Hiring a security guard in Pakistan is an important decision for many individuals and businesses. The common practice for sourcing a guard is to hire one from a security company. These are privately owned entities that hire individuals from the market, train them, provide them with uniforms and weapons, and then deploy them at a specific site.
However, some businesses and individuals prefer to hire security guards privately. The process involves hiring an individual with a security background, preferably an army retired personnel, providing them with a weapon if required, and then deploying them at a business or residence. There are some common mistakes that people make while hiring security guards privately without a proper security agency. Here are 7 mistakes to avoid while hiring a security guard privately:
- Not conducting proper background checks:
- Focusing solely on price:
- Not checking references:
- Not clarifying the job requirements:
- Hiring an unlicensed security guard:
- Not providing adequate training:
- Not providing proper supervision:
Not conducting proper background checks:
Background checks are crucial when hiring a security guard. It includes verifying the candidate’s identity, criminal history, work experience, and references. Failure to conduct proper checks can lead to hiring an untrustworthy candidate with a criminal history, fake identity, or inadequate skills. Identity verification can be done through official documents like NADRA or passport. Criminal records can be obtained from NADRA or police stations. Asking the right questions to references can provide valuable information about the candidate’s work ethic and performance. Not conducting proper checks can lead to hiring an unreliable candidate with a criminal history or inadequate skills, risking your business or property.
Focusing solely on price:
While price is an important factor to consider when hiring a security guard, it should not be the only consideration. Hiring the cheapest security guard available may result in compromising on quality, experience, or training. It’s important to find a balance between price and quality by considering the candidate’s experience, qualifications, and training.
Cheaper security guards may not have the same level of training, qualifications, or experience as more expensive ones. This could result in a lower quality of service, leaving your property vulnerable to security risks. Experienced security guards are often more in price, but they bring valuable knowledge and skills to the job. They are better equipped to handle emergencies and can spot potential security threats before they escalate. A qualified security guard has completed necessary training, and has acquired the knowledge and skills necessary to perform the job effectively.
Unlike the expensive ones, cheaper security guards may lack the necessary qualifications, which could lead to inadequate protection for your property. Proper training is essential for security guards, and it often comes at a higher price. Training allows them to handle emergency situations, work with communication devices, and provide excellent customer service. Cheaper security guards may not have received the same level of training, putting your property and employees at risk.
Not checking references:
Checking a candidate’s references is essential in verifying the accuracy of their information regarding work experience and job duties, ensuring transparency in their qualifications. It also provides valuable insight into their performance, work ethic, reliability, and character, ensuring the selection of a competent and professional candidate. It can help identify any potential issues that may arise in the workplace. Neglecting this step can result in hiring an unqualified, unreliable, or unprofessional candidate, causing problems with job performance, attendance, or conflicts with coworkers.
References can provide valuable insight. It’s important to contact the candidate’s previous employers or clients to verify the information provided by the candidate and get feedback on their performance. Neglecting this step can result in hiring an incompetent security guard.
Not clarifying the job requirements:
Before hiring a security guard, it’s important to clarify the job requirements and duties to ensure that the candidate is suitable for the job. This includes defining the scope of work, the level of responsibility, the work schedule, and the required qualifications and experience. Neglecting this step can result in hiring a candidate who is not equipped to handle the job responsibilities or meet the required standards.
Clarifying the job requirements is crucial in defining the scope of work for the security guard and ensuring they understand the job responsibilities and expectations. It also helps to verify that the candidate possesses the necessary qualifications, experience, and skills to perform the job effectively. Clear expectations ensure the candidate is prepared to meet the required standards, including work schedule and level of responsibility. Failure to clarify the job requirements may result in hiring an unprepared candidate who cannot meet the job requirements or misunderstandings between the employer and the security guard, leading to poor job performance.
Hiring an unlicensed security guard:
In Pakistan, it’s illegal to hire an unlicensed security guard. It’s important to verify that the security guard you’re hiring is licensed and has the necessary certifications and training. Hiring an unlicensed security guard can result in legal penalties and compromise the safety of the premises.
By verifying that the security guard is licensed, you can ensure that you’re complying with the law and avoiding any legal penalties. Licensed security guards are trained to handle emergencies and ensure the safety of the premises. Hiring an unlicensed security guard can compromise the safety of the premises and put the employees, customers, and property at risk. Licensed security guards undergo rigorous training and certification programs to ensure that they’re equipped to handle security-related issues. By hiring an unlicensed security guard, you may be compromising the trustworthiness and reliability of the security guard.
Not providing adequate training:
Security guards require adequate training to perform their duties effectively and safely. This includes training on security protocols, emergency procedures, customer service, and communication skills. Avoiding this step can result in security lapses, poor performance, and compromise the safety of the premises.
A well-trained security guard is an asset to any organisation. Adequate training can not only equip them with the necessary skills to handle security-related issues but can also enhance their overall job performance. Training can help them understand the importance of their role and their responsibilities in ensuring the safety and security of the premises. It can also boost their confidence in handling challenging situations, leading to a sense of job satisfaction and fulfilment.
A poorly trained security guard can have adverse effects on the organisation. Ineffective communication, lack of knowledge of security protocols, and inadequate response to emergencies can lead to security breaches and put the premises and individuals at risk. A security guard who lacks training may not be able to handle conflicts or challenging situations with visitors or customers, resulting in negative experiences for them.
Not providing proper supervision:
Proper supervision is essential to ensure that the security guards are performing their duties effectively and efficiently. This includes monitoring their performance, providing feedback, and addressing any issues or concerns. Neglecting this step can result in security lapses, poor performance, and compromise the safety of the premises.
Supervision is crucial for monitoring the performance of security guards and ensuring that they adhere to necessary protocols, procedures, and standards. It can identify areas for improvement, such as training or communication, to enhance their job performance and meet the job requirements. Supervision also provides a platform for providing feedback to the security guard. Positive feedback can motivate them to perform well, while constructive feedback can help identify areas for improvement. Addressing any issues or concerns that may arise, such as absenteeism or security lapses, can prevent potential security threats or incidents.
Without proper supervision, security guards may overlook potential security threats or fail to respond appropriately, compromising the safety of the premises. Without feedback or monitoring, they may not be aware of areas where they need to improve, leading to poor job performance and safety concerns. A lack of supervision can also compromise safety, as there may not be anyone monitoring the security guard’s handling of emergency situations or identifying potential security threats.
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