When looking for an apartment complex to live in, security should be on the top of the list when deciding what is right for you.  From the gates, to the door locks, to the guards, it’s important that you ask questions.   One question should be if the apartment complex provides a courtesy patrol officer or contract security guard.  Therefore, it’s important to know the differences between the two.

          Although the function and purpose of a courtesy patrol officer and contract security guard is ultimately the same, the hiring process, work relationship, and contract are different.  With a courtesy patrol officer the contract is between the individual and the apartment complex.  With a security guard, the contract is with an agency that provides the guard and the apartment complex.  A patrol officer usually lives on site, knows the grounds well, and may also be a police officer who has picked up some extra work.   His dress may also be different than that of a security guard, who is likely in full uniform.   A patrol officer might be in just a shirt with the apartment logo on it.  You should also ask if the patrol officer will be armed and if he patrols by vehicle.

          Finding a reliable contract security guard at a reasonable price may be a challenge.  First, because you never know what you are going to get until you get it.  Apartment management should ask if they can interview one of the security guards who may be patrolling their property.  It never hurts to ask.  Also, keep in mind, the pool of people who apply to become security guards likely have worked for other agencies and have made the rounds with possibly nowhere else to go.  Still, some states require a license to work as a security guard, which may include a criminal background check.  Most security guards do not carry weapons, but have the power to make arrests as private citizens.