Mobile patrol or on-site security?

Mobile patrol provides agreed visits to a property, while on-site security places a guard there during specified hours. Choose based on the purpose, how the premises are used, and the presence required.

Define what you expect from the service

Describe the business, opening hours, and situations where support is needed. Distinguish closing checks, support for staff safety, and continuous presence in a customer area. One service does not automatically cover them all.

Discuss detailed security arrangements and access information separately with the selected provider through agreed channels. An initial inquiry needs only an overview of the need.

Compare presence and service limits

• Scheduled checks: what is inspected during a visit, and how is it reported?
• Presence at specified times: which tasks use the guard’s time?
• Alarm support: is alarm response included, and what triggers a visit?
• Changing operations: how can the service be increased or modified?

Ask about absences, additional visits, and exceptional days. Neither response time nor prevention of a loss can be inferred from the service name alone.

Check authorization and contract contents

In Finland, security business operations require the appropriate security industry business license. The Finnish Police’s licensing information (opens in a new tab) helps you check a provider’s authorization there. For another location, establish the applicable local requirements.

Ask the contract to identify tasks, service hours, reporting, prices, and contacts. Address alarm service terms separately if you want alarm-triggered response alongside scheduled checks. This helps you buy the service level needed without assuming continuous monitoring.

For retail security, the presence also needs to fit customer service and cooperation with staff. If the need is support during a shift, request a specific task description. A general property inspection may not meet that need.