What to Look for When Hiring a Security Company in Windsor

The Security Industry Has a Quality Problem

Ontario's security market ranges from large national firms with standardized processes to small operators cutting corners on training, licensing, and insurance. As a client, you can't always tell the difference by looking at a website — but the difference becomes very clear after an incident.

Knowing what to ask and what to verify protects your business from choosing the wrong provider.

1. Verify PSISA Licensing

Both the company and every officer it deploys must hold a valid PSISA licence. Ask for the company's business licence number and verify it on the Ministry of the Solicitor General's public registry. Ask how officer licences are tracked and renewed.

Any company that deflects this question is a red flag.

2. Confirm Insurance Coverage

A professional security company should carry comprehensive general liability insurance and errors & omissions coverage. Ask for a Certificate of Insurance naming your business as an additional insured — a legitimate firm will provide this without hesitation.

3. Evaluate Training Standards

• What training do officers receive beyond the minimum PSISA requirement?
• Are officers trained in First Aid and CPR?
• Is use-of-force training current and documented?
• Do officers receive site-specific orientation before their first shift?
• Is there ongoing training or just one-time onboarding?

4. Assess Local Knowledge and Accountability

A locally-based company knows Windsor and Essex County — the neighbourhoods, the risks, the properties, and the law enforcement relationships that matter. Large national firms often staff local sites with officers unfamiliar with the area and provide remote management with no local accountability.

ApexGuard is Windsor-based, locally operated, and directly accountable to our clients. Our operations team is accessible — not behind a national call centre.

5. Read the Contract Carefully

Review cancellation terms, minimum contract length, notice periods, and what happens if you need to increase or decrease staffing levels. A fair security contract is flexible and transparent — not locked-in and punitive.

If a company pushes you to sign quickly without reviewing terms, take that as a warning sign.