How Many Guards Do You Need for Your Event?

If you’re planning an event that will require the use of security guards, one of the questions you’re likely to have is about how many guards you’ll actually need at the event. After all, you’re going to want to have a good idea of how much you need to budget for security, and you’ll want to avoid overpaying so you can keep expenses from getting higher than they truly need to be.

Here are some of the factors you’ll need to consider when hiring security guards for your event. At American Pride Security Services, our team provides security consultation in Fort Myers, FL to help you determine exactly what your security needs might be:

  • Number of people you expect at the event: When you’re planning your event, you should have at least a very rough idea of the number of people who could attend. Is this a large-scale event, or one that’s designed to be more intimate? Are you looking at dozens, hundreds or thousands of attendees? In some cases, you might be able to get a more exact idea of the numbers after you’ve sold tickets for the event if it’s one that will require tickets. You won’t be able to determine your security needs if you don’t have at least an educated guess as to your attendee figures.
  • Type of event: As a general rule, we recommend hiring one security guard for every 50 guests. However, there are some types of events that might require more guards than others. For example, large music festivals that will have potentially intoxicated or raucous attendees might require some extra security, especially compared to orchestra concerts geared toward older attendees.
  • Type of attendees: We briefly touched on this in the previous point, but the type of people attending your event is just as important a consideration to keep in mind as the type of event itself. Consider demographics such as younger versus older, professionals versus fun-seekers, people with a higher public profile, etc.
  • The company you’re working with: Having the right security guard company to work with for the event is also an extremely important consideration. You might be able to get away with having fewer guards in the right circumstances if you can trust the level of professionalism the company will provide in the security guards they send to your event. If they have a solid plan of action, are fully licensed and come across as being professional and trustworthy, you don’t necessarily need to max out your budget on security—you can trust the recommendations provided by the company with regard to numbers.

However you go about your security guard hiring processes, it’s important you make it a priority in advance of your event. Security should be considered an integral part of your process of planning for the event, not just an afterthought.

For more information about hiring security guards for your next event, contact a provider of security consultation in Fort Myers, FL and we will be happy to answer your questions.

Tips for Reducing Employee Theft

If you own a retail store or commercial business, keeping track of assets, revenue and cash flow are crucial to your daily operations. One of the major threats to commercial businesses is theft. While many business owners fear theft from customers in the form of merchandise, employee theft is one of the most rampant and damaging occurrences in all types of businesses.

Employee theft can be tricky to combat, which is why business owners need to implement a strategy dedicated to identifying and stopping it as soon as possible. To help you prevent loss, here are some tips for improving retail store security in Fort Myers, FL:

  • Check references and backgrounds: When hiring new employees, it’s a good idea to call provided references to get a feel for the potential employee’s work ethic, responsibility, and trustworthiness. If past employers say the new hire had a problem with theft, you should steer clear. Not only that, but you should run background checks on new hires to ensure they don’t have a history of theft or other concerning illegal activity. Hiring employees you can trust puts your business on the right foot.
  • Install security cameras: Security cameras are a good idea for both monitoring the activity in your store and preventing theft. Make sure employees know about the cameras to deter them from stealing items or cash. If they know they are being watched, they will be less likely to steal.
  • Lock up valuables and limit access: When employees of all levels have access to some of the most tempting items, like large sums of cash or valuable merchandise, it’s only a matter of time before something will go missing. Limit access to these items, so only managers or long-term employees you trust are able to unlock them.
  • Implement accountability policies: Maintain good records and implement policies for checking inventory and cash levels daily to help you keep track of assets in your store. If your employees know that you don’t check on your items or cash regularly, it’ll be much easier for them to get away with theft.
  • Provide a way for employees to report fraud: Chances are, at least one of your employees has witnessed their coworkers stealing from your business. However, if you don’t have a good way for those employees to come forward without fear of retaliation or conflict, they might not ever let you know. Implement a system for employees to report fraud securely, and then make sure you have a policy for investigating it thoroughly.
  • Hire a security guard: Sometimes, even the most high-tech security systems and policies can’t stop you and your business from being victims of theft. Your last resort may be to hire a security guard from a commercial security service in Fort Myers, FL. Having a uniformed presence in the store will help deter both customers and employees from doing things they shouldn’t.

If you’re looking to improve your retail store security in Fort Myers, FL and cut down on employee theft, contact the diverse team of security officers at American Pride Security Services. We’ve offered security and protection services for over a decade, from security surveys and consultations to uniformed officers at all types of locations. Get in touch to learn more!

Bored in Retirement? Join Our Security Team!

For many middle-aged workers, retirement is the ultimate goal. After years of working hard at a career, many people are eager to quit and have time to enjoy themselves. Once they are finally able to retire and kick back, though, they sometimes find that they are bored with sitting around the house all day. Many seniors discover that they actually want to stay active and busy into their later years.

If you are in this situation and bored with lounging around during retirement, perhaps it’s time to consider re-entering the workforce. One often-overlooked but excellent career choice for a retiree is security guard services in Bloomingdale, IL. As a security guard, you have the opportunity to work, stay active and meet new people each day.

American Pride Security Services hires a diverse group of security guards to oversee the safety of a variety of locations, including construction sites, retail stores and residential communities.

Here are a few reasons why becoming an unarmed security officer in Bloomingdale, IL may be a good post-retirement option for you:

  • Keeps you active: Security officers are on their feet a lot, walking around the building and observing potential safety risks. This can help you maintain a healthier and more active lifestyle, which can reduce the risk of diseases and physical ailments that often plague many retirees due to their more sedentary lifestyles.
  • Relatively low risk: Contrary to popular belief, not all security guard jobs are dangerous. There are different kinds of jobs to work, and an unarmed security officer in Bloomingdale, IL is likely to be in charge of access control and observation, which are low-risk jobs that will keep you busy but safe.
  • You’re right for the job: As a retiree, you have years of past experience speaking with colleagues, working in professional environments and navigating tricky situations that have prepared you for a career in security. Security guard services also offer something that’s right for everyone, which makes retirees the right people for the job.
  • Every day is different: A job providing security guard services in Bloomingdale, IL comes with a bit of excitement, which is something many recent retirees crave. Each day will be a little different, with opportunities to meet new people and solve new problems. If you find retirement boring, a job in security can fix that for you!
  • Financial security: Potential health risks and lifestyle changes are two things that scare retirees the most in today’s world. By taking on a job after retirement, you’ll be able to maintain a stable income and worry less about how to make ends meet without giving up the things you love most in your day-to-day life or worrying about how to pay for medical expenses, if they occur.

The diverse team at American Pride Security Services has offered security and protection services for over a decade, from security surveys and consultations to uniformed officers at all types of locations. If you are interested in working as an unarmed security officer in Bloomingdale, IL or would like to learn more about the services we provide, call us today!

The Qualities You Should Look for in a Security Guard

When it comes time to hire a security service, you might be tempted to go with the lowest bidder. But bringing in truly qualified professionals will be a much more effective and prudent method of reducing threats to your home or business. You can’t put a price on the safety of your community or business, which is why bringing in a commercial or residential security service in Chicago, IL is a smart idea.

You may be having difficulty telling the difference between security services. However, it is important to think about the qualities you’re looking for in a security guard before you decide to hire one. Here’s how to tell a reputable service from just any security company:

  • Honesty: Like with any business interaction, honesty is paramount. You want a company that’s transparent with its pricing and that delivers on what it promises. Individual security officers need to be honest as well. After all, you’re entrusting them with the protection of your business or home. Do your research and find out about the company’s reputation. Talk to friends or colleagues, and look at reviews online.
  • Preparation: A security service that prepares well won’t just show up on the first night. Instead, they’ll want to discuss with you exactly the service you’re looking for and determine how best to deliver it. They’ll evaluate potential problems and offer solutions. Their security officers will be in uniform and ready to work—not just collect a paycheck.
  • Communication: A high-quality security service will communicate in a professional manner. Whether it’s by email, over the phone or in person, they’ll be clear and friendly in how they express themselves. This becomes especially important when an individual security guard needs to tell employees or members of the public about an imminent threat.
  • Training: Find out as much as you can about the security officers’ training program. It should be a rigorous education program that prepares them adequately for dealing with threats in the real world. Just giving everyone a badge isn’t going to cut it.
  • Fitness: While security officers may not be held to the same standards as police or military personnel, you should still be able to expect a certain level of physical fitness. You want someone who can respond immediately to any issues and who is generally fit for the job.

When it’s time to hire a residential or commercial security service in Chicago, IL, American Pride Security Services is here to provide invaluable help. We’re always there for you, whether it’s at work, school or an event. A security guard provides an effective deterrent against crime and threats. We also respond quickly and effectively to any threat to your home or business. That’s because we always employ highly trained security experts who are there when you need them.

Businesses and individuals throughout the Chicagoland area have come to trust us because we deliver effective and advanced security that gives you peace of mind. Plus, we’re a state regulated and licensed agency with a diverse staff, including military veterans and bilingual speakers. Call us today to find out how we’re more than just another security agency!

How Much Do Security Guards Cost?

Many business owners would like to hire a security guard, but they’re afraid of the cost. Yes, it would be nice to ensure that someone is watching the property at all times of day. Sure, it would be ideal to have a deterrent against theft, vandalism, armed robbery and other crimes. But budgets are tight, and this is often when security drops to the bottom of the priority list.

But the reality is that hiring an unarmed security officer in Chicago, IL isn’t as expensive as you think. You can get the peace of mind knowing that your business is protected without breaking the bank. It’s all about finding the security package that’s right for your company and fits your needs.

Are security guards worth it?

The answer is yes! The fact is that skimping on security means you’re leaving your business unprotected. While you’ll save a bit of money in the short run by neglecting an investment in security, you’ll leave your business vulnerable to threats. Do you really want to put your customers and employees at risk? Protecting everyone’s safety is a priority for every business, no matter how big or small.

You may also not know that security guards are quite affordable. The price for an unarmed security guard is typically $10 to $20 per hour, depending on the quality of the service and the level of expertise. Armed security guards typically cost a bit more, topping out at around $30 per hour. This is because they require additional training to ensure that they can safely use firearms if needed.

What kind of security does my business need?

You’ll need to make some careful considerations regarding what kind of security your business needs. The first is whether you want an armed or unarmed security guard. This depends on the area your business is located in and whether you’re comfortable with having an armed guard on site.

Additionally, you’ll need to think about what time of day is best to have a security guard. Hiring someone for overnight or overtime will cost a bit more. The circumstances of each business are different, but a good security services company will cater to your needs by tailoring a package that makes security more feasible.

Which security service is right for my business?

If you’re looking for reasonably priced, high-quality security guard services in Chicago, IL, you’ve come to the right place. For more than a decade, American Pride Security Services has been a trusted leader in security and protection services. We offer a wide array of services to fit your needs, including security surveys and consultations, property patrol, unarmed uniformed officers, building lockup and alarming, emergency planning, construction site security and parking details.

We take great pride in our work, and our officers serve with dignity and honor. We’re state regulated and licensed, along with being a proud employer of military veterans. Call us or stop by our offices today to find out why we’re the trusted choice throughout the area.