Wherever you may be in the world, we are available to our clients.
Due to overwhelming demand, we must impose restrictions on accepting new clients.
Contact our Client Services Specialists at 520-296-4491 or info@6dofsolutions.com to
request an appointment for an in-depth analysis of your requirements; and to see if you
meet our strict criteria.
Your privacy, and confidentiality, is absolutely assured.
CRIMINAL/CIVIL LITIGATION SUPPORT
The location and interview of elusive and reluctant witnesses is a specialty of ours.
Whether you are litigating a death, family dispute, or an insurance matter; if they are
findable, we'll track them down and conduct a customized pre-interview for you.
Have an incident scene you would like reconstructed? Our specialists will build you an
accurate and powerful courtroom, or boardroom presentation that will sway minds.
INSURANCE
Worker's Compensation claims. Life. Business. Vehicle/transportation. Subrogation
Recovery. Whatever the claims challenges you may face, we can assist your adjustment
and underwriting departments by securing all of the facts available so that you will make
a more informed decision, improving your position, increasing your cash flow, and
limiting your liability and payouts.
SURVEILLANCE
Our highly trained operatives use state-of-the-art high-def cinematic and audio
technology. Gone are the days of grainy, out-of-focus, shaky footage, and muffled audio.
If we capture "Bigfoot" on film, there will be no doubt.
Already have unrecognizable, inaudible source materials? We may be able to help by
clarifying the sound and images utilizing our forensic editing expertise.
THREAT MANAGEMENT
Stalking is the fastest growing crime in the world. It spawns violence in the home, at
schools, shopping malls, and in the workplace. Are you prepared? Are you doing
everything possible to protect yourself? Your loved ones? Your students? Your
employees? Tragedies such as Columbine, Virginia Tech, 9-Eleven,and many others,
could have been prevented, IF, a few strategic precautions had been implemented prior
to the horrendous events. The warning signs were ignored in preference to "political
correctness," naivety, secrecy, and the deadliest killer of all...Denial.
Our precise Executive Protection Services will provide you peace of mind.
RISK & SAFETY FOR SMALL BUSINESS
Your financial security is in jeopardy if you do not have a comprehensive risk and safety
program in affect at your company or home-run business; yes, if you run your business
out of your home, you are required to have a plan. If a customer, employee, or visitor is
injured, you may be held accountable by OSHA and other authoritative entities. It won't
be cheap either. You'll be giving your insurance carrier a legitimate "out," and let us
assure you, they will deny coverage whenever they deem it appropriate. Our plans start
at an affordable $395. You wouldn't drive your automobile or company truck without
limiting your risk; why operate your business without similar protection? You'll receive
$100.00 on your initial consultation if your business qualifies.
INTERNATIONAL CORPORATE & COMMERCIAL SERVICES
Internal theft, intellectual property infringement, and piracy is endemic these days. We
will conduct a thorough inside analysis and audit of your most valuable assets to
determine if your valued intellectual properties have been or could be targeted by
unscrupulous trespassers.
BACKGROUND VERIFICATIONS
Are you sure that the prospective financial, personal partner, business associate, or
candidate for employment you are considering is right for you, or your business? The
professionals at 6DOFTM offer innovative time and cost-saving techniques that will allow
you to make the best possible decision.
You can forget about costly, time-consuming drug testing and personality profiling. IT
DOES NOT WORK! Ask us why, and how you can save yourself thousands of dollars,
and the pain caused by making the wrong hiring decisions that could cost you
everything. You'll receive $500.00 on your initial consultation if your business qualifies.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
With the advent of "global warming" theories and debate, as well as pollution concerns,
your due diligence is absolutely necessary. We will audit and analyze your current
situation and develop, an action plan and long-term program. Already been accused?
Our scientific investigators will help prepare your defense.
*SATISFACTION GUARANTEED*
Our Pledge to you: We will provide you the best possible services. Although we can not
'guarantee' that our best efforts will provide you the information, results, or outcome you
may desire, or anticipate; no one can do that. We do promise we will earn our
compensation, and your trust by working diligently on your behalf. If, you do not honestly
believe that we have given you our best efforts, you will owe us nothing. Your
satisfaction is paramount to us.
It's obvious that you know your business better than anyone. But what may not be
obvious is how we will help you realize even greater profits, right now. What does this
information have to do with your operation? Perhaps everything. Everything if you
determine that one or more of our proven services are relevant to your future success.
It's worth nothing if you choose not to respond. If you would like to take the first step, our
team of experts can quickly determine if you are suited to work with us. The choice is
always yours.
Due to overwhelming demand, we must impose restrictions on accepting new clients.
Contact our Client Services Specialists at 520-296-4491 or info@6dofsolutions.com to
request an appointment for an in-depth analysis of your requirements; and to see if you
meet our strict criteria.
Your privacy, and confidentiality, is absolutely assured.
CRIMINAL/CIVIL LITIGATION SUPPORT
The location and interview of elusive and reluctant witnesses is a specialty of ours.
Whether you are litigating a death, family dispute, or an insurance matter; if they are
findable, we'll track them down and conduct a customized pre-interview for you.
Have an incident scene you would like reconstructed? Our specialists will build you an
accurate and powerful courtroom, or boardroom presentation that will sway minds.
INSURANCE
Worker's Compensation claims. Life. Business. Vehicle/transportation. Subrogation
Recovery. Whatever the claims challenges you may face, we can assist your adjustment
and underwriting departments by securing all of the facts available so that you will make
a more informed decision, improving your position, increasing your cash flow, and
limiting your liability and payouts.
SURVEILLANCE
Our highly trained operatives use state-of-the-art high-def cinematic and audio
technology. Gone are the days of grainy, out-of-focus, shaky footage, and muffled audio.
If we capture "Bigfoot" on film, there will be no doubt.
Already have unrecognizable, inaudible source materials? We may be able to help by
clarifying the sound and images utilizing our forensic editing expertise.
THREAT MANAGEMENT
Stalking is the fastest growing crime in the world. It spawns violence in the home, at
schools, shopping malls, and in the workplace. Are you prepared? Are you doing
everything possible to protect yourself? Your loved ones? Your students? Your
employees? Tragedies such as Columbine, Virginia Tech, 9-Eleven,and many others,
could have been prevented, IF, a few strategic precautions had been implemented prior
to the horrendous events. The warning signs were ignored in preference to "political
correctness," naivety, secrecy, and the deadliest killer of all...Denial.
Our precise Executive Protection Services will provide you peace of mind.
RISK & SAFETY FOR SMALL BUSINESS
Your financial security is in jeopardy if you do not have a comprehensive risk and safety
program in affect at your company or home-run business; yes, if you run your business
out of your home, you are required to have a plan. If a customer, employee, or visitor is
injured, you may be held accountable by OSHA and other authoritative entities. It won't
be cheap either. You'll be giving your insurance carrier a legitimate "out," and let us
assure you, they will deny coverage whenever they deem it appropriate. Our plans start
at an affordable $395. You wouldn't drive your automobile or company truck without
limiting your risk; why operate your business without similar protection? You'll receive
$100.00 on your initial consultation if your business qualifies.
INTERNATIONAL CORPORATE & COMMERCIAL SERVICES
Internal theft, intellectual property infringement, and piracy is endemic these days. We
will conduct a thorough inside analysis and audit of your most valuable assets to
determine if your valued intellectual properties have been or could be targeted by
unscrupulous trespassers.
BACKGROUND VERIFICATIONS
Are you sure that the prospective financial, personal partner, business associate, or
candidate for employment you are considering is right for you, or your business? The
professionals at 6DOFTM offer innovative time and cost-saving techniques that will allow
you to make the best possible decision.
You can forget about costly, time-consuming drug testing and personality profiling. IT
DOES NOT WORK! Ask us why, and how you can save yourself thousands of dollars,
and the pain caused by making the wrong hiring decisions that could cost you
everything. You'll receive $500.00 on your initial consultation if your business qualifies.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
With the advent of "global warming" theories and debate, as well as pollution concerns,
your due diligence is absolutely necessary. We will audit and analyze your current
situation and develop, an action plan and long-term program. Already been accused?
Our scientific investigators will help prepare your defense.
*SATISFACTION GUARANTEED*
Our Pledge to you: We will provide you the best possible services. Although we can not
'guarantee' that our best efforts will provide you the information, results, or outcome you
may desire, or anticipate; no one can do that. We do promise we will earn our
compensation, and your trust by working diligently on your behalf. If, you do not honestly
believe that we have given you our best efforts, you will owe us nothing. Your
satisfaction is paramount to us.
It's obvious that you know your business better than anyone. But what may not be
obvious is how we will help you realize even greater profits, right now. What does this
information have to do with your operation? Perhaps everything. Everything if you
determine that one or more of our proven services are relevant to your future success.
It's worth nothing if you choose not to respond. If you would like to take the first step, our
team of experts can quickly determine if you are suited to work with us. The choice is
always yours.
 | Consulting | |
| Analysis | |
| Advice | |
| IF YOUR SUCCESS IS VITAL... |
| Services |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| THE CENTURION for August, 2010 |
PRIVATE CONTRACT SECURITY – DO YOU REALLY ‘NEED’ IT?
From time to time, I've been asked to conduct, an analysis of security companies for clients from the inside. Every time I do
this, I reaffirm the same conclusion: “You always need security…except when you don’t.” Let me clarify, you always require
protection for your business and assets, but, you may not need contract security.
Many businesses small to large corporations have been convinced that contract security is cheaper, better, and less hassle
than hiring in house. Is this true? The answer is, sometimes. What the vast majority of business-people don’t realize is that in
most circumstances, it is rarely “better,” or “cheaper,” it a matter of perception – Better for whom? Cheaper for whom?
Polished security company sales reps will tell you that they can supply you with “trained professionals,” and customize a
security program to fit your needs and budget. You’ll pay a flat fee without all the other administrative costs. And, you will be
partnered with a notable company that shares the potential risk and liability that lies inherent. Really? One truth is you’re
buying a tweaked, packaged, boiler-plate system, and marginally “trained” personnel whom may have barely scraped by high
school. This is no custom-built Bentley or Rolls-Royce, and it is no bargain.
Then why, Centurion, do so many companies rely upon private security services? A successful and infamous con man was
once quoted, “Never under-estimate the gullibility of the ‘mark’.” Government agencies also contract with private security
companies; however, have you ever known our government to spend our tax dollars wisely?
Let’s look at what the industry claims it offers you:
Peace of mind?
Deterrence to crime?
State-of-the-art technology?
Trained, experienced, professionals?
A partner to share your risk and liability?
Lower internal employee costs?
Let’s analyze each of these alleged benefits:
Peace of Mind – Perhaps an appearance…until something bad happens. Your business assets allegedly protected against
criminal activity. An illusion is just that, an illusion. “What the eye sees, the ears hear, the mind will believe.” Ask any magician.
Unrealistic expectations are hazardous. “Trust, but verify.” Better advice could not be offered than those famous words.
Deterrence to Crime – Look, if all that is required to protect ourselves and our property against criminals, is uniformed, armed
(unarmed, in most instances) personnel, then why would we need more than our dedicated officers on our police and sheriff’s
departments? Because, Centurion, they can’t be everywhere, at any time. No, and neither can private security guards. Isn't
more presence better than less? It depends. Just whom are we deterring? A uniformed presence deters only the honest from
committing crimes. Criminals are not deterred. They just find ways around, over, through, or underneath when no one is
paying attention, and there are always windows of opportunity for the astute criminal. I’m not suggesting that you forget about
security because it is futile. What I caution you to do is employ smart, effective security measures at a reasonable cost.
You must understand that private security guards are NOT peace officers. They hold no privileged powers or authority over
anyone. You must also realize that the philosophy and mission of all private security companies is to “Observe, and Report.”
Should you pay a premium for that?
How many times have you read or seen a news story report of someone beaten to death, while private security guards stood -
by and watched? Is this what you want to pay for? How many news stories have you read or seen that report security guards
physically, and violently restrain suspected thieves, and then the alleged thief successfully sues the guards, the security
company, and the client company that the guards were protecting? Is this what you desire to pay for?
The “Observe and Report” is the methodology for the security industry. It insulates them from some successful litigation;
however, it creates other opportunities for shrewd attorneys. And, it does not protect you. Do you require a third party to
“Observe and Report”? Do you think that a third party with no direct interest or investment in your company is the best answer
for your security needs? Okay then, why do people hire them? Hassle-free, “Peace of Mind,” remember?
State-of-the-Art Technology– You’re buying this? Only the CIA, military intelligence, the FBI, Interpol, NASA, and a few other
very well-funded entities use state-of-the-art. Security companies cannot offer you this even if they wanted to, for more than two
important reasons, but I’ll give you two: Access; they do not have access to this technology, and the cost would be prohibitive
even if they had. What you are buying under this industry bait and switch is “proven mainstream technology.” In plain words,
you could buy this yourself, for less.
Sure, their sales reps will ooh and awe you with their proprietary systems and gadgetry and try to convince you that it is
unsurpassed in the industry. This Dog & Pony Show accomplishes one objective; increased profits for the security company.
You can invest in systems and equipment yourself that are not only less expensive, they are as effective, easier to use, more
reliable, and you control it.
For example, many large security companies offer a contemporary version of the old clunky security time clock system that
guards used to lug around to document, report, and track where they were at a given place and time. Now it’s done with
barcodes, or encoded electro-magnetic discs (about the size of a button) and a scanning device of some sort. You will be
convinced that you also should have a satellite tracking device so you know where your guard is at any time during their shift.
You can track his/her activity and reports from your computer. These are two separate and expensive scams; thousands upon
thousands if not hundreds of thousands of dollars in profit for the security company and a fleecing of yours.
Do you know that today’s “smart phones” will do all of this for you at a small fraction of the cost?
Trained, Experienced, Professionals– Yes, there are well-trained, intelligent, security-savvy people working in this industry.
The chances that one of them will be assigned to protect your assets is slim to none. Sorry, but you cannot buy true
professionals for $8.50 per hour.
Let’s examine the training. Most jurisdictions require security companies to give their guards an initial 8 to 40 hours of basic
security guard education, depending upon the local licensing requirements. I have presented or taught this "knowledge" to
aspiring security guards, and I can tell you that it may appear good on paper, or DVD, as the case may be, but mostly it is
another industry illusion. Not worth the paper that the “Certificate of Training” is printed on.
Much of this training is company propaganda. How wonderful the security company is, how prestigious they are in the industry.
The guards learn how to fill out the company internal paperwork, and how to “observe and report.” Sure, there are segments of
training that are pertinent to actual security procedures, but it is so cursory, and thin, it is like skipping stones across a pond.
If you are considering hiring a security provider, ask to sit in on a basic training class as an observer. You may see individuals
that can barely read and write, can’t focus on the material, can’t stay awake, and can’t comprehend the basic information being
taught. Then ask yourself, did you learn anything or was it all common sense stuff? To put this in perspective, most police
training academies are anywhere from 400 to 600 hours long, 3 to 5 months. After graduating, the rookie officers are then
required to complete another 240 to 400 hours of OJT with a seasoned officer. Well-trained, experienced police officers make
mistakes too, they’re human, and a few bad ones slip through the cracks. We see and hear about it on the news, don’t we?
Your security guard, after his initial 8 hours of training is assigned to protect your assets. Many of them work alone with no
further on-site training, other than to be shown where the restroom is. Well, okay, maybe a supervisor will show them where all
the checkpoints are, shadow them for awhile, and show them what to do with their activity report at the end of their shift.
Experienced professionals: Experienced doing what? There is nothing wrong with working at a convenience store, or having
been a stay-at-home parent, or just embarking on your first job, all admirable endeavors. Yes, there will be retirees from
military and civilian law enforcement who are seeking to supplement their incomes; as well as retirees from other
backgrounds.
Speaking of retired police officers, if you think that after 20-30 years of chasing bad guys, being shot at, assaulted, high-speed
chases, etc., that they are coming to work for you to be exposed to more of the same, you’re in for a shock. If they are former
police officers still looking for “the rush,” or they couldn't hack it long enough to make it to retirement, well then, you’ve probably
created a different kind of problem for yourself.
Yes there are smart, knowledgeable, dedicated professionals working in the industry, and yes, many of them started at the
bottom. Nevertheless, these individuals make up less than 3% of the security industry workforce, and the smart ones move
into other parts of the industry; management, HR, IT, or sales.
Another important aspect of personnel is; pre-employment screening. The security company will assure you that all of their
guards are carefully pre-screened, that they are suitable to work in the industry. The reality is they check public records for
criminal convictions, and run credit. I’m not saying that this is not important. Some companies administer profile, personality,
or other tests. I've never known a sociopath who could not beat this process. The larger the security company, the more layers
of impressive bureaucratic paperwork you will be snowed under with to persuade you.
I’m full of it? Then answer me this. I have infiltrated companies as an “employee” many times to gather intelligence for clients.
Each time, I tell the target company that this is one of the services I perform, and no, I do not misrepresent or falsify my
application information or my resume either, and they still hire me! “Hi, I’m a spy for a competitor or potential customer...”
A partner to ‘share’ your risk– They are well-insured, and if anything may happen, their large umbrella will protect you. Wrong.
Read the fine print of the contract. The sales rep and the marketing materials will tell you one thing, the “conditions,
exceptions, and exclusions” portion of the contract will reveal something else. Besides, in our litigious society, anyone can sue
anyone as long as they have a cause of action, and an attorney shall find a cause of action.
Lower Internal Employee Costs– I love this one. You are going to pay a security company somewhere between $13.00 and
$25.00 an hour to get an $8.50 to $10.00 per hour guard? Please explain this to me. I know, you don’t have to advertise, spend
the time interviewing, run the background checks, do the hiring paperwork, conduct training, pay workers compensation, pay
benefits, worry about direct supervision (you better be watching this guard!) I know all of the reasons, so-called, and the list
goes on.
If the cost is so prohibitive, then how does the security company make money? Oh, I see, they’re specialists, they make it up in
volume…like Walmart? They’re not really making any money off of you. If you believe that, well, I’m not a psychiatrist.
If you do not want to hire part-time internal watchdogs, then hire off-duty police officers. But Centurion, I've looked into this and
they are expensive! I can’t afford it! An off-duty police officer may cost you between $25.00 and $35.00 an hour depending upon
where you are located. That appears expensive on the surface, but it is not. Number one, if you do not need 24/7 coverage,
then an off-duty officer is less expensive. How? Strategic scheduling, that’s how. Since you may not need, or can’t afford 24/7,
you accomplish the appearance of 24/7 coverage through Strategic scheduling. You will only need to hire an off-duty police
officer 2-3 hours at a time and only a few times a week, if that much.
A peace officer will not stand around and watch while your client, visitor, or employee is brutally assaulted. They will not stand-
by while someone steals your assets. Criminals will be deterred if they cannot predict a pattern of coverage.
HOW TO DECIDE IF YOU SHOULD HIRE CONTRACT SECURITY
1. Do you need 24/7 coverage and multiple guards at any given time?
2. Are you obligated by client contract to do so?
3. Is your company so rich in liquid assets, liability insurance, and you would rather not be bothered, you
prefer to let someone else worry about it?
If you answered “yes” to any of the above, then go ahead. I do suggest that unless you are an expert in security, and about this
industry, you should hire an expert to guide you in this process. The investment you make in a competent consultant before
you jump in head first will save you money up-front and pay dividends down the road.
If you answered “no” to any of the above, you’re probably better off without.
“But we need security!” Then hire within, part-time, it’s less expensive; even considering the internal costs and you maintain
absolute control. He or she will have more of a personal interest in protecting your assets. Any competent security consultant
or CPA can show you how this is done.
Most businesses do not require 24/7 security. In many instances this is a waste of your resources. What you do need is
strategic scheduling that presents the appearance of 24/7. A competent security consultant can develop an affordable, effective
program for your business. Adopt an enterprise-based security program and you will make more money, not waste it.
Can’t decide? Give us a call. We can help you determine if you need contract security. And we will do it at no cost or obligation
to you. Why would we do this? Because we have learned throughout the years, that helping others, helps us. Someone once
said, “Pay it forward, it will come back to you a thousand-fold.”
Next in THE CENTURION – COLLECTION AGENCIES – do you need them?
From time to time, I've been asked to conduct, an analysis of security companies for clients from the inside. Every time I do
this, I reaffirm the same conclusion: “You always need security…except when you don’t.” Let me clarify, you always require
protection for your business and assets, but, you may not need contract security.
Many businesses small to large corporations have been convinced that contract security is cheaper, better, and less hassle
than hiring in house. Is this true? The answer is, sometimes. What the vast majority of business-people don’t realize is that in
most circumstances, it is rarely “better,” or “cheaper,” it a matter of perception – Better for whom? Cheaper for whom?
Polished security company sales reps will tell you that they can supply you with “trained professionals,” and customize a
security program to fit your needs and budget. You’ll pay a flat fee without all the other administrative costs. And, you will be
partnered with a notable company that shares the potential risk and liability that lies inherent. Really? One truth is you’re
buying a tweaked, packaged, boiler-plate system, and marginally “trained” personnel whom may have barely scraped by high
school. This is no custom-built Bentley or Rolls-Royce, and it is no bargain.
Then why, Centurion, do so many companies rely upon private security services? A successful and infamous con man was
once quoted, “Never under-estimate the gullibility of the ‘mark’.” Government agencies also contract with private security
companies; however, have you ever known our government to spend our tax dollars wisely?
Let’s look at what the industry claims it offers you:
Peace of mind?
Deterrence to crime?
State-of-the-art technology?
Trained, experienced, professionals?
A partner to share your risk and liability?
Lower internal employee costs?
Let’s analyze each of these alleged benefits:
Peace of Mind – Perhaps an appearance…until something bad happens. Your business assets allegedly protected against
criminal activity. An illusion is just that, an illusion. “What the eye sees, the ears hear, the mind will believe.” Ask any magician.
Unrealistic expectations are hazardous. “Trust, but verify.” Better advice could not be offered than those famous words.
Deterrence to Crime – Look, if all that is required to protect ourselves and our property against criminals, is uniformed, armed
(unarmed, in most instances) personnel, then why would we need more than our dedicated officers on our police and sheriff’s
departments? Because, Centurion, they can’t be everywhere, at any time. No, and neither can private security guards. Isn't
more presence better than less? It depends. Just whom are we deterring? A uniformed presence deters only the honest from
committing crimes. Criminals are not deterred. They just find ways around, over, through, or underneath when no one is
paying attention, and there are always windows of opportunity for the astute criminal. I’m not suggesting that you forget about
security because it is futile. What I caution you to do is employ smart, effective security measures at a reasonable cost.
You must understand that private security guards are NOT peace officers. They hold no privileged powers or authority over
anyone. You must also realize that the philosophy and mission of all private security companies is to “Observe, and Report.”
Should you pay a premium for that?
How many times have you read or seen a news story report of someone beaten to death, while private security guards stood -
by and watched? Is this what you want to pay for? How many news stories have you read or seen that report security guards
physically, and violently restrain suspected thieves, and then the alleged thief successfully sues the guards, the security
company, and the client company that the guards were protecting? Is this what you desire to pay for?
The “Observe and Report” is the methodology for the security industry. It insulates them from some successful litigation;
however, it creates other opportunities for shrewd attorneys. And, it does not protect you. Do you require a third party to
“Observe and Report”? Do you think that a third party with no direct interest or investment in your company is the best answer
for your security needs? Okay then, why do people hire them? Hassle-free, “Peace of Mind,” remember?
State-of-the-Art Technology– You’re buying this? Only the CIA, military intelligence, the FBI, Interpol, NASA, and a few other
very well-funded entities use state-of-the-art. Security companies cannot offer you this even if they wanted to, for more than two
important reasons, but I’ll give you two: Access; they do not have access to this technology, and the cost would be prohibitive
even if they had. What you are buying under this industry bait and switch is “proven mainstream technology.” In plain words,
you could buy this yourself, for less.
Sure, their sales reps will ooh and awe you with their proprietary systems and gadgetry and try to convince you that it is
unsurpassed in the industry. This Dog & Pony Show accomplishes one objective; increased profits for the security company.
You can invest in systems and equipment yourself that are not only less expensive, they are as effective, easier to use, more
reliable, and you control it.
For example, many large security companies offer a contemporary version of the old clunky security time clock system that
guards used to lug around to document, report, and track where they were at a given place and time. Now it’s done with
barcodes, or encoded electro-magnetic discs (about the size of a button) and a scanning device of some sort. You will be
convinced that you also should have a satellite tracking device so you know where your guard is at any time during their shift.
You can track his/her activity and reports from your computer. These are two separate and expensive scams; thousands upon
thousands if not hundreds of thousands of dollars in profit for the security company and a fleecing of yours.
Do you know that today’s “smart phones” will do all of this for you at a small fraction of the cost?
Trained, Experienced, Professionals– Yes, there are well-trained, intelligent, security-savvy people working in this industry.
The chances that one of them will be assigned to protect your assets is slim to none. Sorry, but you cannot buy true
professionals for $8.50 per hour.
Let’s examine the training. Most jurisdictions require security companies to give their guards an initial 8 to 40 hours of basic
security guard education, depending upon the local licensing requirements. I have presented or taught this "knowledge" to
aspiring security guards, and I can tell you that it may appear good on paper, or DVD, as the case may be, but mostly it is
another industry illusion. Not worth the paper that the “Certificate of Training” is printed on.
Much of this training is company propaganda. How wonderful the security company is, how prestigious they are in the industry.
The guards learn how to fill out the company internal paperwork, and how to “observe and report.” Sure, there are segments of
training that are pertinent to actual security procedures, but it is so cursory, and thin, it is like skipping stones across a pond.
If you are considering hiring a security provider, ask to sit in on a basic training class as an observer. You may see individuals
that can barely read and write, can’t focus on the material, can’t stay awake, and can’t comprehend the basic information being
taught. Then ask yourself, did you learn anything or was it all common sense stuff? To put this in perspective, most police
training academies are anywhere from 400 to 600 hours long, 3 to 5 months. After graduating, the rookie officers are then
required to complete another 240 to 400 hours of OJT with a seasoned officer. Well-trained, experienced police officers make
mistakes too, they’re human, and a few bad ones slip through the cracks. We see and hear about it on the news, don’t we?
Your security guard, after his initial 8 hours of training is assigned to protect your assets. Many of them work alone with no
further on-site training, other than to be shown where the restroom is. Well, okay, maybe a supervisor will show them where all
the checkpoints are, shadow them for awhile, and show them what to do with their activity report at the end of their shift.
Experienced professionals: Experienced doing what? There is nothing wrong with working at a convenience store, or having
been a stay-at-home parent, or just embarking on your first job, all admirable endeavors. Yes, there will be retirees from
military and civilian law enforcement who are seeking to supplement their incomes; as well as retirees from other
backgrounds.
Speaking of retired police officers, if you think that after 20-30 years of chasing bad guys, being shot at, assaulted, high-speed
chases, etc., that they are coming to work for you to be exposed to more of the same, you’re in for a shock. If they are former
police officers still looking for “the rush,” or they couldn't hack it long enough to make it to retirement, well then, you’ve probably
created a different kind of problem for yourself.
Yes there are smart, knowledgeable, dedicated professionals working in the industry, and yes, many of them started at the
bottom. Nevertheless, these individuals make up less than 3% of the security industry workforce, and the smart ones move
into other parts of the industry; management, HR, IT, or sales.
Another important aspect of personnel is; pre-employment screening. The security company will assure you that all of their
guards are carefully pre-screened, that they are suitable to work in the industry. The reality is they check public records for
criminal convictions, and run credit. I’m not saying that this is not important. Some companies administer profile, personality,
or other tests. I've never known a sociopath who could not beat this process. The larger the security company, the more layers
of impressive bureaucratic paperwork you will be snowed under with to persuade you.
I’m full of it? Then answer me this. I have infiltrated companies as an “employee” many times to gather intelligence for clients.
Each time, I tell the target company that this is one of the services I perform, and no, I do not misrepresent or falsify my
application information or my resume either, and they still hire me! “Hi, I’m a spy for a competitor or potential customer...”
A partner to ‘share’ your risk– They are well-insured, and if anything may happen, their large umbrella will protect you. Wrong.
Read the fine print of the contract. The sales rep and the marketing materials will tell you one thing, the “conditions,
exceptions, and exclusions” portion of the contract will reveal something else. Besides, in our litigious society, anyone can sue
anyone as long as they have a cause of action, and an attorney shall find a cause of action.
Lower Internal Employee Costs– I love this one. You are going to pay a security company somewhere between $13.00 and
$25.00 an hour to get an $8.50 to $10.00 per hour guard? Please explain this to me. I know, you don’t have to advertise, spend
the time interviewing, run the background checks, do the hiring paperwork, conduct training, pay workers compensation, pay
benefits, worry about direct supervision (you better be watching this guard!) I know all of the reasons, so-called, and the list
goes on.
If the cost is so prohibitive, then how does the security company make money? Oh, I see, they’re specialists, they make it up in
volume…like Walmart? They’re not really making any money off of you. If you believe that, well, I’m not a psychiatrist.
If you do not want to hire part-time internal watchdogs, then hire off-duty police officers. But Centurion, I've looked into this and
they are expensive! I can’t afford it! An off-duty police officer may cost you between $25.00 and $35.00 an hour depending upon
where you are located. That appears expensive on the surface, but it is not. Number one, if you do not need 24/7 coverage,
then an off-duty officer is less expensive. How? Strategic scheduling, that’s how. Since you may not need, or can’t afford 24/7,
you accomplish the appearance of 24/7 coverage through Strategic scheduling. You will only need to hire an off-duty police
officer 2-3 hours at a time and only a few times a week, if that much.
A peace officer will not stand around and watch while your client, visitor, or employee is brutally assaulted. They will not stand-
by while someone steals your assets. Criminals will be deterred if they cannot predict a pattern of coverage.
HOW TO DECIDE IF YOU SHOULD HIRE CONTRACT SECURITY
1. Do you need 24/7 coverage and multiple guards at any given time?
2. Are you obligated by client contract to do so?
3. Is your company so rich in liquid assets, liability insurance, and you would rather not be bothered, you
prefer to let someone else worry about it?
If you answered “yes” to any of the above, then go ahead. I do suggest that unless you are an expert in security, and about this
industry, you should hire an expert to guide you in this process. The investment you make in a competent consultant before
you jump in head first will save you money up-front and pay dividends down the road.
If you answered “no” to any of the above, you’re probably better off without.
“But we need security!” Then hire within, part-time, it’s less expensive; even considering the internal costs and you maintain
absolute control. He or she will have more of a personal interest in protecting your assets. Any competent security consultant
or CPA can show you how this is done.
Most businesses do not require 24/7 security. In many instances this is a waste of your resources. What you do need is
strategic scheduling that presents the appearance of 24/7. A competent security consultant can develop an affordable, effective
program for your business. Adopt an enterprise-based security program and you will make more money, not waste it.
Can’t decide? Give us a call. We can help you determine if you need contract security. And we will do it at no cost or obligation
to you. Why would we do this? Because we have learned throughout the years, that helping others, helps us. Someone once
said, “Pay it forward, it will come back to you a thousand-fold.”
Next in THE CENTURION – COLLECTION AGENCIES – do you need them?