Questions to ask a guarding company before you commit

You've called three guarding companies and they all sound capable over the phone. Now comes the hard part: sorting the ones who actually deliver from those who cut corners or oversell their capabilities. The difference often lies in how they answer your questions—not just what they say, but how much detail, honesty and pushback they offer. A guard standing outside your gate or inside your premises is one of your most important business decisions. Here's how to interrogate them properly.

Do you own your own guards, or do you contract them in?

This one separates the professional operators from the brokers. A company that employs guards directly usually invests in their training, vetting, uniforms and equipment—they have skin in the game. If they tell you they source guards on a contract-by-contract basis or partner with other agencies, ask why. Sometimes they'll say it gives them flexibility; often it means lower overhead and less accountability. A good answer includes detail: "We employ core guards full-time and bring in screened contractors for peak periods." A evasive one is "We have access to a large pool of guards"—which could mean anyone with a pulse and a licence.

Why it matters: employed guards tend to be better trained, more reliable and less likely to disappear mid-shift. They're also more incentivised to protect your reputation, not just collect a paycheque.

How do you vet and train your guards, and how often?

Don't let them waffle. Push for specifics: Do they run criminal record checks? Do they interview referees? Do they test guards on your site's particular risks—whether that's cash handling, access control, emergency procedures or de-escalation? A solid operator will tell you their vetting process takes weeks, not days, and that every guard gets induction training on your specific property or premises. Then ask about ongoing training. "We run quarterly updates" is better than silence.

Watch for vagueness like "We train to industry standards" without naming what those are. Good operators can usually reference PSIRA guidelines or their own documented procedures. If they seem offended by the question or brush it off, that's a red flag.

Why it matters: a poorly vetted or untrained guard isn't just ineffective—they can create liability for you. They might escalate a situation, miss a breach, or behave unprofessionally with your staff or clients.

What happens when your regular guard is sick or can't make a shift?

This is where most guarding relationships break down. Ask them directly: do you cancel the shift, do you send an unknown replacement, or do you shuffle staff from elsewhere? What's your notice period? Do they charge more for last-minute cover? And critically—will the replacement guard have been briefed on your site's specifics, or will they turn up cold?

A professional answer sounds like: "We maintain a roster of trained standby guards who can cover at short notice. They receive a briefing pack on the property and key procedures. If we can't fill the shift, we notify you immediately." A weak one is "We'll find someone" or "We usually manage to cover it."

Why it matters: one absent guard can undo weeks of good security. If they can't reliably fill shifts, your site is exposed and your operational planning falls apart.

What's included in your contract, and what happens if things go wrong?

Get the contract in writing and read it carefully—or ask a lawyer to. Specifically: What are their response times if an alarm is triggered? What's their liability if a guard is negligent? Do they carry insurance? What's the notice period for either of you to exit? Are there penalties for poor performance, and how do you measure it?

Good operators include performance metrics (response times, incident reporting standards, supervisor checks) and clear escalation procedures. Poor ones leave everything vague or offer you few protections.

Why it matters: a contract that's all obligations on you and none on them isn't a partnership—it's a one-way bet.

Before you sign, ring at least two references from existing clients and ask them the same questions you asked the company. Consistency between what they promised and what they delivered tells you everything. When you're ready to compare vetted guarding companies in your area, Strove lets you read verified reviews and request quotes from operators with proven track records.