How to Find a Reliable Security Company in Tacoma, Washington: Your Guide to Safety and Peace of Mind

Whether you're a business owner, or a property manager, finding a trustworthy security company is essential to ensuring the safety of your customers, employees, and property. However, with so many options available, it can be challenging to distinguish between reputable security companies and shady ones with untrained or unqualified employees. In this guide, we'll look at seven tips on how to find a good security company right here in Tacoma.

1. Do Your Research Well

I recommend that you start by doing a search for local security guard companies that are operating in the Tacoma area. Pay special attention to their online reviews and ratings from previous clients. Usually you can find ratings and reviews on platforms like Google, Yelp, or the Better Business Bureau. Take time to dig a little deeper by reading through some of the reviews that are not so positive. Are there any consistent problems that keep coming up in some of the negative reviews? Are there any employees who are complaining about bad working conditions? While certainly no company is perfect, if you see consistent bad reviews that’s a warning sign letting you know that you should avoid that company.

2. Check Licenses and Certifications

The city of Tacoma requires that every security guard company be properly licensed and insured. You can check Tacoma open data to verify their license. Simply choose data set “NAICS_Code_Description” and filter by “Security Guards and Patrol Services” you will see a list of all licensed security guard companies in Tacoma. Furthermore, you can ask the company to send a copy of their business license along with any other certifications they might have.

3. Evaluate Experience and Expertise

Just because a company has been around for a long time doesn’t mean it has the specific experience or expertise that you require. Ask detailed questions to be sure that the company has experience in the particular sphere of security that you need. It helps to do your best to determine what kind of security you need before looking for a security company that is a good match. Do you need armed security or unarmed? Maybe you need someone to stand post at night or maybe mobile patrol services are a better fit. Other types of security can include event security, corporate, private protection, and industrial security. Whatever type of security you are looking for make sure the company has experience and expertise in that particular sector of the security industry.

4. Verify Employee Training and Qualifications

Unfortunately, too many companies fail to provide sufficient training for their security guards. Washington State requires a minimum of 8 hours of training for unarmed security guards. Additionally, armed security guards are required to pass a rigorous firearms course. All guard companies in Tacoma are required to keep detailed records of the training and certifications of each guard. Ask about their standards for their training program. You can also ask to see the Washington State guard card for the security officers who will be working your site. It’s also vital to ask about additional training and certificates. Do they give their employees training in things like first aid, deescalation techniques, and emergency response?

5. Check Insurance Coverage

Washington state requires a minimum of $25,000 liability for security companies. But this is a bare minimum. Even smaller companies should have at least $1,000,000 in liability coverage. This is vital to insure that you will be covered in the case of any accident caused by an employee of the security firm.

6. Seek Personal Recommendations

One of the best ways to find a good security guard company is simply to ask friends, family, neighbors, or fellow business owners in Tacoma if they have had positive experiences with any guard companies. Personal recommendations can provide valuable insights and help you make an informed decision.

7. Obtain Transparent Pricing and Contracts

Contract terms and pricing should be clear, detailed and written in a language that is understandable by all. Avoid companies that provide vague or unclear information about their services and fees. Read the contract carefully, ask questions and if needed, ask for changes to be made before signing.

I hope that this guide to finding a reputable security guard company in right here in Tacoma was helpful to you. If you are looking for security in the Tacoma area, we at Master Security Patrol are ready to answer any of your questions and to come up with a tailored security solution that works for you.