The demand for security guard services in Pennsylvania is growing — so much so that it’s now a legal requirement for there to be an armed security guard in the Keystone State’s public schools.

This growing demand has led to many entrepreneurs wondering how to start a security company in PA. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process, giving you all the key information you need to get started on the right foot. 

What is a security company, and why start one in PA?

Security companies provide a wide range of services, from basic security officer presence to more advanced offerings like patrol services, alarm monitoring, and even private investigations.

Part of understanding how to start a security company in PA is knowing why there’s a growing need for such services in the state. 

Why Pennsylvania? 

The Keystone State presents a compelling case for budding entrepreneurs in the security sector. Pennsylvania has a robust and diverse economy, with industries ranging from healthcare and education to finance and — most importantly — technology. 

All these sectors require security services, creating a consistent demand.   

The need for security services in Pennsylvania has grown so much that  — according to a recent amendment to the Public School Code — a school entity is required to have at least one full-time security personnel on duty during the school day. 

What are the key components of a security company? 

Starting a security company in PA requires a structured approach that caters to various niche industries. Let’s take a look at what’s needed to operate a security company:

What services can you offer?

You can tailor your services to specific needs, specializing in areas like:

• Personal security: Providing security for individuals or executive protection for high-profile clients.
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• Corporate security: Protecting businesses, assets, and employees. This might include access control, patrol services, and loss prevention.
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• Event security: Ensuring safety and order at concerts, conferences, and other gatherings.

Essential gear and technology

Having the right tech and gear is an integral part of running safe and efficient security operations. Consider incorporating:

• Surveillance systems: You’ll likely need CCTV cameras, alarm systems, and access control systems to monitor and protect property.
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• Communication tools: Make sure to purchase two-way radios, mobile phones, and dispatch systems for efficient coordination and response.

Key personnel and roles

Your team is the backbone of your security company. You'll need:

• Licensed security officers: It’s vital to have trained and certified professionals to provide on-site security services.
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• Administrative staff: You’ll need people to handle scheduling, client communication, and other operational tasks.

There’s also one extra component that could be the ace up your sleeve. 

Software like Belfry can make a huge difference. It’s a software management platform that works like a central command center for your physical security operations, keeping everything running smoothly.

It helps manage your security team and operations more efficiently, taking care of scheduling, tracking, and communication, leaving you free to focus on growing your business.

6 steps explaining how to start a security company in PA

Now it’s time to go over the six steps you need to follow if you want to know how to start a security company in PA successfully while remaining compliant. We’ll kick off this guide with the very first step:

Step 1: Create a business plan

Every successful security company in PA starts with a solid business plan that lays out your vision, strategies, and goals. Here’s what your business plan must include:

• Service offerings: Detail the specific security services you'll provide. It should be clear if you’re specializing in personal protection, corporate security, or event security or if you’re offering a broader range of services.
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• Target audience: Define what your ideal clients would look like. Are you focused on residential areas, businesses, or event venues? You need to know your target audience because it’s what will guide how you tailor your services and marketing strategies. 
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• Financial foresight: Delineate your financial projections. Consider startup costs, profitability targets, and anticipated revenue. You’ll want to demonstrate the financial viability of your company to secure funding later down the line potentially. 

How Belfry helps

Belfry's reporting and planning tools help with financial planning and goal setting. It provides insights into your operational costs, allowing you to make informed decisions and track your financial performance against your plan.

Step 2: Fuel your venture by securing funding

Starting a security company in PA requires an injection of capital. Pennsylvania offers various avenues to secure the necessary funding to get your business off the ground. Explore these financing options:

• Personal investment: Tapping into your savings can be a great way to kickstart your business without taking on debt.
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• Small business loans: Pennsylvania has a supportive network for small businesses. Consider traditional bank loans or explore options through the Small Business Administration (SBA).
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• Pennsylvania-specific programs: The state offers programs like the Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority (PIDA) loans, which provide low-interest funding for eligible businesses. 

Additionally, explore resources through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED), which offers various programs and initiatives to support small businesses.

Before seeking funding, it's essential to grasp your startup costs. This includes licensing fees, equipment expenses like surveillance systems and communication devices, insurance costs, and marketing investments.

For a deeper dive into startup costs, check out our comprehensive article on the topic.

Step 3: Get the licenses and certifications you need

In Pennsylvania, operating a security company requires proper licensing. Here's a simplified guide to obtaining the necessary licenses:

1. Register your business: Start by registering your security company with the Pennsylvania Department of State. Choose a business structure, such as an LLC, and ensure your business name and registered agent information are in order.
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2. Comply with the Private Detective Act of 1953: This Act governs private investigation services along with security guard services. Familiarize yourself with the Act's requirements and make sure your business operations comply.
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3. Obtain Act 235 certification: This certification is specifically for individuals who want to work as security officer or run a security business in Pennsylvania. It involves completing mandatory training and passing a background check. You can apply here.
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4. Apply for a Private Detective License: If your security company offers private investigation services, you'll need to obtain a Private Detective License from the Pennsylvania State Police.

Staff training and certifications

Make sure all your staff completes the mandatory training and certifications required by the Pennsylvania State Police. This includes Act 235 certification for security officers and any other specialized training relevant to your services, such as firearms training or first aid certification.

How Belfry helps

Belfry allows you to track employee certifications and license renewals, ensuring your team remains compliant with state regulations at all times.

Step 4: Purchase equipment and hire staff

Now that you have the green light to operate, it's time to invest in the resources that will bring your security company to life. This involves equipping your team with the necessary tools and assembling a skilled workforce. Let’s take a closer look at both:

Acquire the right gear 

Consider these essentials:

• Transportation: For mobile patrols or rapid response services, reliable vehicles are crucial. Depending on your needs and budget, this could range from patrol cars to unmarked vehicles for discreet operations.
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• Uniforms: Professional uniforms not only project a sense of authority but also reinforce your brand identity. Ensure your uniforms comply with Pennsylvania's regulations for security officer attire.
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• Surveillance systems: Offer a complete service by investing in surveillance equipment like CCTV cameras, alarm systems, and access control systems. These tools provide valuable monitoring and deterrence capabilities.
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• Communication devices: Seamless communication is the backbone of effective security operations. Equip your team with reliable two-way radios, mobile phones, or even advanced dispatch systems to make sure they stay connected and informed.

Recruiting and training your security personnel

Building a skilled and reliable security team is paramount to your company's success. Here's how to approach it:

• Recruitment: Cast a wide net to attract qualified candidates. Use online job boards, partner with training institutions or veteran organizations, and consider offering competitive compensation and benefits packages.
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• Screening: Thoroughly vet applicants to confirm they meet Pennsylvania's requirements for security personnel. This includes conducting background checks, verifying Act 235 certification, and assessing their professionalism and aptitude through interviews.
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• Training: Invest in training programs that go beyond the mandatory requirements. Cover areas like legal compliance, emergency response protocols, communication skills, and any special skills relevant to your services, such as defensive tactics or firearms training.

Step 5: Set up your base of operations and focus on marketing

With your team and equipment ready, it's time to establish your base of operations and spread the word about your security company. Here’s what you’ll need to consider:

Will you set up a physical office or run operations virtually?

Consider whether a physical office is necessary for your business model. If you primarily offer on-site security services, a virtual office could work. However, a physical office can enhance credibility and provide a professional space for client meetings.

Marketing your security company

Here are three strategies you should implement:

• Creating an attractive website: A professional website is crucial for showcasing your services, expertise, and client testimonials. Ensure it's user-friendly and optimized for search engines.
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• Online marketing: Leverage online marketing strategies like search engine optimization (SEO) to improve your website's visibility, social media marketing to engage potential clients, and online advertising to reach a wider audience.
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• Local networking: Attend industry events, join local business organizations, and connect with potential clients in your community.

The importance of tailoring your message

Appealing to different client profiles requires tailoring how you approach your messaging. You’ll need to adapt it depending on the type of client you want to attract:

• Corporate protection services: If you're targeting corporate clients, emphasize your expertise in risk management, loss prevention, and executive protection.
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• Regular guard patrolling services: For residential or commercial clients, highlight your reliability, responsiveness, and commitment to ensuring their safety and security.

How Belfry helps

Belfry's built-in CRM tools help manage operations, track client interactions, and nurture client relationships. It’s a vital tool for both operations management and for connecting with clients and making sure everything’s going according to their expectations. 

Step 6: Make sure you're compliant with Pennsylvania laws and regulations

Operating a security company in Pennsylvania requires strict adherence to state and local laws. This includes obtaining the necessary insurance and bonding, registering your business, and fulfilling tax obligations. Let’s zoom in and analyze these requirements: 

Insurance and bonding requirements

You’ll want to make sure you cover these aspects:

• Insurance: It’s essential to carry insurance policies, such as liability insurance and workers' compensation, to protect your business and clients.
  
  These typically include general liability insurance (which isn’t obligatory but covers injury or property damage claims arising from your operations), professional liability insurance (which protects you against claims of negligence), and worker’s compensation insurance (which covers medical expenses and lost wages for officers injured on the job). 

• Bonding: In Pennsylvania, security companies must obtain surety bonds. These bonds act as a financial guarantee to your clients that you will perform your services as agreed. You can get surety bonds through insurance companies or bonding agencies.

Business registration and taxes

Let’s now take a closer look at what business and tax registration looks like in PA: 

• Business registration: As stated in a previous step, to operate legally in Pennsylvania, you must register your security company with the Pennsylvania Department of State. 
  
  This involves choosing a business structure (like a Limited Liability Company or LLC), registering your business name, and appointing a registered agent to receive legal documents on your behalf.

• Tax registration: You'll need to obtain a federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS, even if you don't plan to hire employees initially. Additionally, you must register with the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue for state taxes.

How Belfry helps

Belfry's all-in-one platforms can be a valuable tool for remaining compliant. It can help you track employee certifications and licenses, manage payroll and taxes, and even store important compliance documents, making it easier to stay on top of your legal obligations.

Belfry: Your partner in building a thriving security company in PA

You've learned the essentials of how to start a security company in PA. Now that you know the basics, it's time to build a business that's efficient, scalable, and truly exceptional. 

Belfry is an end-to-end security management platform that helps you navigate the complexities of setting up a security company in PA and running it successfully, too. 

Here's how Belfry helps you build a solid foundation for success in the Keystone State:

• Optimize workforce management: Schedule shifts, manage payroll, track employee certifications, and communicate with your team — all within a single, integrated platform. Belfry simplifies HR tasks, allowing you to focus on other core business tasks. 
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• Improved customer service: Provide your clients with a custom experience through Belfry's client portal. They can access real-time data, review incident reports, manage invoices, and communicate directly with your team, fostering trust and transparency.
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• Get a competitive edge: Belfry's advanced reporting and analytics tools provide valuable insights into your operations, letting you spot areas for improvement, optimize performance, and make data-driven decisions that set you apart from the competition.
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• Maximize efficiency: Automate tedious tasks and simplify your workflows with Belfry. From scheduling and dispatching to billing and invoicing, Belfry frees up your time and resources, allowing you to focus on protecting your clients and growing your business.
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• Guarantee accountability: Maintain a high level of accountability with Belfry's real-time GPS tracking and geofencing features. Monitor your team's location, confirm they're adhering to their schedules, and get instant notifications of any unauthorized deviations.

With Belfry, you can confidently launch your security company in Pennsylvania and build a business that truly stands out from all the rest.

Schedule a Free Demo Today.‍