Is this Security Company Legit?
Choosing a security company is a very serious decision. What is more important than keeping your home and family or business safe? You want a reputable and skilled company that you can trust and count on for years to come.
In recent years, video cameras have become much more affordable and accessible. As a result, many companies have started adding the installation of these devices to their services. But did you know that Texas requires any company or individual that sells, services or installs security cameras to have a class B security services contractor license? This is also true for your alarm and any access control you may have installed. So if you are using a general contractor, A/V professional or IT company to install your system, you may be taking a risk you didn’t realize.
Why a Licensed Professional is Best
In Texas, the private security business is governed by the Texas Department of Public Safety. If they discover someone providing security services without a license, they can criminally prosecute the person and impose a $4,000 fine. Those penalties also apply to anyone who hires an unlicensed company – that’s a big deterrent right there!
The licensing board also has processes and reviews in place to ensure quality work. To keep the industry professional, uphold standards, ethics and to protect consumers and businesses, they have a number of requirements.
- Licensed businesses and individuals are required to carry certain levels of insurance. This protects against damage as well as injury that an employee may incur at a customer site.
- A B security services license/registration includes an extensive background check of the owner and all employees. This ensures the people who are installing your security systems have no criminal history and you can feel comfortable having them in your home and business and accessing your equipment.
- License renewal requires a number of continuing education credits for all employees and the owner, including an ethics class. This keeps security professionals up to speed on the latest trends and technology as well as sound business practices.
- The complaint system keeps businesses on their toes. No business wants their license tainted by customer complaints. Customer service is a big priority to ensure that customers are happy with their new system.
- Companies must have a manager who meets requirements for years of experience and has passed an exam. This prevents someone from starting their own business without the needed practical knowledge and experience.
Avoid the Trunk Slammers
Especially when it comes to video cameras, many “new companies” have popped up in recent years. Legitimate businesses like Cultris Security are often called in to fix the mess that these unlicensed businesses create. Some of the business practices we have seen are:
- Installing low quality or legacy camera systems that are already obsolete.
- Not responding to requests for service or training after the installation (once the bill has been paid).
- Setting up your account using camera and recording device defaults, making you vulnerable to hackers.
- Not properly training the customer or providing login information so customers can use the system (and then not responding to follow up messages).
- Poor design or incorrect views leaving areas of vulnerability. The company should provide a layout to you of where the cameras will be placed before you sign on the dotted line. Once installed, they should make sure the views are set correctly so you aren’t capturing a fence or bush but rather the intended vantage point.
How do I Know if a Company is Legit?
Be sure to do some research as well as a gut check before signing up with a security company. If their price seems too good to be true, it probably is. Google the company and see if they have an actual physical address and any reviews on Yelp, Angie’s List or other sites. Do they have a website and does it seem like it was professionally done? What about a social media presence? Profiles on Yelp, social media and directory sites are all free so even a small business that is new or on a tight budget should have some presence online.
A license is the easiest way to confirm a company is on the up and up. You can search any individual or business on the Texas Department of Public Safety Texas Online Private Security website. From the home page. click on search licenses and then choose businesses or individuals. If you select businesses, it will ask you what type of license. Select Alarm for sure and Electronic access if you are also doing access control. Then type in the name and click Search. If nothing comes up, the company or individual is not licensed. See screenshots of the steps below.
Cultris Security is Licensed and Registered!
Cultris Security Systems can help you with all of your home or business security needs. We are licensed by the Texas DPS Private Security Board and registered with the Texas Department of Insurance State Fire Marshal’s Office. Call us at 281-506-8466 or visit us online today!
