Hiring campus security is one of the biggest safety decisions a school makes, yet many institutions skip the reference-checking step. A strong reference conversation can reveal what a candidate or security firm actually delivers on the ground—not just their pitch in an interview. Here's how to dig deeper before you sign a contract.
Why Campus Security References Matter More Than Other Roles
Campus security directly impacts student safety, incident response, and your institution's liability profile. Unlike general office roles, a weak hire here creates real risks: missed threats, poor emergency protocols, or inconsistent patrols. Speaking to past clients gives you ground truth about how a guard or firm performs during actual incidents, not hypothetical scenarios.
Before You Call: Prepare Your Reference List
Ask candidates or vendors to provide at least three references from educational institutions of similar size and type. A community college won't necessarily be a good reference for a large university; a private high school's needs differ from a public district's.
Request references that represent different contract lengths. Ask for someone who hired them for a short-term project (3–6 months) and someone who's retained them long-term (2+ years). This shows how they adapt and whether their consistency holds.
Key Questions to Ask References
On Incident Response
Ask directly: "Has your campus experienced a significant incident while this guard/firm was on duty? How did they respond?" Listen for specifics—did they follow protocol, communicate clearly to admin, de-escalate effectively? Vague answers ("everything was fine") suggest the reference doesn't know the person well or is being evasive.
On Actual Patrol Coverage
Don't ask whether they showed up; ask whether they showed up where needed. Sample questions:
- "Did they cover the areas outlined in the contract consistently?"
- "Were there blind spots or coverage gaps you had to address?"
- "Did patrol schedules adapt to actual campus flow, or were they rigid?"
Campus security only works if guards are in the right place at the right time.
On Communication and Reporting
Request details about their documentation and alert systems. Ask: "What's their reporting process? Do they flag issues the same day, or do incidents get buried?" Cross-reference answers against the candidate's written protocols.
On Training and Awareness
Ask whether the guard or firm stayed current with the school's emergency plans. Did they participate in active-threat drills? Did they know the layout of campus buildings, or did they need repeated directions? A well-integrated security provider learns your specific environment.
Red Flags in Reference Calls
- Hesitant or brief answers: Weak references may indicate poor past performance.
- No specifics about incidents or challenges: Real feedback includes examples.
- Mismatched timelines: If a reference was hired 10 years ago, their feedback on current protocols may be outdated.
- Generic praise with no critical feedback: Every vendor has weaknesses; references that mention none are unreliable.
Logistics to Verify
Ask references about actual costs vs. quoted costs. Security contracts sometimes include hidden add-ons (event coverage, training fees, vehicle maintenance). Get a ballpark of what they paid and whether it stayed within budget.
Inquire about response time to problems. If staffing gaps opened up, how quickly did the vendor fill them? Campus security rarely operates with a buffer, so turnover and sick leave matter.
Ask about contract flexibility. Did the vendor accommodate mid-year schedule changes or special events, or did you need to renegotiate fees each time?
Timing and Documentation
Call references during business hours and on weekdays—security directors are busiest early morning or late afternoon. Take notes during the call; follow up in writing ("Thank you for confirming that coverage was consistent except for July.") to create a paper trail.
Request a written reference if the call goes well. Some vendors require it for formal hiring processes anyway.
How to Compare Multiple Candidates
Create a simple scoring grid: rate each reference feedback on incident response (1–5), coverage consistency (1–5), communication (1–5), and cost reliability (1–5). This forces you to compare apples to apples across different providers.
If you're comparing multiple vendors, Mercoly helps you find and evaluate trusted school and campus security providers in one place, complete with verified customer feedback and side-by-side performance metrics.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many reference calls should we make before hiring a campus security guard or firm? Minimum three for a new vendor; two per candidate if comparing internal hires. More if you're protecting a large or complex campus.
Q: What's a reasonable timeline to check references before signing a contract? Plan 2–3 weeks to contact references, conduct calls, and review feedback. Security is worth the wait; don't rush this step.
Q: Should we hire a big security firm or a local provider? Ask references about both. Large firms offer standardization and backup staffing; local providers often know campus layout better. The best choice depends on your incident history and budget.
Contact campus security providers through Mercoly today to compare verified references and find the right fit for your institution.