Private Security Vs Internal Security: The pros and cons

Many businesses will have to face a business security audit at some point. Explore what’s involved and how to prepare for your next security audit here.

Private Security Vs Internal Security: The pros and cons

However big or small an organisation is, making sure both the premises and staff are protected should always be a top priority for any business owner. And quite rightly so, after all, with recent figures revealing that more than 600,000 crimes took place against businesses across England and Wales in a year, it’s hardly a surprise that business owners are trying to boost on-site security. However, while security is undoubtedly essential, there’s no denying that the logistics of keeping an organisation secure, along with the worry of cost, is likely to be playing in the back of a business owners mind. This begs the question, do you hire a private firm to secure your business, or employ somebody internally?

Private security: the pros

Professional expertise and knowledge

It’s no secret that an external security firm will bring them invaluable knowledge and expertise – something that isn’t guaranteed if you choose to employ from within your organisation.

This means that not only will an external firm be able to advise what security services will suit you best but they will know how to react to any breaches of security, professionally, efficiently and quickly.

Flexibility

If you hire an external security firm, you’ll have more flexibility when it comes to using their services as and when you need them. For example, you could have a long-term contract in place for just mobile patrols and CCTV monitoring, and if you then have a large event, you can hire a range of additional services as a one-off, including the likes of manned guarding and car park patrol.

Furthermore, if you do need security last minute, not only will you probably be able to get hold of an external firm pretty quickly but you won’t need to train anyone up (as you might need to if you use internal security).

24/7 availability

In most cases, external security firms, like Stonewall Security, are available 24/7, 365 days of the year. This means you will be able to get total peace of mind, round-the-clock, without asking a member of your staff to work throughout the night or on public holidays.

Private security: the cons

Building trust

When it comes to outsourcing your security, one of the few challenges you might face is finding a company you can really trust. After all, you’ll be placing the safety of your business and employees in their hands – which means trusting them is invaluable.

Don’t let this put you off though. As with most things, there’s no ‘one size fits all’ when it comes to security, so do your research, explore different options and make sure you choose a company that suits you.

Internal security: the pros

Company understanding

If you employ security internally, then they come with company knowledge and an understanding of your business’s goals, mission and values. Internal security will also feel a degree of loyalty to the business, something that wouldn’t naturally come with external firms.

Internal security: the cons

Risks and dangers

One of the biggest cons of employing security internally is the shifts you will be asking them to work. You might be asking them to work during unsociable hours (throughout the night, possibly) and over public holidays – and even Christmas.

You need to also ensure that you are operating in line with specific employment rules, including the Working Time Directive and Lone Worker Safety.

Training costs

If you decide to go down the internal security route, you will be required to provide the necessary extra training for that person, which can be hugely cost-effective.

Have you considered whether this person would be doing this in addition to their current role, or as well as? If it’s as well as, then training would take them away from the job they already do.

Trust Stonewall Security

If your business is looking to boost security, then get in touch with a company you can trust, Stonewall Security.

Stonewall Security is a locally run business, based in the heart of the Midlands, in Rugby. Whether you are looking for a keyholding service, manned guards, or CCTV, Stonewall Security can provide the perfect solution to best suit your needs. Get in touch with our team today and find out how Stonewall Security can provide you with the vital protection your business deserves.

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