Even though the FBI says crime is decreasing in the Phoenix area, many business owners continue to rely on security officers to protect them. The Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZ DPS) oversees the licensing of Phoenix security companies and officers. Before you hire a security guard, the AZ DPS recommends you ask the following questions:

• Is the individual licensed by the AZ DPS? The officer must obtain a state license before providing security. If an individual performs security work without a license, he or she could be convicted of a misdemeanor.

• Does the security officer work for a licensed agency? An exception is made for employees who provide security for non-security businesses or corporations. Those individuals must meet uniform approval and pass firearm training if they carry a gun.

• If the agency provides armed guards, do they have a valid armed security guard license? Do the unarmed guards have valid licenses?

• Have the security officers received the mandatory eight hours of training? Does the agency require any training for its officers that is more than the minimum required? Armed security officers must have 16 hours of training.

The AZ DPS has other requirements of security agencies. While many of these requirements may not affect your decision, if the Phoenix security agency is caught violating any of these the company could be fined. The requirements include:

• Is the uniform worn by the security officers approved by the AZ DPS? The state is not trying to inform a dress code for Arizona security officers. The goal is to distinguish security officers from law enforcement officers.

• As it is with the uniform, security vehicles must not resemble a law enforcement vehicle. Security agencies are not allowed to have vehicles with red or a red a blue light in the front of the vehicle. The warning lights should be amber or white.

• Some companies will claim an employee is handling event management but the employee is really performing security functions. This is because the employee is usually unlicensed. Some agencies that are staffing a large event will often hire as many people, licensed and unlicensed. A company caught allowing an unlicensed person to work security could have their license suspended.

• Security officers do not have the same authority as police officers.

How do you know if the security agency you are considering hiring (or have already hired) is abiding by the AZ DPS regulations? First, ask to see the agency's license. Once a security officer reports to work at your business, ask to see the officer's license. You can also check with the AZ DPS to learn about any complaints or possible suspensions of the agency.

Don't be afraid to be suspicious. If you get several bids and one agency is much lower than the other, find out if the agency is licensed. When protecting your business, you want the best agency available to guard your valuables. Choosing the right agency is pertinent to the success of your business.