Buying Guide

How to Choose a Security Company in Los Angeles

A practical checklist for hiring a security company in Los Angeles: license checks, insurance, supervision, reporting and contract terms to review first.

November 3, 2026 · 5 min read · Fast Guard Securities

Hiring a security company is a trust decision. The people you choose will watch your building, your staff, your customers or your residents, often at night and with little supervision from you. Two companies can quote similar hourly rates and deliver very different service. This checklist covers what to check before you sign, whether you are in Los Angeles, Orange County, the Inland Empire or elsewhere in California.

1. Verify the license

In California, a company that provides security guard or patrol services to others generally must hold a Private Patrol Operator (PPO) license issued by the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS), part of the Department of Consumer Affairs. BSIS offers a public license search on its website. Look up the company by name or license number and confirm that the license is current and in good standing.

Do not accept a license number on a brochure as proof. Check it yourself, and make sure the name on the license matches the name on the proposal and contract.

2. Confirm officers are registered

Individual security officers need a valid guard registration, commonly called a guard card. If officers will be armed, they need additional authorization, such as an exposed firearm permit. Ask the company how it confirms registrations and how it tracks renewals. You can ask to see proof for officers assigned to your site.

3. Ask about insurance

Ask for a certificate of insurance showing general liability coverage and workers compensation. Ask whether your business can be named as an additional insured. An uninsured or underinsured security company can leave you exposed if something goes wrong on your property. Have your own insurance broker review the certificate if the stakes are high.

4. Understand supervision

Officers perform best when someone checks on them. Ask who supervises the people on your site, how often supervisors visit, and how you reach a manager at 2 a.m. A company with an on-call supervisor and a clear escalation path is easier to work with than one where you only reach a voicemail.

5. Look at reporting

You should not have to guess what your security team is doing. Ask what you receive and how often.

Daily activity reports or patrol logs.
Incident reports written promptly, with times, facts and any police report numbers.
A way to verify patrol visits, such as time-stamped check-ins.
A regular review call or meeting.

6. Ask how people are hired and trained

Ask how the company screens applicants, what training it provides beyond the state minimum, and how it handles site-specific instructions. Good companies write post orders for your property so each officer knows exactly what to do and what not to do. Ask how they cover absences, because an empty post is the most common service failure.

7. Read the contract carefully

Term length and how to cancel, including notice periods and any early-termination fees.
Rate increases and how they are announced.
Overtime, holiday and minimum-hour terms.
Who is responsible for what in the event of a claim.
The scope of services in plain language, matching what was discussed.

This is general information and not legal advice. For long or high-value contracts, have an attorney review the terms.

8. Check references and fit

Ask for references from clients with similar properties, and actually call them. Ask what happened when something went wrong, not just whether they are happy. Also consider fit: does the company understand your type of site, such as a warehouse, construction project, retail center or residential community? Do they ask good questions during the walk-through?

Red flags

A quote far below everyone else, with no explanation of how the rate is achieved.
Reluctance to share a license number, insurance certificate or sample report.
No clear supervisor or after-hours contact.
Pressure to sign quickly or a contract that is hard to cancel.
Vague answers about training and screening.

Price matters, but it should be compared on like terms. Make sure each quote covers the same hours, the same level of service and the same reporting.

Fast Guard Securities is happy to answer every question on this list before you commit. Request a free site assessment and written quote.

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This article is general information for California property owners, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm current requirements with the relevant authority.

FAQ

Common questions

How do I check if a security company is licensed in California?

Use the license search on the BSIS website, part of the California Department of Consumer Affairs. Search by company name or license number and confirm the Private Patrol Operator license is current and matches the company on your contract.

What insurance should a security company have?

At minimum, general liability and workers compensation. Ask for a certificate of insurance and whether you can be named as an additional insured. Your own broker can advise on the right limits.

Should I sign a long-term security contract?

Only if the cancellation terms are acceptable. Many clients prefer a shorter initial term or a clear way to exit if service falls short. Have an attorney review anything long or high-value.

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