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Top 7 Signs it’s Time to Hire a Private Security Company

It always seems like things are going well … until they aren’t. And you don’t want to be in that position when suddenly security isn’t going well for your business or apartment community.

But how do you recognize the signs that it’s time for you to stop hiring your own courtesy officer or relying on cameras and hire a private security company to protect your assets, people, and property? Here are seven signs to pay attention to.

1. Uptick in Crime

Obviously, this is a big one. If you’re the manager of a property, have you seen an increase in incident reports, such as thefts and vandalism? If the uptick in crime doesn’t seem to be isolated, it may mean that your current security isn’t cutting it to prevent incidents from happening. 

2. Increased Safety Risks

Chances are that if you walk your property you will find a handful of safety risks. But there is a likely chance there are many more that you aren’t even aware of, which is why it would be a good idea to have a trained security professional go over everything with a fine-toothed comb to catch what you can’t.

3. Parking Lot Safety Concerns

Whether it’s because your property is in a neighborhood with a higher crime rate or the parking lot is poorly lit, employees and residents shouldn’t get the heebie-jeebies or have to carry mace when walking to their vehicle. You should seriously consider investing in a security firm that won’t make people think twice about coming or going.

4. Potential Liabilities

Insurance is a necessary evil, but insurance premiums can increase the less secure your business appears to be. Throw in some of those safety risks mentioned above, and your business may have “liability” written all over it. Hiring a security company to help spot, correct, and prevent further safety issues is a great way to lower those monthly premiums.

5. Your Business is Growing

This one is not a bad thing, but just a sign that you’ve outgrown your current security needs! If it suddenly feels like what you have in place just isn’t enough, it’s probably time to hire a professional security firm.

6. You’re Spending a Lot of Your Time on Security 

With the million and one things your property manager job already requires, why should you have to spend a good portion of your time addressing security concerns when there are plenty of professional companies out there who can do it for you (and much better, since, after all, that is what they are trained to do)? 

7. Help in an Emergency 

The bigger your property, the higher the chance that some kind of emergency will occur — from fires to medical issues to crimes in progress. If an emergency were to arise, would you or your employees be able to keep a clear head? It can be difficult to know what to do and who to call. If you had a security company working with you, a trained security guard would be able to assess and handle an emergency situation without hesitation. In addition, their presence cuts the lag time of calling police or rescue personnel to come and take control of a situation. 

Take the Next Step

What is it like to partner with a professional, effective security company? Click here to learn more about Signal today!

Passion Award: Stephen Hayes
Signal of El Paso, TX & Signal of Greater Albuquerque, NM  


At Signal, we drive with passion in everything we do because passion connects people to purpose. 

Stephen Hayes exemplifies this every day. A positive and giving leader, Stephen is a role model to others in the network. He stays closely connected to the Home Office, ensuring he is personally executing operational details with excellence and accuracy. 

Beyond his own market, Stephen is always willing to lend advice and support anyone in the network who needs it, while maintaining strong results in his markets. His dedication, energy, and consistent positive attitude make him a powerful example of what it means to lead with passion. 

Honesty & Integrity Award: Jonas Palmer
Signal of Northwest Tennessee & Signal of Jackson, MS 

We live in honesty and integrity because without it, our company and our brand are hollow. 

Jonas Palmer has taken on some of our most challenging markets and turned them around in a remarkably short time. He leads from the front, never asking his team to do anything he isn’t willing to do himself. 

When feedback comes from the Home Office, whether operational or financial, Jonas responds with transparency and immediate follow-through. His professionalism, accountability, and respect in every interaction set a high standard for reliability and trust. 

Relationships Award: Mike Kosmet
Signal of Michigan 

We build relationships because healthy success can only be created with mutual respect for others. 

Mike Kosmet has demonstrated consistent success for more than a decade. He understands that collaboration fuels progress, as shown in his partnership with our Milwaukee office, which helped drive a significant market turnaround. 

Personable, responsive, and easy to work with, Mike prioritizes communication and follow-through. His ability to engage his team and work alongside peers has contributed to doubling the size of his business this year. He proves that strong relationships are a competitive advantage. 

Serving Award: Shane Wimer
Signal of Nebraska 

We serve our communities without hesitation because serving is the active ingredient in service. 

Shane Wimer led the development of Code Enforcement as a new service offering, generously sharing his entire process with the Home Office and fellow franchisees. His collaboration helped create sales and training materials that are driving growth across the network. 

He knows his officers by name and genuinely cares about their success, which is reflected in his team’s outstanding retention rates. Shane’s ability to balance strong financial performance with a people-first mindset makes his franchise a model for serving both community and team. 

Learning Award: Dan Liotta
Signal of Central and Northern Virginia  

We learn something every day by holding an open-minded approach to everything we do. 

Since joining Signal in 2023, Dan Liotta has made a significant impact. As a strategic and thoughtful leader, he delivers strong results and exceptional customer service by staying focused on sustainable growth. 

Dan is constantly seeking ways to improve his operations and bring more value to his market. His visionary mindset and commitment to continuous improvement remind us that growth begins with a willingness to learn.

Core Champion Award: Haris Johnson
Signal of Washington, D.C. 

While each award represents a specific value, the Core Champion brings them all together. 

Haris Johnson represents the full Signal mission in every aspect of his business. He makes a lasting impression in every interaction, from how he supports his officers to the passion he brings to serving clients. 

He is always exploring new ideas to improve his franchise and shows genuine appreciation for others across the network. His commitment to his team, his clients, and the future of Signal makes him a true Core Champion. 

Congratulations! 

These winners represent what makes Signal different. Our Core Values – Passion, Honesty & Integrity, Relationships, Serving, and Learning – are the foundation of how we operate and how we grow.  

To our 2025 Core Award winners: thank you for leading by example and for showing what it truly means to live the Signal mission.

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