Brooklyn Security Services: What to Expect & How to Choose

Last Updated: October 14, 2025

Brooklyn isn’t what it used to be. That sounds like something your uncle would say at Thanksgiving, but it’s true and it matters for security.

Twenty years ago, Brooklyn security meant dealing with high crime and keeping properties safe from break-ins. Today? You’ve got multi-million dollar condos in Williamsburg, Fortune 500 offices in Downtown Brooklyn, and retail stores in Park Slope getting hit by organized theft rings using technology that didn’t exist a decade ago.

The security threats evolved. The question is: have your security services kept up?

If you’re a property manager, business owner, or resident looking for security in Brooklyn, this isn’t a guide telling you why you need it (you probably already know). This is about what to actually look for when hiring security services and what separates the professionals from the people who just showed up.

Table of Contents

1. The Brooklyn Security Landscape in 2025
2. Types of Security Services Available
3. What Quality Security Actually Looks Like
4. Red Flags That Scream “Avoid This Company”
5. Questions to Ask Before You Hire
6. Neighborhood-Specific Security Considerations
7. Cost vs. Value: What You Should Actually Pay
8. How to Verify a Security Company’s Credentials

The Brooklyn Security Landscape in 2025

Let’s start with reality: Brooklyn is 97 square miles with 2.7 million people. Treating “Brooklyn security” as one homogenous thing is like saying “New York has crime” and calling it analysis.

What’s Actually Happening in Brooklyn Right Now

Property Crime Trends:

• Retail theft has become more organized and sophisticated
• Package theft remains a constant issue in residential buildings
• Construction site theft spikes with building booms
• Vehicle break-ins cluster around subway stops

Safety Concerns by Area:

• Gentrifying neighborhoods see tension between longtime residents and new development
• High-end retail in areas like Williamsburg attracts organized retail crime
• Commercial properties face vandalism and squatting when vacant
• Residential buildings deal with unauthorized access and loitering

I’m not trying to scare you. I’m trying to give you context, because the security solution for a luxury condo in DUMBO is completely different from what a warehouse in Sunset Park needs.

The Security Company Problem

Here’s what’s frustrating about the Brooklyn security market: low barriers to entry.

Getting a New York State security license isn’t hard. An 8-hour course, some paperwork, and you can legally call yourself a security company. The result? Lots of companies that can legally operate, but very few that can actually do the job well.

I’ve seen “security guards” who:

• Fall asleep on overnight shifts
• Spend entire shifts on their phones
• Don’t know basic emergency procedures
• Can’t write a coherent incident report
• Have no idea what they’re legally allowed to do

And these aren’t extreme examples. This is common.

So when you’re looking for security services in Brooklyn, your job isn’t just finding a company with a license. It’s finding one that actually trains, supervises, and holds their officers accountable.

Types of Security Services Available in Brooklyn

Let’s break down what’s actually available and when each makes sense.

1. Unarmed Security Officers

What They Do:

• Access control (checking IDs, managing visitor logs)
• Patrol residential and commercial properties
• Monitor CCTV systems
• Respond to alarms and disturbances
• Write incident reports
• Provide visible deterrent presence

Best For:

• Residential buildings (condos, co-ops, apartment complexes)
• Retail stores
• Office buildings
• Schools and educational facilities
• Healthcare facilities
• Religious institutions

What to Expect: Unarmed officers are the most common security presence in Brooklyn. They’re not law enforcement, and they can’t carry weapons, but a well-trained unarmed officer can prevent most security issues through presence, observation, and de-escalation.

Most of our Brooklyn security work is unarmed. When you have professional officers who know the property, understand the community, and can spot problems early, you don’t need armed security for 90% of situations.

2. Armed Security Officers

What They Do: Same core duties as unarmed officers, but authorized to carry firearms when the threat level justifies it.

Best For:

• High-value asset protection
• Cannabis dispensaries (required in many cases)
• Jewelry stores and luxury retail
• Banks and financial institutions
• Properties with documented security threats
• Executive protection details

What to Expect: Armed officers must complete 47 hours of firearms training and maintain annual certification. In Brooklyn, armed security is less common than in Manhattan financial districts, but there are situations where it’s warranted.

The key question: Does the threat assessment justify armed response?

If you’re hiring armed guards because it “looks more serious,” you’re overpaying for theater. If you have credible threats or high-risk assets, armed protection makes sense.

3. Mobile Patrol Services

What They Do:

• Regular check-ins at multiple properties
• Random patrol timing (harder to predict than fixed posts)
• Lock-up/alarm verification
• After-hours property checks
• Respond to alarm calls
• Provide visible deterrent through marked vehicles

Best For:

• Multiple properties under same management
• Vacant buildings or construction sites
• Retail after business hours
• Properties that don’t need 24/7 fixed posts
• Budget-conscious security needs

What to Expect: Mobile patrols provide broader coverage at lower cost than fixed officers. A patrol vehicle checking your property 4-6 times per shift creates uncertainty for would-be criminals while costing less than a full-time officer.

We run mobile patrols throughout Brooklyn that cover everything from Williamsburg warehouses to Bay Ridge retail centers. The key is unpredictable timing scheduled patrols that arrive like clockwork aren’t deterring anyone.

4. Concierge Security

What They Do:

• Front desk reception duties
• Access control and visitor management
• Package handling
• Resident services
• Security monitoring
• Emergency response

Best For:

• Luxury residential buildings
• High-end office lobbies
• Mixed-use developments
• Properties where security needs to blend with hospitality

What to Expect: This is where customer service meets security. Your concierge security officer needs to be personable with residents while maintaining access control protocols. It’s a harder balance than people think.

Bad concierge security either becomes too friendly (letting anyone in) or too rigid (treating residents like suspects). Good concierge security makes residents feel welcome while keeping the building secure.

5. Event Security

What They Do:

• Crowd management
• ID checks and entry control
• Monitor for disturbances
• Coordinate with venue staff
• Emergency response
• Parking and traffic control

Best For:

• Weddings and private parties
• Corporate events
• Fundraisers and galas
• Concerts and performances
• Pop-up events
• Film/TV production security

What to Expect: Brooklyn has become a major event destination from warehouse parties in Bushwick to corporate events in Industry City. Event security requires different skills than building security because the environment changes constantly.

We staff events from 10-person private dinners to 500-person galas. The key is matching officer experience to event complexity.

6. Fire Watch Services

What They Do:

• Monitor premises when fire protection systems are offline
• Conduct hourly patrols checking for fire hazards
• Maintain detailed logs
• Emergency notification procedures

Best For:

• Buildings during sprinkler system maintenance
• Construction sites
• Properties with temporarily disabled fire alarms
• Compliance with FDNY requirements

What to Expect: If your fire protection system goes down, NYC requires fire watch services until it’s restored. This isn’t optional it’s a legal requirement.

In Brooklyn, we see this most during building renovations when sprinkler systems get temporarily shut off. The FDNY doesn’t care about your schedule; they care about compliance. Having fire watch officers available on short notice matters.

What Quality Security Actually Looks Like

Here’s what separates professional security from glorified door monitors:

1. Proper Training (Not Just the Legal Minimum)

NYS Required Training:

• 8-hour pre-assignment course
• 16-hour on-the-job training

Quality Companies Provide:

• Role-specific training for each assignment type
• Customer service and de-escalation training
• Emergency response procedures
• Site-specific protocols
• Regular refresher training
• Scenario-based drills

If a security company’s training program is “here’s your post, good luck,” that’s not training.

2. Proactive Communication

Quality security officers don’t just sit there. They:

• Send daily activity reports (DARs)
• Report maintenance issues before they become problems
• Communicate suspicious activity immediately
• Coordinate with property management
• Document everything in writing

We require detailed shift reports for every single post. If something happened overnight, you should know about it before you arrive in the morning.

3. Professional Appearance and Conduct

This sounds basic, but you’d be surprised how many security companies fail here:

Professional officers:

• Arrive on time in clean, pressed uniforms
• Stay awake and alert throughout shifts
• Minimize personal phone use
• Treat residents/employees with respect
• Maintain professional boundaries

Unprofessional officers:

• Show up late in wrinkled uniforms
• Sleep on post
• Scroll social media for hours
• Get into arguments with residents
• Develop inappropriate relationships

If your security officer looks unprofessional, they won’t be treated professionally. And if they’re not treated professionally, they can’t do their job effectively.

4. Proper Supervision

Here’s the thing about security: you can hire great officers, but without supervision, performance degrades.

Quality security companies have:

• Field supervisors doing random site visits
• Management reviewing daily reports
• Client feedback mechanisms
• Performance evaluations
• Accountability for violations

If you call a security company with a concern and they say “we’ll talk to the officer,” that’s reactive management. If they say “our supervisor will visit the site tomorrow and report back,” that’s proactive management.

5. Emergency Preparedness

God forbid something serious happens, but if it does, your security officer should know exactly what to do:

• Who to call (police, fire, management, emergency contacts)
• Where emergency equipment is located
• Evacuation procedures
• First aid/CPR (all our officers are certified)
• How to secure the scene
• What information to document

We drill emergency scenarios quarterly. Because when it’s 2 AM and there’s smoke in the building, you need security officers who act on training, not panic.

Red Flags That Scream “Avoid This Company”

After 15 years in security, these warning signs are incredibly predictable:

🚩 Red Flag #1: Unusually Low Pricing

Look, security is a competitive industry. But if someone’s quoting you $18/hour when everyone else is at $28-35, there’s a reason.

They’re either:

• Paying officers minimum wage (you get what you pay for)
• Cutting corners on insurance and licensing
• Not providing supervision
• Planning to bait-and-switch after you sign

Quality security costs money because trained, reliable officers cost money. Companies paying poverty wages get high turnover and low performance.

🚩 Red Flag #2: No Proof of Insurance

Every professional security company should carry:

• General liability insurance ($1-2 million minimum)
• Workers’ compensation
• Professional liability insurance

If they can’t produce a certificate of insurance immediately, don’t hire them. Because if their officer gets hurt or hurts someone on your property, you’re potentially liable.

🚩 Red Flag #3: Can’t Provide References

“We’ve been doing this for 20 years but can’t give you any client references” is a massive red flag.

Ask for:

• Current client references (not from 5 years ago)
• Properties similar to yours
• Contact information for property managers, not just generic companies

Then actually call them. Ask about:

• Officer reliability
• Communication with management
• How issues were handled
• Whether they’d hire them again

🚩 Red Flag #4: High Pressure Sales Tactics

“Sign today or the price goes up.” “We need an answer this week.” “Other companies can’t match our services.”

Professional security companies don’t need high-pressure tactics. They compete on quality, not urgency.

🚩 Red Flag #5: Vague Answers to Direct Questions

Ask specific questions:

• “What’s your officer turnover rate?”
• “How often do supervisors visit sites?”
• “What happens if an officer doesn’t show up?”
• “What training do officers receive beyond NYS requirements?”

If you get marketing speak instead of direct answers, that’s a problem.

🚩 Red Flag #6: No Written Contracts or Vague Terms

You need a contract that specifies:

• Exact services provided
• Pricing breakdown (hourly rates, overtime, holidays)
• Officer qualifications
• Response times for issues
• Termination clauses
• Insurance coverage

If the contract is one page of generic terms, you’re not getting professional service.

Questions to Ask Before You Hire

Walk into any security company meeting with this list. Their answers will tell you everything:

a- About the Company:

1. How long have you been operating in Brooklyn specifically?
   • Why it matters: Brooklyn experience means understanding local issues, building relationships with NYPD precincts, knowing the neighborhoods.
2. What’s your average officer tenure?
   • Why it matters: High turnover means constant training of new officers who don’t know your property.
3. How many properties do you currently protect in Brooklyn?
   • Why it matters: Too few means limited experience. Too many might mean they’re stretched thin.
4. Can you provide references from properties similar to mine?
   • Why it matters: Industrial warehouse security is different from luxury residential. You want relevant experience.

b- About the Officers:

5. What training do officers receive beyond NYS requirements?
   • Why it matters: 8-hour pre-assignment training isn’t sufficient for professional security work.
6. Are all officers licensed and background checked?
   • Why it matters: Unlicensed officers create legal liability. Proper background checks prevent hiring criminals to protect you from crime.
7. What’s your backup plan if a scheduled officer doesn’t show up?
   • Why it matters: Coverage gaps create security vulnerabilities and scheduling nightmares.
8. Do officers receive site-specific training for my property?
   • Why it matters: Generic training doesn’t prepare officers for your specific needs.

c– About Operations:

9. How often do supervisors visit sites?
   • Why it matters: No supervision = no accountability.
10. What reporting do you provide?
    • Why it matters: Daily activity reports keep you informed and document everything.
11. How quickly can you respond to emergency staffing needs?
    • Why it matters: Sometimes you need additional security fast.
12. What technology do you use (mobile reporting, GPS tracking, etc.)?
    • Why it matters: Modern tools improve communication and accountability.

About Pricing:

13. What’s your hourly rate, and what’s included?
    • Why it matters: Hidden fees add up fast.
14. How do you handle overtime, holidays, and emergency calls?
    • Why it matters: These rates can significantly impact your budget.
15. What’s your cancellation policy?
    • Why it matters: You need flexibility without penalty.

About Accountability:

16. What happens if there’s an incident or poor performance?
    • Why it matters: Problems will happen. You need to know how they’re resolved.
17. Do you carry general liability insurance and workers’ comp?
    • Why it matters: Protects you from liability.
18. What’s your complaint resolution process?
    • Why it matters: Easy access to management when issues arise.

Take notes. Compare answers across companies. The best security company will welcome these questions because they’re confident in their answers.

Neighborhood-Specific Security Considerations

Brooklyn isn’t monolithic. Security needs vary dramatically by neighborhood:

Williamsburg / Greenpoint

Security Profile:

• High-value residential development
• Retail theft (organized groups targeting boutiques)
• Package theft epidemic
• Nightlife security concerns

What You Need: Concierge security for residential buildings, retail loss prevention for stores, and event security for the numerous bars and venues.

Downtown Brooklyn / DUMBO

Security Profile:

• Corporate office buildings
• Luxury residential towers
• High foot traffic
• Property access control critical

What You Need: Professional lobby security that balances hospitality with access control. Executive protection for C-suite executives in high-profile companies.

Park Slope / Prospect Heights

Security Profile:

• Family-oriented residential
• Lower crime but high property values
• Package theft concerns
• Parking and vehicle security

What You Need: Evening and overnight mobile patrols for residential properties. Retail security during business hours.

Sunset Park / Industry City

Security Profile:

• Industrial warehouses
• Mixed commercial/residential
• Construction site security needs
• After-hours vehicle break-ins

What You Need: Mobile patrols for warehouse properties, construction site security during off-hours, access control for industrial facilities.

Bushwick / East Williamsburg

Security Profile:

• Rapid gentrification creating tension
• Warehouse conversions
• Arts venues and events
• Vehicle theft and break-ins

What You Need: Event security for venues and galleries, mobile patrols for warehouse properties, after-hours security for commercial spaces.

Crown Heights / Bed-Stuy

Security Profile:

• Mix of long-time residents and new development
• Church and community organization security
• Residential building security
• Street-level retail concerns

What You Need: Building security that understands community dynamics, culturally-sensitive officers who can build rapport with diverse residents.

Bay Ridge / Bensonhurst

Security Profile:

• Established residential neighborhoods
• Small business retail security
• Senior housing facilities
• Lower crime but aging infrastructure

What You Need: Reliable security for senior living facilities, retail security for local businesses, residential building security with customer service focus.

We provide security services throughout Brooklyn, and we customize our approach based on neighborhood dynamics, not just property type.

Cost vs. Value: What You Should Actually Pay

Let’s talk numbers, because this is where people make expensive mistakes.

Current Brooklyn Security Rates (2025):

Unarmed Security Officers:

• $28-35/hour (standard business hours)
• $32-42/hour (evenings/weekends)
• $38-50/hour (overnight/holidays)

Armed Security Officers:

• $45-65/hour (standard)
• $55-75/hour (evenings/weekends)
• $65-85/hour (overnight/holidays)

Mobile Patrol Services:

• $40-60 per check (4-6 checks per shift typical)
• $200-350 per property per night

Fire Watch Services:

• $35-45/hour (FDNY-certified fireguards)

Event Security:

• $35-50/hour per officer (depends on event complexity)
• Supervisors: $50-65/hour

What Affects Pricing:

Higher Rates:

• Armed vs. unarmed
• Specialized training requirements
• Overnight and holiday shifts
• Short notice/emergency coverage
• High-risk environments
• Supervisory positions

Lower Rates:

• Long-term contracts
• Multiple locations
• Standard daytime shifts
• Consistent schedule (easier staffing)

The “Cheap Security” Math:

Here’s why bargain security backfires:

Scenario: You hire cheap security at $20/hour

• Officer is paid $15/hour (after company overhead)
• High turnover = constant new officers
• Minimal training = poor performance
• No supervision = no accountability
• Incident occurs = liability costs

Real cost:

• Poor performance: $5,000+ in theft/damage
• Training replacement officers: $500 each × 6 replacements = $3,000
• Potential lawsuit from improperly handled incident: $50,000+

Scenario: You hire quality security at $32/hour

• Officer is paid $24/hour (sustainable wage)
• Low turnover = experienced officers
• Ongoing training = professional performance
• Active supervision = consistent quality
• Incidents prevented before they happen

Real cost:

• Higher hourly rate but dramatically lower total cost
• No unexpected expenses from security failures
• Peace of mind

You’re not buying hours. You’re buying outcomes.

<h2 id=”verification”>How to Verify a Security Company’s Credentials</h2>

Don’t take anyone’s word for it. Verify independently:

Step 1: Check NYS Licensing

Every security company and officer must be licensed by New York State Department of State.

Verify at: Division of Licensing Services

Look for:

• Company license (Watch, Guard, or Patrol Agency)
• Individual officer licenses
• Current status (not expired or revoked)

If they’re not licensed, they’re operating illegally. Period.

Step 2: Verify Insurance

Ask for a Certificate of Insurance (COI) and verify it directly with the insurance carrier.

Red flags:

• Expired certificates
• Coverage limits below industry standards
• Can’t produce certificate “right now”

Step 3: Check Business Registration

Legitimate businesses are registered with:

• New York State Department of State (Corporation/LLC search)
• Better Business Bureau (check complaints)
• Google Reviews and Yelp (read patterns, not individual reviews)

Step 4: Verify References

Call the references they provide. Ask:

• How long have you worked with them?
• What specific services do they provide?
• Have you had any issues? How were they resolved?
• Would you recommend them without reservation?

Listen for hesitation. Genuine references will be enthusiastic.

Step 5: Test Responsiveness

Before you hire them, test their communication:

• How quickly do they respond to your initial inquiry?
• Are they professional in emails and calls?
• Do they answer questions directly?
• Can you reach management easily?

How they treat you during sales is the best-case scenario. It only goes downhill from there if it’s already poor.

Step 6: Review the Contract Carefully

Have a lawyer review any security contract before signing. Look for:

• Clear service descriptions
• Transparent pricing
• Reasonable termination clauses (30 days is standard)
• Insurance requirements
• Performance standards
• Dispute resolution procedures

If they pressure you to sign without legal review, that’s a red flag.

The Bottom Line on Brooklyn Security Services

Brooklyn’s security needs are as diverse as its neighborhoods. The security solution for a luxury condo in Williamsburg is completely different from what a warehouse in Sunset Park needs.

Here’s what actually matters when choosing security:

✓ Proper licensing and insurance ✓ Trained, professional officers ✓ Active supervision and accountability ✓ Clear communication and reporting ✓ Experience in Brooklyn specifically ✓ Reasonable pricing (not lowest, not highest) ✓ Strong references from similar properties

Don’t hire based on price alone. Don’t hire based on a slick sales pitch. Hire based on demonstrated competence, proper credentials, and a track record of actually doing the job well.

We’ve been providing security services in Brooklyn for over 15 years. We’ve protected everything from Park Slope brownstones to Industry City warehouses. We know the neighborhoods, we know the threats, and we know what works.

But whether you hire us or someone else, use this guide to make an informed decision. Brooklyn deserves better than cheap, unreliable security.

Frequently Asked Questions

How quickly can security services be deployed in Brooklyn?

Professional security companies should be able to provide coverage within 24-48 hours for standard requests. Emergency coverage (same-day or next-day) is typically available but may include premium pricing. Be wary of companies that can’t staff within a reasonable timeframe it often indicates poor officer availability.

What’s the difference between security guards and doormen?

Security guards focus primarily on safety and access control with specialized training in emergency response and threat assessment. Doormen provide concierge services like package handling and visitor assistance along with basic security. Many Brooklyn luxury buildings use concierge security officers trained in both hospitality and security protocols.

Do I need armed or unarmed security in Brooklyn?

Most Brooklyn properties use unarmed security successfully. Armed security is appropriate for high-value assets, documented threats, cannabis dispensaries, or financial institutions. A professional security company will conduct a threat assessment to recommend the appropriate level rather than defaulting to armed services.

Can security companies patrol multiple properties?

Yes, mobile patrol services efficiently cover multiple locations. Patrol vehicles make 4-6 check-ins per shift at each property, creating unpredictable presence that deters crime. This works well for property management companies overseeing multiple Brooklyn buildings or businesses that don’t need 24/7 fixed posts.

What should be included in a security officer’s daily report?

Professional daily activity reports (DARs) should document: shift start/end times, any incidents or disturbances, visitor logs, property condition observations, maintenance issues discovered, any police or emergency service interactions, and weather conditions affecting the site. Reports should be submitted within 24 hours of shift completion.

How often should I expect to see security supervisors?

Quality security companies conduct random site visits at least weekly, with more frequent visits during the first 30 days of new contracts. Supervisors should also be readily available by phone 24/7 and respond to property manager concerns within the same business day.

Looking for security services in Brooklyn?

Asset Protection Group provides customized security solutions throughout all Brooklyn neighborhoods. We offer unarmed officers, armed security, mobile patrols, concierge security, fire watch, and event security.

Get a free security assessment: Contact us or call (888) 744-2307 to discuss your property’s specific needs.

We also serve Manhattan, Queens, Bronx, and Long Island with the same professional standards.