What determines the cost of physical security
The factors that set the monthly price, and how to compare quotes fairly.
The question we hear most often is what security costs. There is no exact answer without seeing the site, but the factors are always the same.
Officer numbers and hours
This is the largest line. A post covered 24 hours needs more than one person — shifts, holiday cover and sickness cover all count. Nights-only or business-hours-only cover costs considerably less.
Type and size of premises
A busy retail unit carries different risk from a warehouse on a closed site. The number of entrances and the floor area directly affect the deployment needed.
Technical support
Combining officers with technical protection is often cheaper than officers alone. Alarms and CCTV reduce how many people are required.
Location
A site in a city where we already run patrol teams is covered more efficiently than an isolated location.
How to compare quotes
Ask for a written specification. Two quotes at the same price can describe very different levels of service.
Officer numbers and hours
This is the largest line. A post covered 24 hours needs more than one person — shifts, holiday cover and sickness cover all count. Nights-only or business-hours-only cover costs considerably less.
Type and size of premises
A busy retail unit carries different risk from a warehouse on a closed site. The number of entrances and the floor area directly affect the deployment needed.
Technical support
Combining officers with technical protection is often cheaper than officers alone. Alarms and CCTV reduce how many people are required.
Location
A site in a city where we already run patrol teams is covered more efficiently than an isolated location.
How to compare quotes
Ask for a written specification. Two quotes at the same price can describe very different levels of service.