Whalen Security

How do they incorporate technology solutions into their manned guard for added value to your overall security operation?

Technology plays a critical role in not only securing your environment but also helping you measure the effectiveness of your overall security operations, keeping you up to date on budgeting, invoicing, incident reporting, facility and safety inspections as well as staffing issues that can often arise. It’s important to look for a company that has their own proprietary mobile software, vehicles with GPS, incident reporting tools, patrol/tour notifications and other critical technology support.

How is the guard force supervised, and how is critical information delivered up the chain of command and back to the customer?

The security firm you choose should have a clear chain of command that you the customer, can work through should a problem arise with any of the personnel employed by their firm. Be sure to have them document for your how they deal with disciplinary issues, and how the results of these actions are reported back to you as the customer. Don’t just inquire about what to do if there is a problem, find out more about how the celebrate success, from awards programs to pay based incentives. A high quality security program includes high quality security officers with training, backgrounds and experience to make a difference.

What are the Prices of Your Services?

Compare the prices and see which provider fits in your budget and meets your requirement as well. However, be cautious if a company quote is considerably lower than other companies. It simply means that they are cutting corner. During economically challenging times it is easy to focus squarely on the bottom line and accept the proposal from the lowest bidder without taking into account other factors. Unfortunately, when it comes to security, this approach will affect the caliber of officers assigned to your company. This is especially true since generally, those cost savings are achieved by paying officers lower wages and reducing their benefits. In other words, you get what you pay for. A high quality officer in an impressive uniform using and understanding technology will be far more effective than an under paid and untrained guard from a company that was the lowest bidder. For example, they can send untrained security guards with little or no experience. It may be possible that they don’t have the required insurance or approval. It is usually best to prefer the experience and quality of services over prices.

Cost is only one of many important considerations when choosing a security company.

Whalen Security views your relationship as a true partnership and is willing to go the extra mile providing value added services that extend beyond the scope of your agreement such as; offering town hall meetings, monitoring construction activity, safeguarding business and community assets, monitoring school bus pick up and drop off areas, providing redundant alarm systems or even helping find lost pets or assisting employees when they are locked out of cars after hours. Officers assigned to your business should get to know employees and residents alike and go above and beyond to make sure your business or community are secure.

Is the Agency Locally Owned or a National Chain?

A small business can serve you better than a national security firm. To a national chain you’re just another contract. Whalen Security will pay more attention and treat you better. You’ll have the bosses phone number, not some call center.

How Customer Service Oriented is the Company?

Whalen Security puts a priority on customer service.

Does the security company you’re considering offer different choices in uniforms that fit the occasion?

Whalen Security offers police-style uniforms, polo shirts, t-shirts, Bike patrol, suit and tie and plain clothes. Whalen Security will even make new uniform specifically for your site.

What Is the Company’s Reputation?

Ask the company for client references and speak with them, to learn whether they were satisfied with the work done. Whalen Security will always give access to all current or former clients.

Is the Company Willing to Accommodate Your Needs?

Will the company work with your schedule? Particularly if it involves varying hours? If a company not willing to accommodate you, it’s not going to care about your business.

Is the Company Licensed and Insured?

The agency should be able to supply valid, current state licenses and show proof of insurance. Scrutinize the insurance to ensure it adequately covers your situation (one million dollars is the standard). Forms of insurance include workman’s comp, auto liability and general liability. Ask that it adds your business as an “additionally insured.” Whalen Security exceeds Rhode Island minimum coverage.

How Well-trained are the Guards?

Regardless of the company you are considering or the type of service you need, hiring guards who are properly trained is vital to your business’s welfare. Otherwise, you run the risk of guards who are ill-prepared to handle emergency situations or manage even routine tasks. Ask what type of training the company provides and whether it meets or exceeds state requirements. If the latter, ask in what ways and be specific.