At a place where people spend a majority of their time, the best benefit that an employer or property manager can give to their employees or tenants, is the knowledge that they, along with their property, will be safe.

Cobalt’s California corporate security services can include:

• Provide controlled access into buildings or on worksites
• Lock / unlock doors
• Courteously and professionally greet visitors
• Issue visitors badges and escort to meeting locations
• Deal with disgruntled or recently laid off employees
• CCTV Monitoring
• Parking enforcement
• Parking lot inspections
• Vehicle / foot patrols of property

Having a trustworthy residential security company provides your home and surrounding areas with the protection you need to feel safe and secure from potential criminals and damage. Our LA Security Company offers a safe and reliable security team to monitor your area and enhance security.

After serving some areas in California, we are expanding our security service to the neighborhoods/cities of Visalia, Tipton, and Tulare, California. If you are on the fence about consulting a security company for your house, or HOA here are the benefits of hiring security services:

Enhances Peace of Mind

Criminals often target areas that are easy to attack and are unguarded. No matter how many locks and security systems you invest in, they can find a way to hack into it. However, you can protect your house when a security team is constantly on the premises. The sight of a security guard is enough to discourage criminals away and give you the peace of mind that your house and your family are always protected.

Protects Assets

All homes have multiple expensive assets that can attract criminals if the house is not protected. From confidential documentation and jewelry to television, computers, cash, and much more, there are plenty of items that you can’t afford to lose.

Having a security team on the call ensures your assets are secure and safe. CCTV cameras and nonstop patrolling warn the criminals and monitors the activity that is happening near and around your home.

Prevents Vandalism

When security guards and CCTV cameras are on duty guarding the residential area, the chances of vandalism are low to none. The security guards are constantly present on the premises, which discourages criminals from even trying to attempt vandalism or break-ins in the area.

Provides Constant Monitoring

Vandalism, theft, and other crimes can occur anytime during the night or day. This means you need to be constantly on guard to ensure your home and family are protected. With a residential security team on the job, you don’t have to worry about being on guard since the team provides security monitoring 24/7 through patrolling and CCTV cameras.

Quick Response

When a trained security team is patrolling your residential area, you can rest assured that they will quickly respond to any emergencies. They act as the first responders, arriving on the scene immediately to manage the security issue immediately.

Handles Security Problems Effectively

Security offers are experienced and trained to efficiently manage multiple types of security problems. They get the proper training to monitor the area, identify security issues, look for loitering or suspicious activity and immediately address the problems.

Get the Best Security in Tulare, Visalia, and Tipton, CA, with LA Security Company

Getting residential, or commercial security can drastically increase the safety of your home, or business ensuring that you and your family are protected. If you are looking for reliable and trustworthy residential security, our LA Security Company now offers security coverage in Visalia, Tipton, and Tulare, CA.

Dramatic increases in both the frequency and ferocity of domestic terrorism and active shooter events have caused many Americans to reevaluate their notions of individual safety and personal security requiring active shooter security. The challenge of preventing terror scenarios, like the recent tragedies in Paris, France, and San Bernardino, CA, is real and ever-evolving for both public agencies and private security firms alike.

By evaluating the unique needs and requirements of each client, the Cobalt Security team creates the best possible environment for active shooter security. The formulation of a client-specific plan for the protection of property and personnel is how Cobalt Security mitigates danger and minimizes client risk. Passive visible deterrents such as cameras, notices, and alarm systems are solid active shooter security launching points for your residence or business. Be assured that Cobalt Security integrates not only the most current innovations into its passive systems, but also those technologies that have proven to be the most effective. However, security guards offer a more proactive and ACTIVE presence that is not predictable and thus harder to overcome.

Private Active Shooter Security Services As Part Of A Proactive Security Plan

Adding an active shooter security component to your organization’s protection plan creates a highly visible deterrent for any criminal activity being launched against your property, possessions, or personnel. Cobalt Security’s on-site services include uniformed armed and unarmed guards, vehicle patrols, and personal bodyguard services. Our highly scrutinized and vetted employees are comprised primarily of former military specialists and law enforcement experts, who review and practice emergency action plans with clients and their personnel to ensure coordination between security services and their protectorates. Cobalt Security guards regularly participate in on-going crisis situation and industry-leading active shooter security training scenarios. This makes our private security guards a smart choice when adding an active component to your security plan.

How To Protect Yourself From An Active Shooter

In an emergency, mere seconds can mean the difference between safety and vulnerability. By their very nature, active shooter situations are unpredictable, fluid, and rapidly evolving. Even when protective services are in place, awareness and preparedness at the personal level can save property and lives. Law enforcement and government agencies strongly encourage individual citizens to know and apply the simple, three-fold response plan formulated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security for an active shooter situation.

1. RUN
   • Put as much distance as possible between yourself and the shooter
   • If in a familiar environment, have an escape route and plan
   • Leave belongings behind
   • Keep your hands visible
2. HIDE
   • Conceal yourself in a place that is out of the shooter’s view
   • Block the entry to your hiding place; lock doors if possible
   • Silence your mobile phone; rings or tones could reveal your location
3. FIGHT
   • Fight only as a last resort and only if your life is in imminent danger
   • Attempt to incapacitate the shooter with physical aggression or by throwing objects at the shooter

How To Get A Site Security Assessment

While it may not be possible for any public or private agency to eliminate every security threat, there are things that individuals, businesses, and communities can do to mitigate risk. A targeted combination of training and technology coupled with site-specific active shooter security plans enables Cobalt Security to protect clients and minimize losses should an active shooter situation arise. Consider taking a proactive approach to your safety. Contact Cobalt Security for a complementary area assessment of your property and quote for protective services. Together, we can develop a comprehensive security plan tailored to fit your site and needs.

Andrew Esseff

Setting a new standard in private security services

PPO # 18012 | Serving Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks, Newbury Park, Westlake Village, Agoura Hills and nearby areas.

Which Type of Security Guard is Best for You?

Armed Security or Unarmed Security?

One question that I get fairly often from potential California clients is whether they should hire an armed security or unarmed security. There are many factors that you need to consider to make sure you hire the right type of security guard for your situation. There are questions that you need to ask both yourself as well as the security company you are interviewing. Let’s start with the five questions you need to consider for yourself:

1. Is there a specific threat to your property / facility?
2. What are the main concerns you have for your property / facility?
3. Is your property private or open to the public?
4. What is the perception you are trying to attain with having security?
5. What is your budget?

Unarmed Security or Armed Security?

So, let’s go through each of these questions to help you determine if an armed security guard or an unarmed securty guard would best benefit your property and safety in California.

Evaluate Your Security Needs

Threat

Unfortunately in today’s crazy world, with terrorism on the rise, you need to determine whether your property is a hard target or soft target.

Hard Target

A hard target is a facility or property that is guarded or has considerable security measures in place. This would make it difficult for a terrorist to carry out an attack without being intercepted.

Soft Target

A soft target is a facility or property that has little or no security protection. It is vulnerable and would be relatively easy for a terrorist to conduct an attack. After determining whether your facility is a soft or hard target you need to understand that terrorists look for ‘soft’ targets. These types of places may include parks, convention centers, museums, hotels, clubs, outdoor markets, etc.

Bottom line, attackers are looking for places where they can inflict a great deal of damage and terror relatively easily and quickly. Terrorists also look for places where a lot of people gather. Finally they look for places where their defenses are down and a security presence is non-existent.

Main concerns / Perception

Take some time to list what your main concerns are. Are you trying to prevent access to certain people? Worried about possible attacks against people on your property? Are you worried about the safety of guests, employees or patrons? Is there violent crimes or armed robbery a problem in the area? If you answered ‘yes’ to any of these questions, you may want to consider the use of an armed security guard. An armed security guard is an intimidating force that can help create a more proactive security measure. That being said, there are cons to having an armed security guard.

Armed Security

Armed Security guards have the authority to use deadly force if the need arises. Because they are carrying a weapon and the authority that it represents, you have to consider the message that sends to people working, living or visiting your property. Also, know that if an incident does occur, liability can fall back on you as the manager/owner of the property.

Unarmed Security

The other option for your property is an unarmed security guard. An unarmed security guard is more useful in situations where you are looking to prevent issues such as trespassing, vandalism/graffiti, and transients. Unarmed security officers can be less threatening to visitors and become more of an ambassador for your brand/company while still offering a proactive security solution. An unarmed security guard can still provide a similar level of deterrence as an armed guard, though it would provide less of an “intimidation” factor.

Budget

Lastly, identify a budget for your security. What are you able and willing to spend? Armed guards cost more money than unarmed guards. This is due to the insurance, licensing and training requirements. Also, many armed guards have a background in military or law enforcement. The experience and liability that armed security guards possess is the reason that the cost is higher.

Hiring A California Security Company For Armed Security or Unarmed Security

By answering these questions you now have an educated thought as to what type of security guard you want for your property.

Now, here are questions to ask a security services company to ensure that they can provide you with the type of security you need.

1. Can or will the security company provide both armed and unarmed security guards? Are they insured for both armed and unarmed guards?
2. What training do they provide their guards?
3. What is their professional opinion as to what type of guard should be used for your property?

Insurance

First of all, there are many companies that do not provide armed guards due to the liability and insurance costs involved. If you think that your property needs an armed guard, make sure the company you are interviewing provides armed guards. Don’t be pushed into a decision that under-secures your facility. As for insurance, ensure they have General Liability and Workers Compensation Insurance- at least $1,000,000 in both. In California, the minimum General Liability insurance that a security company must be insured for is $1,000,000.

Training

The last thing you want is an undertrained or completely untrained security guard that has a gun in his/her hand on YOUR property. When you are contracting a security company for an armed guard, you are placing a large amount of trust in them. There is a lot of liability that can fall back on you if that guard misuses their weapon or authority. For more information on training and identifying whether or not a security company trains their security guards, please see Untrained Guards A Problem For Security Companies.

Professional Opinion

Lastly, find out what the security company’s professional opinion is. They should have advice that will help mitigate risk for your property while helping you stay within your security services budget. Whether choosing an armed security guard or an unarmed security guard, a strong security presence can reduce risk, increases safety, and provide much needed protection for employees, residents, and assets.

An effective security company needs quality security guards. Without a thoughtful screening process for potential candidates, there is no way to assure this quality. Without quality, there is no security. That it is why it is so important to have criteria that you can use to determine if a security guard is right for the job before you hire them. To get the best guards available you need a company that knows what to look for in their employees.

Work History

Knowing where a security guard has worked up until this point is extremely valuable. This information can potentially give you insight on the surface level of their character. What did their previous employer trust them to do? If they worked as a security guard somewhere else, what reason may they have for leaving?

These insights will not necessarily give you enough information to make a decision as to whether or not the candidate should be hired, but it should definitely shape your expectations and inform your interview strategy. It is always important to train security guards, but without an established work history, the only measure of job aptitude is some form of previous training.

Previous Training

When a potential employee has received training prior to seeking employment, this can be extremely valuable. Firearms training from a military or law enforcement background ensures a level of competence that could be used for armed guard services. But this type of training may mean less if the employer is not looking for armed guards. Useful civilian training can be any high rank earned in martial arts. Though there are more practical forms of martial arts than others, years of extensive knowledge in any style can be a great background for future training.

With any potential hire, it is important to understand how they view their current knowledge. Any type of unwillingness to admit gaps in their level of competency can demonstrate a likely difficulty in re-training. It is important that their previous training demonstrates some willingness to learn so that they can follow company guidelines.

Background Checks

It should go without saying that all security guards must undergo thorough background checks, but many companies skip this step. In a background check, you are looking for potential red flags. Any history of drug addiction, beyond drug testing, should be investigated. Criminal history is by far the easiest information to get, and the most important. Knowing about a security guard’s past is an absolute necessity. This is a person that is being trusted to not only protect vulnerabilities, but they are also acting as a representative of the company. Their behavior reflects the choices of everyone that put them there.

Personality Traits

During testing, interviews, and training, it is important to be looking for the foundational personality traits of a security guard. Listening comprehension is one of the most important skills to test for. How well can they perform a task after it is described to them? Once you know that they can listen and understand their tasks, you need to know if they can think critically. When something unexpected happens, how do they respond, and how do they balance their response with company protocol?

An ability to pick up skills on the fly is unbelievably useful, as clients may have certain needs or use unfamiliar technology. Security guards may need to pick up protocols for electronic locks and safety equipment with very little time for preparation. However, the most important trait for a security guard is expressive communication. They need to be able to articulate themselves to communicate an issue or what happened during an incident. But that goes hand in hand with situational awareness. A security guard must be able to constantly assess their surroundings to keep everyone safe and accurately report.

Timeframe and Turnover

Due to the incredibly high turnover rates in the security guard industry, many companies are just looking to fill positions with warm bodies. But any security guard company worth their salt knows that the turnover makes it that much more important to screen security guards effectively. With so many people leaving and coming in, a failure to determine if a candidate is the right person for the job puts everyone at risk. It is important that the company gives itself enough time to vet their workers properly.

A time crunch for filling a position must be anticipated within this field, so the screening process has to run like a well-oiled machine. It is important not to compromise on the effectiveness of the hiring process for the sake of time. Rather than take on work that cannot be done well, protect your customers and your brand by only using security guards you have had time to screen and train.

Conclusion

To effectively screen security guards before you hire them, a company needs to take their time. They have to look into the work history and previous training that they may have received. Conduct thorough background checks and focus on potentially harmful behavior, and look for the type of personality that will thrive as a security guard. Make sure that the company you use is doing all they can to give you the best protection possible.

Article submitted by Lock and Security Expert Ralph Goodman of United Locksmith. Visit him on his Blog, Twitter, and Facebook.

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
COBALT SECURITY RECEIVES THE BEST OF WESTLAKE VILLAGE AWARD FOR THEIR SECURITY SERVICES

WESTLAKE VILLAGE June 22, 2016 — Westlake Village Award Program has selected Cobalt Security for the Best of Westlake Village Award, in the Security Services category.  Cobalt Security has consistently provided the best security services available since the beginning.

The Westlake Village Award Program “identifies companies that we believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category.”

As stated on the award, recipients “are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and our community.” Grounded on the core value of providing top-notch professional service, Mr. Esseff is happy to know his employees’ professionalism has not gone unnoticed.  Cobalt Security’s professionalism and best security services have gained attention from the community using Cobalt for their security needs. “I believe we have the best individuals working for Cobalt. They proudly represent Cobalt Security and the clients they are respectively linked to” noted Mr. Esseff.

Best Security Services by Cobalt Security’s Vision

Established in February of 2015, Cobalt has taken the security industry by storm by providing the best security services available. The Co-founder and CEO Andrew Esseff, was a former Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Technician and Officer in the Army.  Mr. Esseff  and his business partners started Cobalt Security “to set a new standard in the security industry.”  Mr. Esseff sought to develop a security company that could provide the best security services with honest, well trained and professional security guards to clients; something he believed the industry was lacking.

“As a newer company in the security industry, we are humbled to receive the 2016 Best of Westlake Village Award. I founded Cobalt with the intent to provide top-notch security for the community I live in and I’m pleased to know we seem to be doing just that in Westlake Village.”

SOURCE: Westlake Village Award Program

CONTACT: Westlake Village Award Program

Email: PublicRelations@awardconnections.org

URL: http://www.awardconnections.org

Setting a new standard in private security servicesPPO # 18012 | Serving Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks, Newbury Park, Westlake Village, Agoura Hills and nearby areas.http://artwork1.coursevector.com

Is your corporate complex as secure as you think it is?

The significance of corporate security to a company’s overall asset protection plan cannot be overstated. Whether an entity be a small mom-and-pop enterprise or a large, multi-national conglomerate, today’s corporate security service is charged with effectively protecting physical assets, real property, and the personnel who access them, without diminishing workflow.

Businesses often struggle with how to create a balance between controlling physical access to sensitive spaces while maintaining a receptive environment for staff and visitors alike. Often, simply restructuring how an existing space is utilized can enhance control over the flow of guests, clients, and vendors within the public areas of a business. The addition of monitoring systems, private security, and/or patrol services to augment a strategic spatial configuration can produce an environment where security requirements are met discreetly, without compromising the sense of welcome and belonging within a space.

Risk Assessment Exposes Corporate Security Flaws

Cobalt Security Services recently assessed security risks for a client who owns a three-story office building. The client was using an electronic pass key system to grant authorized personnel access to the business. Additionally, a video intercom system was utilized to both remotely view persons at any of four entrances to the building, and unlock the appropriate door to allow the visitor into a lobby area.

While the client was commended for the pass key and video intercom systems that were already in place, Cobalt Security was able to identify weaknesses in the client’s existing security arrangement. A Cobalt corporate security expert recommended simple, cost-effective measures that would further mitigate security risks for the client.

In this particular case, the client had no employees working on the first floor of the building, despite the presence of multiple offices on the ground level. The receptionist, who was responsible for remotely monitoring points of entry and granting callers access to the building, was stationed on the second floor. Cobalt Security was able to point out the risks associated with allowing unknown individuals into an unstaffed lobby. Despite instructions being delivered via the video intercom system for guests to come to the second floor for assistance upon entering the business, there was no way to ensure that visitors would come directly to the second floor, or for that matter, would not wander through the ground floor unsupervised when leaving the building.

Private Security Officers Better Than CCTV Alone

Cobalt Security strongly urged that the client relocate the receptionist to the ground level of the business. Further enhancements included the installation of closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras for all interior and exterior public spaces of the building. The CCTV camera system allowed the receptionist to monitor a live video feed of the enterprise’s common areas, and observe the movements of guests through those spaces. A monitored and recordable CCTV system has not only made this client’s property and personnel more secure, but has also mitigated the risk of fraudulent injury claims occurring at the business, and enhanced loss-prevention measures. A uniformed standing guard and vehicle patrols would further improve security.

As every enterprise presents protection needs that are unique, the Cobalt approach to security is all about customization to fit the needs of the client. Whether your entity’s security requirements are as basic and straightforward as those of the client in the preceding example, or are of a highly complex or sensitive nature, Cobalt Security Services can implement a security plan exclusive to your need. Our on-site security offerings include vehicle patrols and security guard services. Cobalt Security guards can be uniformed, non-uniformed, armed, or unarmed, depending on the client’s requirements.

Contact Cobalt Security Services for a complimentary site evaluation and area assessment. A Cobalt Security consultant will provide you with an analysis of the strengths and weaknesses in your facility’s existing security program, and will propose solutions for augmenting security positives and correcting for protection lapses. With years of experience in providing a comprehensive range of security and protective solutions, Cobalt Security Services is equipped to implement a corporate security plan that is tailored to fit the needs of your business and the requirements of your site.

Setting a new standard in private security services

PPO # 18012 | Serving Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks, Newbury Park, Westlake Village, Agoura Hills and nearby areas.

State-of-the-Art Private Security Means Employing the 3p’s – Prepared, Professional and Paperless

Is your security company using outdated paper reports while spending money to have private security personnel doing paperwork when they could be out on patrol? Cobalt Security utilizes an innovative technology known as Officer Reports to ensure their clients get the most out of their professional private security teams, which keeps clients up-to-the-minute with real-time reporting. What’s more, since this is a web-based platform, there is no software to download.

This application, designed specifically for the private security guard industry, is a one-stop shop for all matters that pertain to private security guards. When utilized correctly, Officer Reports provides benefits to security guards, Cobalt Security management, and their clients. This system brings transparency, and seamless communication, to a previously paper-based process. Private security guards can use the program to create incident reports, daily activity reports, maintenance requests, and track visitors in real time.

Additionally, there is an application within Officer Reports called Tour Tracker. This application utilizes quick response (QR) codes that are scanned into a phone app to show when an action has been taken. When a private security guard scans the QR code, they are verifying to the client, and employer, that they have given specific attention to detail, which the client wants to have addressed. Tour Tracker eliminates much of the waste of paper files from foot patrols and vehicle patrol security actions.

Once a QR code has been scanned, GPS coordinates are taken, a time stamp is made, and a report is sent to the client. This shows the client exactly what actions are being taken by the private security guards on their property, allowing clients to verify that guards are completing all required tasks.

This action not only adds transparency for the guards and clients, but also supplies concrete records for future reference, in the event that there are any problems. This aids in eliminating some of the biggest concerns in the industry and provides verification for clients on what is happening on their property.

The Officer Reports System Gathers Incident Reports Electronically

When utilizing the Officer Reports program, all sites are equipped with phones and/or tablets that private security guards use to generate electronic reports through the program, which are immediately sent to the client after the report has been generated. This eliminates waste from the process by allowing the guards to continue their patrol, while providing real-time reports to the client regarding what is happening on their property.

This system also decreases the clutter of paper reports by permanently storing all records online. Officer Reports also provides convenience to clients who want to look back and compare multiple reports over a period of time. The client has the ability to download reports if they happen to delete, misplace or misfile a report. Keep in mind that the reports can also be printed if the client wants to maintain a hard copy on file.

Client Portals

Officer Reports provides clients access to a portal where they can view all information pertaining to their specific sites. It allows clients to view every file, report, and action that has been recorded at their site by Cobalt Security’s private security guards. These reports are kept on file forever and provide clients the ability to look at, print, and sort through all the reports across all their sites. Access to these portals is restricted to the client and Cobalt Security management.

Electronic reports have the potential to save the client money and time looking for, or requesting, paper reports. Also, all reports are backed up on a secure network so that Cobalt Security Services’ clients can feel comfortable knowing that their information is kept safe and secure. Traditionally, when a report is misplaced, a client would request a copy from their private security guard company and wait for the file to be identified and delivered. Officer Reports eliminates this problem.

Backups Preclude Lost Files

Electronic files are backed up on Officer Reports secure servers to ensure that no critical information is lost. If the client cannot find a specific report, they can rest assured knowing that Cobalt and Officer Reports will always have the report. Reports are generally “filed” in three places: on the secure Officer Reports network, in their own filing system, and in Cobalt’s filing system.

Ease of Operations Ensure more time on Patrol with less Worry

Once a report pertaining to a site is completed and entered into Officer Reports, a digital copy is sent directly to the client’s email automatically, saving time and worry. If something needs immediate attention, they will have all the necessary information to take action. This precludes waiting for a traditional paper report to be delivered, ensuring that no reports are misplaced or forgotten.

Clients have the ability to verify right away the actions being performed on their site. In addition, they can log on to an online portal to view all reports that have been made on their site. This ensures that clients will have access to records, even if they have misplaced or misfiled them.

To expand on this, Daily Activity Reports (DARs) log all the day-to-day activities a private security guard does while on shift. These DARs are sent at the end of each shift. Additionally, visitor logs and car logs are updated each time a visitor or car leaves or enters the site, giving the client the ability to see who is on their site at all times during the day. All other reports, such as incident reports, maintenance requests, etc. are sent immediately. This is because those reports generally contain time sensitive information and track unusual activities that should be dealt with quickly.

The Bottom Line

At Cobalt Security, we utilize the latest technological edge to verify that our professional private security team is where they need to be, when they need to be there. Whether it is on-foot or a vehicle patrol, our private security guards execute their daily mission with real-time, innovative support that saves time from filing reports to prepare and execute the mission for our clients.

When you’re in search of a team of trained professionals to provide private security services, contact us. Cobalt Security will be happy to discuss your options, and provide a no-cost estimate for all of your security needs.

Marc Esseff

Setting a new standard in private security services

PPO # 18012 | Serving Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks, Newbury Park, Westlake Village, Agoura Hills and nearby areas.