A security company is more than a service, it is a relationship of care and trust. A security team needs to be invested in your safety, and the security company that manages them has to care about their safety. Both need your trust and understanding to do their jobs. That is the difference between an effective security force and an ineffective guard.
Why We Said No to a Dangerous Security Contract
Recently, I was asked to provide a security quote for a local professional office here in Las Vegas, Nevada. The office’s management strategist reached out to six different security companies—including ours—to bid for 24/7 coverage. The post was described as an “observe and report” position, meaning officers wouldn’t be expected to physically intervene.
But as we listened to the details, things didn’t quite add up.
The Walk-Through
All six companies were invited to do a walk-through of the property. During the tour, the client pointed out several concerns:
- Homeless individuals often sleep on a dirt lot attached to the property.
- A mentally ill homeless man, who had already been trespassed by police, keeps returning.
We were told our officers would be expected to do walk-throughs every 30 to 45 minutes, both day and night. During those patrols, they wanted our officers to approach and remove any homeless individuals they encountered.
Here’s the problem:
They also told us our officers couldn’t carry any defensive tools—no OC spray, no baton, no taser, no firearm, not even handcuffs. Just a phone and a flashlight.
Before Negotiating a Security Contract
Ask yourself the following questions:
- What conditions will guards be working in?
- What segment of the public will they be interacting with?
- What tools will they need to keep your location safe?
A professional security team invested in your safety should ask you those same questions.
Our Response to the Client
Below is an excerpt from the letter I sent to the potential client:
From Chief Healea:
Over the past five years, we’ve seen a massive increase in violent incidents involving the homeless population.
In just the last two years, without any provocation, our officers have had axes and crowbars pulled on them and have endured two direct attacks—all after simply asking someone to leave private property.
In every case, our officers acted professionally and safely detained the suspects. But these incidents highlight a very real danger.
More than 80% of the homeless individuals we encounter are struggling with severe mental illness or addiction to substances like meth, fentanyl, or heroin.
Because I care about the safety of my officers, I cannot place them in a position where they are expected to engage individuals at night, in the dark, alone, and unarmed.
Where We Draw the Line
Sadly, none of the other companies raised any concerns about officer safety. They were ready to take the contract—no questions asked.
We hear stories all the time from officers who used to work for these companies. They tell us about being placed in dangerous situations with no training, no support, and no tools—all because their employer wanted to make a profit.
That’s not who we are.
At Sec1 Security, we believe it’s a company’s responsibility to protect its officers just as much as it protects its clients. That means:
- Providing proper training.
- Equipping officers with the right tools.
- And refusing contracts that put our people in harm’s way.
Pro Tip:
A Security Company that doesn’t ask about the safety of their officers is not invested in the safety of your employees or customers.
A Security Company does what’s right
Some opportunities just aren’t worth it. No contract, no paycheck, and no client request is worth risking an officer’s life. Real security means doing what’s right, not just doing what pays. That’s what separates Sec1 Security from the rest.
For peace of mind, contact us for a security assessment of your location. For those who already have a security team, visit our Training Courses for additional certifications and education.
Chief Michael Healea
SecOne Security Group LLC Lic# 3092
Michael@SecOneSecurity.com
702-276-6979
SecOneSecurity.com