What Securitas does and who hires them

Securitas is a multinational security company that provides uniformed guards, mobile patrols, and monitoring services to businesses, property managers, and institutions. They operate in over 60 countries and employ hundreds of thousands of security personnel. Unlike a local guard service, Securitas is a large corporation with standardized training, background check procedures, and insurance coverage across all their locations.

Securitas hires out guards for retail stores, office buildings, hospitals, warehouses, construction sites, and special events. They also offer mobile patrol services where guards drive through properties on a schedule, and some locations have remote monitoring through security cameras and alarm response. The company handles the hiring, training, scheduling, and liability — the client (your business or property) contracts with Securitas rather than hiring guards directly.

Key Takeaways

  • Securitas provides uniformed security guards, mobile patrols, and alarm monitoring through contracts with businesses and property owners, not direct employment.
  • Guard training and background checks are handled by Securitas, though the depth varies by location and the specific contract terms.
  • Costs depend on guard hours needed, location, type of service (static guard versus mobile patrol), and local labor rates.
  • Securitas operates through regional offices, so the guard quality and response time can differ between cities and even between neighborhoods in the same city.
  • A contract with Securitas typically requires a minimum commitment period and specifies response times, guard uniforms, and what the guards are authorized to do.

How Securitas guards are trained and vetted

Securitas requires all guards to pass a background check before hire, which includes criminal history, employment verification, and sometimes a driving record check if the role involves mobile patrol. The depth of the background check varies by state and by the client's specific requirements — a hospital may require more extensive screening than a retail store.

Guards receive training on basic security procedures, emergency response, and customer service. In most states, security guards must also hold a state license or registration, which requires passing a written exam and sometimes completing a set number of classroom hours. Securitas either provides this training or requires guards to complete it before starting work. The quality and length of training can vary; some states mandate 40 hours of classroom instruction, while others require less.

Once hired, guards are assigned to shifts and locations. Securitas handles scheduling, payroll, and uniforms. If a guard is terminated or quits, Securitas replaces them — the client does not have to rehire. This is the main advantage of using a contract security company rather than hiring guards directly.

Types of services Securitas offers

Securitas provides several service models depending on what a client needs. Static guard services place a uniformed guard at a fixed location — a lobby, entrance, or parking area — for a set number of hours per day. The guard monitors who enters and exits, checks credentials, and responds to incidents on-site.

Mobile patrol services send a guard or team in a vehicle to drive through multiple properties on a schedule. This works for clients who own several buildings or lots and do not need a guard at each location full-time. The patrol guard checks doors, looks for signs of break-in, and responds to alarms.

Alarm response and monitoring involves Securitas receiving alerts from a client's security system and dispatching a guard to investigate. Some contracts include 24/7 monitoring through a central station. Event security is temporary staffing for concerts, conferences, or private events, where Securitas provides guards for crowd control and access management.

What a Securitas contract typically includes

A contract with Securitas specifies the location, hours of service, number of guards, and the type of work (static, patrol, or monitoring). It also lists the guard's uniform, equipment they carry (radio, flashlight, badge), and what they are authorized to do — for example, whether they can detain someone or only observe and report to police.

Most contracts require a minimum commitment, often 30 days to one year, and include a monthly or hourly rate. Rates vary widely based on location, guard experience level, and service type. A static guard in a major city costs more than a patrol service in a rural area. The contract also specifies response time — how quickly a guard will arrive if called, which matters for alarm response services.

Securitas carries liability insurance, which covers injury or property damage caused by their guards. The contract will outline what the client is responsible for and what Securitas covers. If a guard is injured on the job, Securitas carries workers' compensation insurance.

How Securitas differs from local or smaller security firms

Large national companies like Securitas have standardized procedures, consistent background checks, and corporate liability insurance. A local security firm may be cheaper and more flexible, but they typically have fewer resources for training and less insurance coverage. Securitas also has the scale to cover vacancies — if a guard calls in sick, they have a pool of replacements available.

The trade-off is that Securitas is less flexible on contract terms and may have longer response times in rural areas where they have fewer guards stationed. A small local firm can sometimes customize services more easily and may know the neighborhood better. For a large retail chain or office complex, Securitas's standardization and insurance are usually worth the cost. For a single small property, a local firm might be more practical.

What to expect when you contact Securitas

Securitas has regional offices in most major cities. You can contact them through their website or by phone to discuss your security needs. A representative will ask about your location, the hours you need coverage, the type of property, and any specific concerns (theft, vandalism, access control). They will provide a quote based on these details.

The quote will include the hourly rate for guards, any setup fees, and the minimum contract length. You can negotiate some terms, though large national companies like Securitas have less flexibility than smaller firms. Once you sign a contract, Securitas assigns guards to your location and provides a point of contact for scheduling changes or complaints.

If you are unhappy with a guard's performance, you can request a replacement. Securitas will not remove a guard based on a single complaint, but repeated issues will result in reassignment. The contract should specify how to report problems and how quickly Securitas will respond.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Securitas guards make arrests or use force?

Security guards, including those from Securitas, have the same legal authority as any private citizen — they can detain someone briefly if they witness a crime, but they cannot make a formal arrest. Use of force is limited to self-defense or defense of others. The specific rules vary by state and by what the contract allows. Your contract should clarify what guards are authorized to do.

How much does Securitas cost?

Costs vary by location, guard experience, and service type. A static guard in a major city might cost $25 to $50 per hour, while a mobile patrol covering multiple properties could be less per location. Rural areas and overnight shifts often cost more. You will need to contact Securitas directly for a quote based on your specific needs.

What happens if a Securitas guard causes damage or injury?

Securitas carries liability insurance that covers injury or property damage caused by their guards in the course of their work. The contract specifies what is covered and what the client is responsible for. If you believe a guard caused damage, report it to your Securitas account manager when ready and document it in writing.

Can I hire a Securitas guard directly after their contract ends?

Most Securitas contracts include a non-compete clause that prevents you from hiring their guards directly for a set period after the contract ends, usually 6 to 12 months. This protects Securitas's business model. Violating this clause can result in legal action.

How do I know if Securitas is licensed in my state?

Securitas is licensed to operate in all 50 states, but individual guards must hold a state security guard license or registration. When you sign a contract, ask Securitas to confirm that all assigned guards hold current licenses for your state. You can also verify a guard's license through your state's licensing board, which usually has an online search tool.