Hollywood loves to portray security guards as the lazy, unaware people stationed in guard stands all night. In the movies, these guards are probably watching a TV show or sports game, paying very little attention to what’s going on around them, which is how the movie criminals get away with their crimes.
Unfortunately, the movies aren’t completely wrong. All too many security guards mimic what you see in the movies, leaving your commercial business open to intruders and thieves. This is why it’s so important to know exactly what kind of security guard services you’re hiring in Fort Myers, FL.
At American Pride Security Services, we don’t provide guards who let things slip by. Our security team is proactive, not reactive, to ensure that your business stays safe and secure all day and night. This is the kind of team you want to be patrolling your business.
Importance of proactive security guards
If you’re hiring a security team to keep watch over your commercial property, you want the guards to be proactive in finding and mitigating threats. These guards don’t just sit around; they will patrol your premises on foot or by vehicle to ensure the property is thoroughly watched.
Great proactive guards can offer your business the following:
Deter criminals: The presence of a security guard locked away in their guard stand might not matter much to a clever criminal, but a guard who actively patrols the property will be much more intimidating to wrongdoers. This will help deter criminals from entering your property for fear of getting caught.
Catch criminals before they strike: If a criminal does get bold and attempt to vandalize or rob your commercial property, a reactive guard will probably hear a noise and react to it too late. A proactive guard is much more likely to catch the criminal before they have a chance to do something wrong. This is a more effective security process and also saves you money, since your property, cash or equipment won’t be disturbed.
Rectify security issues: When security guards are active and alert on the job at all times, they are much more vigilant about finding and rectifying security issues. Proactive guards will be able to spot areas of your property and security processes that pose risks and work with you to fix them for a more secure campus.
Qualities of a proactive security guard
Proactive security guards tend to have different qualities than reactive guards. Our guards aren’t merely reactive—they’ll keep constant watch to identify problems before they occur, not after. These guards have a keen eye and experience in security, meaning they know how to spot a fishy visitor or an employee who’s up to something.
They are also trained to respond. When something goes awry, they will have the training and experience necessary to deal with the problem and keep everyone safe.
If you’re in need of top-quality security guard services in Fort Myers, FL, call American Pride Security Services. Our security guards are state regulated and licensed, with experience in a wide range of emergency situations.
Your construction site is full of expensive materials and equipment, safety concerns and potential security breaches. In order to keep the job site secure, you might install fences and security cameras. Unfortunately, though, these precautions aren’t always enough to deter criminals and trespassers.
Hiring a construction site security guard in Fort Myers, FL provides you with a reliable way to control what is happening on your job site and ensure that everyone stays safe and no criminal or unwanted activity occurs.
Here are just a few things that a security guard can do to make your construction site safer:
Prevent vandalism: One of the most common frustrations construction site owners experience is vandalism. Without a guard standing by, bored teenagers with spray paint in hand or demonstrators who are against your project can easily sneak on the job site and vandalize your project and materials. These messes can be costly and time-consuming to clean up. With a security guard patrolling day and night, these activities are far less likely.
Prevent material theft: The materials you keep on your job site are very expensive, and most of them are left out in the open due to a lack of shelter or storage. Metals, glass and other building materials can easily be removed from your site and sold by criminals. Additionally, your materials and equipment are also expensive; theft or destruction can be costly. But if you have a security patrol service in Ft. Myers, FL, wrongdoers either won’t risk it or will be caught.
Ensure safety: During the daylight hours when your crew is hard at work, you need to make sure people aren’t wandering around the grounds and putting themselves at risk of getting hurt. Part of your security guard’s job is to make sure everyone is where they are supposed to be, doing what they should be doing, so accidents don’t happen.
Control visitor access: You need to be sure that people who aren’t supposed to be on your site don’t get access. But if you’re busy managing a crew or are off-site, who is responsible for checking IDs and managing visitors? Hiring a construction site security guard in Ft. Myers, FL can help you manage visitors on your site and keep unauthorized personnel off the premises.
Mitigate conflicts: Sometimes, tensions get high between the individuals on your job site. This can lead to fights and safety concerns, especially if nobody with authority is around to stop the conflict. Security guards can keep an eye out for unruly behavior and de-escalate situations before they reach a critical level.
If you’re interested in hiring a security guard to monitor your construction site, look no further than American Pride Security Services. Our professional security guards are experienced and provide a wealth of services to keep your job site safe. We are the experts in security patrol service in Fort Myers, FL, offering security surveys, unarmed and uniformed officers, emergency planning, property patrol and more. Call us today to learn how we can take your security to the next level.
When it comes to condo security, needs vary greatly by size, location and layout. How can you ensure your specific security needs are met? A residential security service in Fort Myers, FL is the perfect solution.
A security guard company in Fort Myers, FL offers many advantages to a condo property. If you’re considering your options for safety at your location, consider the following benefits of a residential security service in Fort Myers, FL.
Customized Solutions
Do you need 24/7 patrols? Armed guards? After-hours support? No two properties are exactly the same. With a security guard company in Fort Myers, FL, you can customize your security services to meet your needs. This tailored servicing lets you pay only for the services that you need and ensures your grounds are properly protected.
After-Hours Security
In many cases, security is needed after hours. Dark parking lots or garages can become a source of danger for residents if not properly patrolled. Security guards can monitor these areas at night to keep them safe. They can also provide escort services for residents who leave or arrive home late at night.
Building Security
Many condo buildings experience a bustle of activity. Myriad people enter and exit the property every day. With so much going on, it can be easy for criminal incidents to occur. A security service will help monitor who comes and goes, ensuring no one is on the property who shouldn’t be there.
Crime Deterrent
When a security service in Fort Myers, FL is in place, this sends the message that the condo property is no place for crime. Potential criminals know the area is being watched, and they will be less likely to try any illegal activities there.
Proper Training
A security guard company in Fort Myers, FL can provide fully qualified personnel to properly protect the property. The service offers more than a pair of eyes. Guards are fully trained in crime prevention. They have the skills necessary to detect, prevent and respond to criminal activity.
Customer Service
On-site security guards can become an extension of the customer service offered at a condo residence. They can provide assistance to residents in a variety of ways. This might be as simple as holding open a door or providing directions, or it could involve stopping an attack.
Resident Appeal
If a condo property offers solid security services, this feature may add appeal for future residents. They will know that the property offers safety and security, and this could make it more appealing than other options. By working with a residential security service in Fort Myers, FL, property managers could increase desirability and thus increase occupancy levels.
Keep Your Property Safe
To protect your condo property, partner with the security professionals at American Pride Security Services. We have been a trusted leader in security and protection services for more than 11 years. The residential security services in Fort Myers, FL that we provide include security surveys and consultations, unarmed uniformed officers, building lockup and alarm, emergency planning, property patrol, parking details and more. No one within this industry can match the people skills, pride, dignity and honor that our officers bring to their work. Contact us today for more information about how we can keep your condo property safe.
In most industries, you’ll find terms that are specific to that field. Most people outside of the industry are not familiar with these terms. In the world of security, one of these terms is “PERC card.” If you do much research into security guard services you’ll probably encounter this phrase.
Since a PERC card is an important part of security guard services, it’s good to understand exactly what this is. Use the following overview to educate yourself about this card.
PERC Card: Definition
PERC stands for Permanent Employee Registration Card. When a person holds this card, it indicates they have undergone required state and federal background checks and fingerprinting to work as a security guard in Illinois. Potential employers of security guards require applicants to have a PERC card. It is a prerequisite for obtaining a security guard license.
PERC Card: Purpose
By requiring a PERC card for every security position applicant, the state of Illinois ensures that everyone hired as security personnel in the state has passed a background check (and has not been convicted of felony charges). If a company hires someone who does not have a PERC card, they can be fined heavily. The individual who is hired can also be fined. This makes it unlikely that any security guards in Illinois are unqualified for their position. It helps protect the residents of Illinois by ensuring that security personnel have clean records.
PERC Card: Advantages
Because individuals are required to obtain a PERC card before they even apply for a security guard position, this eliminates the chance that a company will skimp on their requirements. In an attempt to save time or money, an organization may be tempted to skip background checks or fail to fingerprint potential hires. Since all of this must be completed before an individual is considered for a position with a provider of security guard services the process cannot be skipped.
PERC Card: Process
To obtain a PERC card, an individual must complete a five-step process:
Requirements: To obtain a PERC card, a person must be 18 years or older, have a social security number and be legally eligible to work in the United States.
Application: If an individual meets these requirements, they must download, print and complete the application for a PERC card. This can be obtained on the website of the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Registration (IDFPR). The packet includes instructions, the application, an employee statement form and a fingerprint submission sheet.
Fingerprinting: Next, one must schedule fingerprinting to complete the criminal background check. The IDFPR site offers links to local vendors who offer this service. A receipt showing the fingerprinting has been completed must be submitted with the PERC card application.
Submission: Once these steps have been completed, the application, receipt and application fee must be submitted to the IDFPR.
Wait: Once the application has been processed, if all information and the background check are approvable, the individual will receive clearance. They will be provided a PERC card.
Learn More
Would you like to learn more about security guard services? Whether you are interested in becoming a security guard or need to hire security personnel, the professionals at American Pride Security Services are ready to assist you. Contact our team today!
At American Pride Security Services, we’re pleased to report that we’re seeking qualified candidates to help us provide outstanding security guard services in Fort Myers, FL! If you’ve been looking for a position as a security guard, we invite you to submit an application and come and tell us why you’re an ideal fit for the job.
Before you come in for your interview, you should spend some time preparing yourself to answer certain questions that will reveal whether or not you have the qualities we look for in our security guards. Here are just a few examples of some of the types of questions you can expect to get during the interview process.
Q: Have you ever had to deal with an assault? How did you handle that situation, and what would you do differently, if anything?
Ideally, your answer to this question would be something you’ve encountered professionally, though you can share personal experiences as well if you’re comfortable doing so. If you have never experienced an assault, be honest—don’t attempt to make up a story just to impress the interviewer. Instead, you can request they provide you with a hypothetical situation and ask how you’d react.
Q: What are some examples of how you’ve worked in a team setting, ideally in a previous security job?
If you do not have any experience in security jobs, you can talk about team-based problem-solving initiatives you’ve employed in other types of jobs.
Q: What is an example of a situation in which you’ve had to deal with an angry customer or member of the public?
Your answer to this question will provide some insight into your ability to encounter a hostile, angry person without escalating the situation with an emotional response of your own. Security companies want their guards to be able to pacify a hostile crowd member and resolve the situation without physicality if at all possible. This is a question you can answer if you’ve ever worked in any kind of job requiring customer service.
Q: What do you do when you have downtime on your job?
Security guards will often have very little to do if there is no security threat present at the event. Your job is primarily to be available. Your interviewer might ask you this question to gauge whether you’ll become distracted or even get into trouble yourself during these long down periods. You should, therefore, structure your answer in a way that shows you are capable of staying alert even when your services are not immediately needed.
Q: Are you CPR/First Aid/AED certified?
Your answer to this question will be a simple “yes” or “no,” but it’s worth mentioning if you’re currently enrolled in a class or working toward getting certified in any of these areas. These certifications can only help you in a security setting.
For more information about the traits we look for in our security guards, contact American Pride Security Services today and learn more about the openings we have for providers of security guard services in Fort Myers, FL.
