How to Start a Security Patrol Business

A security patrol business provides security guards to businesses to patrol their facility and grounds.

Small businesses don't always have the monetary resources to on-site hire security guards to protect their company in the evening and overnight hours even though they may be a target for thefts and vandalism. Many of these businesses choose to hire an independent security patrol company. With more than two million burglaries occurring in the U.S. in 2008, according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, there is an increased need for this type of service.

Instructions

1. Conduct a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) analysis for your business to help ensure the success of your company based on your location and the needs of businesses owners in your community. Write a detailed business plan based on the analysis that outlines the business's plan for marketing, hiring staff and funding.

2. Obtain funding. Meet with a representative from a local bank or credit union in your community to learn about different types of business loans and whether or not your security patrol business qualifies. Provide them with a copy of your business plan.

3. Register your business. Complete the Employer Identification Number form on the website of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to register your security patrol business with the federal government. Obtain a city business license by completing the application and paying a small licensing fee at your local city hall. Contact your state professional licensing division to learn if a special license is required at the state level for security businesses. If so, complete the license application and meet any state laws and requirements prior to doing business as a security patrol company.

4. Find an office location. Lease or purchase an office or commercial space to house your security patrol business. Secure a location that contains offices for you to meet with prospective clients, as well as space for security guards to use as a base when they aren't making rounds or walk throughs of local businesses. Seek out a location in the center of the community or a district of the city heavily populated with businesses and companies.

5. Determine the specifics. Decide what rate you need to charge small business owners to pay your employees, cover your expenses and still make a profit. Consider other security services you can provide, such as installing and monitoring surveillance cameras. Provide walk throughs with small business owners to provide recommendations on additional security measures they can take to protect their business.

6. Hire staff. Find employees with previous experience working in security or as a police officer. Conduct complete background checks on all employees to ensure they have no past criminal behavior.

7. Market your business. Network with small business owners and inform them of the services your security patrol business provides. Read through the daily police logs posted online or in the newspaper to learn what businesses or neighborhoods have experienced recent theft or other crimes. Follow up with them on the services you provide and how you can be of assistance to help avoid future problems.

References

• Federal Bureau of Investigation: Property Crimes in 2008

Resources

• Internal Revenue Service: Employer Identification Number Information