We did Columbus’s “First Night” fireworks show security in downtown on New Year’s Eve 2023.  We provided security for the fireworks at “Red White and Boom” in 2023.

While on duty we pursue shoplifters, off the property if necessary, and return thieves to the store or our office for identification, we will issue a criminal trespass warning, and if the client wishes, we will press charges on the individual.  We will also immediately return all usable merchandise to the client unless it is needed as evidence.

Garver Asset Protection attended the First Responder’s appreciation service at Mount Carmel Baptist Church in Port Saint Joe. Over 40 First Responding agencies were present from Gulf County and the Florida panhandle. Each department represented received a 2023 Heroes Award and lunch provided by Mission BBQ. We would like to thank Mount Carmel Baptist Church, Pastor Kenneth Frame (our Chaplain) and Gulf County Emergency Management for the invitation and a fantastic event. Photo attached.

City of Quincy Florida issues Garver Asset Protection a proclamation for our work in their city.

Garver Asset Protection’s Chaplain Kenneth Frame organized a community day at one of our complexes called “Smiles Day” to have a positive interaction with the youth and to provide career paths for them. Many companies, government agencies, and organizations were present to make it a fun and educational day.

Why should you hire security for your business?

Extra security for your business can only help you, after all, it is better to be safe than sorry. Hiring a security guard is not just for banks or jewelry stores, any business is at risk of some form of crime or safety issue that a security guard can help manage. Here is why you should hire security for your business.

Gatekeepers
A security guard can help limit access to certain parts of your business. Managing the flow of people can be as direct as having security search people at the door or a metal detector, or as subtle as having them sit behind the front desk issuing name badges. However, security guards not only track the flow of people but items as well. Security guards can help spot items that should not be brought into your business, such as food or drinks, as well as keeping your merchandise in the store by preventing shoplifting.

Noticing security or safety risks
Security guards are often hired through an outside agency, making them brand new to your work environment. This unfamiliarity means that they can notice the risks that you have become desensitized to, such as why a particular window is always left open when employees leave the store. The window could be open due to a faulty air conditioning unit, or even because an employee wants to sneak back in later. A properly trained guard can get to the bottom of things you take for granted.

Preventing crimes in the first place
Security guards commonly wear recognizable uniforms that can deter potential criminals from causing you trouble. Having a person there to hold a potential shoplifter or vandal accountable is much more effective than cameras, which can malfunction and miss the person entirely. Security guards are also trained to look for suspicious people, so they can identify the person as they are in the act before they leave the store to get the person to stop. Identifying these suspicious customers is of particular importance if your business is in an area with a high crime rate, or in a business that manages valuable items.

Guards can suit your specific needs
The way that these crimes are handled is up to the business owner. There are several options for tackling problems, such as simply having the guard record information and alert the authorities, and resolving the issue themselves. Whether your guard is armed or not is also up to the business owner as well. There are several roles as well that a guard can fill: from monitoring security footage to watching the parking lot and building after hours. Exactly what your security guard does for your business is up to you.

Peace of mind
Finally, the presence of a security guard can help keep customers, employees, and yourself more relaxed by knowing that someone is there watching if something happens. Being relaxed means that your staff can be more productive by focusing on their work instead of their safety, and customers will be more comfortable being at your location. This idea is especially true if your business has an unlit parking lot or alleys near it, as security guards can also walk people to their cars and deter potential muggers hiding among the cars.

Garver Asset Protection and Investigations, LLC  contributed this article to the business news, tips, and real life applications Blog of the Better Business Bureau on 9/14/2017.

Yesterday officers received a call from a department store that reported a theft in progress. The man allegedly stole two armfuls of clothing and sprinted out the
door and across the parking lot. Officers responded in a patrol car and one of our three new UTVs. Officers chased him across the entire complex and were able to block his path with the patrol car, causing him to drop all of his merchandise. He continued fleeing from officers in the UTV across a grassy area that was completely fenced in. Ultimately he was tackled and taken back to the office. He was trespassing and charged with theft. Police were summoned because his identity could not be confirmed. Turns out he provided false information and he is a felon that has been on the run from his probation officer. During his processing, he revealed to us he ingested 8 $20 bags of heroin and wasn’t feeling well… Fire and EMS were called to evaluate him. He fought with officers and the medics and was transported to the hospital. After having his stomach pumped he is now in jail. Its true what they say, if you run you’ll only go to jail tired.

Responding to customer needs, Garver Asset Protection and Investigations recently added two new maintenance trucks to our fleet.