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This is the header image for the BPS Security article titled, “Why Making Price the Determining Factor Leads to Fatalities”.

Why Making Price the Determining Factor Leads to Fatalities

Recently a 39-year-old elementary school security guard was charged with molestation charges and as it turns out, this is only indicative of a larger problem in the security industry. Over the years, the security industry has become commoditized. Even our own clients responded “Price is most important” when questioned about what factors influence their purchasing decision in security. And we are here to tell you that making price the determining factor might actually be the cause of many problems!

Not All Security is Created Equal

There is a pervading perspective that security is security. Unfortunately, it has led to security companies touting the lowest prices and cutting expenses in the wrong areas — often their own security guards’ paychecks and training. This is where the underlying problems are hidden and why making price the determining factor can result in problems.

Underpaid Security Officers

This is an image of multiple stacks of quarters sitting on a wooden table placed in order from shortest to tallest. Behind the quarters is a small chalkboard sign that reads, “salary”. This image is used in the BPS Security article titled, “Why Making Price the Determining Factor Leads to Fatalities”.
Most security guards are paid unlivable wages. Now, the conversation about wages is a heated topic right now! But there is a difference between a security guard and a line cook. A security guard actually holds a lot of “power”, and are often expected to put their own life in danger in order to protect the company that hired the security in the first place. Perhaps it is time that the company hiring a security firm asks themselves, “Would I put my life at risk for minimum wage?!”

Typically, people tend to perform better when they are shown respect. Does minimum wage scream, “I respect and value you!?” Not really.

This is one of the biggest reasons we, here at BPS Security, make it a priority to pay our guards a living wage (with opportunity to make more money) AND make sure our clients know that. But sadly, many of the clients we spoke to are unconcerned with the amount of money that their guards are actually making. And yet — they expect their guards to be exceptional.

Inexperienced Security Guards

To become a security guard, an individual must be at least 18 years or older, cannot be dishonorably discharged from the military, or be indicted or charged with Class A or B misdemeanors or felonies. Additionally, in some counties/states, they are required to obtain a certification! There are two levels, the first will allow an individual to work as a security guard while the second will allow an individual to be an armed security guard. Most level II certifications can be acquired in less than 48 hours!
This is an image of a hand holding a magnifying glass scanning over a word cloud that has the word “competence” along with other similar words. This image is used in the BPS Security article titled, “Why Making Price the Determining Factor Leads to Fatalities”.

After an individual is deemed “good to go” to work as a security guard, most security firms will not pay for continued training and education! This can cause two very big problems!

  1. It is dangerous!
  2. Lack of knowledge will often cause security guards to make poor choices when facing difficult situations. These poor choices can cost the company that hired the security firm millions of dollars in court. (And this is only the tip of the iceberg).

Not if… But When!

The thing is, when it comes to security, problems will arise! And paying for “the cheapest” security will not set a company up for success when the problem actually unfolds.

Instead of making price the determining factor when choosing a security firm, they really need to be looking at the overall quality of service and treatment of their employees!

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