Frequently Asked Questions

We provide security services for a variety of businesses, including retail stores, apartment complexes, commercial buildings, and more.

Yes, we offer armed security guard services for businesses that require additional protection.  Armed security officers typically undergo more rigorous training than their unarmed counterparts. This training often includes firearm safety and usage, legal compliance, conflict resolution, and emergency response procedures. This expertise ensures that they are prepared to handle a wide range of situations with professionalism and efficiency. 

Please see: Security Guards

To find the best private security company, property managers should assess their specific security needs first. This involves considering the property type, crime history, and potential risks. Next, research companies with a strong reputation and positive client reviews. Look for firms that have experience with similar properties. Finally, compare bids from several companies, focusing on their proposed security plan, training procedures, and level of insurance coverage, rather than just the price. A lower price might indicate less experienced staff or inadequate insurance. 

To ensure a security company is legitimate, verify their licensing and certifications with the state’s regulatory body. In California, the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS) is the regulating entity, and property managers can confirm licensing status directly through their website at https://www.bsis.ca.gov. Check for a physical address, a professional website, and a solid business history. Request references from current or past clients and contact them to discuss their experience. A legitimate company will also be transparent about their operations, training programs, and employee background checks. 

Property managers should request certificates of insurance directly from the security company’s insurance provider. These certificates should detail coverage types such as general liability, workers’ compensation, and professional liability, as well as the policy limits. Confirm that the coverage is adequate for the risks associated with the property. Additionally, require that the property management company be named as an “additional insured” on the policy to extend protection directly.

Private security guards generally have the same legal authority as private citizens, which is the ability to make a citizen’s arrest for a crime committed in their presence. They do not have the same powers as sworn police officers, who may issue citations, conduct investigations, and use force under the color of law. A guard’s authority primarily comes from their role as an agent of the property owner, which allows them to enforce rules and regulations on that private property. 

Yes. Reputable security companies have internal supervision, compliance officers, and quality-control measures. In addition, they are regulated by state agencies (such as BSIS in California) that enforce licensing, training, and disciplinary actions. Clients should ask how often supervisors conduct site inspections. 

A security guard can legally arrange for a car to be towed if it is parked on private property in violation of posted rules. The property owner, through the security guard acting as their agent, has the right to enforce parking policies. For a tow to be lawful, clear signage must be posted stating the rules and warning violators that vehicles will be towed at their expense. The guard does not tow the car themselves but contacts a licensed towing company authorized to remove the vehicle.  More information about our Private Property Parking Enforcement service, please go here: https://caltacsecurity.com/parking-enforcement

The training for security guards is far less extensive than that of police officers. Police officers must complete months of academy training covering criminal law, constitutional law, defensive tactics, firearms, emergency response, and community policing. In contrast, security guard training is minimal, focusing primarily on observation, reporting, de-escalation, and property-specific procedures. Armed guards may complete additional state-required firearms training, but it is still not comparable to police academy standards. 

No. Private security is not a replacement for the police. Guards serve as deterrents and first responders who patrol, monitor, and report incidents, but they lack the legal authority to investigate crimes, execute search warrants, or make full custodial arrests. Police must be called for emergencies, crimes in progress, or situations that require law enforcement authority. 

Not necessarily. Armed security can act as a stronger deterrent against violent crime. However, armed officers require additional training, psychological evaluation, and firearms permits. The property owner’s liability depends on whether the company carries proper insurance and whether the armed officers are properly vetted and supervised. 

The main benefits of armed security guards are increased deterrence and the ability to respond to a serious threat with a firearm. An armed guard can potentially stop an armed robbery or an active shooter, whereas an unarmed guard cannot. For high-value properties, financial institutions, or properties in high-crime areas, the presence of an armed guard can provide a greater sense of safety and security for tenants and customers.

Armed Security Officer provide:

·  Stronger deterrence against violent crimes

·  Ability to respond more effectively to high-risk incidents

·  Increased sense of safety for tenants and customers
 

That said, unarmed guards are often sufficient for low-risk environments such as retail centers, offices, or HOAs where visible presence and rule enforcement are the primary needs.

Security guards are limited by the same laws as private citizens. They cannot search individuals without consent, conduct interrogations, or perform traffic stops. Their authority is restricted to making a citizen’s arrest for crimes committed in their presence. Their role is primarily to observe, report, and summon law enforcement when necessary, rather than act as police officers. 

Several motivations influence this career choice:

• A desire for public service or a stepping stone to law enforcement careers.
   
• Higher compensation compared to unarmed positions.
   
• The sense of authority and respect associated with carrying a firearm.
   
• A strong purpose in protecting people and property.
   
• Job stability and flexible scheduling due to steady demand for armed officers.

Private security provides a noticeable difference by deterring crime, reducing vandalism, and creating a safer environment. A visible presence such as uniformed officers and patrol vehicles reduces theft and loitering. While profitability increases indirectly, properties with security often see stronger tenant retention, greater customer trust, and fewer financial losses from criminal activity. 

Private security can positively affect property values by reducing police-reported crime statistics. If security officers handle minor incidents internally and only involve police when necessary, fewer incidents appear on public crime reports. Lower crime statistics increase property desirability and market value for both tenants and buyers, while still maintaining a safe environment. 

Private security provides a significant value to the community. They serve as a visible deterrent to crime, assist in emergency situations, and act as a liaison between the property and local law enforcement. Their presence frees up police resources to focus on more serious crimes. By maintaining a safe environment, private security helps to foster a sense of well-being, which in turn can lead to increased foot traffic, stronger economic activity, and a better quality of life for residents and visitors.

Yes. Industry research and case studies show businesses that employ private security experience fewer losses from theft, vandalism, and liability claims. Reduced crime leads to lower operating costs, increased customer traffic, improved tenant retention, and ultimately stronger profitability.

While direct data on increased business profitability due to hiring private security are relatively sparse, several well-regarded studies and reports show a clear pattern: visible private security can significantly reduce crime, which in turn supports factors closely linked to profitability, such as reduced losses, higher customer confidence, and lower insurance costs.

1. University Campus Private Police (UCPD in Chicago)
   A study revealed that areas just inside the University of Chicago’s private police jurisdiction had 55% less overall crime and 63% less violent crime compared to adjacent areas without their coverage.
   Sources: chesleybrown.com, International Security Ligue, ScienceDirect, Public Safety
    
2. Business Improvement Districts (BIDs)
   In Los Angeles, BIDs increased security presence and saw a notable reduction in robberies in those neighborhoods.
   Sources: Security Base Group, Penn Carey Law, PMC
    
3. Security Patrols in Transit and Retail Contexts
    
   • Public transit systems reported 30%+ drops in vandalism and petty theft following deployment of security patrols.
      
   • Retail environments saw fewer theft and vandalism incidents, with one retail chain reporting a 40% decrease in shoplifting.
     Sources: Office of Justice Programs, Security Base Group, Penn Carey Law
      

1. Property Crime Reduction
   Studies show that increased use of private security correlates with reduced burglary and property crime, with no evidence of displacement of crime to nearby areas.
   Sources: chesleybrown.com, ScienceDirect, Security Base Group
    

• Lower Insurance Premiums & Enhanced Property Value
  Commercial properties with private security often benefit from reduced insurance costs and improved safety ratings, which increase tenant demand and property value.
   
• Broader Safety Contributions
  Research indicates that private security often complements public safety and delivers prevention outcomes comparable to public police, particularly when integrated effectively.
   

While not every study measures profitability directly, the cause-and-effect chain is clear:

• Reduced crime → fewer theft and vandalism losses
   
• Improved perceptions of safety → higher customer traffic and employee satisfaction
   
• Lower insurance costs & stronger tenant retention → more stable revenue
   
• Enhanced real estate desirability → better lease terms and property appreciation
   

OutcomeEvidence SourceViolent & property crime ↓UCPD, BIDs, transit, retail studiesTheft & vandalism ↓Transit systems, retail chain case studiesInsurance premiums ↓Industry & property management reportsProperty value/tenant demand ↑Market analyses & commercial real estate data  

Bottom Line:
Yes — multiple reputable studies confirm that private security significantly deters crime, particularly theft, vandalism, and violent incidents. These reductions create tangible business advantages: lower losses, enhanced customer confidence, insurance savings, and improved property value. Together, these factors contribute to greater business profitability, even when studies don’t directly measure profit margins.

PBID stands for Property and Business Improvement District.

• A PBID is a special benefit district formed by property and/or business owners within a  defined geographic area.
• Members collectively fund services and improvements beyond what the city normally provides.
• Funding is  typically raised through an assessment on properties or businesses in the district.
• In Sacramento, PBIDs are authorized under California’s Property and Business Improvement District Law of 1994.

PBIDs often provide:

• Enhanced security and public safety
• Maintenance and beautification (clean streets, landscaping, graffiti removal)
• Marketing and events to attract visitors
• Economic development initiatives

Sacramento Area PBIDs & BIDs

There are 20 PBIDs/BIDs in the Sacramento area, covering diverse corridors and neighborhoods—from historic Downtown to commercial corridors like Stockton Boulevard, Florin Road, and Oak Park. These districts serve to enhance safety, cleanliness, marketing, and economic vitality in their respective areas.

According to Sacramento County’s Economic Development resources, the region includes 20 active Property Business Improvement Districts (PBIDs). These are:

• Antelope Business Community District
• Arden + Howe Business Alliance
• Capitol Station District (DBA The River District)
• Del Paso Boulevard Partnership
• Downtown Sacramento Partnership
• Florin Road Partnership
• Franklin District Business Association
• Fulton Avenue Association
• Greater Broadway Partnership
• Mack Road Partnership
• Midtown Business Association
• Oak Park Business Association
• Power Inn Alliance
• R Street Sacramento Partnership
• Stockton Boulevard Partnership
• Sunrise Marketplace
• The Handle District
• Watt Avenue Partnership

https://www.cityofsacramento.gov/content/dam/portal/cmo/OIED/resources-page/inclusive-econ-dev-maps/IECD-Map---PBIDs%204.pdf

Security is one of the core services PBIDs provide, especially in urban corridors and commercial districts. The patrols are typically private security officers contracted by the district. Their role is to:

1. Deterrence & Visibility

• Patrols create a strong, visible presence that discourages crime, loitering,      vandalism, and theft.
• Security vehicles or bike patrols increase visibility, reassuring businesses and visitors.

2. Rapid Response & Reporting

• Officers act as first responders to nuisance issues (trespassing, disorderly      conduct, vandalism).
• They quickly report criminal activity to the police and provide evidence or documentation.

3. Community Engagement

• Patrol officers interact with merchants, property managers, residents, and visitors.
• They often provide directions, assist with minor incidents, and support a      feeling of safety.

4. Collaboration with Police

• Security patrols do not replace police but act as a bridge.
• They enforce property rules, perform citizen’s arrests if necessary, and then      coordinate with Sacramento PD.

5. Data & Accountability

• Many PBIDs require guards to use incident-reporting software (with GPS and photos).
• This provides data on trends (loitering hot spots, recurring thefts), helping      PBIDs adapt strategies.

Why Security Patrols Matter to PBIDs

• Businesses feel safer, encouraging customer traffic.
• Visitors perceive the area as more secure, boosting economic activity.
• Reduced crime helps increase property values and tenant retention.
• Police resources are freed to focus on higher-level emergencies.

In Sacramento, PBIDs like the Downtown Sacramento Partnership, Midtown Business Association, and Power Inn Alliance all run security patrol programs that are highly visible in their districts.

https://data.cityofsacramento.org/datasets/SacCity%3A%3Apbids/about