The world is an unpredictable place, and for a lot of us, it can be a dangerous one as well. This is true for most of us, but those who live normal lives are often insulated from the bigger threats in the world because there’s no real reason for them to become a target. If you are someone who is facing significant personal risks such as a famous performer, a politician, or the head of a lucrative business, however, then you could easily draw the attention of unscrupulous criminals and bad actors. This is why so many people turn to a private security detail to keep them safe while they live their lives and protect them from all the dangers that would otherwise be considered the cost of doing business.
If you’ve considered a private security detail for your safety needs, you may be wondering just where to start when it comes to finding, and hiring, reliable personnel. After all, it’s not something that’s a part of everyday life for most people. The most important thing you can start with, though, is to understand what a private security detail can cost you. Because while there will be a lot of variation depending on your personal situation, the risks entailed in guarding you, and the degree of experience and training your detail needs to have. There are a lot of factors to consider, so here are some numbers to get you started so you can get a grip on what you’re in for.
What Does It Cost to Hire a Private Security Detail?
According to Security Guard Training Central, the minimum average cost of hiring a security guard is typically around $12 to $14 an hour, or thereabouts, with an average in the $18 to $22 an hour range. For a minimum ballpark figure, you could simply take these costs, and multiply them by the number of guards you feel would be adequate to make up a full security detail for your needs.
However, with that said, most people who consider a personal security detail something they need to keep them safe tend to want their personnel to have additional training and experience doing this kind of work in order to feel truly comfortable with them watching over their shoulders. Every aspect of a security detail that goes above the minimum, whether it’s more time spent in the field, additional licensing, more training, or just carrying a weapon, is going to increase the cost of the guards. Much like with art and home repairs, however, you get what you pay for when it comes to your personal, private security detail.
How Much Do Private Security Detail Extras Cost?
Generally speaking, there is no specific industry standard for how much more the extra, private security detail elements are going to cost. It’s going to vary by company and individual, as well as the current demands of the market. With that said, however, there are some definite increases you should keep in mind:
Armed
As mentioned above, this can immediately increase their salary by between $3 and $5, according to ThumbTack.
Security Experience
Guards who have experience in private security can make $10 to $15 an hour more. This often includes additional training, as well as on-the-job experience.
Current or Former Police Officer
Police officers often work side jobs as private security officers. These are some of the highest-cost individuals due to both their extra experience and training, as well as the arrest powers they still have. This can cost $40 to $60 more than a standard, unarmed guard.
Military Experience
Similar to police officers, guards with military experience (particularly those who have done protection details in the past) can demand $40 to $60 an hour more than a standard, unarmed guard.
These are just some sample increased costs that you should keep in mind. You’ll also have to compete with the costs in the area you’re hiring your guards in (major cities and urban areas have higher costs than more rural areas), as well as any changes in the market. Then there’s the question of risk your security detail is expected to deal with (hazard pay is a driving cost in security detail costs), as well as travel, term of service, and other miscellaneous costs.
Be Honest With Your Needs (And Shop Around)
When it comes to security it’s true that it’s better to have it and not need it, than to need it and now have it. However, it’s also important to be realistic with your risk assessment and to ask if you genuinely need a particular level of security or not. Because if you’re not dealing with a particular level of threat, then you may be paying for a bunker when all you really need is a shield.
With that said, however, it is important to shop around when it comes to your security needs and to make sure that you are comfortable with the personnel (and arrangement) you have with your security provider. Always make sure your security company is up-front with you about expectations, costs, and their personnel’s level of skill and experience, as well as what their reputation in the industry is. And unless you are on a deadline (a threat has cropped up unexpectedly, a major event or opportunity has recently become possible, etc.), remember to shop around to make sure you see what all your options are. Sometimes you may end up signing a contract you regret because you felt rushed, and didn’t take the proper time to consider your options.
If you find yourself in need of personal security detail, but you’re not sure where to turn, all you have to do is contact us today! We are here to help you find an option that’s right for you, and we offer a free quote to those who are looking for private security detail. So let SMART Security Professionals be your first stop in your security journey, and get your search started off on the right foot!
