Guardsmark Salaries, Bonuses and Benefits.

it is not beneath me to be a security officer. I was injured as a correctional officer and am able to work but my physician does not want me to work anything to stressful and I can only make as much as I want until the end of june of this year then I have to cut back to 980 gross a month or I lose my disability. I did not work in a jail but I did deal with alot of offenders who had extensive drug and alochol problems so their erractic behavior was not predictable and as a probation officer for 7 years in florida according to statue 948.06 I had the right to arrest anyone under my supervision who violated their probation or community control. Once I am 66 years old and go on regular social security then I can make as much as I want and if I want to pursue something more in line with my credentials. It is not behind me to work in security as my skills are in this area and I just quit a job with publix and I was just a bagger but we are in the process of obtaining the guardanship of my mother who has alheimers and coronary heart problems and I need a job where I have a boss who is flexible and will let me pursue these family issues which I know have.

Here is a link to news about them paying a $110,000 fine in NY for illegal employment practices, some of the same things people are saying happened to them in this forum.

www.oag.state.ny.us/media_center/2009/feb/feb12a_09.html

Check with the State Attorney General's office in your State to see if they are filing suit against them also. Maybe some money to be made in a class action.

As far as "Not a fan2" goes: Welcome to the "REAL WORLD!"
He is comparing apples to oranges. Those who have worked in a government job all their life have worked in a bubble and have no comprehension of what it is like to work in a capitalistic environment where business are in business to make a profit. Nor do they have any comprehension of how to run a business (for profit). This is true not only in the Private Security field, but all fields.

I would also like to welcome "Not a fan2" to the “World of Private Security”, where we are NOT in the law enforcement field nor are we in the Criminal Justice field. Employers and clients hire us because we increase their business’s profits by reducing the risk of foreseeable losses. The laws that apply to government employees are different than those that apply to non-government employees (Liability, Arrest and Search & Seizure laws to name a few).

So, "Not a fan2" has made his statement, we all have read it, he is comparing Apples to Oranges. Because he has only worked in the government bubble, he would probably have trouble adjusting to any job in the non-government world.

Now lets move back to the original topic: “Guardsmark Salaries, Bonuses and Benefits” and complaints about working for the company.

There are complaints.
Employees should be allowed to express their complaints.
Businesses uses the Internet to find out about its potential employees, so the potential clients should be allowed to use the Internet to find out about companies it is thinking about signing a contract with.
Guardsmark is a very large company and it is hard for the corporate office to know everything that is going on in the company.
Most problems are with supervisors or at the site / local / regional level and are the result of certain bad managers / supervisors.
Guardsmark needs to be aware of their employee’s complaints and solve the problems.

Buck1 in Columbus, Ohio said: Most problems are with supervisors or at the site / local / regional level and are the result of certain bad managers / supervisors.
Guardsmark needs to be aware of their employee’s complaints and solve the problems.

Buck1- This is a very intelligent synopsis of the situation. I will tell you that the majority of any problems I have run into are with my "Relationship Manager" (I hate that title... just sounds wrong), and they have been, generally speaking, easy to resolve. I only deal with this manager through email, and when my site's needs are not being properly met, I email all transactions to his superior who then files a reprimand and ensures the task is completed.

This is the proper use of the chain of command and has been very effective. If all else does fail, though, you can contact corporate HR. Make sure you use the CoC, though, or it will be as if your complaint never existed.

Thanks for the input, Buck1.

I might add, the reason why the pay and benifits are so bad in the security field, is because of supply and demand. There are an aboundance of nut cases out there who will work for little more than nothing just to wear a badge or gun. They are what is called "Want-A-Bees", because they want to be Poolice Officers. They don't care what the pay is, they are just concerned about the gratification of wearing the poolice type uniform, wearing a badge, and wearing a gun. Because there are so many of these nuts out there, GuardsMark's competitors can hire them for minimum wage without any benifits. When Clients feel that paying for security is a unwanted necessity because they cannot see how security improves the bottom line, Clients sign contracts for the lowest bidders. GuardsMark wants to get the pay and benifits better, but, GuardsMark has to compete in the market. When your competitors can hire as many "Want-A_Bees" as they want at minimum wage with any benifits, it is hard to compete. For those of you who complain about GuardsMark's poor pay and benifits, please remember, there are plenty of "Want-A-Bees" out there who are salivating at the mouth just fanticising of the oppertunity of wearing a uniform and a badge without any reguard if they get paid or not.

Buck1,

You are right... In Security, you are competing against the guy or gal who is willing to vwork less just for the thrill of the job.

We have all seen the parking lot "cop" on a power trip. That is your competition and the reason wages aren't great. This is true in most jobs,though. People will always try to undersell a service so they get the job and not you.

As for the uniforms... They aren't that great.

Unfortunately, Security Agents are thought of as “Second Rate Poolice Officers”. Some Security Agents and contract security companies, loves this image (they are either “Want-A-Bees or retired Poolice Officers who can’t coop with the idea that they are not Poolice Officers anymore). However, once a person thinks that they are second rate or their field of work is second rate, then there will be problems. To increase our pay and benefits in the security field, we need to break away from the image of being “Second Rate Poolice Officers” and start being “First Rate Security Professionals”. We also need to throw away those stupid badges, which are of no value at all and throw away those Poolice type uniforms. We need to have our Own Profession and not ride on the shirt tails of other professions. Only until we divorce ourselves from being “Second Rate Poolice Officers” and start being “First Rate Security Professionals”, will our pay and benefits advance to an acceptable level.

Mangos,

First, thank you for being blunt an honest in your assessment of your situation. It makes it easier to respond in a like fashion.

Taking control of a site feature after 3 days is actually quite reasonable. At my site, I provide a 5 day "crash course" in operations. On day three you would take control of your feature while I shadow you during operations in case you have questions. Day four, I am in the general vicinity in case you "lose control", and day five, you are on your own. Now everyone runs into unique situations which is why I am available by phone 24 hours a day, but aside from the unusual, you should be in complete control by then.

Though I would fault the supervisor for not being present on day four, nothing there seems too out of the ordinary. As for thinking your pay should be based off of the value you protect, a mall officer or trucking depot guard protects far more in value than you do.

My client is contracted to Mitsubishi, and as such, one trailer of parts has been known to value in the tens of millions, not included the machinery on site which is nearly 100 million.

The idea that responsibility dictates pay is ridiculous as well. If this were the case, fast food cooks would earn small fortunes since they are responsible for the health of their customers which, unlike pharmaceuticals, is not replaceable. Your thought has no merit. Add to this your inability, by your own admission, that you could not control one gate (contrast to me who has to keep an entire crew and site under wraps)and you should get paid exactly what Guardsmark is offering, which as of now is unknown.

Pay should be commiserate to position, seniority and competence. That is all that matters in the real world.

Gee whiz. I have an interview with guardsmark in a few days and ya'll really have me scared. I had my doubts already to be truthful. Guess i better do some serious praying about this huh.

I think we should be aware of one thing that the complaints are all the same all over the United states means Corp is not doing there best to get to the bottom of the problem >> IN the Salinas California Branch there has been every kind of infraction. Most people commiting violation just watch CDs on the case and sign paper work to never do it again then get promoted with a higher rate of pay as I Know many cases. I have reported the Salinas Branch for 5 years and I have performed outstanding work performance and never had a kick out and because I reported the Salinas Branch I have been tagged and mistreated. Our Branch have lost to many Accounts which I have brought to Corps attention, economie was not the reason for 15 losses in a few months time. I also wanted to mention WHY these people are allowed to work for our company when they are accused of sexual harassment, stealing, breaking into company's firewall, discrimination between male and female or seniors I could go on and on but that just angers everyone.I think the Black GORI Book on Ethics is a total joke and that the Company totally disreguards what it says.It is best that the Branches all over the United States that says Guardsmark that they should read the GORI book and pleadge with a signed affidavited that they will do their best to see that the Ethics of the GORI Book be up held and if not their postion be TERMINATED. Guardsmark money well spent to hire suffistcated Office personal and growth is better spent then a bunch of lying dead beats who like to take office time to watch a basball game.

SPOOK in MIAMI, Florida said: I agree that for a company that prides itself on hiring ex FBI agents and other experienced ex law enforcement professionals could have such poor customer service and people skill.

The south Florida office is the worst of any company I've ever worked for. The new manager Nelson Rodriguez is the worst of the worst. Vindictive, petty, verbally abusive. the list goes on and on.
How this ass-hat ever got promoted shows a serious lack of judgement. He obviously never took the lie detector test and had some one else do his psyche profile for him. Unless you kiss his ass expect to go nowhere no matter how well you do your job.
We had one supervisor get removed by the client from 2 different accounts on suspicion of stealing laptops and other items. Nelson was still going to keep this guy if not for the client of one account personally writing Memphis to complain about this guy's shady doings. Another guy was removed for making racist comments and other derogatory comments. Guess what? He still has a job!

EXACTLY WHAT HAPPENED AT THE SALINAS CALIFORNIA BRANCH

I work at a classie site for mid income and my supervisor said that Mike Kinane the "Branch Manager" said he has been trying to get ahold of the top guy on our site and he hadn't return his calls.SOOO he asked my supervisor to talk with the gentleman and I can't believe he can't get off his lazy BUTT to come on the property and speak with the man him self. AND this is why we have lost a lot of business in our area------>>>>DO YOUR JOB MR BRANCH MANAGER....Most companies complain of non pertisapatience of office personal and that has cost our company a BIG LOSS>

C in Chicago, Illinois said: I agree with the lengthy comments about Guardsmark. I also witnessed about everything that the gentleman from Farmington said. The company also has a habit of enforcing non-competition agreements. YOU ALL sign these when you are hired by Guardsmark. This means that if another security company takes a contract away from Guardsmark and you are working at that client site, you will not be able to roll over into the new company and keep your job, pay, etc. You will be on unemployment. Guardsmark has done this to hundreds of employees!!! They did this to over 80 employees at one site alone. Those willing to move out of state/area for the company were promised "help" with moving expenses...they were given less than HALF of what they were told they would get. The rest of the people contributed to Michigan's already astronomical unemployment rate. Guardsmark KNEW there was nothing for those people and the could CARE LESS. Never ever work for them or accept security services from them. They will ruin your lift. If you already work for them, my sympathies, especially when you receive your annual Christmas card from the president of Guardsmark's family showing off how they have all the money and you don't.

In California I have seen alot of our Guards roll over to another company..

GOOD NEWS>>>The EEOC is a place to complain for it does a federal investigation and suppose to actually get to the bottom of all harrassment, dicrimination etc so there you have it...when they discover there is an issue you have the right to sue...

In the State of California the department of fair employment has collected 9 million dollars for abuse which claims to be the highest paid state in the USA concerning this matter...been there and done that...the next is reporting to EEOC which does investigation and lets you no if you have a case at which time you have the right to sue.

Sasha C in Georgia said: Hello all. I've been working for Guardsmark for several months and I can honestly say that I haven't had any of the problems that most in this forum have mentioned. I think that just because there are a few bad accounts out there it doesn't mean that the entire company is all that bad. Maybe I'm just lucky, but I have a great captain and our account manager seems to really look out for us, he is always available to listen and he has helped me along more than once. Direct deposite was set up by my third pay check and I just received my first raise. They are the highest paying security company in this area and the benefits are not amazing but alot better than the competition. Guardsmark is a very large company and as such there will always be rediculous-ness that must be dealt with, this is the way of the world. I'm not so sure that any company on this type of scale can be absolutely perfect, you have to be able to over-come the trivialities of the job and improve your own work enviroment until you are satisfied. Guardsmark, for me, has been a completely acceptable place to work.

i agree, i have a great job. i have no problems with the post where i work at. why no job is gonna be without its problems,my Guardsmark manager is a great guy. im not going anywhere.

Too bad this company ruined their reputation in CT, with not only losing the biggest contract in contact security, but forbidding employees at the time to not be able to work for another employer (non-compete clause). It made national headlines too. This company had a big potential to take over the security industry in a small state like I am from. I had great times working there. It was amazing when the state attorney general here changed the law on guardsmark where non compete clauses are now illegal here. I hope they don't do this in other states.

For those of u that dont know, non compete clause is where you cannot work for their client with a new security firm until 1 year has passed of the security contract expires or is terminated.

Host said: What are the average starting salaries, bonuses, benefits and travel requirements like at Guardsmark?

What do you like best about working at Guardsmark? Are there any great perks or special treats for employees?

I read some of these posted comments and disagree with most of them on the bashing they are giving Guardsmark. I am a former employee and I found the company to be no differant then most big corporations. What I'm saying is nothing is perfect and you have to roll with the punches to make it work for you. All companies have there faults both big and small and sitting back and complaining does not get it done. I retired from a 26 year career in law enforcement,and believe me not everything was perfect, you just make the best of a bad situation and do your job. I plan on going back to work for Guardsmark for the good pay, excellant leadership, great benefits and training.

I worked for Guardsmark for 3 years as a Site Supervisor.Although the job itself was fairly easy, the pay sucked. I got a kick out of the annual Christmas card, or should I say the Lipman card. It was the same one 3 years in a row. The little baby just did'nt get any older and should have been about 3 years old. This just shows how cheap and non-caring they are. I guess that was our Christmas bonus.

J-Pitch in Bloomington, Illinois said: This is a matter of judging an entire company on the practices of the few. I have worked for Guardsmark for over two years, working from Officer to Sergeant in that time. I have never had a problem with receiving any guaranteed benefits, tuition assistance, or had to deal with disreputable employees for more than a month or two. Whenever an employee has given me trouble, I have sought the assistance of my Account Manager, and they have been relocated when appropriate, or simply fired.
I know that it can be hard working for a blow-hard, I do it everyday. My Account Manager is a "yes" man who can't think without the client giving him the idea first, but I personally speak with the liaison from our client and have gotten all necessary accommodations for my officers. In addition, not an anniversary has gone by where I have not secured at LEAST a 50 cent raise for my guy/gals. The trick is satisfying the client, and doing the job right. Customer Service starts with the Officer, and moves up the chain. Make your client happy, and they will ensure you are taken care of.

let me know how you feel in 4 more years...

Max in Mason, Ohio said: I worked for Guardsmark for 3 years as a Site Supervisor.Although the job itself was fairly easy, the pay sucked. I got a kick out of the annual Christmas card, or should I say the Lipman card. It was the same one 3 years in a row. The little baby just did'nt get any older and should have been about 3 years old. This just shows how cheap and non-caring they are. I guess that was our Christmas bonus.

i agree max... i was there 6 years... i really appreciated the christmas card

Joe McCafferty in Kensett, Arkansas said: I read some of these posted comments and disagree with most of them on the bashing they are giving Guardsmark. I am a former employee and I found the company to be no differant then most big corporations. What I'm saying is nothing is perfect and you have to roll with the punches to make it work for you. All companies have there faults both big and small and sitting back and complaining does not get it done. I retired from a 26 year career in law enforcement,and believe me not everything was perfect, you just make the best of a bad situation and do your job. I plan on going back to work for Guardsmark for the good pay, excellant leadership, great benefits and training.

i second it joe.... i was there 6 years and there were plenty of problems... my situation was differnet than most, but by far very true on your post... the only thing i will not be doing is ever going back to them... good luck on your future endeavors

These are very very bad times in the workforce, especially if you are older than 40 and/or not a member of a desirable demographic population. I applied for security work in the hopes that the requirements would be lighter than my usual field.

I applied through Indeed! with my resume. A week later, I was contacted to set up an interview, did this, and went to their offices. It was suggested I arrive early to fill out an application. I did so, completed the application and attached more resumes. Next came the interview, which seemed to go well. The manager then handed me ANOTHER 25-page application.

I have NEVER encountered a work-application like theirs in my life. They want to know EVERYTHING about a potential employee. The questions are so extensive, I am wondering if they are taking advantage of the bad economy to be illegally invasive. Of course, I don't HAVE TO answer, but then they will simply not hire me. And in the current economy, a little steady income is better than none--or else I risk homelessness VERY SOON.

In addition to requiring a detailed account of ALL employment, from age 18 onward, Guardsmark asks the identities of my parents (or step-parents), any adult children and siblings--with complete names, addresses, telephone numbers. They require the names, addresses, phone numbers and occupations of four of my local neighbors. If I or any of my family left the country for any reason, Guardsmark wants to know when and for how long. They ask me if I have a valid passport and if not--WHY NOT? Have I ever been denied entry to another country, etc.?

A drug test, a background check...I can see. But WHY a polygraph or the right to examine any of my medical records?

shadow jefferson in Augusta, Georgia said: Gee whiz. I have an interview with guardsmark in a few days and ya'll really have me scared. I had my doubts already to be truthful. Guess i better do some serious praying about this huh.

You applied a year ago, so if you are still around you have your answers.

I have worked for Guardsmark for 7 months and have never once had a problem. I was set up with direct deposit right away. I get paid every friday morning at 3am exactly. I have been trained at numerous sites and have never worked less than 40 hours. On a really good week I can get up to 70 hours. I recieve 2 different rates of pay depending on which site I am working at. I recently needed weekends off and my account manager was more than happy to accomedate me. Any slight issue I have I call my account manager and it is taken care of immediately. I like the company and can see myself working for them for a long period of time.