Key points at a glance
- Check the commercial register entry and cantonal authorisation — in Basel-Landschaft, the Police Act governs the authorisation requirement for private security companies.
- A reputable provider will want to get to know your property or event before quoting, and will present a written concept.
- Ask about how staff are selected, briefed and managed on assignments, and how the provider can be reached outside office hours.
- In the contract, look for a clearly defined scope of services, reporting, liability insurance, term and notice periods.
- A price that can barely cover the labour costs required by law and by the collective labour agreement is a warning sign.
1. Check the legal basics
The first question is whether the provider is actually authorised to provide security services. In the Canton of Basel-Landschaft, authorisation for private security services is governed by the Police Act (§§ 51a–51q); security companies generally require an operating licence from the canton. Exceptions apply, among others, to companies that already hold an authorisation from another canton (information from the Basel-Landschaft Police, in German).
The rules differ from canton to canton. So ask the provider directly which authorisation it holds and for which canton it was issued. You can check the commercial register entry and the UID number yourself in the central business name index Zefix.
- Is the company entered in the commercial register, and do its name, registered office and UID match the quote?
- Which cantonal authorisation does the provider hold?
- Is there business liability insurance in place, and for what amount?
2. Needs analysis and concept
A good security company asks questions first: what needs to be protected, against what, at what times, and what has happened so far? Only then can it determine whether a static guard, mobile patrols, technology or a combination is the right solution. A provider who quotes a flat price without a site visit or follow-up questions does not know your risk.
- Has the provider visited the property or discussed the event in detail?
- Is there a written concept setting out tasks, times and procedures?
- Is it clear what happens in the event of an incident and who will be informed?
3. Personnel, briefing and operational management
The quality of a security service stands or falls with the people on site. Ask how staff are selected and briefed on your assignment, who is in charge of operational management and how shift handovers are organised. For recurring assignments, it is an advantage if, as far as possible, the same people who know your property are deployed.
- How are staff briefed on your property or event?
- Is there a responsible operations manager whom you can reach directly?
- How is cover ensured in the event of illness or absence?
- Do their appearance, language skills and manners suit your environment?
4. Availability and reporting
Security doesn’t end at 6 p.m. Clarify how the provider can be reached outside office hours and how incidents are reported. Reports show what has actually been done and help to improve the concept on an ongoing basis.
- Can the provider be reached around the clock for ongoing assignments?
- In what form and how quickly will you receive reports and incident notifications?
- Are there regular meetings to review quality?
5. Contract and price
A clear contract protects both sides. It should clearly set out services, times, surcharges, liability, confidentiality as well as term and termination. When it comes to price: compare like with like, and question offers that are conspicuously low. The industry is covered by a collective labour agreement (CLA) declared generally binding, which sets minimum wages; find out more in our guide What does a security service cost?.
- Are all services and surcharges clearly listed in the quote?
- How are liability, key management and confidentiality handled?
- What contract term and notice periods apply?
6. Is the provider right for your assignment?
Not every security company is equally well suited to every task. For event security, experience with crowds and entry control is what counts; for property protection, reliability and local knowledge; for close protection, discretion and planning. Ask specifically how the provider approaches comparable tasks — without requiring it to disclose confidential client names.
Wingsecurity is happy to answer these questions in a no-obligation conversation. We hold the cantonal authorisation for security services, are entered in the commercial register of the Canton of Basel-Stadt (UID CHE-432.181.793) and respond to enquiries within one working day.