How to choose a security agency: 10 key questions

A quick guide that will save you time, nerves and money. Before you sign a contract, go through these ten questions – ideally directly with the supplier at the table.

1. What is your experience with our type of contract?

   Ask for specific examples: concerts, corporate premises, VIP escorts, retail, construction sites... Watch to see if they speak in numbers (numbers of visitors, incidents, interventions).

   
   

2. Who will be your team and how is it selected?

   How people are screened (reference checks, integrity), what courses they have (first aid, crowd management), how crowds and illness are dealt with.

   
   

3. Do you have a valid license and liability insurance?

   Request a copy of the license/authorization and insurance certificate with coverage limits. Ask about exclusions (e.g., crowd panic, third-party property damage).

   
   

4. What does a security and risk management plan look like?

   A reputable agency will start with a site audit, prepare a written plan (zoning, perimeters, evacuation routes, bag policy), risk matrices, and clear roles.

   
   

5. What is the command and communication structure at the event/site?

   Who is the shift leader? How will you communicate (radios, backup channels), how incidents are escalated and how quickly. Ask about shift handover protocols.

   
   

6. What technologies do you use and who operates them?

   CCTV, 24/7 monitoring, body-cams, checkpoints, digital logs, or drones (including legal framework). Who manages the data and how long is it archived (GDPR)?

   
   

7. How is reporting and evaluation done?

   You want to see templates: daily log, incident report, final report with recommendations. Ideally, KPI/SLA (response times, coverage, number of preventive interventions).

   
   

8. Training and standardsHow often does the team train?

   Do they have internal SOP/OHS, first aid training, crowd management, dealing with a conflicted visitor, working with sensitive data?

   
   

9. References and pilot option

   Verify 2-3 client contacts with similar work. A short pilot (e.g. one shift/event) is a great way to validate quality without a long contract.

   
   

10. Price and budget transparency

    Request a breakdown: hourly rates (day/night/holiday), number of posts, additional fees (fast deployment, technology), cancellation policy, how substitutes are handled. Clear price ≠ lowest price.

A good security agency will guide you through the process from audit to evaluation and will be transparent about people, procedures, and pricing. With these questions, you will quickly recognize the difference between marketing and true professionalism.