When you think of hiring a private security company, the goal is peace of mind—not legal headaches. But if you’ve found yourself wondering, “Can hiring a security company get me in trouble?”, you’re not alone.
The short answer? No—if you hire the right company.
The long answer? It’s a bit more nuanced. Like any industry, the security sector includes professionals and pretenders. If you partner with a licensed, reputable security firm, you’re not only not getting into trouble—you’re proactively protecting your people, property, and business reputation.
Let’s break down the myths, risks, and must-know facts to help you make a confident, informed decision.
Why This Question Matters (Now More Than Ever)
In a world where crime rates fluctuate and liability risks are high, security services are essential. Whether you run a business, manage a property, or oversee an event, ensuring safety is part of your responsibility as a leader.
But with that responsibility comes one critical question:
What happens if your security company acts improperly or isn’t licensed? Could you, as the client, be held accountable?
Unfortunately, yes. If you hire the wrong company, you could be opening yourself up to lawsuits, insurance issues, or regulatory violations. But before you start losing sleep, let’s clarify the real risk—and how to avoid it.
The Legal Risk of Hiring the Wrong Security Company
Here’s where business owners sometimes get tripped up. Hiring a security company doesn’t automatically shift all liability away from you. If that company is unlicensed, untrained, or operating illegally, it could drag you into trouble too.
Let’s look at some real-world risks:
1. Liability for Unlicensed Guards
In many states, including California, it’s illegal to hire or contract with a security guard who is not licensed by the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS). If you hire a company that cuts corners and provides unlicensed personnel, you could be cited for using unregistered guards.
2. Vicarious Liability
If an untrained guard uses excessive force or detains someone unlawfully, you may be vicariously liable—especially if you didn’t perform due diligence. That means legal consequences and financial damages could be passed along to you as the client.
3. Insurance Nightmares
A shady security company may not carry the proper insurance (or worse, fake it). If an incident occurs and their coverage doesn’t hold up, you may be left holding the bill.
So, Can Hiring a Security Company Get You in Trouble?
Not if you do it right.
If you partner with a licensed, reputable, and experienced security provider, you’re not inviting legal headaches—you’re preventing them.
Here’s how to vet a security company that will protect you, not expose you:
6 Ways to Ensure You’re Hiring the Right Security Company
1. Verify Their License (and Every Guard’s License Too)
The security company you hire must be licensed to operate in your state. In California, that means registration through BSIS and valid Guard Cards for all officers.
Pro Tip: Ask for their Private Patrol Operator (PPO) number and verify it through your state licensing board. If they won’t give it to you? That’s your cue to walk away.
2. Request Proof of Insurance
A professional security company will gladly provide proof of:
- General liability coverage
- Workers’ compensation
- Errors and omissions (E&O)
- Auto insurance (if using patrol vehicles)
Why it matters: Without these policies, you could be on the hook for medical bills or legal judgments stemming from a guard’s action.
3. Ask About Training & Use-of-Force Policies
Just because a guard looks the part doesn’t mean they know what they’re doing. Look for companies that provide ongoing training in:
- De-escalation
- Report writing
- Use-of-force
- Conflict resolution
- Emergency protocols
Bonus points if the company offers on-site leadership and supervision—as we explain in our blog on why proactive patrols make a difference.
4. Check Their Track Record
Don’t just take their word for it—do your homework. Look for:
- Reviews and testimonials
- Case studies
- Client references
- Any complaints or lawsuits filed against them
A solid reputation is a sign of a solid partner.
5. Read the Contract (Yes, Every Word)
A professional security contract should include:
- Scope of services
- Limitations of liability
- Guard responsibilities
- Insurance requirements
- Termination clauses
Don’t sign anything you don’t understand. And remember: if the contract is vague, that’s a red flag.
6. Evaluate Their Communication Style
Do they respond quickly? Are they transparent and clear in their answers? A good company will educate you, not overwhelm or pressure you.
We believe in empowering clients with information. Just take a look at our blog on how to choose the best security for your business.
4 Common Myths About Hiring Security (And the Truth)
MYTH 1: Security guards are all the same.
Truth: The difference between a professional and a poser is training, licensing, and accountability.
MYTH 2: If a guard messes up, I’m not responsible.
Truth: You can still be held liable if you hired irresponsibly.
MYTH 3: It’s too expensive to hire a reputable firm.
Truth: It’s far more expensive to hire the wrong one. Reputational damage, lawsuits, and property loss cost far more than hiring a pro.
MYTH 4: If there’s a uniform, it’s legit.
Truth: Looks can be deceiving. Always verify licensing and background checks.
A Note on Compliance: Why It’s Non-Negotiable
In industries like security, compliance is king. States like California require guard registration, mandatory training hours, and continuing education. If your provider isn’t meeting those standards, not only are they breaking the law—but you could be held accountable for using them.
According to ASIS International, the most effective private security services are those that prioritize legal compliance, transparency, and ongoing employee training. These are not nice-to-haves—they’re need-to-haves.
Hiring the Right Company Is a Form of Risk Management
When you hire the right security company, you’re not taking on risk—you’re actively reducing it.
A compliant provider helps you:
- Lower your liability
- Increase your site’s safety
- Reduce theft, vandalism, and violence
- Improve your company’s reputation
- Maintain operational continuity
If something does go wrong, they’ll have the documentation, training, and coverage to back you up—not leave you hanging.
Why Delta Protective Services Checks Every Box
At Delta Protective Services, we’ve been serving California’s Central Valley with licensed, fully-insured, and highly trained security professionals for decades. Our mission is simple: go Above & Beyond to protect your people, property, and peace of mind.
We are:
✅ Licensed by BSIS (PPO #15897)
✅ Fully insured and bonded
✅ Committed to ongoing training
✅ Transparent with clients
✅ Experts in both armed and unarmed protection
We believe security should never be a liability—it should be your first line of defense.
Final Thought: The Right Security Partner Doesn’t Create Problems—They Solve Them
To answer the original question: Can hiring a security company get you into trouble?
Only if you hire a bad one.
But if you do your due diligence and partner with a licensed, reputable firm, you’re doing exactly what strong leaders do—you’re managing risk, protecting your business, and building trust.
So, ask yourself:
Are you hiring just for a warm body in a uniform?
Or are you hiring a true security partner that knows how to keep you compliant and confident?
If you’re ready to work with a company that gets it right from the start, we’re here to help.
👉 Call us at (209) 547-2980
👉 Visit https://deltaprotectiveservices.com
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