What is a Security Services Agreement Review?
A security services agreement is a legal contract between a client and a security services provider. It has to provide clarity about exactly what services will be provided and how they will be compensated.
If you have drafted a security services agreement, you should review it to ensure it’s fair to both parties and prevents future disputes by outlining both parties’ obligations.
Read the rest of this article for tips on how to review a security services agreement, such as its key terms, and when to consult a qualified lawyer to review it for you.
What are Some Terms to Review in a Security Services Agreement?
A security services agreement usually contains the following key terms:
- Work scope. Check that details regarding the security services provided are included in the agreement. This should include information about patrol frequency and shift timings.
- Personnel. To ensure that security personnel are of a high standard, the agreement should specify their training and licensing requirements.
- Payments. All rates and billing schedules must be clearly outlined to prevent payment disputes.
- Liability. Check the indemnification limits and outline what insurance is required to protect the client from specific legal claims.
- Equipment. Specify what equipment and materials are required, such as uniforms and radios, and which party is responsible for providing them.
- Confidentiality. Since security providers will have access to private or sensitive information, such as access codes, the agreement must specify how this information can be secured.
What are Tips for Reviewing a Security Services Agreement?
When reviewing a security services agreement, there are some things to bear in mind so that the contract is comprehensive and clear.
Consider Your Needs
As the client, you should think about what you require from the security services provider and use this to help you review the agreement. For example, if you’re a business owner, think about what security risks your business faces so that you can gain the security services you actually need.
Check Payment Terms
The payments provided to the security services company must be outlined to prevent payment disputes. This section should provide details such as overtime rates and bonuses, should they apply to the specific agreement.
Clarify Availability
Check that the agreement doesn’t contain any vague information pertaining to the specific hours of availability that the security service provider will work. It must be explained if the security services are provided during holidays, at night, or for specific events.
Review Liability and Insurance Provisions
It’s important to state which party is responsible for any accidents or incidents that could occur, such as injuries or damages. Mention that the security services provider requires liability insurance and include its coverage amount.
Avoid Using a Generic Online Contract Template
While an online contract template can seem convenient to use, it doesn’t enable you to draft a security services agreement according to your specific requirements. For example, if you run a retail store, your security needs will be different than if you have a corporate office. A lawyer can assist you by customizing your security services agreement.
Do You Need a Legal Review of a Security Services Agreement?
There are various errors you might make in the security services agreement that could put you at risk of expensive disputes in the future. A lawyer is skilled at reviewing all terms in the agreement so that they’re fair and accurate to protect both parties.
A lawyer can assist you with a legal review of your agreement by:
- Explaining all terms and legal jargon so that there’s no confusion which could put you at risk.
- Including confidentiality clauses to avoid leaving your business vulnerable to information leaks.
- Revising poorly defined clauses, such as vague or generic terms, so that everything is detailed and specific.
- Assessing your liability risk to prevent being responsible for the provider’s actions, such as negligence.
- Providing a detailed service description with all required tasks.
- Negotiating any potential changes to the agreement with the other party so that the final draft is easy to understand and balanced. This includes adding any verbal agreements to the contract.
- Fine-tuning termination provisions to enable you to leave the agreement if the security services provider doesn’t fulfill their duties.
Where to Find a Lawyer for a Security Services Agreement Review
If you’ve decided you’d like to work with a lawyer to review your security services agreement, you don’t have to wonder where to find one who’s reputable and experienced.
Online legal platforms make the process of finding a lawyer to review your security services agreement easy.
ContractsCounsel is one of the largest online legal marketplaces where you can access a curated network of lawyers who are experienced to help you. All the lawyers on the platform have been vetted.
Here is how to hire a qualified lawyer on ContractsCounsel to review your security services agreement:
- Start by going to the ContractsCounsel marketplace.
- Post your project or request on the platform, which is free to do.
- Add some information about what you require, such as why you want a review of your contract, so you’ll match with the right lawyers.
- Receive lawyer bids. You’ll receive multiple bids from lawyers on the platform who are experienced to assist you with a legal contract review.
- View the lawyers’ profiles. The platform provides extensive lawyer information to help you select the right lawyer, such as the lawyers’ location, years of experience, field of expertise, credentials, and client ratings for previous projects.
- Select a lawyer to work with. Hire them to review your security services agreement, for which they’ll charge a flat fee.
