Hiring a security company is one of the most important decisions you can make when it comes to protecting your property, staff, customers, or assets. However, many individuals and businesses make critical mistakes during the selection process — often due to lack of knowledge or rushing into a decision. These mistakes can lead to poor service, vulnerability, and ultimately, regret.
In this blog, we aim to educate and guide you through the common pitfalls to avoid when choosing a security provider — helping you make an informed, confident decision.
1. Failing to Verify Licensing and Insurance
Every security company operating in Ontario must be licensed under the Private Security and Investigative Services Act. Additionally, they must carry liability insurance to cover unforeseen incidents. Working with an unlicensed or uninsured provider exposes you to serious legal and financial risks.
What to do instead: Always request to see valid proof of licensing and insurance. Reputable companies will not hesitate to share this information with potential clients.
2. Ignoring Experience and Guard Training
Security is more than just having someone physically present. The effectiveness of a guard depends heavily on their training, real-world experience, and understanding of protocols. Many clients assume all guards are trained equally, which is rarely the case.
What to do instead: Ask detailed questions about how guards are trained. Are they certified in first aid? Do they receive conflict resolution or emergency response training? Do they have experience with your specific environment (e.g., construction sites, retail, residential)?
3. Overlooking Communication and Professionalism
A security company should be easy to reach, professional in its dealings, and responsive to your concerns. If it’s difficult to get clear answers or prompt responses before you sign a contract, it’s unlikely things will improve afterward.
What to do instead: Pay attention to how the company communicates during the inquiry phase. Timely, clear communication reflects a company’s internal standards and customer service commitment.
4. Not Clarifying the Scope of Services
Assumptions about what’s included in security services often lead to misunderstandings. Some companies charge extra for tasks like access control, CCTV monitoring, report writing, or mobile patrols.
What to do instead: Ensure the scope of work is clearly defined in your agreement. Ask the company to explain what is included in their service and request it in writing.
5. Skipping References and Reviews
Just because a company has a professional website doesn’t mean they deliver quality service. Failing to check reviews or request references is a common and avoidable mistake.
What to do instead: Read Google reviews, ask for testimonials, and speak with current or past clients. This will provide insight into the company’s reliability and professionalism.
6. Choosing Based on Price Alone
While staying within budget is important, selecting a security company solely because they offer the lowest price can result in substandard service. A cheaper rate often reflects lower training standards, lack of experience, or poor staff retention.
What to do instead: Compare companies based on the overall value they provide — including training, professionalism, communication, and responsiveness. Quality security services may come at a slightly higher cost but offer significantly greater peace of mind.
Why Choosing the Right Security Company Matters
When security is done right, you don’t just get a uniformed presence — you get peace of mind, reduced risks, and a proactive approach to safety. Hiring the right company means trusting someone to prevent threats before they happen and respond effectively when they do.
Taurus Security Services is committed to setting a higher standard in the industry. Our team is composed of licensed, trained, and experienced professionals who take pride in protecting people and property with integrity and professionalism.
We work closely with clients across Ottawa and surrounding areas to create custom solutions that fit their specific needs, timelines, and budget — without compromising quality or reliability.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do I know if a security company is properly licensed in Ontario?
You can verify a company’s license status through the Ontario Ministry’s online registry. A trustworthy provider, such as Taurus Security Services, will also offer proof of licensing and insurance documentation upon request.
What services should I expect from a professional security company?
Services may include uniformed guards, mobile patrols, access control, incident reporting, CCTV monitoring, and emergency response planning. It is essential to clarify which services are included in your contract.
Can I request to meet the assigned guard before service begins?
Yes. Many clients prefer to meet the guard(s) who will be stationed at their site. Taurus Security Services encourages this to ensure alignment, comfort, and clarity from day one.
What if I need to cancel or modify the service?
Taurus Security Services offers flexible terms. We ask for a minimum 48-hour notice for cancellations or service changes, ensuring a smooth and respectful process for all parties.
Do guards just “stand around” all day?
Absolutely not. Professional security guards are proactive — they conduct patrols, monitor activity, manage access points, and intervene when necessary. Our guards are trained to stay alert, observe, report, and act appropriately in all scenarios.
Final Thoughts
Hiring a security company should not be a rushed decision or one made based on cost alone. Taking the time to ask the right questions, understand your needs, and verify credentials will help you avoid disappointment and ensure the safety of what matters most. If you are looking for a licensed, dependable, and professional security provider, Taurus Security Services is here to help. With a commitment to transparency, high standards, and excellent client service, we are ready to provide you with security solutions you can trust.