Hiring professional security guards protects your Los Angeles property, assets, and employees—but the process can feel overwhelming if you've never contracted security services before. From verifying licensing to understanding contracts and deployment timelines, knowing what to expect ensures you choose the right security partner.
Since 1997, Scaife Protection Services has helped thousands of Los Angeles businesses, property managers, and organizations navigate the security hiring process. Whether you need construction site security, warehouse protection, or commercial building guards, this guide walks you through every step from initial contact to guards on-site.
Step-by-Step Security Guard Hiring Process
Step 1: Determine Your Security Needs
Before contacting security companies, assess your specific requirements:
Property Type and Size:
- What type of facility needs protection? (warehouse, construction site, office, retail)
- Square footage and number of buildings/locations
- Number of entry points requiring monitoring
- Perimeter length for patrol coverage
Coverage Requirements:
- Hours needed: business hours only, extended hours, or 24/7 coverage?
- Days required: weekdays, weekends, holidays?
- Number of guards needed simultaneously
- Mobile patrol vs. stationary guard posts
Service Level Decision:
- Armed vs. unarmed guards - when armed security is necessary
- Vehicle patrol requirements
- Special certifications (bilingual, first aid, etc.)
- Technology needs (CCTV monitoring, access control)
Step 2: Research and Verify Security Companies
California's security industry includes both legitimate, licensed providers and unlicensed operators. Proper verification protects you from liability and ensures professional service.
Essential Verification Steps:
- PPO License: Verify valid California Private Patrol Operator license with BSIS
- Insurance Coverage: Confirm $1,000,000+ general liability and workers' compensation
- Years in Business: Established companies demonstrate stability and experience
- References: Request and check references from similar clients
- Online Reviews: Research reputation through Google, Yelp, BBB
Complete security company verification guide →
Step 3: Request Quotes and Compare Options
Contact 2-3 qualified security companies to compare pricing and services:
Information to Provide:
- Property type, location, and size
- Desired coverage hours and schedule
- Armed vs. unarmed preference
- Start date and contract length
- Any special requirements
Quick Quote Option: Use our Build-Guard online quote tool for instant pricing estimates without waiting for callbacks.
What to Compare:
- Hourly rates (standard and overtime/holiday)
- Minimum hour requirements
- Contract terms and length
- Included services and technology
- Guard supervision and quality control
- Response time for issues or emergencies
Understanding security guard costs and pricing →
Step 4: Review Contracts Carefully
Professional security companies provide written contracts detailing all terms:
Essential Contract Elements:
- Scope of Services: Specific duties guards will perform
- Coverage Schedule: Days, hours, number of guards
- Pricing: Hourly rates, billing frequency, payment terms
- Guard Qualifications: Training, licensing, background checks
- Supervision: Management oversight and quality control
- Reporting: Daily reports, incident documentation
- Contract Length: Term, renewal options, cancellation terms
- Insurance Requirements: Liability coverage, additional insured status
Red Flags in Contracts:
- Vague service descriptions
- No specified guard qualifications
- Unclear pricing or hidden fees
- Unreasonable cancellation penalties
- Missing insurance provisions
Step 5: Sign Agreement and Schedule Deployment
Once you've selected a security company and reviewed the contract:
- Sign Contract: Execute written agreement
- Provide Site Information: Access codes, emergency contacts, specific instructions
- Schedule Start Date: Coordinate guard deployment timing
- Confirm Guard Details: Receive names and licenses of assigned personnel
- Establish Communication: Set up reporting and contact protocols
Step 6: Site Orientation and Guard Deployment
Professional security companies conduct thorough orientations before guards begin:
- Site Tour: Guards familiarize themselves with property layout
- Post Orders Review: Specific duties and procedures explained
- Emergency Protocols: Contact information, response procedures
- Technology Training: Access control systems, CCTV, reporting tools
- Introduction to Staff: Guards meet key personnel
Ready to Get Started?
Hire licensed, professional security guards in Los Angeles
License: PPO-12958 | Fully licensed, bonded, and insured
Armed vs. Unarmed Security Decision Guide
When to Choose Armed Security Guards
Armed security guards cost more but provide maximum deterrence for high-risk situations:
Armed Guards Recommended When:
- High-Value Assets: Inventory, equipment, or cash exceeding $500,000
- High-Crime Location: Property in area with elevated theft or violence rates
- Previous Incidents: Site has experienced break-ins, theft, or violence
- Valuable Equipment: Construction sites with expensive machinery
- Cash Handling: Businesses with significant daily cash transactions
- Insurance Requirements: Carrier mandates armed protection
When Unarmed Guards Are Sufficient
Unarmed security guards provide professional protection at lower cost:
Unarmed Guards Work Well For:
- Office building access control and reception
- Retail loss prevention and customer service
- Residential community patrol
- Parking enforcement and monitoring
- General facility security and reporting
- Lower-risk properties in moderate-crime areas
Detailed armed vs. unarmed comparison →
Same-Day Security Guard Deployment
When You Need Guards Immediately
Security emergencies require rapid response. Scaife Protection Services provides same-day guard deployment for:
- Break-In Recovery: Immediate protection after theft or vandalism
- Insurance Requirements: Sudden carrier-mandated security
- Construction Equipment Arrival: Protecting new machinery deliveries
- Employee Threats: Workplace violence protection
- Event Security Needs: Last-minute event protection
- Guard Service Failures: Previous provider no-shows
Same-Day Deployment Process
- Emergency Contact: Call (323) 786-8140 for immediate assistance
- Rapid Assessment: We evaluate your urgent security needs (5-10 minutes)
- Guard Assignment: Licensed guards assigned from ready pool (15-30 minutes)
- Quick Deployment: Guards arrive on-site within hours, fully equipped
- Immediate Protection: Security begins immediately while paperwork follows
Learn more about emergency deployment →
Understanding Security Guard Contracts
Contract Length Options
Short-Term Contracts (30-90 days):
- Temporary construction project security
- Seasonal protection needs
- Event security coverage
- Trial periods before long-term commitment
- Typically higher per-hour rates
Long-Term Contracts (6-12 months):
Cancellation Terms
Understanding cancellation provisions protects both parties:
- Notice Period: Typically 30 days written notice
- Early Termination: May include fees or penalties
- Performance Failures: Immediate termination rights for non-compliance
- Mutual Agreement: Flexibility for changing needs
Payment Terms
Standard security service billing:
- Billing Frequency: Weekly or bi-weekly for services rendered
- Payment Terms: Net 7-14 days from invoice
- Deposits: Some contracts require security deposits or retainers
- Overtime/Holiday Rates: Typically 1.5x standard rates
What to Expect During Implementation
First Week of Service
Guard Adjustment Period:
- Guards learn site layout and procedures
- Initial questions and clarifications normal
- Management conducts frequent check-ins
- Adjustments made based on observations
Communication Establishment:
- Daily activity reports begin immediately
- Emergency contact protocols tested
- Reporting schedule established
- Client feedback mechanisms set up
Ongoing Management
Regular Supervision:
- Field supervisor site inspections (announced and unannounced)
- Daily activity report reviews
- Performance monitoring and coaching
- Client feedback collection
Quality Assurance:
- Guard performance evaluations
- Training refreshers and updates
- Technology verification (GPS tracking, reporting)
- Continuous improvement processes
Handling Issues or Concerns
Professional security companies respond quickly to client concerns:
- Guard Performance: Immediate retraining or replacement if needed
- Scheduling Conflicts: Rapid coverage adjustments
- Communication Gaps: Enhanced reporting or contact protocols
- Scope Changes: Contract amendments for changed requirements
Technology and Reporting
Guard Dashboard Monitoring System
Modern security includes technology for accountability:
- GPS-Tracked Patrols: Verified proof of guard presence and rounds
- Digital Reporting: Comprehensive daily activity reports via email
- Photo Documentation: Visual evidence of conditions and incidents
- Real-Time Alerts: Immediate notifications of security events
- Client Portal: 24/7 access to guard activity and reports
Learn about Guard Dashboard technology →
Communication Protocols
Regular Communication:
- Daily activity reports delivered via email
- Weekly or monthly performance summaries
- Scheduled management check-ins
- 24/7 emergency contact availability
Emergency Notifications:
- Immediate phone call for critical incidents
- Follow-up written reports with details
- Law enforcement coordination documentation
- Photo/video evidence when applicable
Los Angeles Security Guard Service Areas
We provide security guard hiring and deployment throughout Los Angeles County:
- Los Angeles - All districts and neighborhoods
- Long Beach - Commercial and industrial areas
- South Bay - Torrance, Redondo Beach, Manhattan Beach, El Segundo
- San Gabriel Valley - Pasadena, Alhambra, El Monte, West Covina
- Antelope Valley - Lancaster, Palmdale
- Orange County - Fullerton, Santa Ana, Garden Grove
View complete service coverage →
Frequently Asked Questions About Hiring Security Guards
How long does it take to hire security guards in Los Angeles?
Standard timeline is 24-48 hours from contract signing to guards on-site. For emergencies, we offer same-day deployment with guards arriving within hours. Call (323) 786-8140 for urgent needs.
Do I need to sign a long-term contract?
No. We offer both short-term (30-90 days) and long-term (6-12 months) contracts. Short-term options work well for temporary projects or trial periods, though long-term contracts typically secure better rates.
What if I need to change coverage hours or add guards?
Security needs change, and contracts should be flexible. We accommodate schedule adjustments, additional guards, or reduced coverage with proper notice. Major changes may require contract amendments.
How do I verify the guards assigned to my property?
We provide names and BSIS Guard Card numbers for all assigned personnel before they start. You can verify licenses through the BSIS website or request copies of their credentials.
What happens if a guard calls in sick or doesn't show up?
Professional companies maintain backup guards to ensure continuous coverage. We guarantee guard coverage—if someone calls out, we deploy a qualified replacement immediately at no additional cost.
Can I request a different guard if there's a personality conflict?
Absolutely. We want guards who work well with your team. If there's a compatibility issue, we'll assign a different guard without question or penalty.
How much do security guards cost?
Costs vary based on armed vs. unarmed, coverage hours, and service requirements. Use our Build-Guard quote tool for instant estimates or review detailed pricing information.
Do you provide guards for just one event or short-term needs?
Yes. We provide security for single events, temporary construction projects, short-term coverage, and seasonal needs in addition to ongoing contracts.
⚡ Same-Day Security Guard Hiring
Need guards immediately? We provide same-day deployment throughout Los Angeles County. Licensed, trained guards arrive within hours for emergency situations. Call (323) 786-8140 now for urgent security needs.
Hire Professional Security Guards in Los Angeles Today
The security guard hiring process doesn't have to be complicated. Scaife Protection Services simplifies every step—from initial quote to guards on-site—with 27 years of Los Angeles security experience.
Why Businesses Choose Scaife Protection:
- Same-day deployment for urgent needs
- Fully licensed (PPO #12958) and insured ($1M coverage)
- Transparent pricing with instant online quotes
- Professional guards with extensive training
- Technology-enhanced accountability (GPS tracking, digital reporting)
- 24/7 management support and supervision
Contact Scaife Protection Services now:
🛡️ Simple, Professional Security Guard Hiring
From first contact to guards on-site in as little as 24 hours. Licensed, insured, professional security throughout Los Angeles County. 27 years of proven experience. Call (323) 786-8140 to get started.