5 Things to Ask Before Hiring Security

Considering hiring a security guard company in El Paso?

Ask These 5 Essential Questions to Make an Informed Decision to Protect Your Business.

When your business is ready to invest in professional security, the stakes are high. You’re trusting a company to protect not just property, but people, assets, and your brand’s reputation. Whether you’re a logistics operator, retail owner, or property manager in El Paso, choosing the right security partner is critical.

Here are five essential questions to ask before hiring a security guard company—and what to look for in their answers.

1. Are Your Security Officers Licensed and Background Checked?

In Texas, all security officers must be licensed by the Texas Department of Public Safety (TXDPS). This ensures that they have passed the required training and background checks.

- What to ask:
  - Are your guards licensed through TXDPS?
  - Do you conduct drug screenings or additional vetting beyond state minimums?
  - - Can you provide documentation or license numbers for verification?

- If the company is vague or unwilling to share licensing details, walk away.

2. What Kind of Training Do Your Officers Receive?

A guard may be physically present—but are they prepared? Good companies invest in more than the bare minimum Level II training. They equip guards with tools to de-escalate conflicts, write clear reports, manage access points, and respond to emergencies.

- Look for:
  - Ongoing training for site-specific risks
  - Supervisor-led field evaluations
  - - Certifications in CPR, first aid, or use of force (if commissioned)

Pro tip: Ask whether guards receive any training related to your type of property or industry.

3. How Do You Handle Scheduling, Call-Offs, and Supervision?

An empty post is as bad as no contract at all. Reliable staffing is one of the most overlooked areas in security hiring.

- Ask about:
  - Backup officers or floaters in case of a call-off
  - On-call supervisors after hours
  - - Scheduling software or tools used to prevent no-shows

A reputable company will have redundancy plans in place and communicate with you proactively.

4. How Will We Stay in Communication About Our Site?

Whether you’re dealing with a break-in, a suspicious vehicle, or just a gate left open, communication is everything. Your security company should provide a clear plan for how they’ll report incidents, relay updates, and share documentation.

- Important details:
  - Will I receive daily or weekly reports?
  - Who is my point of contact for concerns or urgent issues?
  - - Do you provide site visits or supervisor check-ins?

Modern firms may also offer client portals, shared logs, or mobile reporting tools.

5. Can You Provide References or Client Testimonials?

A good security company should be proud of the relationships they’ve built—and willing to prove it. Hearing directly from current clients gives you insight into how the company performs on the ground, not just in proposals.

- Ask for:
  - References from similar-sized businesses or industries
  - - A sample post order or site instruction plan

Final Thoughts

Hiring a security guard company is not just a transaction—it’s a partnership. By asking the right questions up front, you’ll save yourself time, frustration, and potential liability in the future.

If you’re a business owner in El Paso or the surrounding area and you’re ready to upgrade your site security, Sun City Security is here to help. We don’t just fill posts—we build customized protection plans that work.

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Sun City Security Services, Inc.