
Ignoring the Need for Specialized Training
Another common oversight in hiring unarmed security guards is neglecting the importance of specialized training.
Unarmed guards often face situations that require specific skills, such as de-escalation techniques, first aid, emergency response, and customer service.
Assuming that general security training suffices can leave your security team unprepared for the unique challenges they may encounter on your premises.
Specialized training ensures that guards are not only capable of performing their basic duties but are also equipped to handle situations that go beyond traditional security concerns. This type of preparation can make a significant difference in the effectiveness of your security measures and the overall safety of your environment.
Therefore, when selecting unarmed security guards, it's crucial to look for individuals who have undergone or are willing to undergo specialized training relevant to your specific needs and the nature of your operation.
Underestimating the Value of Experience
Real-world experience provides invaluable practical knowledge and insights that cannot be replaced, even though certifications and specialized training are important.
Skilled security personnel possess an intricate comprehension of possible security hazards and the most effective methods to alleviate them.
Experienced security staff understand security risks well and know the best ways to deal with them. They're good at spotting suspicious behavior and reacting quickly to different situations, which helps prevent problems from getting worse.
Guards with experience often have strong problem-solving skills and stay calm under pressure, qualities that develop over time.
It's important to value experience when hiring security staff because it brings valuable insights and abilities to your team. When choosing guards, look at their past jobs and where they've worked before, as this experience can make your premises safer.
Failing to Assess Communication Skills
Good communication is really important for calming down tense situations, guiding people during emergencies, and talking with law enforcement, employees, and customers.
Guards who aren't good at this can make conflicts worse or have trouble sharing important information quickly and clearly.
Making sure your security staff are skilled in both talking and understanding body language can make your place safer and run more smoothly. When you're hiring guards, always check their communication skills to get people who can represent your company well and handle situations effectively.
Neglecting to Check References and Backgrounds
One critical yet often overlooked step in hiring unarmed security guards is the thorough checking of references and backgrounds.
This oversight can lead to hiring individuals who may not have a clean record or whose past behaviors could pose a risk to your organization's security and reputation.
Comprehensive background checks should include criminal records, previous employment verification, and character references. Skipping this step might mean missing red flags or patterns of behavior that could indicate an individual is unsuitable for a security role.
Additionally, contacting references provides an opportunity to gain insights into the candidate's work ethic, reliability, and interpersonal skills from those who have directly observed their performance.
This step is crucial for ensuring that the security personnel you bring into your organization are trustworthy, have a solid track record, and are capable of upholding the safety standards and values of your business.
Overlooking the Fit Within Your Organization's Culture
Your security team plays an integral role in representing your company and upholding its values.
So it's essential to ensure that they align with your organizational culture. A lack of cultural fit can lead to conflicts, misunderstandings, and disconnect between security personnel and other staff members.
When assessing candidates, consider not only their skills and experience but also their attitudes, values, and interpersonal dynamics.
Look for individuals who demonstrate compatibility with your company's culture, communication style, and overall ethos. This alignment fosters teamwork, cooperation, and mutual respect, creating a cohesive environment where everyone works towards the common goal of maintaining safety and security.
Failure to Conduct Trial Periods:
Even with thorough screening processes, some candidates may not meet expectations once on the job. Failure to conduct trial periods or probationary periods can make it challenging to address performance issues promptly. Implement trial periods to assess candidates' suitability for the role before making long-term commitments
The Bottom Line
Hiring unarmed security guards requires careful consideration to avoid common mistakes that can compromise the effectiveness of your security measures.
Don't overlook these critical aspects in the hiring process, as they are essential for maintaining a safe and secure environment for your business operations.
