How to Choose a Security Guard Company: 12 Questions to Ask Before You Sign
Updated: 3 days ago
The best way to choose a security guard company is to verify its California license, ask how it hires, trains and supervises guards, and compare written proposals for the same scope of work. Price matters, but the company that answers these questions clearly is usually the one that protects your property best.
Key takeaways
Every California security company that provides guards must hold a Private Patrol Operator (PPO) license from the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS).
Every guard must hold a BSIS guard registration, and armed guards also need a BSIS firearm permit.
Ask about training, supervision, reporting, post orders and how the company handles call-offs.
Compare proposals line by line on hours, duties and reporting, not just the hourly rate.
Ask for references from properties like yours and a certificate of insurance.
What license should a California security company have?
A California company that provides security guards must hold a Private Patrol Operator (PPO) license issued by BSIS, part of the Department of Consumer Affairs. You can check any license, its status and its expiration date for free on the California DCA license search. If a company cannot give you a PPO number, keep looking.
Our guide on how to verify a California security company's license walks through the lookup step by step.
What questions should you ask before hiring a security guard company?
Ask questions that show how the company actually runs, not just what it promises. Strong answers are specific: names of supervisors, sample reports, written training steps and a clear plan for covering shifts. Vague answers, or answers that change from one call to the next, are a warning sign.
Use these 12 questions:
What is your PPO license number? Check it on the DCA site before the next call.
Do all your guards hold current BSIS guard cards? Ask how the company tracks expiration dates.
Are your guards employees or contractors? Employees are easier to train, schedule and supervise.
What training do guards get beyond the state minimum? Ask about site training before the first shift.
Who supervises the guards, and how often? Ask whether supervisors visit the site or check in remotely.
What happens when a guard calls off? The company should have a backup plan, not an empty post.
What do your reports look like? Ask for a sample daily activity report and incident report.
Will you write post orders for my property? Post orders tell guards exactly what to do at your site.
Armed or unarmed, and why? A good company explains the tradeoffs for your property's risk.
Can I see a certificate of insurance? Ask for current general liability and workers' compensation coverage.
Who are your references at properties like mine? Call at least two.
What is included in the hourly rate? Ask about holidays, overtime, vehicles and supervision.
How much training do California security guards need?
California sets minimum training for registered guards. Under state rules, guards complete 8 hours of training before their first assignment, including Powers to Arrest, then 16 more hours within 30 days and another 16 hours within six months, for 40 hours total. Guards also complete 8 hours of continuing training each year.
State minimums are a floor, not a ceiling. Ask the company what it adds for your type of property, such as de-escalation, report writing, customer service or site-specific procedures. For armed posts, guards need a separate BSIS firearm permit and regular requalification.
How do you compare security guard proposals fairly?
Compare proposals only after every company is bidding on the same scope. Write down the hours, number of guards, duties, reporting needs and armed or unarmed status, then send the same list to each company. A low bid that leaves out supervision, holidays or reporting often costs more once the gaps show up.
When proposals come back, check these items side by side:
Hours and posts: Do they match exactly what you asked for?
Duties: Patrols, access control, lockups, incident response and customer service.
Supervision: Site visits, check-ins and who you call with a problem.
Reporting: Daily reports, incident reports and how fast you receive them.
Rate details: Holiday rates, overtime and any extra fees.
Contract terms: Notice period, start date and how changes are handled.
Our breakdown of what drives security guard cost in California explains why bids can differ so much.
What are the red flags when hiring a security company?
The biggest red flags are no license number, guards without guard cards, no written reports and pressure to sign quickly. Be cautious of a company that cannot name who supervises your site, will not share references or offers a rate far below every other bid without explaining why. Those gaps usually show up later as missed shifts and weak coverage.
Other warning signs:
Promises that sound too good, such as guaranteed results.
No written post orders or site plan.
No clear answer on how call-offs are covered.
Guards who arrive without uniforms or identification.
How should Alhambra property owners choose local security?
Alhambra owners should look for a company that already knows the San Gabriel Valley, its busy commercial corridors and its mix of apartments, retail and offices. A local company can visit the site, meet managers in person and adjust coverage as needs change. Ask how often supervisors are in the area.
Alhambra property owners can learn more about local coverage on our Alhambra security services page.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check if a security company is licensed in California?
Search the company name or PPO number on the California DCA license search at search.dca.ca.gov. The result shows the license type, status and expiration date.
What is a PPO license?
A Private Patrol Operator license is the BSIS license a California company needs to provide security guards or patrol services.
Should I choose the lowest security guard bid?
Not on price alone. Compare hours, duties, supervision and reporting first, since a low bid may leave out services you need.
Do I need armed or unarmed guards?
Most properties start with unarmed guards. Armed guards fit higher-risk sites, and the choice should follow a site assessment.
How long does it take to start security service?
It depends on the scope and the company's staffing. Ask each company for a realistic start date in writing.
About the author
Samantha Stephens leads SGV Patrol, a security company serving the San Gabriel Valley since 2012. SGV Patrol is Licensed, BSIS PPO #17353. You can verify our license on the California DCA license search.
Get a clear proposal for your property
Comparing security companies? Call SGV Patrol at (626) 727-1592 for a security assessment. Calls are answered 24/7.
Cover photo: "Garfield Avenue, Alhambra, California (14331338867)" by Ken Lund from Reno, Nevada, USA, via Wikimedia Commons, licensed CC BY-SA 2.0.
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