Sadly, in South Africa we cannot only rely on technology to offer us protection. An armed response company is a necessary evil.

Homeowners can have the best home security system around, but without a reliable security company to back it up, their system can turn out to be nothing more than fancy technology.

What must a homeowner look out for when selecting a security company?

<i.* Area.

* Service and backup/vehicle deployment.

* Technology.

* Guards and training.

* Contracts.

* Cost.

* Is the company able to offer dual monitoring of your alarm system, either by the telephone line, radio transmitter or by GPRS outstations?</i>

Here are some tips on how to go about selecting an armed response security company to protect your home.

Fly-by-night operators

Beware of fly-by-night operators. Sign up only with people who have good coverage in your area and a good reputation.

“It is so easy to set up a security company and fool the public into its legitimacy,” says Richard McGhee, sales and marketing director at ADT. “All a company needs is a bakkie, some cheap labour, and a boss claiming to be an expert in the field, with a cheaper price and more personal service. Do not believe it!

“Always check the security credentials, the legitimacy of certificates, the training procedures, the number and calibre of vehicles – even ask to see the head office – it can tell you a lot!”

According to McGhee, unqualified security companies pose not only a threat to your overall safety and financial investment, but should anything go wrong during a security incident, and your supposed security company is involved in a shootout, YOU, and not your security company, will be held liable if the legalities are not watertight in your contract.

Area

Choose a security company that is active in your area! If you do not, you will not get the service you are paying for; if a security company’s main hub is in the next door suburb, nine times out of 10 their priorities will be with that area, and your suburb will fall short of continuous patrolling and monitoring. Equally, in a time of crisis, instead of getting to you quickly, they will have an extra distance to travel before reaching you, and this could cost you dearly.

Service

Where is the security company’s monitoring service located? How many vehicles are deployed at a given time to monitor the suburb? What other monitoring should you expect ie, bicycle, undercover vehicles, armed, cameras on roads or homes?

Technology

Does the security company you are choosing assist with selecting an alarm system? If so, ensure you have a risk assessment done on your home and that the salesperson recommends the appropriate solution? How well do they know their products? Do not give in to pressure to buy unnecessary extras!

Credentials, guards and training

How long has the company been in business? Do they have happy customers? Consider the company’s qualifications. Inquire about licensing, certifications, memberships, training, experience, and status among professional peers. Are these legitimate? Is the company PSIRA registered?

Pre-consultation

When setting up a consultation make sure a representative visits your home to offer a customised appraisal and advise you of areas of need, limitations, and potential solutions.

Installation

Do they install the equipment or do they outsource? Save time, money, and hassle by ensuring professionals set up your alarm system. Check the credentials of the installers they outsource to. Check what recourse you have should there be a problem with any of the equipment or accessories deployed?

Access to your properties

Can the company set up a digipad at your gate to allow guards access into your property should an emergency arise. Is this part of their service? No security company will allow its security guards to access a property without consent. The digipad is an electronic pad placed outside your gate, which can be accessed if you are not at home and the alarm is activated. Once the guard has radioed the control room with the house address, the control room is able to access the code and deactivate the alarm. The gate will also be able to open and close. A digipad costs about R850 to install. Without it, a security company can do nothing to de-activate your alarm if you are not able to attend to it yourself.

Cost

How much does the monthly monitoring service cost in addition to the sales and installation cost? Is it a set price or do the fees increase periodically? Obtain detailed price quotes, including setup, equipment, monthly monitoring fees, and warranty options.

Contracts

Most armed response/security companies require leases, so do your homework before signing any contract. It may be difficult to get out of a signed contract if it does not turn out to be what you expected.