Security Guard Contracts: Finding Your Inner Lawyer

Reviewing security guard contracts is tedious, but necessary

This isnâ¬"t always possible, though, so a second option is to use an outside counsel approved by your legal department. The counsel needs to be vetted and should have a working knowledge of the security industry. The counsel can be placed on retainer or operate on a project-to-project basis.

This is what Iâ¬"m attempting to do. Currently, I am negotiating terms with an outside counsel, including retainer fees and the scope of services covered. Also, we are negotiating fee terms for services that may exceed the retainer to lock in an acceptable rate. Once this is complete, the full package will be sent to our in-house counsel for review.

If this isnâ¬"t an option for you, then you and your team can at least create a template of terms and conditions that can be presented to the contract guard agency. This template must be reviewed and approved by your legal department, and it will become the basis for negotiation and your requests for proposals. It must be clear to the contract guard agencies which terms are nonnegotiable.

Whatever the case, it is important to plan strategically when it comes to contract guard services. To avoid last-minute engagements that typically force you into less favorable terms, you can identify and negotiate in advance with contract guard agencies for on-demand services. You may pay a little more, but the contract will be structured to protect your organization.

Sure, it may be easier just to sign on the dotted line. But if contracts are not executed correctly, it does a disservice to you and your company. Worse, the arrangement could end up harming the very company you are entrusted to protect. Letâ¬"s face it, do you think your CEO is going to accept the excuse that you exposed the company to liability because the legal department was too busy? I donâ¬"t think so. n

Undercover is written anonymously by a real CSO. Send feedback to csoundercover@cxo.com.