Blogs

Busting 6 Myths About Private Security Officers

Over 1 million people in the United States are employed as security officers. Still, despite the large number of workers in this industry, unflattering stereotypes of the profession linger. Instead of viewing officers as well-trained and helpful security experts, many perceive them as poorly equipped, incompetent “wannabes” – thanks in large part to Hollywood’s typical depiction of private security professionals.

The truth is, these hardworking and dedicated professionals make significant contributions to crime prevention, public safety, and all-around peace of mind, year after year. The following article discusses 6 myths about security officers, and how they stack up to reality.

Myth 1: Security Officers Are Poorly Trained

Many may view security officers as inexperienced, entry-level workers that don’t have the necessary qualifications to do a good job. Some may also feel that security companies don’t provide sufficient training to help their officers succeed.

Reality: Many security officers are former or current law enforcement officers. As such, they have a wide range of experience in handling tense situations, and preventing criminal activity. Other officers that come from different backgrounds can take advantage of in-depth training to provide true value to their clients.

Myth 2: Security Firms Will Hire Anybody

Another common perception of the security industry is that companies are so desperate to take on employees that they’ll settle for just about anybody, regardless of their background, employment history, or qualifications.

Reality: Security officers are entrusted with the duty to care for valuable property and possessions. Thus, security firms take every appropriate measure to ensure that their employees are both trustworthy and reliable workers. For example, at Signal we pre-screen all of our job candidates and vet them to the highest possible standard before even thinking about bringing them onboard. We have strict standards in place to protect our clients from unqualified or ineligible candidates.

Myth 3: Security Officers Don’t Really Care About Their Jobs

One unfortunate stereotype that still persists in the public imagination is that security officers are lazy, or lackadaisical about their job performance. The popular image is that of the security guard eating donuts in the command center while thieves break into the building and steal everything in sight.

Reality: This shameful myth belies the fact that security officers have dedicated their lives to helping others, and have chosen a vocation that allows them to do so on a day to day basis. Security officers not only care about their jobs; they care about the people they are protecting.

Myth 4: Security Firms Don’t Provide Officers with the Resources They Need

Some people feel that the average security officer is clueless – but they don’t blame the employee, they blame the employer. Such people have the idea that security firms simply skimp on necessary resources to save a few dollars here and there, leaving their workers “out in the cold.”

Reality: At Signal each and every one of our officers receive specific, highly detailed post orders with a comprehensive list of the requirements and unique attributes of each property. We work hard to ensure that each employee goes into an assignment with clear and reasonable expectations, and the resources they need to fulfill their duties.

Myth 5: Security Officers Are Aggressive

At the other end of the spectrum from the “incompetent security officer” is the “combative security officer.” Some business owners and private citizens are concerned that officers will constitute a militaristic, aggressive presence, or take things too far in a volatile situation.

Reality: The vast majority of security officers are courteous and respectful in the course of their work, even in the face of provocation. At Signal, our security officers are members of the same community that they protect, giving them extra incentive to provide exceptional customer service, and treat others with care and compassion.

Myth 6: Security Officers Don’t Really Prevent Crime

Finally, many feel that in the final analysis, the presence of security officers don’t do much to prevent crime.

Reality: Actually, nothing could be further from the truth! For example, Signal officers partner with local law enforcement agencies to facilitate arrests and aid in detainment when necessary. Although our officers do not have arrest powers, they are more than willing to use their expertise and skills acquired in previous law enforcement roles to help apprehend suspects.

Several years ago, a study from the Urban Institute found that the mere presence of surveillance cameras on a property tends to reduce crime by 20%. If cameras by themselves can aid in crime prevention, how much more can alert, well-trained security officers? The answer is obvious.

Private Security Officers Provide a Truly Valuable Service

While negative stereotypes of security officers persist, the truth is that these hardworking and conscientious professionals do much to promote peace of mind within their local community. They can help prevent crime and bolster public safety in business establishments, residential developments, or anywhere else.

At Signal, our philosophy is that safety and peace of mind are basic human needs. To that end, we aim to provide a world-class suite of security services for commercial, residential, retail, and institutional customers. We would be happy to help you achieve greater peace of mind by means of our industry-leading solutions. Reach out to us today to schedule a free security estimate.

For Barb Alekna and Greg Pencosky, building Signal of West Virginia has always been about more than growing a security business. It’s about creating an organization where people can build meaningful careers, develop into leaders, and make a lasting impact in the communities they serve.

Since launching Signal of West Virginia in September 2024, that vision has guided the team’s approach to growth. From earning their first client to developing their first leaders, Barb and Greg have focused on building the business one relationship, one employee, and one client at a time.

That commitment to people, consistency, and continuous improvement is helping Signal of West Virginia establish a reputation for professionalism and dependable service across the state.

Building a Culture People Can Grow In

When Barb and Greg reflect on what makes them most proud, their answer comes back to their team. From the beginning, they wanted to create more than a successful security company. They wanted to build a career culture where employees could grow, take pride in their work, and become leaders.

“We strive to create an environment where each security officer and team member understands they’re not simply filling a security post,” they explain. “They’re protecting people, building relationships, solving problems, and representing the Signal brand with professionalism and integrity.”

That philosophy shapes how the team approaches every client and every assignment. Whether supporting apartment communities, healthcare facilities, major retailers, or special events, officers are expected to bring more than security expertise to the job.

Professionalism, reliability, communication, and dedication are all part of the standard.

For Barb and Greg, some of the most rewarding moments come from watching that culture take shape: seeing a new hire gain confidence, an officer advance into a leadership role, or a client recognize a team member for going above and beyond.

Earning Growth One Relationship at a Time

Launching a new franchise comes with challenges, but building Signal of West Virginia meant starting almost entirely from scratch.

Before the first contract, the organization had no established presence in the state, no existing clients, no employees, and no revenue. Barb and Greg had experience leading successful Signal operations, but they understood that success in another market wouldn’t automatically translate to West Virginia.

Instead, they relied on proven Signal processes while taking the time to understand the local market and build credibility from the ground up.

“Everything we’ve built since then has been earned one relationship, one employee, and one client at a time.”

That approach required humility, adaptability, and a willingness to learn. Not every proposal became a contract, and not every challenge had an immediate solution, but each experience became an opportunity to improve.

From securing their first client and hiring their first employee to celebrating their first promotion and major contract, each milestone represented another step toward building a reputation in West Virginia.

Continuous Improvement Drives the Team

For the Signal of West Virginia team, showing up at their best starts with a mindset of continuous improvement.

“We never want to become complacent or assume we know everything,” they explain. “Every conversation with a client, every interaction with an employee, every success, failure, and every challenge give us an opportunity to learn, improve, and become better than we were yesterday.”

That mindset extends beyond individual performance. Barb and Greg see clear communication as one of their most important responsibilities as leaders.

By staying connected with clients, supporting their team, and being proactive instead of reactive, they work to build trust and strengthen relationships.

For them, long-term growth isn’t something to chase. It’s something to earn through consistent effort, strong relationships, and exceptional service.

Redefining Professional Security

As Signal of West Virginia continues to grow, Barb and Greg want the community to see private security as more than simply placing officers at a post.

Their goal is to build long-term partnerships, invest in the communities they serve, and create a career culture where employees are empowered to make a positive difference.

“We’re here for the long-term, and we genuinely care about making West Virginia a safer place to live, work, and do business.”

That commitment is supported by the combination of Signal’s global resources and local, owner-led leadership.

The team benefits from Signal’s technology, innovation, experienced leadership, and proven operating model while maintaining a local presence built around responsiveness, accountability, and lasting relationships.

For Signal of West Virginia, that means officers aren’t simply providing security. They’re becoming an extension of their clients’ teams—protecting people, safeguarding property, assisting employees and visitors, and representing both the client and Signal with professionalism.

The goal is to become a trusted partner that helps reduce risk, strengthen operations, and provide lasting peace of mind.

Developing People and Leaders

For Barb and Greg, one of the most rewarding parts of ownership is watching people grow.

Whether it’s mentoring an officer into a leadership role, helping an employee build a long-term career, or developing a client relationship into a trusted partnership, those moments represent the impact they hope to create.

They also recognize that growth doesn’t happen in isolation.

The Signal network has provided opportunities to learn from experienced security leaders, including Paul Alekna and the team at Signal of Canton-Youngstown. Their mentorship and willingness to share experiences have played an important role in the growth of Signal of West Virginia.

That collaboration reflects another strength of the Signal network: franchises supporting one another and sharing knowledge to help each other succeed.

Building What Comes Next

For Barb and Greg, the most exciting part of the journey is knowing they’re still building.

“Every new team member we develop, every client relationship we earn, and every opportunity to strengthen our team is another chance to make a lasting impact.”

Their focus remains straightforward: invest in their people, serve clients with excellence, and build an organization that employees, clients, and the community can be proud of.

Being named Franchise of the Month for May 2026 is an important milestone, but the recognition is viewed as motivation rather than a finish line.

Barb and Greg credit their entire team for the franchise’s success and remain focused on creating a career culture where great people can grow, delivering exceptional service, and making a lasting impact throughout West Virginia.

Congratulations to Barb Alekna, Greg Pencosky, and the entire Signal of West Virginia team on being named May Franchise of the Month in 2026. Their commitment to developing people, serving their communities, and growing with purpose is a powerful example of what’s possible across the Signal network.

 

More Articles