6. Cost is important but shouldn’t be the only consideration when selecting a provider.
During an economic recession in particular, it is tempting to just accept the lowest bidder without taking into account other factors. Unfortunately, when it comes to contract security, this approach will most likely affect the caliber of officers a campus is assigned.
This is especially true when those cost savings are achieved by paying officers lower wages and reducing their benefits. “What I’ve learned is that there is a reason for higher rates,” says Delaware State University Chief of Police James Overton. “By looking at the rates, you can tell if officers are making $7-$8 per hour or $13-$14 per hour.” In other words, you get what you pay for.
7. Be certain the “honeymoon” phenomenon doesn’t affect officer performance.
When a campus has a long-term agreement with a contract security provider, there may be a tendency for the performance to initially be excellent but then deteriorate several months into the contract.
“This happens with every company I’ve worked with,” says Overton. “They first send me their best and brightest, but as time goes on, they replace them with persons who aren’t as high quality because they are sending their best and brightest to the new contract.”
Campuses should be clear with their service providers that the quality of performance will remain high for the duration of the agreement.
Related Articles:
- Choose Your Integrator Wisely
- 5 Tips for Writing Effective RFPs
- The Bids are Back… Now What?
- Core Components of Contract Security RFPs
Robin Hattersley Gray is executive editor of Campus Safety. She can be reached at [email protected].
