How to Start a Private Armed Security Company
Whether it's a media story about private security firms hired to support troops in Afghanistan or the growing number of classified ads in the Help Wanted section, there's no shortage of attention being given to the role security guards play in today's society. You see them everywhere: Malls, banks, nightclubs, events, property patrols and on the street; there's little doubt that securing the public welfare has become big business. Based on that reality, your desire to launch a private security company could offer a recession-proof future. Start off on the right foot with a clear understanding of the complexity of your new business effort. There are lots of checks and balances on the road to owning a security company, but if you do your homework and stay abreast of new trends in the field, your enterprise will stay profitable and your clients and employees will remain safe and sound.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Headquarters office with high security protection
- Licenses and permits
- Training classes for employees
- Employee background checks
- Firearms permits
- Ultra-secure computer system
- Shredder (plus backup)
- Weapons
Instructions
-
-
1
Come from a security background. Whether your experience includes military, police department or private security work, the more extensive your background, the better your chances of launching a company that is as empathetic to its clients as it is protective of employees with boots on the ground. Having coursework in criminal justice---or a degree in this area---is a bonus, as is weapons training with a variety of firearms.
-
2
Secure all of the licenses and permits required by state and local government to sanction your private arms security company. Expect to undergo rigorous background checks. If there's anything in your past that could prohibit you from qualifying for required licensing, find a way to clear it up, have it expunged or seek legal recourse to mediate the situation(s) before you make application for these documents.
-
-
3
Create a business plan for your private arms security company. Project future activity by outlining how you plan to operate, manage employees, compete with other security firms, establish and maintain offices, recruit clients and recruit staff.
-
4
Choose a name for your firm that reflects any of these criteria: Your name, the area of the country in which you're headquartered or a powerful name that brings to mind security, protection and safety. Once you've found a company name that feels right, conduct a search on the Internet to make certain another firm isn't already using it. You may wish to copyright your name to protect it---especially if it's clever or unique.
-
5
Rent a headquarters office. Check with local officials to make certain zoning laws don't prohibit your business from occupying space in the community you've picked because firearms are prohibited. This is a rare occurrence, but be prudent and check before you sign the lease.
-
6
Apply due diligence to the business end of your private arms security company. You'll need a tax ID number for purposes of filing a business return with the IRS each year as well as a corporate checking account. You may wish to incorporate to give your business bankruptcy protection. Check with your lawyer for recommendations on this step.
-
7
Invest in a computer with enough firewalls and security software built into the system to protect the privacy of your clients, keep your employee's identities safe and secure sensitive information about cases you undertake. Purchase office equipment, supplies and, most important, a professional shredder (perhaps two to be on the safe side). Security locks, keypads and other such safeguards to prevent access to your place of business are critical.
-
8
Decide between hiring private security professionals as staff with benefits or affiliate with private contractors that can be brought in as needed for long or short-term assignments. The benefit of private contractors is that you'll always be able to adjust your personnel needs and you won't be required to offer benefits. Should you opt for staff, hire each with the understanding that no offer of employment can be made until they clear a background screen so you don't run into problems bonding staffers.
-
9
Determine how staff/private contractors will be trained. In some states (California is one), the Department of Consumer Affairs handles licensing of private patrol operators, private investigators, alarm company operators, repossession agencies and locksmiths and certifies their training facilities and instructors. Other states own, operate or license training programs to prepare security workers to handle weapons. Your state government can give you information on whether employees are subject to mandated classes.
-
10
Secure gun permits for employees. This process is handled by the state. To give you an idea of fee ranges, the state of Washington charges from $110 to $360 for a gun permit. Your employees must submit to yet another background check, fingerprinting and in some states, must present proof of firearms training through a state-sanctioned commission (e.g., Step 9). Protect your business by having full-time employees bonded.
-
11
Don't skimp on insurance coverages for your company. You'll need minimal liability insurance cover on each employee (bodily and personal injury plus property damage), and you will want to purchase an umbrella policy to cover catastrophic claims. If you have incorporated your business, you will be protected from lawsuits personally, but since you're in the security business, this is really no time to cut back on the protection that could save you from personal bankruptcy.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Since 9/11, the United States has seen an increase of 6 percent in the number of private security firms being opened and operated.
