FAQ
Frequently asked questions about hiring security
Straight answers about how professional security works and what to look for when choosing a company. Don't see yours? Reach out any time.
What makes a great security company?
The best security companies combine well-trained, professional Officers with real accountability. Look for a licensed and insured provider with documented, real-time reporting, local Supervisors who respond quickly, and a genuine investment in training and de-escalation. At Diligence Security, every site receives an agreed-upon Site Instructions document and digital Patrol, Security, and Fire Watch Logs the Client can view in real time. See our Company story.
What should I look for when hiring a new security company?
Ask about officer training and turnover, licensing and insurance, supervision ratios, and how incidents are documented. Confirm the company can show you live digital logs, not just end-of-shift paperwork. Ask whether they provide a written Site Instructions document defining expectations, and how quickly they can deploy in an emergency. Read our guide on Why physical security matters.
What areas do you serve?
Diligence Security serves most of Western Washington and the greater Puget Sound, with dedicated coverage across Pierce, King, Thurston, Kitsap, and Snohomish Counties. See all Service Areas.
How fast can you deploy Security Officers or Fire Watch?
Diligence Security maintains a strong presence across the entire Puget Sound, so our Supervisors are rarely far from your site. Our dedicated Fire Watch Officer Team handles emergency coverage, and it is almost guaranteed we can deploy within the hour. Learn more about our 24/7 Emergency Response.
Are your Officers armed or unarmed?
We specialize in professional unarmed On-site Security Officers trained heavily in verbal de-escalation — ideal for most commercial, residential, and event environments where a calm, professional presence protects people best.
How are your Officers trained?
Every Officer completes our Officer Integration Program (OIP), which includes classroom instruction, onboarding, and field training, followed by additional site- and role-specific training as they advance. Patrol Officers receive extensive drivers training, and Supervisors complete additional supervisory training. Our focus is on professionalism, communication, and de-escalation.
Do you provide documented, real-time reporting?
Yes. Every Patrol and inspection is documented with digital Patrol, Security, and Fire Watch Logs that the Client can view in real time, alongside the agreed Site Instructions document for each site.
What does fire watch involve, and is it required?
Certified Fire Watch Officers patrol impaired areas at code-required intervals and maintain timestamped logs for the Fire Marshal. We meet or exceed requirements set forth by the applicable fire department. Fire watch is often required when sprinkler or alarm systems go offline. Learn how to Avoid costly fire watch fines.
Why hire a security company instead of just using cameras?
Cameras record incidents; Officers prevent them. A visible, professional security presence deters crime, responds in real time, and protects the people on your property in ways passive monitoring cannot. Read more on The advantages of patrol services.
Are you licensed and insured?
Yes. Diligence Security is a licensed and insured Washington State Security Company, Diligence Security Inc. (Business License #1234). We maintain all required state licensing for private security operations.
How much does hiring a Security Officer cost?
Pricing depends on the scope: hours of coverage, number of Officers, site complexity, and whether you need dedicated On-site, Mobile Patrol, or Fire Watch. We build a program around your real risks rather than a one-size template. Request a quote for a tailored estimate.
Do you provide Fire Watch Officers in Seattle, Tacoma, Bellevue, and Kirkland?
Yes. Our dedicated Fire Watch Officer Team deploys across the entire Puget Sound, including Seattle, Tacoma, Bellevue, Kirkland, Kent, Everett, and every city in our five-county service area. It is almost guaranteed we can be on your site within the hour.
What is the difference between an On-site Security Officer and a Mobile Patrol Officer?
An On-site Security Officer is dedicated to one property, embedded with the daily routine, and focused on access control, incident response, and a consistent professional presence. A Mobile Patrol Officer arrives at randomized times in a marked vehicle, performs a working inspection, and moves on to the next site — ideal when a full-time post is more coverage than you need.
Do you offer Event Security for corporate and private events?
Yes. Our uniformed Event Officers support corporate functions, private celebrations, grand openings, and community gatherings across the Puget Sound with access control, crowd management, VIP protection, and calm de-escalation.
What is the Officer Integration Program (OIP)?
The Officer Integration Program is the disciplined training curriculum every Diligence Security Officer completes. OIP 1 covers Washington licensing law, the Task Priority Continuum, use-of-force, de-escalation, emergency response, medical training, Fire Watch Officer certification, and report writing. OIP 2 is advanced development in communication, behavioral profiling, and crisis intervention for Officers who complete probation.
What are Diligence Security's core values?
Our Officers live four core values on every post: Adaptive, Ethical, Dependable, and Diligent. These values shape hiring, training, and how we protect the people on your property. Read more on our About Us page.
Do you protect property or people?
People. Diligence Security exists to protect the people who work, live, and visit the properties we cover. Documentation, deterrence, and de-escalation protect the site — but our first duty is always to the people on it.
Protect your people with a Team you can trust and verify.
Request a professional site evaluation or immediate emergency deployment. Local Supervisors respond fast across the Puget Sound.