As a cornerstone of the Inland Empire, Riverside is a bustling hub of commerce, logistics, and community life. With this dynamic activity comes the fundamental need for professional security to protect property, manage risk, and ensure people’s safety. Whether you’re running a warehouse, managing a retail center, or planning an event, understanding the landscape of security guard services is the first step toward a safer environment.
This guide provides a complete overview of the types of security services available in Riverside, the legal standards they must meet, and how to choose the right company for your needs.
Types of Security Guard Services Available in Riverside
Security is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Professional security companies offer a range of services that can be tailored to the specific risks and operational needs of your site.
1. Unarmed Security Guards
The most common type of security, unarmed guards are the backbone of visible deterrence. They are highly effective at preventing common issues like trespassing, theft, and vandalism through their professional presence and active patrolling.
- Best For: Office buildings, residential communities (HOAs), schools, retail stores, and general-purpose monitoring.
- Core Duties: Access control, patrolling, observation, detailed reporting, customer service, and enforcement of property rules.
2. Armed Security Guards
For situations involving a higher level of risk, armed guards provide a necessary escalation of security. They are trained to handle high-stakes threats and act as a powerful deterrent against serious or violent crime.
- Best For: Banks, jewelry stores, cannabis dispensaries, high-risk industrial sites, executive protection, and properties in areas with high crime rates.
- Core Duties: All duties of an unarmed guard, plus the capability and legal authority to use force to protect human life in the face of an imminent threat.
3. Mobile Vehicle Patrols
A cost-effective solution for covering large areas, mobile patrols use marked security vehicles to perform regular or random checks on a property. This service is ideal for creating a security presence across expansive sites like industrial parks, shopping centers, and construction sites.
- Best For: Large properties, multiple locations, or as a supplementary layer to on-site guards.
- Core Duties: Perimeter checks, lock verification, alarm response, and deterring after-hours crime.
The Foundation of Trust: BSIS Licensing in California
In California, the security industry is regulated by the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS). It is illegal for any individual or company to provide security services without the proper state-issued licenses.
- The Guard Card: Every security officer, armed or unarmed, must possess a valid BSIS Guard Card. This requires passing a background check and completing 40 hours of certified training on topics like Powers to Arrest and incident response.
- The Firearms Permit: Armed guards must obtain an additional, separate BSIS Firearms Permit, which requires much more intensive training on firearm safety, use-of-force laws, and passing a psychological evaluation.
- The PPO License: The security company itself must hold a valid Private Patrol Operator (PPO) license from BSIS.
Action Step: Before hiring any company, verify their PPO license and ask for proof that their guards are properly licensed for the service being provided.
How to Choose the Right Security Company in Riverside
Your security provider is a partner in protecting your assets. It’s crucial to look beyond the price and vet companies thoroughly.
- Verify Licensing and Insurance: Confirm their PPO license on the BSIS website. Ask for a certificate of their general liability and workers’ compensation insurance to ensure you are fully protected.
- Assess Their Local Experience: A company with a strong presence in the Inland Empire will be familiar with the specific security challenges of Riverside and have established relationships with local law enforcement.
- Inquire About Training and Supervision: Do their training programs go beyond the state minimum? How do they supervise their guards in the field? A strong company will have dedicated field supervisors who conduct regular site inspections.
- Request a Custom Security Plan: A one-size-fits-all approach is a red flag. A professional provider will assess your property’s unique vulnerabilities and develop customized “post orders” for their guards to follow.
- Check References and Reviews: Look for testimonials from businesses in industries similar to yours.
Understanding the Cost of Security Services
The cost of security guard services in Riverside depends on several factors, including the type of service, the risk level of the site, and the duration of the contract.
- Unarmed Security Guard: Typically ranges from $30 – $45 per hour.
- Armed Security Guard: Typically ranges from $40 – $75+ per hour.
While budget is an important factor, the lowest bid is often a sign of cutting corners on training, wages, or insurance. Investing in a reputable, professional security service is an investment in reliability and genuine peace of mind.
Conclusion
In the dynamic environment of Riverside, professional security services are a vital component of any successful business or community operation. By understanding the types of services available and carefully vetting potential partners, you can establish a security program that effectively mitigates risk, protects your assets, and ensures a safe environment for everyone.