The security industry is booming in the greater Houston area and across the state of Texas. Private security guard services are increasingly seen as a necessity by organizations that want to keep their people and property safe, without taking on the legal liabilities that come with hiring security staff directly. Private security provides a safe, reliable way to provide experienced security professionals to Houston businesses of all sizes.
With our many years of experience, MP Security is proud to be among those helping keep Houston safe. So, we wanted to share some of our own insights into why private security has become so popular in Texas, as well as some of the overlooked advantages of private security that aren’t often discussed.
What Threats Currently Face Houston Businesses?
Texas is currently experiencing a nearly unprecedented level of immigration. We’re one of the fastest-growing states in America, with millions of new residents arriving in just the last decade, coming both from other states and abroad. Houston is at the forefront of this, growing even faster than most other Texas cities.
And without implying that all the newcomers are criminals, of course not, it is simply reasonable to understand that with more people comes more crime.
Several trends, in particular, are worrying Houston businesses:
1 – Houston has high crime rates.
The exact numbers vary depending on how they’re counted, but the reality is that Houston is almost always ranked as having some of the highest urban crime rates in the nation. This includes both violent crimes and property crimes. The good news is that crime rates are currently on a slight downward trend, but they’re still far higher than they should be.
2 – Organized crime is growing.
These high crime rates aren’t merely due to ‘random acts’ either. Houston’s commercial corridors, including retail centers around the Galleria and Westheimer, and the industrial zones in the east and northwest, are seeing increased activity from organized crime groups. Such groups must be opposed at every possible opportunity.
3 – Increased workplace violence
Sad to say, but there’s been an uptick in violence occurring at workplaces, from both customers and staff. These are typically fairly minor scuffles: the exact sort of incidents that private security is perfectly suited to handle. However, obviously, no business wants violence on their property.
4 – Cyber-crime
Computer crime is on the rise everywhere, and it’s largely up to organizations to protect themselves. This mostly focuses on electronic cybersecurity, but the physical local element cannot be overlooked. An intruder sneaking in today might not be after the cash in your safe; they might be looking to steal your data instead.
Private Security Keeps You Safe
Private security is the easy solution for keeping your own business safe from intruders, as well as protecting it from incidents of violence occurring on your property. This can take several forms:
- Camera-based surveillance with off-site guards ready to respond
- On-foot patrols around your property
- Drone-based surveillance
- Guards stationed at doors, or at key points within the building
- Lethal or non-lethal countermeasures, as needed.
The benefits are obvious: A secure, patrolled facility is far less likely to attract criminals in the first place. If a crime does occur, you’ll have experienced well-trained guards to deal with the situation, and with minimal disruption to your operation.
In many cases, the preventative nature of private security justifies the expense all by itself.
What Are the Lesser-Known Advantages of On-Site Guards?
Beyond stopping crime, hiring security guard services can also provide several side benefits that aren’t talked about as often. Consider these bonuses, which add to the value of hiring a private security firm in Houston.
1 – Improving Employee Morale and Workspace Productivity
Employees who feel safe and secure are going to tend to be more productive. If they can go to work without fear, they can concentrate on their work. In addition, strong security can also increase employee retention. You don’t have to worry about workers leaving you in favor of someplace they feel safer.
2 – Guards Acting as Customer Service Reps
When you hire guards from a top-tier firm, they aren’t simply there to intimidate wrongdoers. They also act as representatives of your business and are encouraged to provide basic levels of customer support. If a customer at a grocery store asks a guard where the detergent is, that guard should be able to give them a friendly answer.
This creates a ‘twofer’ effect on customer perceptions: they know they’re safe and they’re getting good customer service! That encourages them to come back.
3 – Liability Reduction
In a worst-case scenario, if a security guard ends up causing harm to someone during their duties, who is responsible for that? If you’ve hired the guards directly, that responsibility falls on the business. However, if you’ve hired a professional security firm, they carry liability insurance and otherwise shoulder at least some of the legal responsibility, depending on the exact situation. This can protect you from costly legal action.
4 – Reduced Insurance Rates
Policies vary between providers, but increasingly, insurance companies have been offering lower rates to Houston companies that can provide proof of strong security measures. After all, a well-protected business is far less of a risk. Hiring a private security company could potentially bring you a substantial reduction in your insurance costs.
MP Security Guard & Patrol is Here to Protect and Serve
MP Security has been proudly serving the greater Houston area for many years. Our guards are selected from highly experienced applicants, typically with law enforcement officer or military backgrounds. They’re stringently vetted and background-checked, overseen, and provided with superior training that ensures they’re always fully licensed and certified for the job.
We’ll work with you to understand your security situation and your concerns, then put together a fully customized solution that meets your needs and your budget. From basic camera surveillance to 24/7 posted armed guards, we do what it takes to keep you safe.
Contact us to learn more or schedule an initial consultation.