Chicago businesses face all types of security risks, from warehouse break-ins and retail theft to vandalism and trespassing inside buildings. Between August and October 2025 alone, Chicago police reported at least 35 commercial burglaries targeting shops and restaurants from the South Loop to Norwood Park. Property managers and facility supervisors face the damage, losses, and operational disruptions that follow.
Additionally, Illinois enforces some of the strictest regulations in the security industry. Failing to follow these laws or working with an unqualified service provider can result in compliance violations, leading to fines and endless legal headaches for your business.
This guide walks you through several practical steps to find a dependable security partner that can protect your property while helping you stay compliant with state requirements.
Keys to Finding Top-Tier Professional Security Guards in Chicago
Security companies in Chicago and across Illinois vary in their levels of expertise, experience, professionalism, and training standards. Choosing the wrong partner can leave your property vulnerable and expose your organization to serious liabilities. Thorough research and due diligence protect your business, employees, equipment, and inventory.
Consider the following guidelines to help you identify a provider who delivers reliable protection and meets your specific security needs.
1. Research Local Licensing Requirements
Verifying that a security company meets licensing and compliance requirements protects your business from legal liability. In Illinois, a security company must obtain a license as a Private Security Contractor Agency through the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR).
Individual guards must hold a Permanent Employee Registration Card (PERC), which confirms they have completed background checks and meet the state’s qualifications for employment. Armed guards require additional firearm training and a Firearm Control Card (FCC) for compliance.
Steps you can take to verify these requirements include:
- Confirm agency licensing: Search the IDFPR database to verify the company holds an active Private Security Contractor Agency license.
- Verify individual guard credentials: All guards must possess valid PERC cards. Armed guards must hold current Firearm Control Cards issued by the IDFPR.
- Review training compliance: Illinois requires security guards to complete a 20-hour basic training course prior to employment. Armed guards must complete an additional 48-hour firearms course. Guards are also required to complete eight hours of annual refresher training.
2. Verify Credentials and Insurance
In addition to basic licensing, holding additional credentials and maintaining insurance coverage demonstrates a company’s commitment to quality and professionalism. Licensing and accreditations indicate that the company meets industry standards and has completed necessary background checks and training for all personnel.
Verifying insurance is critical for:
- Liability protection: Comprehensive insurance protects you from financial responsibility if a guard is injured on your property or causes property damage during their duties. Without adequate coverage, your organization could face costly claims.
- Risk mitigation: A company carrying insurance well above the state minimum demonstrates financial stability and preparedness for unexpected issues. This level often indicates a more responsible business partner who prioritizes client protection over cost-cutting.
Red flags to watch for include companies that refuse to provide proof of insurance, carry only minimum coverage, or are unable to produce current certificates of insurance upon request. Legitimate security providers maintain transparent documentation and readily share the details with potential clients.
3. Evaluate Experience and Specializations
Having security experience in Chicago matters significantly. A company that has been operating in the city for many years knows the types of properties that face the most risks and understands how to coordinate with local authorities in the event of an incident. Their guards are familiar with the neighborhoods they’re protecting, helping them recognize unusual activity and spot problems more quickly.
Look for providers with experience in your specific industry. A company that specializes in construction sites or warehouses brings different expertise than one that typically works for healthcare facilities or financial institutions.
4. Check References and Reviews
A company’s reputation is an excellent indicator of its quality of service. Request references from clients with similar security needs. When contacting references, ask about emergency response times, guard professionalism, billing accuracy, and honest communication.
Online reviews offer an additional perspective. Industry certifications and awards can also indicate the quality and commitment of a service provider.
5. Compare Service Offerings
Security needs vary significantly by property type and industry. Understanding the differences between the available services helps you find a partner that can meet your needs. Examples include:
- Unarmed guards: Unarmed guards help prevent threats through their professional presence and de-escalation techniques. They are effective in commercial properties, residential complexes, and environments where visible security provides a deterrent.
- Armed guards: Armed guards undergo extensive firearms training and maintain licenses to carry weapons as part of their duties. They provide maximum deterrence for high-value assets and financial institutions. In Illinois, armed guards must be at least 21 years old and complete rigorous training beyond standard PERC certification.
- Patrol services: Roving patrol services extend coverage across multiple properties or large campuses. Mobile patrols are ideal for parking structures, industrial parks, and properties requiring intermittent security checks.
Some companies also offer fire watch services, which help safeguard your business when fire prevention or suppression systems malfunction.
6. Assess Response Times and Coverage
Availability and responsiveness are key indicators of a security company’s reliability. Find out if the company offers emergency dispatch and 24/7 security services in Chicago. Ask about typical response times for deploying guards to a specific location — some companies can staff positions within several hours, while others require a few days of lead time.
Additionally, clear communication channels and detailed reporting help keep you informed about security activities that affect your property.
Other considerations include:
- Post locations and coverage hours: Can the provider staff multiple posts simultaneously? Do they offer flexible scheduling?
- Number of guards: Does the company have sufficient personnel to meet the requirements of your location?
- Technology integration: What reporting systems and communication protocols does the company use? Do they utilize digital incident reporting or more outdated technology?
- Response time expectations: How quickly will guards respond to incidents once on-site?
7. Request Transparent Pricing
Understanding the cost structure prevents surprises and helps you evaluate the value of the services you’ll receive. Request detailed quotes that break down all fees, including base hourly rates, overtime charges, holiday premiums, and additional costs.
Watch for hidden fees, such as cancellation penalties, mandatory long-term contracts with early termination fees, administrative charges, or surprise rate increases. Reputable companies present straightforward pricing in writing with no hidden costs.
While it may be tempting to opt for the most affordable option, evaluate the cost against potential risk factors in your area and the importance of thorough, compliant security measures in your industry. The cheapest provider often cuts corners on training, insurance, or guard vetting — shortcuts that expose your organization to greater liability.
You should also ask about contract flexibility. Some companies require lengthy commitments, while others offer month-to-month arrangements or cancellation with reasonable notice.
Find Reliable Security Services in Chicago With The Guard Alliance
The Guard Alliance has years of experience securing properties in Chicago and throughout the state of Illinois. Our guards hold current PERC cards and required certifications, bringing decades of experience when they arrive to secure your property.
We offer armed guards, unarmed security personnel, vehicle patrols, and fire watch services tailored to your operational needs. Our dispatch center operates outside of standard business hours, and we can deploy guards to new sites quickly within the Chicago metro area. We carry $5 million in liability insurance — five times the industry standard.
We offer transparent pricing with no hidden fees, no overtime charges, and no holiday premiums, meaning you know exactly what you’ll pay. Our contracts are flexible with a 24-hour cancellation notice. Contact us online or call 800-230-7015 today to discuss your security requirements and receive a customized quote.
