How to Choose the Right Construction Site Security Company

Choosing the right security provider for your construction site essentially comes down to ensuring the company is equipped to meet your site’s individual needs. Your site is full of valuable materials, heavy equipment, and access points that make it vulnerable to theft and vandalism. Your chosen construction site security company will make a significant difference in protecting your team’s investment, staying on schedule, and keeping your site safe.

We created this guide based on our decade of experience protecting construction sites from coast to coast across Canada. If you’re a project manager, developer, or decision-maker at your site, this article will walk you through what to look for in a security company and provide a checklist of questions to ask during the procurement process. 

Key Takeaways:

• Every construction site needs security to mitigate theft, trespassing, and vandalism.

• When selecting a security company, consider factors such as industry experience, training level, comprehensive services, response times, 24/7 availability, coverage area, and reputation within the construction industry.

• Don’t choose a security company that communicates in vague terms, has no references or reviews, doesn’t share metrics about the impact of their services, or offers suspiciously low prices.

Do All Construction Sites Need Security?

Yes. Every construction site faces a unique set of risks, but all construction sites share certain common challenges. Sites contain valuable tools, materials, and machinery, which are common targets for theft. Theft of these tools and materials can lead to project delays and extra costs spent purchasing replacements. Vandalism and break-ins can also delay projects, increase insurance costs, and create safety hazards for workers. 

All of the above issues are best mitigated by implementing security measures. 

Learn more about why construction sites are necessary in our blog, 5 Reasons Security Guards Are Essential for Construction Sites. 

Why Does Choosing the Right Security Company Matter?

Does it matter which security company you choose? In short: yes. While they may seem similar at first glance, not all security companies are created equal. The wrong provider might leave gaps in coverage, lack the experience or training required to perform optimally on your construction site, or, if you’re seeking security for multiple construction sites, be unequipped to safeguard multiple sites at one time.

A high-quality security provider, on the other hand, will address your site’s unique needs from the outset, protect your site reliably, and have the resources to meet the demands of your projects. 

In the next section, we’ll look at what to keep an eye out for during your research and procurement stage. 

What to Look for in a Construction Site Security Company

When comparing construction site security companies, consider the following factors to determine if the company is the right fit: 

1. Industry Experience

A company specializing in construction site security understands the challenges associated with open sites, changing layouts, and subcontractors. They know what works on active builds and can adjust coverage as projects move through different phases.

Avoid security companies with little or no experience in construction. Since construction sites contain valuable materials and tools, it's important to avoid taking risks with companies that lack adequate experience, even if they offer you a deal. The cost of an incident could easily exceed any potential savings!

2. Training

Well-trained guards make a noticeable difference on construction sites. Security guards should receive advanced training in incident reporting, safety, and emergency response. Additional training in areas like conflict de-escalation and first aid is an advantage.

3. Services Offered

No two sites have the same security needs. Be sure the provider offers a range of construction site security services, including on-site guards, mobile patrols, and CCTV monitoring. If your chosen company is flexible, you’ll be able to scale coverage as your needs change. 

4. Dedicated Point of Contact

Ideally, your security provider should supply a dedicated point of contact, such as a manager. Communicating with the same team member ensures smooth security operations from day to day, as they understand and are aware of challenges at your site as they happen. 

5. Response Times and Availability

If you’re seeking mobile patrol security or CCTV monitoring services, fast response is essential. The provider should provide 24/7 dispatch and have clear procedures for handling alarms, trespassers, or emergencies. Ideally, a guard should be on site within 5-15 minutes of a security incident.

6. Area of Coverage

Especially in dense areas containing multiple cities, such as Metro Vancouver or the Greater Toronto Area, developers don’t typically build in a single city. Likewise, your provider should have a wide area of coverage and be able to grow with your projects. This helps you avoid the need to juggle multiple vendors.

7. Reputation

Read reviews, ask for references, and find out whether the company works with reputable builders or developers. Patterns of positive feedback and long-standing relationships are good signs of reliability.

Questions to Ask Before Hiring: Checklist

Before making a decision, ensure you gather all the information you need to be informed. Building on the section we’ve just covered, here’s a checklist of questions you can use when communicating with your potential security partner: 

• How long has your company worked in the construction industry?

• What training do your guards receive?

• What kind of reporting and communication tools does your team use?

• What is your average incident response time for mobile patrols or CCTV monitoring?

• What is your dispatch process?

• Do you offer 24/7 coverage?

• Where are your areas of coverage?

• Would I have a dedicated point of contact on your team?

• Do you have any case studies from other construction sites?

These questions will shed light on how the company operates and how organized, accountable, and responsive they are. 

Comparing Your Security Options

Here’s a brief outline of the security options available for your construction site: 

On-site security guard services provide a visible presence that deters trespassers and can address issues in real time. This type of security service offers the most comprehensive coverage and is ideal for sites in high-risk or busy urban areas. 

Mobile patrol security is ideal for projects where continuous coverage isn’t required. Guards visit your property at intervals to conduct patrols and check for signs of disturbance or damage.

CCTV monitoring can complement both guard and patrol services. While cameras don’t replace physical security, they add valuable coverage and evidence in the event of an incident.

For a deeper look into the options, read our blog, Construction Site Security Cameras vs. On-Site Guards.

Red Flags to Watch Out For

Not all providers deliver the same level of service. In addition to companies that lack the appropriate experience, be cautious of companies that:

• Don’t elaborate about the training their guards receive. 

• Provide vague proposals or avoid explaining their procedures.

• Have no references or reviews, or have reviews that are overly positive or lack substance.

• Don’t share metrics about how their services have benefited past construction clients. 

• Offer suspiciously low prices.

These points may indicate issues or untrustworthiness with the provider, and should be addressed before moving forward. 

The Blackbird Difference: Exceptional Construction Site Security

Blackbird Security has extensive experience protecting construction sites across Canada with a team that understands the unique needs of builders, contractors, and developers. Our construction site security guards receive advanced training through our industry-leading in-house training program, Blackbird Academy, on important topics including first aid, fire safety, reporting, conflict resolution, and more.

At Blackbird Security, you’ll have a dedicated team member as your point of contact, providing stability and consistency throughout your day-to-day operations. You’ll be able to access reports in real time through TrackTik, the gold standard security reporting software, along with live GPS locations of guards. This gives you the flexibility to customize your view of your site’s security operations as much as you see fit. 

We’re proud to provide top-tier construction site security services all across Canada, and we can grow with your projects. 

Partner with Canada’s Top Construction Site Security Provider

Choosing the right construction site security company means choosing stability, safety, and trust. With a dedicated team, national reach, and strong communication standards, we at Blackbird Security provide industry-leading protection from start to finish.

Contact us to learn more about how Blackbird Security can safeguard your next project and find out why we’re trusted by so many projects from coast to coast.