Cheap Security Can Be Dangerous
Protecting your business, employees, and assets requires professional security services. While low-cost security might seem attractive initially, this decision can expose your business to significant risks and ultimately cost far more than investing in quality security from the start.
Understanding the true value of professional security services requires looking beyond the initial price tag. In the Boston area, quality security guards earn competitive wages averaging $20.57 per hour for unarmed positions and $21-$27 per hour for armed guards. Reputable security companies charge appropriately because they understand what effective protection requires. Here are seven critical reasons why choosing cheap security can be dangerous for your business.
1. Inadequate Training and Qualifications
Professional security guards undergo extensive training that goes far beyond basic requirements. Quality security companies invest heavily in their personnel, providing training in emergency response, conflict de-escalation, report writing, and legal procedures. This training is expensive and time-consuming, which is reflected in the wages of qualified guards.
Cheap security services often skimp on training to keep costs low. Guards may receive only the bare minimum state-required training, leaving them unprepared for real security situations. An inadequately trained guard may make poor decisions that escalate situations rather than resolve them, potentially putting lives at risk and exposing your business to liability.
The investment in proper training is why experienced security guards in Boston can command salaries of $42,000-$55,000 annually. Companies paying significantly below market rates are likely cutting corners on the very training that makes security effective.
2. High Turnover and Unreliable Coverage
Low wages lead to high employee turnover, which is particularly problematic in the security industry where consistency and familiarity with your property are needed. Security companies that pay below-market rates struggle to retain quality personnel, leading to frequent staffing changes.
High turnover means your property is constantly being protected by new guards who are unfamiliar with your specific security needs, protocols, and layout. This lack of continuity creates security vulnerabilities that experienced criminals may exploit. Additionally, frequent staffing changes increase the likelihood of coverage gaps, leaving your property unprotected during critical periods.
Quality security companies understand that paying competitive wages around $20-$27 per hour helps retain experienced guards who become familiar with your property and can provide consistent, reliable protection.
3. Compromised Background Screening
Thorough background checks are expensive but required for security personnel who will have access to your property and sensitive areas. Reputable security companies conduct comprehensive screenings including criminal history, employment verification, reference checks, and sometimes even psychological evaluations.
Cheap security services often cut costs by performing minimal background checks or skipping verification steps. This can result in hiring individuals with criminal backgrounds, substance abuse issues, or other disqualifying factors. The potential consequences include theft, property damage, inappropriate behavior, and serious liability issues for your business.
The cost of proper background screening is built into the pricing of professional security services, which is one reason why quality security commands higher wages and service fees.
4. Inadequate Insurance and Liability Protection
Professional security companies carry comprehensive insurance policies to protect both themselves and their clients from potential liabilities. This includes general liability, professional liability, and bonding for their employees. These insurance costs are significant but required for protecting your business.
Cheap security providers often carry minimal insurance or may not be properly insured at all. If an incident occurs involving their personnel, you could find yourself liable for damages, legal fees, and settlements. The cost of a single lawsuit could far exceed any savings from choosing cheaper security services.
Always verify that the company carries adequate insurance and that their guards are properly bonded. This protection is factored into the pricing of reputable companies and helps justify the higher wages they pay to attract quality personnel.
5. Poor Emergency Response Capabilities
Effective security requires guards who can think quickly and respond appropriately to various emergency situations, from medical emergencies to security breaches to natural disasters. This capability comes from proper training, experience, and the confidence that comes with fair compensation.
Cheap security guards are often undertrained and may lack the experience or motivation to handle emergencies effectively. They may fail to follow proper protocols, delay calling emergency services, or make decisions that worsen situations. In critical moments, these failures can result in serious injuries, property damage, or loss of life.
Professional security guards earning competitive wages around $42,000-$55,000 annually are more likely to be properly trained, experienced, and motivated to perform effectively during emergencies. The investment in quality personnel pays dividends during situations requiring quick, professional response.
6. Technology and Equipment Limitations
Modern security often relies on sophisticated technology including surveillance systems, access control, communication equipment, and monitoring software. Operating this equipment effectively requires training and technical competence that comes at a premium.
Cheap security services may use outdated equipment, provide minimal technology training, or employ guards who lack the technical skills to utilize security systems effectively. This can result in missed incidents, poor documentation, and ineffective security coverage.
Quality security companies invest in both modern equipment and proper training for their personnel. This investment is reflected in their pricing and the wages they pay to attract guards capable of operating complex security systems effectively.
7. Reputation and Legal Compliance Risks
Your choice of security provider reflects on your business reputation and can impact relationships with tenants, customers, employees, and insurance providers. Cheap security services may not maintain professional standards or comply with all legal requirements.
Issues with unprofessional conduct, inappropriate appearance, poor communication skills, or legal violations by security personnel can damage your business reputation and relationships. Additionally, non-compliant security practices can result in regulatory violations, fines, and legal issues.
Professional security companies that pay competitive wages attract guards who understand professional conduct and legal compliance. The Boston security market, where quality guards earn $20-$27 per hour, reflects the value of this professionalism.
The True Cost of Cheap Security
While cheap security might seem like a cost-saving measure, the potential consequences far outweigh any initial savings. Consider these potential costs:
- Legal fees from liability issues
- Insurance claim increases
- Property damage from inadequate protection
- Loss of business due to security incidents
- Reputation damage from unprofessional security personnel
- Regulatory fines from non-compliance
- Emergency response failures leading to serious consequences
Making the Right Investment
Quality security is an investment in your business’s protection, reputation, and long-term success. In the Boston area, professional security guards earn competitive wages reflecting their training and expertise. Choosing a reputable security company ensures you receive the protection your business deserves.
Consider the total cost of protection, not just the hourly rate. Factor in the value of proper training, reliable coverage, comprehensive insurance, professional conduct, and effective emergency response. The difference between cheap security and professional security services often represents the difference between adequate protection and serious vulnerability.
Your business deserves security personnel who are properly trained, fairly compensated, and committed to protecting your interests. The competitive wages earned by quality security guards in Boston reflect the true value of professional security services and the expertise required to protect your business effectively.
In security, you get what you pay for. The question isn’t whether you can afford quality security services—it’s whether you can afford the consequences of choosing cheap alternatives.
Why Hub Security Guards Sets the Standard
Hub Security Guards exemplifies the principle that investing in quality personnel delivers superior results. Unlike companies that compete solely on price, Hub Security Guards understands that exceptional security starts with exceptional people—and exceptional people require competitive compensation.
Hub Security Guards pays their workers above-market rates, often exceeding the Boston area averages of $20-$27 per hour. This strategic investment in human capital allows them to attract and retain the most qualified candidates in the industry. Here’s why their approach makes a difference:
Selective Hiring Process: By offering higher wages, Hub Security Guards can be selective in their hiring process, choosing only candidates with the best qualifications, experience, and professional demeanor. While cheap security companies often struggle to fill positions with any available candidate, Hub Security Guards can choose from a pool of qualified professionals.
Enhanced Training Investment: Higher wages mean Hub Security Guards attracts candidates who are worth investing in with advanced training. Their guards receive comprehensive instruction in emergency response, customer service, conflict resolution, and specialized security protocols—training that companies paying minimum wages cannot justify providing.
Reduced Turnover: Hub Security Guards’ commitment to fair compensation results in significantly lower turnover rates. Their guards develop familiarity with client properties, build relationships with tenants and employees, and provide the consistency that effective security requires. This stability means fewer training costs and more experienced guards protecting your property.
Professional Standards: Guards who are well-compensated take pride in their work and maintain higher professional standards. Hub Security Guards’ personnel understand they represent both their company and their clients, resulting in better customer service, professional appearance, and appropriate conduct in all situations.
Advanced Capabilities: By attracting top-tier candidates, Hub Security Guards can provide specialized services that budget providers cannot. Their guards are capable of handling complex security systems, managing emergency situations effectively, and providing detailed incident reports that meet professional standards.
Client Retention: The superior service that results from Hub Security Guards’ investment in their workforce translates to higher client satisfaction and retention. While cheap security companies often see high client turnover due to service issues, Hub Security Guards builds long-term relationships based on consistent, reliable protection.
The company’s philosophy is simple: invest in quality personnel, and they will provide quality service. This approach may result in higher initial costs compared to budget alternatives, but it delivers superior value through reduced liability, better protection, and enhanced professional image.
Hub Security Guards represents more than just a security service—they are a partner that understands the true value of professional security and invests accordingly in the people who protect your business.
Refrences
Great Tips On What To Look For When Hiring
7 Critical Reasons Why Door and Window Alarms Are Essential for Commercial Security
Half Blind WTC Guard Caught Snoozing, NY POST, 03/06/14
YouTube WPTV News Armed Security Found sleeping
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