Amid the coronavirus crisis, the demand for security officer services remains high. As some organizations worry about break-ins to closed properties, others have ramped up security officers at everything from medical centers to retail stores to protect essential businesses and critical infrastructure.

The security officer industry is big business, employing over 1 million people in the U.S., and many organizations are opting to outsource these programs to contract security firms. This shift to third-party security officer services can make it difficult to enforce guidelines and hold contractors to acceptable performance standards, especially as security officers are out on the frontlines during the pandemic. Is your security officer service provider communicating the precautions and actions they take to address the potential effects of COVID-19 on your operations? During these times of uncertainty, it is crucial to have a security program that meets your organization’s needs and protects your security investment.

Here’s what you should expect from your security officer provider:

1. Security officer staffing levels are maintained per the contract agreement.
2. When needed, replacement officers hold site-appropriate certifications and licenses.
3. Supervisory checks of on-duty officers are increased – especially if facilities are closed, and no employees are on-site to verify that officers have reported for work.
4. The COVID-19 situation is actively followed, and the provider shares a plan to keep its people, clients, and community safe.
5. COVID-19 updates from the World Health Organization are monitored, and guidance from public health officials and government agencies is observed.
6. Good hygiene practices are reinforced.
7. Procedures are developed for communication and quarantine if a officer is diagnosed with COVID-19. Information is relayed quickly if the officer has been at your site.
8. 24/7 access is provided to a Security Operations Center.

Pandemics and other emergencies can come without warning. While these situations present security strategy challenges, a successful relationship with your security officer services provider will help your organization deploy and maintain robust protection.

If you do not have the necessary expertise or bandwidth, an outside partner can be an asset to the team.