Monthly Archives: March 2014

Construction Site Security

When time matter most and the project schedule is at risk, tire locks, chains and lighting is frequently not enough to deter construction equipment thieves. Once outside the US, the secondary market in stolen construction equipment is easy for thieves to access. Construction sites draw vagrants, the curious and children inside the perimeter where they may become accident victims.

The ingress and egress to your construction site of contractors should de documented to avoid unnecessary charges or opportunities for construction materials to leave the jobsite. Westex security officers, either armed or unarmed, will assist in assuring your projects costs remain low and your project schedule remains intact. For select sites, alarm technology combined with video surveillance and a patrol response service may be the most cost effective approach. For manned sites, Westex security officers may be trained in the administration of First Aid, CPR or the use of AEDs.

Westex provides equipment and construction site security services for:

During Critical Construction Phases
Undeveloped Land Pre Construction
Projects Under Construction
Following a Site Incident
Immediately Prior to Site Occupancy in order to Maintain site Integrity

Westex offers a wide range of equipment and construction site security solutions including:

Vulnerability Assessment
Site and High Value Property Access Control
Security, Monitoring
Armed and Unarmed Security Guards and Courtesy Officers
Electronic Security Integration
Alarm Monitoring
CPR / First Aid / AED
Emergency Response & Planning
Patrol Services
Perimeter Integrity Assurance Services with Guard Patrol Proof of Performance Documentation

To learn how Westex can improve your equipment and construction site security program, please contact us anytime.

Security Service Company Automated Payroll, Billing & Scheduling System

As a leading security service company in Texas, we have developed tools and systems that provide our clients with additional value beyond the protection of life and property. Our Automated Payroll, Billing and Scheduling (APBS) System™ is controlled and managed by Westex.

The APBS System™ has sophisticated human resource management software that tracks all officers’ employment information, successful training achievements and developmental milestones. This ongoing history profile assures management selects the right security officer with the prerequisite skills for your site. Additionally, Westex managers are informed by the APBS System software of employment anniversaries or career achievements which could be the basis for management to recommend performance based incentives or promotions.

Retention of trained high performance security officers and supervisors is a priority for Westex and our clients. An inaccurate payroll check is one of the most frequently mentioned motivators for security officers to seek a new engagement. Westex APBS System insures accuracy and contributes to officer retention. Conversely, billings are accurate when hourly employees work is properly accounted for by the APBS System software. Billing inaccuracies are minimized by design and payroll anomalies identified early for review by Westex management personnel. Our clients’ billings are therefore accurate, easy to understand and simple validate in an audit.

Please contact us to learn how Westex’s Automated Payroll, Billing and Scheduling (APBS) System™ empowers our clients, reduces resources dedicated to billing audits and brings cost-saving efficiencies to your business.

Electronic Photo Identification System

Knowing who has access to your facilities is critical. Westex integrates technology with physical security to gain more real-time information and control.

Handwritten login transactions sometimes can be illegible. Westex’s electronic photo identification (EPI) system replaces the paper login and print identification badges with an image of the visitor. After scanning a badge the EPI creates a log of the person and can track theirs movement throughout the building in real time.

Please contact us to learn how Westex’s electronic photo identification system can add efficiencies to the protection of your life and property.

Electronic Security Guard Patrol System

Westex’s Electronic Security Guard Patrol (ESGP) ™ System verifies that the security guard on patrol performed their duties at the scheduled time, location and creates a record of their performance for management review.

By using a hand-held reader that touches a microchip at each patrol checkpoint, the system electronically records that the patrol service was performed.

The (ESGP)™ System records the location, date and time of the patrol. This information is then transferred electronically in near real-time for review. The (ESGP) ™ System reports can also be printed and archived in hard-copy creating a permanent record.

To learn how Westex’s electronic security guard patrol system can protect your life and property, please contact us anytime.

Security Monitoring Center

Our local Security Monitoring Center (SMC) responds to incident and emergency reports, documents all nighttime transactions with our field security officers and supervisors and produces a detailed report of all shift change activities and significant incidents. The SMC receives and records officers’ calls to confirm that the officer is on duty at their scheduled time and immediately notifies a supervisor if the officer fails to call in due to a procedural oversight or a delay in arrival.

Real time monitoring and reporting supports real time management. Late relief officers or open posts are identified quickly and appropriate action taken by Westex supervisory or management personnel, twenty four hours a day seven days a week.

Westex security officers are supported by SMC supervisors when significant incidents arise, providing guidance and real time on scene back up for our field officers located at our client facilities. In an emergency, when the value of decision making is at a premium and minutes count, our officers at your locations will never be left to address an incident without support. Westex SMC personnel will immediately communicate any significant incident to our client contacts.

To learn how Westex’s security monitoring center can efficiently protect your life and property, please contact us anytime.

Video Surveillance

Westex provides physical security with surveillance cameras and monitors which may be integrated with access control, intrusion detectors and other facility technology through a video management system (VMS) or physical security information management system (PSIM).

Video surveillance is a useful, cost-effective way to maintain surveillance over property, vehicles and contractors, visitors, employees and guests to your property or facility. The archived footage is valuable as a record for incident driven investigations. Video surveillance is frequently deployed in the following facility or property areas:

Shipping & Receiving Areas
Reception Areas, Passenger Elevators, Service Elevators, Hallways & All Points of Perimeter Access
Perimeter Approaches
Parking Surface Lots, Garages or Property Grounds
Storage Areas
Intermediate Distribution Frame (IDF) Rooms
Server Rooms
Cashier Stations, Vaults and High Value Storage Closets or Safes
Jewelry Displays
Recreation Facilities
Production Areas
Counting Rooms
Gaming and Casino Applications
Transportation or Intermodal Facilities

Please contact us to learn how Westex Security Services’ video surveillance can protect your life and property.

Security Officer Hiring Standards

Westex’s hiring standards have enabled us to identify and hire good talent, which supports our standards of excellence in service. Thorough pre-employment screening is essential to ascertain if a candidate meets our firm’s requirements. In addition to meeting our exacting standards, there are site-specific requirements for which Westex screens based on each client’s needs. The selection process is designed to reveal which applicants would be the best choice to fulfill a given clients preferred matrix of desired skills. Additionally, Westex considers the applicants preferred shift and jobsite location profile. Matching the best available security officer to the client’s skill matrix and jobsite location yields a significantly improved likelihood of a long term placement for the security officer. A security officer’s term of service is highly correlated to customer satisfaction.

Candidates for employment as security officers with Westex Security Services must establish they meet the following:

Pass an in depth interview screening process
Hold a high school education or GED
Be a minimum of 18 years old
Speak, read and write fluently in English
Provide proof of legal right to work in the United States
Pass a drug screening test
Pass criminal, professional and personal background investigations
Possess reliable means of contact by phone
Possess reliable means of transportation
Honorably discharged from military
Pass orientation program evaluation
Great communication and people skills
Physically capable of performing duties

If you are a current or prospective client and have Human Resource related questions, please Contact Westex for a detailed description of our selection process.

For those interested in employment with Westex Security Services, Inc., please visit our Career Opportunities page.

* Westex Security Services, Inc., is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Selection Process of Security Officers

Westex is committed to creating a long-term partnership with our clients by listening carefully to their security needs and concerns, then customizing a security program to enhance the quality of our clients’ working environment, operational efficiency and corporate image.

By placing strict standards the selection of our security officers, we ensure that qualified, responsible and highly trained officers join the Westex Security Services team.

Benefits of placing emphasis on selection process:

Quality hiring standards ensure reliable performance.
Quality assurance provides consistency in service.
Comprehensive screening reduces employee turnover rate.

The key to being successful is simple, provide quality  service to the client each and every time.

To learn how Westex Security Services can protect your life and property, please Contact Us.

For those interested in employment with Westex Security Services, Inc., please visit our Career Opportunities page.

*Westex Security Services, Inc., is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Security Officer Training & Development

At Westex, our clientele is diverse and to ensure that our security officers are prepared to meet the day-to-day changing challenges, Westex is committed to the education, training and development of each team member.

We invest substantial time and resources into our comprehensive security officer training program. Each Westex security officer has the opportunity and encouragement to grow and reach their full personal and professional potential. Our programs provide Westex officers with the tools to succeed and opportunity for internal promotions.

Westex security officer candidates must first pass our employment screening process and then meet our strict hiring standards. Those chosen then undergo classroom and field training. Since each client’s needs are unique, we have site specific training to meet their requirements.

Westex provides security training for our security officers in a wide range of disciplines including:

Fundamentals of Security
Communication
Client Service Skills
Appearance & Uniforms
Safety Defensive Driving Principles
Emergency Response
Safety
Site Specific Industry Training
Advanced Security Principles
Supervisor & Management
MTSA Mandated Training as Required
Additional Training is Available for Clients with Healthcare Facilities or Sites Designated to be Critical Infrastructure

Westex is determined to maintain the confidence and trust of our clients by providing consistent training for our officers to respond with superior performance and professionalism; Westex quality training makes all the difference.

To learn how Westex Security Services can protect your company’s personnel, property and valuable assets, Contact Us.

For those interested in employment with Westex please visit our Career Opportunities page.

*Westex Security Services, Inc., is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Security Management & Supervision

One of the keys to Westex’s reliable security service is the strong, consistent supervision of our officers. Our carefully selected supervisors have demonstrated a proactive approach to high performance in leadership, customer service skills and the support of other officers in development.

Westex supervisors are monitored, trained and supported by our security management team. Close supervision insures they have the training, knowledge and resources needed to perform their duties with professionalism and high achievement.

To learn how Westex Security Services can protect your company’s personnel, property and valuable assets, Contact Us.

For those interested in employment with Westex Security Services, Inc., please visit our Career Opportunities page.

*Westex Security Services, Inc., is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Armed Security Guard

Clients with facilities in areas of elevated risk for criminal activity, who operate facilities considered critical infrastructure or whose operations by nature attract criminal conduct may require armed security patrol or officer services to compliment the other elements of their comprehensive security services solution.

Westex armed security officers, which carry firearms, undergo additional specialized training and are well versed in federal, state and local requirements.

Westex’s strong support of our military and employment of veterans brings real-life experience and preparedness for worst-case-scenario threat response, situational awareness in areas of elevated risks and the deterrence or criminal activity.

In addition to our employment screening and training, all of our armed security officers are licensed as commissioned security officers through the Texas Department of Public Safety Private Security Bureau. A primary difference between commissioned security officers vs non-commissioned security officers is that commissioned security guards are authorized to carry firearms.

To learn about Westex’s armed security guard services, please contact us anytime.

Disaster & Emergency Response

Protecting the lives of stakeholder personnel and contractors, fixed assets and mobile high value assets during disasters and emergencies starts with proper planning services.

Westex creates emergency and disaster response plans customized to the individual needs of our clients. We train our personnel and stakeholder’s representatives on the execution of the plan mutually agreed upon by Westex and our clients.

Westex works with federal, state and local government organizations to ensure our clients have access to the vital resources needed to run their business.

Westex is able to facilitate table top exercises and drills to validate the plans effectiveness and instill in those protected by the plan a reaction honed by experience and repetition. When lives and property are at stake, minutes count. Regular drills insure our client’s employees and contractors are prepared to face many of the challenges an emergency situation will create.

To learn how Westex Security Services can protect your company’s personnel, property and valuable assets with a comprehensive disaster and emergency response program, please Contact Us.

Personal & Executive Protection

In the dynamic threat matrix confronting corporations with global business interests and the environment of global tension in which they conduct business operations, insuring the continuity of leadership is a critical objective.

Sports figures, foreign dignitaries, successful wealthy families or individuals, the famous and the talented have all been targets of extortion, kidnapping attempts, direct physical assault and indirect assault, such as the paparazzi, represent an intrusion into basic liberties and rights to privacy cherished by all. Photographers pursued Princess Diana until her driver could no longer compensate for the danger inherent in their extreme conduct. What difference would a second dedicated support vehicle have made to her future and the lives of her children?

Westex Security Services provides personal protection and executive bodyguard services for corporate executives, sports and entertainment figures, domestic and foreign government officials, high-net-worth individuals and families. Our personal and executive protection services can be provided on an as-needed or permanent basis both domestically and abroad.

To learn about Westex’s personal and executive protection services, please contact us anytime.

Special Event Security

Westex has extensive experience providing security for events of all types and sizes.

Our professional event security officers will work with venue staff and event management attendees, exhibitors, staff and the media with a secure, enjoyable environment.
We offer a full range of special event security solutions including:

Event Security Planning
Convention Center and Trade Show Traffic Management
Exhibitors and Contractors Background Checks and Due Diligence Services
Facility and Event Vulnerability Assessments
Event Access Control and Video Management Systems
Event and Stadium Cash Management Support Services
Event, Convention Center and Stadium Crowd Control
Emergency Response Planning and Management
Event, Stadium and Convention Center Parking Management Support Services

To learn about Westex’s special event security services, please contact us anytime.

Unarmed Security Guard

Westex’s unarmed, uniformed security guards service clients throughout all industries. They often interface with customers, employees and the general public.

Our uniformed, unarmed security guards are often in highly-visible roles. Our extensive screening process and comprehensive training program ensure our security guards posses a high level of professionalism and excellent communication skills.

In addition to our employment screening and training, all of our unarmed security guards are licensed as non-commissioned security officers through the Texas Department of Public Safety Private Security Bureau.

A primary difference between commissioned security guards vs non-commissioned security guards is that commissioned security guards are authorized to carry firearms. Westex experience has established that under typical conditions for most private security service requirements, an unarmed officer is as effective in delivering the service objectives as an armed officer.

To learn about Westex’s uniformed, unarmed security guard services, please contact us anytime.

Uniformed Security Guard Services

Westex’s uniformed security guards bring professional appearance and communication while protecting our client’s personnel, property and assets of all types and monetary value.

To ensure we recruit and retain the best talent, Westex provides our security guards with a comprehensive benefits package, paid uniforms, regular opportunities for consideration toward promotion, selective training classes or higher compensation through service achievement and client satisfaction.

To learn about Westex’s uniformed security guard services, please contact us anytime.

About Westex Security Services, Inc.

Westex Security Services, Inc. is proud to be a privately held company with our corporate office based in Houston, Texas.

Westex provides personal and corporate security services to clients in a wide range of industries. Westex’s success is attributed to the organization of professionals that uphold our principles of providing the highest standards of excellence in service and integrity.

We have experienced consistent, rapid, and quality growth of our Company, which provides the highest quality of a full range of security services, all geared to the instructions and best interests of our diverse client base. Westex has succeeded under the leadership of its founder, and current President and CEO Stephanie Rutledge, since the inception of our Company by following our core values and principles of honesty, ethics, integrity, faith, and affordable quality service. Our goal is to provide a high standard of professionalism and customer service, as we build a long-lasting relationship with our clients.

We like to think of our important role in providing security for our clients as “Earning Client Trust…by Providing the Highest Quality Protective Services…One Client at a Time.” This philosophy and attitude extends throughout the employees and customer relations of Westex, in turn creating a positive, safe, and secure environment for our clients at all times.

Westex is honored by the opportunities and responsibilities that we face for our valued clients on a daily basis. Our Company fully understands and respects that our trained employees are regularly entrusted to protect and provide security for what is often highly valued, sensitive, proprietary, and confidential information of our clients. So whether our specific scope of security services involves protection of our client’s personnel, property, documents, technology, or information, Westex takes its duties very seriously. If you would like to learn more about how Westex can be your trusted provider of security services, please contact us, and a representative of our Company will be prompt in our follow up contact to discuss your needs in greater detail. In closing, we really look forward to Westex being a part of your success, and in serving your specific security needs, all with the highest degree of integrity and professionalism. If your firm would like to learn more about how Westex can contribute to the success of your business or the safety of your key personnel or family members, please contact us.

Westex Security Awards & Recognition

Westex Security Services has been honored with many awards and recognitions including:

National Leadership Award

Selected by Congressman Tom Reynolds for serving as the Honorary Chairman of the Business Advisory Council to Congress. Announced at the President’s Dinner in Washington DC, the largest annual event of the year.

Outstanding Supplier of the Year

Westex Security’s high quality standard of service, professionalism and responsiveness has earned the “Outstanding Supplier of the Year” award for superior service from CenterPoint Energy, one of America’s largest energy providers. Westex is the first security provider to receive the honor in the history of this prestigious organization.

Patriot Award

Recipient of the Patriot Award for contributing to our nation’s security and protecting freedom and liberty. Westex was also recognized for our support of employee participation in America’s National Guard and Reserve Force.

Cogswell Award

Government aerospace and defense contractor Jacob’s Engineering was awarded the James S. Cogswell award. The James S. Cogswell Award was established in 1966 and is the most prestigious recognition by the Federal government for a cleared defense contractor that demonstrates industrial security excellence. Achieving this distinction requires extraordinary excellence involving a total team effort by top management, the facility security officer team, and the facility work force. Westex Security has been the exclusive security guard service provider at this facility since 2008 and proud to be a contributing participant for such a prestigious government award.

Nominated Entrepreneur of the Year by Ernst & Young

Business & Security Industry Affiliations

Westex Security Services is an active member in several international, national, state and local business and security industry organizations including:

Honorary Chairman of the Business Advisory Council to Congress.

Westex holds a national certification by the Women’s Business Enterprise for a registered woman owned business. We were nominated our first year in category of sales division.

Westex holds membership and supports ASIS International, the world’s largest organization of security professionals.

Westex holds membership with The International Association For Counterterrorism & Security Professionals, IACSP.

Westex holds membership with the National Association of Women Business Owners, NAWBO.

Westex is a proud supporter of Texas Crime Stoppers.

The Hotel & Lodging Association of Greater Houston (HLAGH) is a non-profit organization that represents 300 members comprised of general managers and owners of hotels and motels as well as suppliers, service companies and consultants who sell and service the hospitality industry.

Texas HUB Certification conducted by the Texas Building and Procurement Commission.

Certified by Port of Houston Authority, SBE.

License by the Texas Department of Public Safety Private Security Bureau.

Military Support

Westex Security Services is a proud supporter of our nation’s military. Military veterans bring extensive real-world experience to the areas of personal and corporate security services. Providing military veterans with full-time employment, a comprehensive benefits package and opportunities for growth and advancement supports their families, our country and Westex’s clients.

Westex’s commitment to military support has been recognized with the Patriot Award for contributing to our nation’s security and protecting freedom and liberty. We were also recognized for our support of employee participation in America’s National Guard and Reserve Force.

If you or someone you know may be interested in employment with Westex Security Services, Inc., please visit our Career Opportunities page.

*Westex Security Services, Inc., is an Equal Opportunity Employer.