Category: SECURITY GUARDS

In-house Security Cheaper than Contracted Security?

“Can I save money opting for in-house security versus hiring a contracted security staff?” That question has entered the minds of more than 50% of clients who have a security provider.

At one time or another, businesses have toyed with the idea of running their own In-house security program instead of contracting out with a security provider.

To potentially cut out extra charges and higher rates and be in direct control of all aspects of the security program, to include the hiring and management process, seems cost-effective to have an in-house staff until you factor in what having your own guard force entails.

In-house Security Versus Contracted Security

Let’s do some math here = Calculators out…

Each guard must be trained, certified, and licensed with the state which will also include their required background check; fees will be added per guard.

You, as a private business, will have to submit a request and seek permission/authorization to run your own private security force which, if approved, you will receive a “Letter of Authority;”  this will require additional fees, forms, proof of insurance, and an on-site security manager that has recognized experience.

There are uniform expenses, Workers Compensation, Unemployment, Payroll taxes, overtime, drug testing, employment advertising and processing; and the list goes on and on… AND, don’t forget administration time or the cost to pay someone else to oversee all of this.

Can businesses save more using their own security versus hiring contracted security?

Prepare to have extra staff on board when the in-house guards call off or call in sick.

An “in-house” security service program may give you more direct control, but it is at a price of both time and money; bottom line, it is not cheaper if you are paying all your taxes, fees, and all aforementioned costs. Just the hiring/firing and training process is time-consuming and an added stress for any business.

The Age of Litigation

If you’re “in-house” guards have an injury or unemployment claim/lawsuit, it will directly affect your insurance, as you have no outside contractor to act as the buffer on those issues, to include liability claims – something to ponder!

A business won’t generally have insurance that covers security operations; once the business notifies the insurance company, rates will definitely increase.

Note: Insurance costs are already factored in the hourly rate of a contracted security service; so when a client hires a private security company they have to keep in mind that a lot goes on behind the scenes to ensure everything runs properly, and that is why the rates are higher than that of a direct wage for an in-house employee.

It actually costs YOU more to run an in-house security operation, as YOU have to pay for all the costs that the private security company would normally pay.

…The scale is tipping.

In some cases an in-house security program or one that combines both may be the better choice, but for the majority, an outsourced contractor is efficient and less perplexed.

What’s the most affordable private contracted security service?

A contracted security service can be tailored to your needs and you won’t have to worry about all of the intricate details, just hire and go!

If you want more involvement in the hiring and screening process of the security staff that will be at your location, let your security provider know and insist on an interview with the guard(s) before they are placed on your property.

If you want daily security meetings/contact, updates, or maybe even an onsite supervisor on the property, advise your security provider of your terms. You can also have your own Director of security and insist that your security provider place him on location as site/post commander.

Ditch the in-house security “thought” and call on SRS Services; we will show you just how contracted security is not only cheaper but better than in-house security.

 

Posted in BODYGUARDS, BUSINESS SECURITY, SECURITY GUARDS, SECURITY MANAGEMENT, SECURITY TRAINING Tagged with: Inhouse security liabilities, Inhouse security pros and cons, Inhouse security vs contracted security, Private security, Private security vs inhouse security, Security guard service Texas, Security guard services Austin

Armed Security Guards Working in Bars?

Can armed security guards provide service in a night club or bar? That has been a question floating around the security guard industry for many, many years. Some guard companies have declined business because of this; some companies have been reported because of this; even law enforcement was unsure if and how to enforce this.

Texas Penal Code section 46.02 (a-2) (c ) Unlawful Carry of Weapons: An offense under this section is a felony of the third degree if the offense is committed on any premises licensed or issued a permit by this state for the sale of alcoholic beverages.

However…

According to Merideth Muñoz, TABC Information Officer, the following code overrides and provides an exemption to security against being in violation of TPC 46.02.

 

Is it Legal for Armed Security Guards to Work in Clubs?

Texas Penal Code Sec. 46.15. NON-APPLICABILITY

(a) Sections 46.02 and 46.03 do not apply to peace officers and neither section prohibits a peace officer from carrying a weapon in this state, regardless of whether the officer is engaged in the actual discharge of the officer’s duties while carrying the weapon.

(a) [amended 9/1/97] Sections 46.02 and 46.03 do not apply to:

(1) peace officers and neither section prohibits a peace officer from carrying a weapon in this state, regardless of whether the officer is engaged in the actual discharge of the officer’s duties while carrying the weapon;

(b) Section 46.02 does not apply to a person who: 

(2) is on the person’s own premises or premises under the person’s control , the person is an employee or agent of the owner of the premises and the person’s primary responsibility is to act in the capacity of a security guard to protect persons or property, in which event the person must comply with Subdivision (5);

 (5) holds a security officer commission issued by the Texas Board of Private Investigators and Private Security Agencies, if:

(A) the person is engaged in the performance of the person’s duties as a security officer or traveling to and from the person’s place of assignment;

(B) the person is wearing a distinctive uniform; and

(C) the weapon is in plain view;

(7) holds a security officer commission and a personal protection authorization issued

by the Texas Board of Private Investigators and Private Security Agencies and who is providing personal protection under the Private Investigators and Private Security Agencies Act (Article 4413(29bb), Vernon’s Texas Civil Statutes); or

(8) holds an alcoholic beverage permit or license or is an employee of a holder of an alcoholic beverage permit or license if the person is supervising the operation of the permitted or licensed premises.

 And there you have it in Black and White!

It is NOT a violation…  

Armed security guards can legally provide service in a night club or bar.

Bar or Night Club Owner: Still Apprehensive?

Not sure if TABC will cancel your permit for allowing firearms in your bar or club, (which is normally a violation)?

Sec. 11.61 CANCELLATION OR SUSPENSION OF PERMIT

(e) Except as provided by Subsection (f) or (i), the commission or administrator shall cancel an original or renewal permit if it is found, after notice and hearing, that the permittee knowingly allowed a person to possess a firearm in a building on the licensed premises.

This subsection does not apply to a person:

(1) who holds a security officer commission issued under Chapter 1702, Occupations Code, if:

(A) the person is engaged in the performance of the person’s duties as a security officer;

(B) the person is wearing a distinctive uniform; and

(C) the weapon is in plain view;

No worries…

Your bar is covered and protected, and the “licensed, armed security guard” is protected as well under these codes.

With that said: what are you waiting for… 

SRS is more than happy to service your bar, club or event, trouble-free; our security officers can legally work inside your bar or club with NO violation at all. Give us a call now!

Posted in BODYGUARDS, BUSINESS SECURITY, SECURITY GUARDS, SECURITY LAWS & REGULATIONS, SECURITY TRAINING, SPECIAL EVENT SECURITY Tagged with: Armed security Austin, Armed security in bars, Armed security in clubs, Armed security Texas, Armed security working bars, Armed security working clubs

Security License Required to Work Security in Texas?

When visiting a night club or bar, or attending an event, you tend to see bouncers and event security staff. Most concerts and special events have a number of individuals that can be spotted in event or security T-shirts. The question is: Are there security license requirements for bouncers, event security, bar and nightclub security?

It takes much more than a person putting on a shirt that reads “security” to become or act in the capacity of a security officer. Proper training, education and licensing is “required” in order for anyone to perform the duties or present themselves as a guard.

Is a security license required to work security in Texas?

In the state of Texas, it is a criminal offense to carry out any scope of service regarding security-related work without a license – this includes courtesy officers, event staff, and bouncers; if individuals are caught, they can be arrested.

OCC §1702.3875. IMPERSONATING SECURITY OFFICER; OFFENSE.

“A person commits an offense if the person: (1) impersonates a commissioned or non-commissioned security officer with the intent to induce another to submit to the person’s pretended authority or to rely on the person’s pretended acts of a security officer; or

(2) knowingly purports to exercise any function that requires registration as a non-commissioned security officer or a security officer commission. (b) An offense under this section is a Class A misdemeanor.”

“In Texas, class A misdemeanors are punishable by up to one year in jail, a fine of up to $4,000, or both jail time and a fine.”

Some club owners/managers and event planners don’t see the potential threat of what could go wrong if patrons or event goers are injured or claim “assault” by any of their security staff members performing guard detail without licensing.

In this day and age, lawsuits are flying everywhere; it behooves all parties involved to spend the extra time and money necessary to obtain all that is required to become a security officer or have those providing security services legally licensed.

Your establishment or brand (e.g. event/wedding planners) could end before it even takes off; you could be slapped with both criminal and civil suits, and the individuals acting as guards could face imprisonment and so on…

The reputation of a business is completely tarnished once the rumor mill begins about lawsuits filed against the business and unlicensed guards arrested for alleged assaults and wrongful detainment, etc.

Nightclub security license requirements in Texas

Club sued for bouncer assaulting patron

In the news:

A nightclub bouncer of San Antonio was arrested for using excessive force. He was charged with aggravated assault (a 2^nd degree felony) and may face up to twenty years in prison.

More Security News:

A bouncer was arrested for allegedly stabbing a patron; he was charged with aggravated assault.

Security license requirements for bouncers and event staff in Texas

Formal training will greatly reduce the odds of having overzealous guards at your establishment; it will also provide them with the necessary skills to be able to respond correctly when met with unruly individuals.

Some of the most valuable lessons are learned in hindsight; however, businesses who hire “security” and those whom assume the duties of security officers can’t afford to approach this situation in hindsight. Ensure all those who are performing guard work are licensed to do so.

If you are unclear of laws and regulations and would like more information on licensing requirements, contact SRS Services for security consultation.

Posted in BODYGUARDS, BUSINESS SECURITY, PERSONAL SECURITY, SECURITY GUARDS, SECURITY LAWS & REGULATIONS, SECURITY MANAGEMENT, SECURITY TRAINING, SPECIAL EVENT SECURITY Tagged with: Licensing Requirements for bar security, Licensing Requirements for Bouncers Texas, Licensing Requirements for Club Security Texas, Licensing Requirements for event security, Security License Austin, Security License Texas, Security Training Texas

Vehicle patrol services – effective or not?

“Are vehicle patrol services effective or not?” Businesses experiencing thefts and issues with trespassing, etc. would love to know the answer to this, which solely depends on the level of criminal activity currently taking place on the premises.

• Are you experiencing burglaries or a sudden spike in thefts or vandalism?
• Have loiterers and trespassers began frequenting your property?
• Are you seeing an increase in suspicious activity on your property?
• Do you, your staff or guests feel threatened in any way?

Chances are a patrol service isn’t a favorable selection if you answered yes to any of the above.

How effective are vehicle patrol services?

Vehicle patrol services are pretty much a hit or miss service because the guard drives through your property at random intervals, and is generally not on your property when the crime is in progress or long enough to provide any lasting criminal deterrence to the area.

Many security companies sell this service as a “Peace of mind service” or a “door check service” to their clients, but these clients have to factor their attractive low cost versus real results, visibility, reduction in crime, and overall presence.

Businesses experiencing thefts, threats, and ongoing criminal activity, to include low level issues such as trespassing, etc., will never get the results they seek out of a random vehicle patrol service and often become frustrated. This is mainly due to security providers “overselling and over-promising” the capabilities or limitations of a vehicle patrol service.

A vehicle patrol service is never meant to take the place of a posted guard which provides maximum protection for the property, but all too often clients requiring a posted guard service, hire a patrol service instead due to budget, and expect the same level of protection – which simply won’t occur.

In most cases, criminals monitor a property before going in for the steal. They check to see if it will be an easy job; if they’ll be able to grab and go without being caught; and if anyone such as security is on the premises to catch them in the act; if so, they’ll check the guard’s patrol patterns to track an exact time to move forward.

Even though all vehicle patrol companies patrol in a random manner, it does not take a rocket scientist to know once you see the patrol car leave the property, chances are the guard won’t be back for at least an hour… which gives criminals quite a bit of time to strike.

Random vehicle patrol checks leave large gaps in protection which criminals see and take advantage of!

Keep in mind: the last thing criminals want to do is get caught in the act! They try their best to avoid being apprehended, so more than likely they will move on to the next property that doesn’t have a guard who can identify or arrest them.

If you utilize a vehicle patrol service that conducts two to four sporadic checks per night at intervals that last less than ten minutes per check on your property, clients must be aware that this is very little to no protection at all.

Countless businesses have reported the same level of break-ins or issues while they were contracted with a security patrol service due to the aforementioned gaps in protection and presence on the property.

The whole idea to deter crime away is security presence; that said, driving through 2-4 times a night at ten minutes each time is not too much presence, and results will be minimal.

Note: with lower or incorrect pricing for a patrol service, most guard companies cut corners and may skip some of the checks clients have contracted for, to include the amount of time spent at their location.

Be sure to ask for not only proof of the guard being on the property but also proof of the time spent on the property.

Many companies’ selling point is that they have GPS tracked cars to prove they were on your property; this does not prove the guard got out of the vehicle, made foot patrols and checks, or interacted with anyone.

Some guard companies use cameras or take pictures as proof their officers were on the premises; this does not show everything they checked, all interactions, patrol methods, investigative techniques, and customer service. Often times, it’s simply a snap shot of the pool or the main office, then back to the patrol vehicle, and off to the next property.

Again this type of service is not meant to stop any crime, it is mostly used to provide the illusion of security, as nothing beats a posted guard on your property that does not leave the grounds.

Are patrol services a waste of money?

Mobile security patrol services are not efficacious if your property is experiencing an increase in criminal activity or has a substantial amount of criminal activity occurring, such as break-ins, loitering, robberies, burglaries, and so forth; which at this point, patrol services are a complete waste of time and money; a standing guard service is highly recommended – period!

However, if you’re not experiencing medium to high level criminal activity and require some vehicle patrol officer appeal to your establishment, these services are perfect. You will make onlookers think twice about crossing lines and you will give your visitors that extra touch of security they so rightfully deserve.

Make sure you check into the company you are considering. Be sure to ask if their guards are drug tested, undergo some form of background and mental evaluation checks; also ask about the guards’ level of training… the last thing you need is a guard who lacks training on your property.
For more information about mobile patrol services, contact SRS. 

 

Posted in BUSINESS SECURITY, SECURITY GUARDS Tagged with: Austin Security Services, mobile security, Patrol services Austin, Security Patrol services

10 Helpful Tips To Get A Security Job

Security jobs are easy to come by; with the population growing, increase in businesses, and unfortunately, increase in crime, guard companies are often in need of security officers. So what sets one guard apart from the other? Exactly how do companies go about selecting security guards? When looking for security jobs, here are a few pointers to assist you:

• Everything is a test! 
  

Every step after your initial contact is a Test – starting with your application continuing on throughout your interview… Be sure to Pass!

Guard managers look at everything you do following the initial contact (but not excluding it): from showing up on time, to your appearance, how you fill out the application, how you communicate, how you follow instructions, if you have a great attitude (or not), and so on.

Security employment tips outlined

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xk86KiVQyw0

• Fully Understand the Position You are Applying For

Guard companies will specify exactly the position they have available to offer along with shifts, specific locations, hourly rates, etc.; be sure you are able to cover the shifts outlined by the company so that you aren’t wasting your time or that of the guard company’s.

• Seek Training From Security Schools or Training Academies Prior to Employment

Having prior training and experience helps you land a job as a security officer but some companies don’t require it; meaning, you don’t have to possess skills coming through the door, they may train you in-house (at their establishment) or have you receive training at a security training academy. 

One Caveat Here: Not all training is created equal! Do your due diligence before signing up with any academy or security guard school.

• Dress to Impress – Appearance Matters

If you think for a second that coming to an interview in sweat pants or your hair untamed as if you just rolled out of bed and into the interview, you’re in trouble. Well-groomed, clean-shaven, in business casual attire is always the way to go.

Key Factors to help you get a security job

• Arrive on Time

This is a test in itself. If you were given a time to show up for your interview, be sure to get to the location on time. Most guard managers will use this as a gauge to determine if you’ll arrive on a client’s property late as well.

To be on the safe side, arrive ten to fifteen minutes early. You are trying to make a good first impression so why not show your future employer that you are prompt.

• Have a Great Attitude – and Confidence

A great attitude will take you far; again, this is one of those things guard managers look for. Will you greet the guard company’s clients with smiles, empathy, and genuine care or will you have a negative, non-approachable aura?

The guard industry can use some work in the customer service department, so those candidates who possess great attitudes will be a much better fit than someone showing up with a bad attitude, grumpy, and complaints about everything. Even if the applicant has prior training and experience, a bad attitude will cost him a security job. Bad attitudes are toxic in this profession… well, any profession.

• Exercise Great Communication Skills

Talking over, interrupting, and over explaining isn’t the way to go when seeking security employment. Listen, and once the interviewer or guard manager is done speaking, then add your words or answer any questions. It isn’t a good look for you to easily anger or go into debate mood when asked questions that need clarification on your application.

• Ask Questions

If you are unclear about the position being offered, the starting rate, shifts, pay, etc., ask questions before moving forward; this will save you and your future employer lots of time… you have to speak up.

• Never Leave Areas of the Application Blank

Come to the interview prepared with prior employment addresses/names, references, and any additional documentation such as training certificates or licenses. Have integrity. Make sure you’re not lying or purposely leaving areas blank in hopes of negotiating terms later during the interview.

Again, you more than likely are being judged by the guard manager as to whether or not you can follow simple instructions. There’s a famous quote out there, “How you do one thing is how you do everything;” Nine times out of ten, the security manager will relate those missing areas on your application to you leaving out details in your guard shift report.

• Do Not Omit Areas of Employment
  

If you’ve worked for several security guard companies, don’t neglect listing those companies. Example: If you’ve worked five guard companies in the year of 2015, don’t just list two and leave out the other three… it doesn’t look good on your end; it’s as if you’re trying to hide them.

FYI, guard managers may (should) run a check on DPS’ website and retrieve your security guard background history, so it behooves you to be forthcoming.

How to get a security job

Companies look for individuals they can grow with, rely on and invest in. It costs security guard companies money having a revolving door of people who aren’t taking themselves, guard companies, or the profession seriously. If you are sincere about your employment, you will follow these 10 helpful tips to get a security job.

Click here to learn more about security careers in Austin.

Posted in BODYGUARDS, BUSINESS SECURITY, PERSONAL SECURITY, SECURITY GUARDS, SECURITY MANAGEMENT, SECURITY TRAINING, SPECIAL EVENT SECURITY Tagged with: Austin security guard jobs, Austin security job, security employment tips, security job Austin, security jobs in Austin, tips for security employment

Customer Service Tips for Security Guards

Customer service is a skill that every business should train their employees on. There’s nothing like an upset customer speaking to an employee or representative of a company with little to no customer service skills. A great deal of businesses lose clientele quite frequently due to a nonchalant approach to this issue. 

Not many companies in the guard industry require or have ongoing customer service training, which is horrible for this profession. Listed below, are a few helpful customer service tips for security guards.

Customer Service Skills for Security Guards

Greet Clients with a Smile

A nice, warm smile along with “Hello,” and the Client’s name is a nice start to providing great customer service; even if you are an introvert, a smile puts people in a good mood. Be sincere – most people can smell “fake” a mile away.

It’s said that people absolutely love the sound of their names; with that said, do your best to greet clients by name. If you are not on a first name basis yet, refer to them by their last names or simply “sir” or “ma’am.”

Helpful Tip: Act as if the Client is a long-lost friend that you haven’t seen in years. How would you greet that good friend? Would you smile or would you give off a vibe that you really don’t want to be around? Exactly. SMILE

Make Eye Contact

Eye contact is a great indicator that the client has your attention. If you are looking at the ground, ceiling, or to the left and right of the client, how on earth can he connect with you? By doing this, you will make the client feel that he’s bothering you or your attention span is extremely short.

Take a few seconds to silence all things around you and focus on the words that are coming out of the client’s mouth.

Helpful Tip: Act as if you are the client in this moment. When you are frustrated, annoyed or simply want to be heard, how would you feel if the person you are expressing this to, is busy looking everywhere but at you?

It’s never a good feeling being dismissed; always try to put yourself in the client’s place.

Tips for excellent customer service

Build Rapport

Contrary to what you may have heard, it doesn’t take long to get to know people. Every chance you get, try to find out more and more about the client – interests, family, occupation; don’t go into investigation mode, instead let the questions flow naturally and be genuine.

Start with occupation questions. Ask the client how they got started doing what they do? Then ask them about their down time – what they do for fun when they’re not working around the clock?

If you begin flowing back and forth with conversation, ask them about family – if they have kids, if they’re married, etc. Remember to talk as if this is a good friend (not too relaxed), but someone you enjoy being around.

Helpful Tip: It’s always good to find common ground and build on that. Example – If you both love the same sports team, music, or enjoy hanging out with family; once you have that information, the conversation can literally go on for hours. *Let the conversation continue on until the client cuts it off. 

Listen to Clients

Hear their concerns, complaints, or issues and utilize your active listening skills.

Active Listening – “a communication technique used in counseling, training and conflict resolution, which requires the listener to feedback what they hear to the speaker, by way of re-stating or paraphrasing what they have heard in their own words, to confirm what they have heard and moreover, to confirm the understanding of both parties.”

Summarize what the client has said to you and ask questions that are in line with concerns, issues or complaints spoken by the client.

Helpful Tip: Be present. There is no way you understand someone if while they’re talking, you’re formulating your words to speak.

Have Empathy

Acknowledge the client’s problem(s); go a step further and express your understanding of the problem(s). Example: the client is upset because the other guard (of course, not you) is being sloppy with performance and appearance. The client elects to tell you instead of contacting guard management and escalating the problem.

You tell the client that you fully understand why the client is upset about the guard’s appearance and performance. You add: “We’re all supposed to be making sure things are cohesive on your property; that includes our performance and appearance.

I’ll definitely speak to ‘Officer A’ immediately so that his performance and appearance is what you expect from us. I’m so sorry that you even have to have this conversation with me but I’ll get it fixed promptly.”

Helpful Tip: You must add “urgency” to the equation when you tell a client that you will fix a problem. Never leave any room for clients to believe that they’re not a priority.

Find Solutions to Client’s Issues

If the client has expressed to you that there’s a problem or concern, let the client know that you will go above and beyond to provide a solution. Don’t just say it, really try to find a solution to their problem.

Helpful Tip: If you are stuck and can’t find a way to remedy the client’s problem, contact your employer. Security guard managers are more than qualified to resolve client issues.

Customer Service and Austin Security Guards

Ongoing customer service training is a must with security officers. If the guard company doesn’t provide it, you should locate an institution that offers it and invest in yourself.  If you take heed to these helpful customer service tips for security guards, you will be well on your way to advance in the guard industry.

To learn more about client relations in security, click here.

Posted in BODYGUARDS, BUSINESS SECURITY, PERSONAL SECURITY, SECURITY GUARDS, SECURITY MANAGEMENT, SECURITY TRAINING Tagged with: client relations, customer service for guards, customer service for security guards, Customer service tips, customer service tips for security, tips about customer service

Unarmed Security Officers – Are They Effective?

If a crime occurs on your property and the criminals involved are armed, how effective will unarmed security officers be to you and your staff? What can the guards do to protect you and your staff while waiting for police to arrive?

Although armed guards may appear too “aggressive-looking” for some, when faced with this type of scenario, one must question the efficacy of unarmed security officers.

Let’s state the obvious here: We live in a world where crime takes place in a matter of seconds every single day and active shooter incidents are reported quite frequently throughout the nation.

Where there is crime, it is common for some form of weaponry to be involved. If the guard on your property has no way of defending you and can’t do anything to shield your safety… what do you do?  What’s plan B? 

Are Unarmed Guards Effective?

Unarmed officers serve their purpose – they act as a deterrent as all guards do; however, when the worst-case scenario is occurring and one must react, an unarmed guard has absolutely nothing to help out in this situation.

All lives are on the line and the guard has a flashlight, pepper spray and nothing of use to fight off a deadly attack. At the very least, the guard should have a conductive energy weapon of some sort, which is not considered a lethal weapon.

Some individuals and companies are even threatened by officers carrying conductive energy weapons; so again, what on earth should the guard do in this case?

Companies avoid having armed guards on their property to elude the risks of liabilities, lawsuits and being negligent for accidental shootings at their place of business. Which is quite understandable, but if the companies would conduct their due diligence and contract with security providers who hire licensed, competent officers with extensive training, the risk of injuries and damages would drop significantly – as the armed guard would possess the skills necessary to handle this type of occurrence.

See how quickly this armed guard wards off robbers:

Unarmed versus armed guards

Often, unarmed guards are hired to appease a company’s visitors, staff, and so forth by giving the “presence” of security but that’s about it. They simply add a layer of protection but a very thin layer at that. The thin layer becomes completely nonexistent when unarmed guards encounter a high-level threat – life or death situation; and at that point, their effectiveness is unsubstantial.

Now you may say to yourself, “my business is in the safest area of my city; that type of crime doesn’t happen here;” most victims of America say the exact same thing. They never foresee the crime because they always say it can’t happen but the fact is, it can; and if it does, what level of security will you have at your establishment – armed or unarmed guards?

For more information about unarmed and armed guards, contact SRS Services.

Posted in BODYGUARDS, BUSINESS SECURITY, PERSONAL SECURITY, SECURITY GUARDS, SECURITY MANAGEMENT, SECURITY TRAINING Tagged with: Armed guards Austin, armed security officers Austin, Armed versus unarmed guards, Austin security officers, Unarmed security Austin, Unarmed security officers

6 Ways to Effectively Communicate with Your Boss

As long as you keep the lines of communication flowing with your employer, there should not be room for miscommunication. Speaking with co-workers, family members, friends, boyfriends, girlfriends, church members, and whoever has ears that will listen, does not take the place of you directly communicating your concerns or issues with your employer.

When going to outside sources that have no idea about your work ethics, except for what you tell them, could lead you down a very uncomfortable path in the future with your job. What if they give you the wrong advice? What if their advice leads to your termination?

You’ve heard the phrase before: “Watch who you take advice from.” This is so true!

Good people give bad advice –

What good is it for you to go to cousin Larry who can’t keep a job to save his life but has employment advice for you? Or, why listen to Aunt Sally who hasn’t worked a day in her life and makes suggestions based on what she’s seen on Television or saw or the internet?

Rule of Thumb: If you’re in doubt, open your mouth… to your employer!

Improve your relationship with your boss by communicating effectively 

A face-to-face conversation is always the best; this eliminates any misunderstandings in an email message. Too often, an email is received followed by a few others trying to explain what was meant in the first email.

If a face-to-face meeting is impossible, a telephone conversation should be the next best thing. Fully express what your issues are and see if there are any resolutions instead of making assumptions. Whether you have a problem with your supervisor, would like to address the possibility of a raise, can’t handle a co-worker, or desire room for advancement; if you don’t express this, how will your employer know?

Thanks to technology, effective communication skills have been lost; people rely on hiding behind computers, phones (texting), and other gadgets instead of eye-to-eye or telephone correspondence.

 

Here are 6 helpful tips to help you communicate with your boss:

1. Speak directly to your employer pertaining to anything job related; after all, this is who writes your checks… why wouldn’t you want to be clear about things that you have issues with.
2. Don’t take constructive criticism personal. If you are an employee, chances are the company saw something of value in you. Learn from your mistakes and allow them to make you a better worker. Don’t take a critique as an attack.
3. Watch your tone. Yelling or raising your voice at your employer is never the road to travel. Sighing, crossing your arms, and rolling your eyes are almost a guarantee for a short-term career. Here’s something to consider: If you wouldn’t want it done to you, don’t do it to your boss.                                                             Have you ever conversed with someone who continuously sighed while you were speaking as a jester to get you to be silent? It was quite annoying wasn’t it? Of course it was. How about having someone roll their eyes at you, cross their arms and raise their voice while you were speaking? That’s outright rude right? Of course it is!
4. Don’t be passive-aggressive. Say what you mean, mean what you say but keep it professional. No need to be a “Yes man” in front of your employer and then five minutes later pout behind his back to your co-workers. If you get whatever problems or questions you have out there in the open, 9 times out of 10, you can avoid having a small issue turn into something huge.
5. Get a clear understanding. Make sure you completely understand what your employer is communicating to you; ask for clarification if you are having difficulties.
6. Leave Co-workers out of the mix. There is enough drama going on in the world alone, leave it out of the workplace as best you can. The “he said, she said” should be over and done with at this stage in your life. The most pleasant thing you can do as an employee is keep your place of employment drama-free!

Work on yourself harder than you’ve ever worked on anything else, and you won’t have problems fixing things as they come your way. If you follow these steps outlined above and keep the lines of communication flowing, you are sure to meet success when conversing with your employer.

For more on this topic, visit SRS’ Contact Us page

Posted in SECURITY GUARDS, SECURITY MANAGEMENT, SECURITY TRAINING Tagged with: Austin Business Consulting, Business Consulting, Guard Career Austin, Security Guard Jobs Austin

Tips For Hiring Special Event Security

When hiring special event security, you definitely don’t want to wait until the last minute; prices are bound to be exorbitant to include the inability for anyone to perform proper planning, and in some cases proper staffing. Special Event Security staff can eliminate “the worry” from your list of things you already have to deal with at your event, IF you hire the right company.

Special occasions occur throughout the year and you want to be sure that your energy spent making plans and preparations is devoted to fulfilling the requirements of your engagement, not focused on whether the security staff  is performing their task correctly or at all.

What to look for when hiring event security

Like any service you’ll want to be sure to contact at least 3 companies after doing your research; but keep in mind, the chances of the sales person that you’re speaking with will NOT be on your property securing your special event. So make sure his/her schmoozing capabilities, and professionalism are passed down to the special event security staff that WILL be at your engagement.

You also want to verify that the special event security staff will be veterans of the company, and not a new group just hired off Craigslist a day before the event which often happens when contracting out with understaffed security providers.

You want to ensure that whatever special event guard sets foot on your premises is professional, trained, and equipped to handle the tasks at hand. Your event is not the time for a security company to “wing it” or try out unknown, untested, and new employees.

When contracting out with a Special Event Security service be realistic and keep liability and safety in mind for not only yourself and the staff but also the guests and customers as well.

Keep in mind if you are hosting the event you are responsible for everyone that is attending including providing a reasonable expectation of safety while there.

Don’t expect one or two special event security guards to provide security for a crowd of 500-1,000 people, which also may include alcohol and a mixed crowd, this is not enough security staff on hand (in this example) and could be seen as negligent should an incident occur.

Final Steps in Hiring a Security Staff

While most customers focus on price being their main deciding factor when hiring Special Event Security for your event – a lot more must go into that decision making process. Any professional security provider that wants to protect you and themselves must take a hard look at “liability, risk, & exposure concerns”- and then what is it going to take to reduce it for both you, and the security provider; this is an area that SRS takes very seriously.

At SRS, our staff meets with you prior to any event, provides an assessment and solid plan. SRS makes safety recommendations, and places solid security professionals at your event as needed so that your event remains a nice, safe, and memorable time for everyone. We ask that you don’t view security as the “unwanted expense” during your event but to view it as the “incident and liability reducer “that it truly is.

Make sure your event security live up to your expectations; call on SRS Services now, to avoid the risk of being let down.

Posted in BODYGUARDS, SECURITY GUARDS, SPECIAL EVENT SECURITY Tagged with: Austin Event Security, Event security, Guard Services Austin, Security Guard services, Special Event Security

Convicted Criminals working Security

There are convicted criminals working security jobs right now…and every business who has a security guard service should be aware of this.

Did you know the state of Texas will allow and license convicted criminals to work security? Yes, It’s true.

If you are a convicted criminal and your crime is over ten years old, the state of Texas deems you are safe and will license you. The only permanently disqualifying crimes are a sexually violent offense, as defined by Article 62.001, Code of Criminal Procedure, or a conviction for burglary of a habitation.

If you have a misdemeanor conviction which is over five years old, the state of Texas will license you to work security and safeguard individuals and their property.

Some security companies that claim they conduct background checks actually rely on the State’s findings, and if the State says the applicant is “OK,” then those security companies will then “OK” the applicant. The problem is the state does find the prior conviction on the record and does nothing about it if it falls within their very broad guidelines.

Why these low standards exist is unknown???

In an industry such as “security,” where guards are providing services at all types of locations such as retirement homes, schools, apartment complexes, banks, jewelry stores, etc., one would think the standards would be significantly higher.

Jobs are hard to come by, but should convicted criminals work security jobs?

When a client is contracting with a security agency, they assume and are told that background checks are done, and assume that every guard showing up on their property is “clean as a whistle;” sadly, this is not true and a large amount of guards working in the industry have criminal records.

Guard companies are well aware of this matter, as they are employing these individuals often for lower wages and therefore remain silent regarding this issue – which enables some guard companies to offer extremely low rates because they’re paying their guards an extremely low wage if not minimum wage.

Private Security Contractors should educate the Client

Convicted criminals cannot posses a firearm and thus, cannot work as a Commissioned Officer or even a Level-4 Bodyguard (as a Commissioned license must be possessed with the Level-4), so most remain (or hide) at a Non-Commissioned Level-2 for that reason and don’t seek additional training.

Convicted criminals cannot take the Level-3 class for educational purposes, as they cannot not possess the firearm required to complete the course, additionally Ex-felons cannot, by state law, wear body armor.

⇒⇒⇒FYI, Security Companies:

It does a client no good to show them what nice uniforms or patrol cars equipped with GPS, dash cameras and laptops you have if you’re allowing convicted criminals to drive your vehicles on their property.

Offer proof of drug tests and criminal backgrounds of your staff

Security clients across the state who assume all their guards have a clean background would be shocked and horrified to learn they might have a convicted criminal working as a security guard with a criminal background on their property.

Security Associations, Homeland Security, DPS, the Governor’s office, and the Board should address this issue… Indeed; It Is An Issue!

In the News: Security guards caught stealing laptops from Facebook – see more here.

“How do we raise the standards in the industry?” 

Increase the level of professionalism and public perception/trust; weed out the problem individuals (lackluster performance, not personable, not customer-service driven), and do away with archaic training methods – times have changed.

100% drug tests at pre-employment – random and quarterly; should be done by an outsourced location, not the company (conflict of interest). *DPS should require proof of a current drug test for all security applications and renewals – they currently do not.

Establish a zero-tolerance for hiring convicted criminals regardless of how many years ago the conviction took place; there are numerous amounts of out of work individuals with clean backgrounds to employ in the state of Texas.

Regardless if you are an armed or unarmed security company, insist that all your officers/guards have gone through the full 40-hour Commission class prior to applying with your company; this provides you with a better-trained officer who possesses more education than the six hour, Level-2 trained guard.

What can Clients do?

1. Stop going for the lowest bidder; these guard companies make cuts in areas you don’t want cut (drug test, background checks and good officers).
2. Demand a copy of a recent drug test and a background check from each guard working on your property, to include a copy of the licenses (pocket cards) each guard is supposed to carry with them at all times (state law).
3. Demand quarterly drug test results.
4. Demand those drug tests are done by an outside source and not some discount kit performed in the security company’s office.
5. Insist that you see (in writing) that the company you hire has a “zero-tolerance” for criminal background at their company and that they will NOT hire or place any guard on your property with a criminal background.*Run away from companies that refuse this; there are many that won’t refuse and want your business.
6. Insist all guards on your property obtain more training than the State’s minimum of six hours; insist the training is completed by a licensed training academy and not some in-house training… who’s checking the standards?

There are many companies willing to provide the industry and their security officers with higher standards; SRS SERVICES is one of them. Don’t allow your focus to be on a patrol car, the gadgets it’s equipped with, or a salesperson; to earn your business and trust, you should be focused on who the guard on your property is and what the guard’s background and level of training is.

Should guard companies hire ex-felons?

Convicted criminals should be able to find employment but the security guard industry should NOT be the particular field in which employment is given. With so many individuals putting their trust in security to protect their properties, staff and customer-base; this shouldn’t be the industry that is relaxed when sifting through background checks and determining individuals to “guard” others and their belongings… convicted criminals should not work as security guards.

If you agree that allowing felons to provide security guard services is deceitful and would like to have a hand in raising the industry’s standards, contact DPS at (512) 424-7293, then hire a company that will NOT have a convicted criminal on your property.

Click here for a guard service with your best interest in mind.

Posted in SECURITY GUARDS, SECURITY LAWS & REGULATIONS Tagged with: Austin Guard Services, Austin Security Services, Austin Special Event Security, Event Guards Austin, Special Event Guards Austin