Building Management Hawaii - (Page 22)

An Insider's Tips for Selecting a Security Firm for Your Property BY SANDY GLOVER You'll sleep like a baby with a topnotch security company protecting your property. A lot can go wrong when the wrong private security company is on the job. Just ask the New York Port Authority and the company hired to watch over the new 1 World Trade Center building in Manhattan. In March of 2014, they found themselves at the center of a controversy after a teenager snuck by guards into the tallest building in New York, climbed to the top, and broadcast his stunt to the world. In the end, no one was hurt, and the boy was convicted and sentenced to community service, time already served. So, no harm, no foul, right? Actually, no, far from it: safety and security were compromised at a site where such breaches, given what happened in 2001, should be unthinkable. Had more research been done to choose the right private security company and review its staff and standard operating procedures (SOPs), this embarrassing - and potentially lethal - incident could have been avoided. As an owner of a background check and screening company, Gold Shield, and as a former law enforcement officer and private investigator, I've seen security breaches like this one too many times. With some basic research and foresight, you can hire the right private security company and rest easily at night knowing that your domain is safe. How to narrow your options So now you've decided to hire a private security company to monitor and protect your property. The first question is, "How do I find the right one?" Because the team you hire will be responsible for the safety of your residents, community, and physical 22 February-March 2015 BMH property, selecting a private security company is one of the most critical decisions you'll ever make as a property manager. When you start your search, begin by considering this point: Many small security firms source their guards from employment pools. These smaller companies usually can't afford to provide training and equipment or pay as well as the larger ones do, which means their guards may not be up to snuff, so it's a good idea to begin by looking at larger firms. Large or small, do your homework before signing a contract; as with most professional services, word-of-mouth referrals are best. Ask other property managers in your area which firm they use or if they can recommend one. Most people in the business will be more than happy to help. If you don't know any property managers, Google "property managers" in your local area and give a few of them a quick call. Once you gather a few recommendations, validate them by getting in touch with the Better Business Bureau or your SECURITY continued on Pg. 50 www.buildingmanagementhawaii.com http://www.buildingmanagementhawaii.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Building Management Hawaii

Editor’s Note: Energy Management
Insider’s Guide to Picking a Security Company for Your Property
Industry News
Dealing with Graffiti and Glass Damage
Hawaii’s High-Tech Roofing Products
Building and Management Expo Set
Installing New & Improved Windows
Window Film Cuts Glare, Energy Bills
Reassessing Hurricane Preparedness
An ESA Can Deliver Peace of Mind
Checking a Building’s Energy Score
Managing PV Energy Consumption
The Ultimate Energy-Efficient Building
What to Know About Chiller Plants
New Trends Emerge in HVAC Systems
Walk-throughs Vital to Engineers
Trapped in the Web of Act 326
Faces: The IREM Banquet

Building Management Hawaii