What Goes in a Contract for Security Guard Services?
Understanding the Contract for Security Guard Services
Many different businesses may require security guards at one point or another. While each situation is unique and each site and the responsibilities associated with it are different, one thing that remains consistent is that you should have a clear contract for security guard services.
Whether you’re looking for long-term protection at a property or guards to work at a single event, it’s important to have a contract that lays out the responsibilities, roles, and all other relevant details of the relationship between the business and the guard company.
If you’re looking at hiring guards, here’s what you should look out for when you’re signing a contract for security guard services.
The Length of the Contract for Security Guard Services
The length of the contract should be clearly defined. If you need security for a single event, it’s easy to determine how long you need the services. However, even if you require ongoing security, there should still be start and end dates. Not only will this help the security company ensure they have adequate staff to support you, but it will let you know when you can potentially walk away from the company and get a new provider (or renew with the existing company if you’re happy with their service).
Insurance and Licenses
You’ll need to make sure that the security guard company you’re working with has adequate insurance and a valid policy. This will protect both you and the security company in the event of any issues. The type of insurance that is needed will depend on where you’re located as well as what services will be provided.
It’s also crucial to verify that the company has the required security licenses. Each state or province has its laws and regulations, and your business can be liable if the guards you’re working with don’t have the required licenses. This information should be clearly defined in the contract for security guard services.
The Type of Security that will be Provided
It’s important that the contract spells out what services will be provided, who will be providing them, and much more. This way you will be able to set your security expectations and you will know exactly what services the guards will provide.
The scope of the security services being provided should be explained in detail and the roles and responsibilities of the security company as well as the business that’s hiring them should be clearly outlined. This will let everyone know what is expected of them.
Not having this information clearly explained in the contract can lead to issues and even potential conflicts between your business and the security provider.
You may also want to include information on training, certifications, and other necessary information that is important for security.
The Chain of Command and Points of Contact
You must always know who is in charge of security at all times. Otherwise, you could end up in a situation where everyone thinks that a certain role is someone else’s responsibility. It’s also important to state who the main point of contact is at the security company as well as at the hiring business.
If the onsite security staff needs to contact someone at the business, who do they contact and how do they get in touch with them? If the business needs to speak with someone about the site’s security, who should they talk to at the security company?
The chain of command is important to spell out as well. If the guards receive orders from two people at the client’s business, which orders take precedence? If two people from the guard company provide the business with conflicting information or two separate requests, who should be considered first?
Spelling out the chain of command, the points of contact, and how communication should work between the security company and the client is crucial. This is a vital part of the working relationship, so it should be explicitly defined in the contract for security guard services.