When security guards are required on a short term basis for special events or times of heighten security, you should obtain quotes as soon as possible. As detailed below, there are many factors to weigh to determine which security contractor you are going to select, so the quicker you can get the quotes, the more time you can devote to selecting the right contractor for your organization.
A good place to find reputable agencies for short term contacts is to check with local law enforcement to see if they have any recommendations. Checking with local law enforcement for short term guards is exceptionally important if the event you are planning may require your guards to be interacting with local law enforcement, like an outdoor concert.
In certain jurisdictions the local law enforcement agencies will outsource off duty police officers for special events. If your short term needs for special events may have a “rowdy element” then these seasoned police officers are the best to control crowds and enforce regulations.
It is very important that your organization clearly defines the security contractor’s scope of work. All of the following items should be addressed:
- A concise statement describing the security tasks to be performed, including the number of days and hours that security is needed. This information should be clearly outlined with the security contractor before security staff is assigned to the site.
- A detailed set of general and special instructions. The importance of these instructions cannot be overstated. The organization should not rely on the security contractor to provide them. These instructions should be discussed with and agreed upon between the decision makers, security team and the security firm. For example, special considerations could be for VIP access to particular areas.
- Only you know those special circumstances, do not expect the guards to figure them out because it will be too late and cause confusion for the guards, your staff and create an insecure environment. Uncertainty and confusion create insecure situations for criminals to strike.
A security guard needs to follow policy and instructions perfectly. In order for instructions and policy to be clearly defined a liaison needs to be appointed so all instructions to the security guards come from one person. This liaison is the assignment of one person who will be the security guard’s contact and will greet the security guard throughout the assignment and transfer all special circumstances and polices to them. This liaison will greet the security guard upon arrival to ensure that the guard understands his/her role, and among other requirements, has a neat appearance and proper attitude. When special circumstances need to be communicated to the guards it will be done by the liaison. Instructions and policy need to be communicated to the guard by one liaison in order to eliminate variance in the instructions caused by multiple liaisons. For example, if you leave a VIP off a list and the guard is convinced by the so called VIP or another staff member to let him/her into the secure area, you have created a security risk.
All of the above statements are also true for long term security guards but especially important for short term guards as they are not familiar with your people, processes or facility and may be coming to your location under times of heightened security or duress.
Have your protection plan defined in advance and communicate it to your guards and have it followed to the letter. If the guard thinks there is need for deviation to the security plan they need to contact their liaison and let the liaison make the call.