Why Hire a Security Agency Instead of an Individual?
This is the million-dollar question.

The short answer 

A properly licensed agency knows the laws, carries the required insurance, and operates within state guidelines helping to protect your business from liability and risk.

Why an Agency Matters
The security industry is highly regulated. Every state has strict licensing laws and requirements. Partnering with an unlicensed individual or subcontractor can expose your company to fines, lawsuits, and serious liability.

When you choose a licensed security agency, you gain:

• Compliance with state laws and licensing requirements
  

• Insurance protection that transfers risk away from your business
  

• Properly trained employees, not subcontracted 1099 workers
  

• Peace of mind knowing your provider is audited and held accountable
  

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State Licensing Requirements

Every state has its own rules. Here are a few examples from the regions we serve:




Pennsylvania

• All providers must hold a Private Detective License, issued through the county court system where their corporate office is based.
  

• Act 235 armed officers may only provide services if employed by a licensed security agency. The Act alone does not qualify an individual as a provider, nor does it cover insurance.
  
• Agencies cannot use 1099 subcontractors for guard services. All guards must be employees, meeting the standards outlined in the Private Detective Act. 
  
• Companies are legally required to ensure their security provider is licensed. Note: no business may directly employ its own armed security officer (only unarmed desk attendants are permissible, and they cannot represent themselves as security personnel).

Ohio

•   Licenses are issued through the Private Investigator Security Guard Services (PISGS).
  
•   Depending on services offered, agencies may hold a Class A, B, or C license (Class C for security-only providers).
  
•    All agency employees must also be licensed. PISGS performs regular inspections to ensure compliance.
  
•    Armed officers require additional licensing and training, and must work for a licensed agency.

West Virginia

• Anyone performing investigative or security guard services must hold a license, unless specifically exempted under state law

​Florida

• ​​Any company providing private security services must hold a Class “B” license (valid for one location).
  

• Multiple license classifications exist depending on the services provided.
  

The Bottom Line

Hiring an individual “guard for hire” may seem cheaper in the short term—but it can expose you to major legal and financial risks. Partnering with a licensed, insured, and fully compliant agency like LPS Services ensures you’re covered, your people are protected, and your business stays in full compliance with state law.


👉 Don’t take chances with security. Hire a licensed agency. Hire LPS Services.

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