What to Look for in a Security Guard Company in Melbourne

A Business Owner’s Checklist for Safe, Compliant, and Effective Security in Melbourne
Choosing the right security provider isn’t just about price — it’s about trust, professionalism, and legal compliance. If you’re hiring a security guard company in Victoria for your business, event, or residential property, there are 10 must-check boxes to ensure you get quality service and stay fully compliant with state laws.

This guide by Noble Security Group helps you evaluate a provider before signing a contract so you can avoid fines, poor service, or reputational risks.

1. Victorian Security Licence

All security providers must be licensed under the Private Security Act 2004 (Vic).
Ask to see:

Business Licence Number (searchable on VICPOL LRD portal)
Individual Guard Licence Numbers
Licence categories: unarmed guard, crowd controller, armed, monitoring, etc

It’s illegal to hire unlicensed security guards in Victoria — and you, the client, can be held responsible.

2. Insurance Coverage

A trustworthy security company must provide:

Public Liability Insurance (at least $10–20 million)
WorkCover Insurance
Professional Indemnity (for monitoring or consulting roles)

Request a Certificate of Currency from their insurer before any deployment.

3. Staff Training & Vetting

Ask what certifications and training are mandatory for all guards, including:

Certificate II or III in Security Operations
First Aid & CPR
Crowd control units (if applicable)
Working with Children Check
Ongoing refreshers or toolbox talks

At NSG, all staff undergo regular training in:

De-escalation
Report writing
Emergency management
Site-specific procedures

4. Transparent Pricing

Look for:

Hourly rates clearly broken down by shift type (weekday, weekend, public holiday)
Optional extras (e.g. vehicle patrols, incident reports, concierge uniform)
Overtime, holiday loadings, or cancellation terms

Ask for a quote in writing and compare across providers. Avoid companies with unclear or overly cheap pricing — it often signals unlicensed or underpaid staff.

5. Reporting & Accountability Tools

A professional company should offer:

Digital incident reporting
Daily activity logs
Visitor registers
GPS or scan logs for patrols
Supervisor audits or random checks

At Noble Security Group, we use a real-time reporting system with optional photo documentation and alert integration.

6. 24/7 Support & Communication

Can you reach them during an emergency? What’s their response time?

Control room phone line (not just a mobile)
Supervisor or operations contact
Escalation protocol in writing
Feedback or incident resolution policy

7. Appearance & Professionalism

First impressions matter. Check:

Are guards in proper uniforms and ID badges?
Do they match your corporate environment (e.g., retail, hospital, construction)?

At NSG, we offer tailored uniforms for commercial, retail, and event sites.

8. Experience in Your Industry

Ask about:

Specific sites or sectors they’ve serviced
Case studies or references
Any special licences or training (e.g., traffic control, construction White Cards)

You wouldn’t hire a hospital security team for a nightclub — and vice versa.

9. Local Presence in Melbourne

Is the company based in Victoria, with guards local to your area?
Look for:

Quick response times
Knowledge of local risks or by-laws
Fleet vehicles and supervisors near your site
Melbourne-based control room (not outsourced)

You wouldn’t hire a hospital security team for a nightclub — and vice versa.

10. Client Reviews & References

Always check:

Google reviews
Testimonials on their site
ASIAL membership (Australian Security Industry Association)
Ask for two similar client references

Why Businesses Choose Noble Security Group