Maze Security Insights · July 28, 2026
Hiring Security for the First Time: A Small Business Owner's Checklist
Never contracted security before? The five decisions that determine whether your first guard program works.
Decide what you're actually protecting against
Theft, trespass, aggressive incidents, after-hours access — write down the incidents that pushed you to hire. That list determines whether you need a static guard, mobile patrols, or just better alarm response. A good provider will challenge your assumptions here, not just agree.
Verify before you sign
Three documents separate professionals from pretenders: the agency's provincial security business licence, individual guard licences, and a certificate of commercial liability insurance naming your business. All three should arrive without you having to ask twice.
Start measured, scale on evidence
Many first-time buyers start with randomized mobile patrols — visible deterrence at a fraction of full-time cost — then add static coverage where the incident reports justify it. Demand time-stamped reporting from day one so you're scaling on evidence, not anxiety.