California Parking Lot Security: Benefits and Considerations

In California, parking lot security is essential. These vast, often dimly lit or publicly accessible spaces are vulnerable to everything from theft to assault. Thankfully, you can put security measures in place to ensure the safety of the people who park in your lot.

Here’s why parking lots and garages in California need special security solutions. We also share tips for hiring security guards and drafting a comprehensive security plan.

What to Know About California Parking Lot Security

From small outdoor lots to multi-level parking garages, all parking lots in California can benefit from security measures that prevent or minimize crime.

If you’re not already protecting your parking facility with a security plan, consider the threats that your lot may face and determine if your type of lot is at higher risk than others.

California’s Top Parking Lot Security Threats 

Parking lot threats range from simple nuisances to deadly, violent crimes. Some of the most common security threats that parking lots face include:

• Vandalism and criminal activity
• Loitering and suspicious activity
• Vehicle break-ins and theft of valuables
• After-hours security threats to employees, customers, and the public

With security measures in place, you can prevent and deter would-be criminals from committing petty crimes like vandalism, property crimes like vehicle thefts, and violent crimes such as armed robberies and sex assaults.

Types of Parking Lots Requiring Security

All parking facilities face security risks, but some are at far greater risk than others:

• Shopping centers: The theft of vehicles or valuables within vehicles, and threats to customers and employees walking to and from their vehicles, are among the most common security threats in retail outlets.
• Construction site parking areas: Theft of valuable equipment and raw materials can create dangerous working conditions and render it impossible to complete projects on schedule.
• On-site parking facilities for businesses: Theft of vehicles and personal property are common risks for lots that service individual businesses, medical offices, banks, and office buildings.
• Multi-level parking garages with access control needs: The larger the lot and the more entry/exit points it has, the more susceptible it is to dangerous security threats and violent criminal activity.

Putting access control measures, video surveillance monitoring technology, and physical security guards in your parking facility can help prevent all these breaches from occurring.

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What Type of Security Do Parking Lots Need?

With so many security services available, parking lot owners often wonder what type of security is best suited for their lot. Here’s a run-down of some of the key considerations to make:

Security Guards vs. Security Officers

Security professionals have different roles and different levels of authority.

Armed or unarmed, security guards typically monitor and patrol, while security officers usually hold additional responsibilities, such as training guards and managing security operations. For standard parking enforcement, unarmed security guards are usually sufficient.

Mobile Patrol Services vs. Standing Guard Services

As the names suggest, mobile patrol services are on the move while standing guards are stationed at a particular location on the property.

Mobile patrol services offer real-time monitoring of the entire lot and are best suited for large parking areas and multi-level parking garages. Standing guard services provide an on-site security presence at lot entry points to help deter criminal activity.

Access Control

Some lots require only an access control system, which can be implemented through physical guards or key fob/key card access. Key fob and key card access points prevent unauthorized vehicles from entering the lot, but physical guards offer greater security by managing parking rules and enforcing parking regulations.

CCTV Integration 

Every parking lot can benefit from surveillance cameras. High-quality surveillance technology supports security team efforts and helps deter and prevent criminal activity. Should a crime occur, CCTV footage can also be instrumental in helping law enforcement solve crimes.

Enhanced Security Measures 

Unarmed guards are sufficient for most parking lots, but armed guards offer an added layer of security. Parking lot security can be further enhanced with K9 security teams composed of trained guards and trained dogs that work in tandem. Before hiring security for your lot, consider the pros and cons of hiring an armed vs. unarmed security guard.

Related: Pros and Cons of Hiring an Unarmed vs. Armed Security Guard

How to Create a Parking Lot Security Plan for California

In addition to the type of security services and personnel you need, here’s what else to consider when creating a security plan for your parking lot.

Patrol Services

Decide if you need mobile patrol officers or standing security guards. Standing guards are best for smaller lots with one main entry point, while mobile patrols are better for larger parking lots and multi-level parking facilities.

Lot Coverage 

Some lots have 24/7 on-site security guards, while others hire part-time guards to work peak hours only. If you hire part-time guards, protect your lot with 24/7 CCTV monitoring to deter criminal activity when no guards are present.

Parking Enforcement 

Think about what you want your guards to do. Some parking facilities hire guards to maintain access control, while others require them to provide parking passes, issue parking citations, arrange vehicle towing, and enforce parking regulations.

Security Team Requirements

Thinking about creating your own security team rather than hiring a professional security company? Be aware that all guards in California are required to undergo training and obtain a California guard card. Hiring professional guards who already have the required skills and licenses enables you to execute your security plan more efficiently.

FAQs: Parking Lot Security Guards

Do security guards in California need to be licensed?

All security guards in California are required to have a valid guard card. To obtain a guard card, security professionals must meet eligibility requirements, complete an extensive training course, and pass an exam that qualifies them to work as a security guard within the state.

What’s the difference between armed and unarmed security guards for parking lot security?

In addition to standard security guard training, armed guards also have firearms training. Unarmed guards are sufficient for most parking lots, but armed guards are best for parking facilities that are either high-value targets or located in high-crime areas.

Should I choose mobile patrol services or standing guards for my parking area?

With a smaller parking lot or garage that maintains robust access control at the entrance, standing guards may be all you need. Mobile patrol services that move throughout the facility are best for large lots, such as shopping center lots or multi-level parking garages.

How many guards do I need to hire to protect my lot?

The size, configuration, and location of your lot will determine how many guards you need. A professional security company can assess your individual needs and let you know how many guards it will take to best protect your lot.

Can parking lot security guards issue citations and arrange vehicle towing?

In private lots, security staff can issue citations for those who violate the parking rules. At the behest of a property owner or property manager, they can also request vehicle towing for cars that are unauthorized to park in the lot. However, only municipal parking tickets issued by law enforcement officials or the California Parking Authority are enforceable by law.

How much do parking lot security services cost in California?

The cost of security services in California varies depending on several factors, including your location, the number of guards you hire, any additional security measures required, and whether you need armed or unarmed guards. Costs can be anywhere from $20 to upwards of $200 per hour, depending on these factors.

Are background checks required for California parking lot security guards?

Yes. All guards in California must pass a fingerprint and background check to obtain the California guard card that allows them to work as a licensed guard in the state.

Check Out: The Beginner’s Guide to Hiring California Commercial Security Guards

Where to Find Parking Lot Security Services in California

Whether your parking facility is located in San Diego or Sacramento, Security Explorer is the easiest way to find security services in California. By connecting you with top-rated security guards in your region, Security Explorer takes the guesswork out of finding local security companies to meet your security needs.

To get started, fill out our simple online form with your contact information, location, and the type of security services you’re looking for. A member of our team will reach out to verify your information and connect you to a verified security firm in your area that can meet your security needs and keep your parking facility safe.

Maintain the safety of the customers, employees, and community members who park in your lot by putting robust security measures in place. With licensed security guards, access control systems, and CCTV monitoring, you can deter crime, prevent security threats, and keep your California parking facility safe around the clock.

Ready to hire parking lot security solutions in California? Visit Security Explorer now.