· ESSA Armour Protection Services
Whether you run a mine, a shop, a farm or a housing complex, the security company you choose is responsible for your people and your property every single night. Price matters, but it should never be the only thing you compare. Here are seven checks to make before you sign with any security company in Limpopo — including us.
1. Check the company's PSiRA registration
Every security business in South Africa must be registered with PSiRA, the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority. Ask for the company's PSiRA number and check it with PSiRA directly. A company that hesitates to give you its number is a warning sign.
For reference, ESSA Armour Protection Services' PSiRA registration number is 5009936.
2. Ask about the officers, not just the company
Each security officer must also be individually PSiRA registered at the right grade for the post. Ask what grade of officer will be placed at your site and how the company vets new recruits.
3. Armed officers need valid firearm competency
If your site needs armed security, ask for confirmation that the officers hold valid firearm competency certificates and that the company's firearms are properly licensed. Armed cover without the right paperwork puts you at risk too.
4. Insist on a site assessment before the quote
A serious security company visits your site before quoting. They should walk the perimeter, look at entry points, lighting and blind spots, and ask about past incidents. A quote given over the phone without seeing the site is a guess.
5. Get the security plan in writing
Your quote should come with a written plan that covers at least:
- How many officers, on which shifts
- Where each officer is posted and what their duties are
- Patrol routes and how often they are done
- Who to call when something happens, day or night
6. Ask how officers are supervised
Officers on a quiet night shift need checking. Ask how often supervisors visit, whether occurrence books are kept, and how quickly incidents are reported to you. Good supervision is what keeps standards up after the first month.
7. Make sure they know your area
Security in Burgersfort's mining belt is different from security in a Polokwane shopping centre or on a farm outside Tzaneen. Ask whether the company already works in your area and how quickly it can get extra officers or a supervisor to you.
Need a second opinion?
ESSA Armour Protection Services offers a free site assessment and a written quote with no obligation. Even if you already have a security provider, we're happy to look at your site and tell you honestly what we see.