The Best Private Security in Richwood, OH

In Ohio, private security companies and individual security guards must be licensed by the Ohio Department of Public Safety's Private Investigator Security Guard Services (PISGS) section. Companies need a security guard provider license, and guards must complete 20 hours of pre-assignment training, pass a background check, and obtain a registration card. While Richwood doesn't have additional local licensing, reputable companies will prominently display their state license number. Always verify a company's current Ohio license status before hiring.

In Richwood and surrounding Union County, common security needs include residential patrols for rural properties, event security for local festivals like the Richwood Independent Fair, business security for retail stores and agricultural operations, and construction site monitoring. Given Richwood's location near major highways (SR 47, SR 37), many residents also seek security for vacant properties or while traveling. Mobile patrol services are particularly valuable for covering larger rural properties common in the area.

Richwood's rural nature means security companies typically charge travel fees or higher hourly rates to cover greater distances between properties. Expect to pay $25-45 per hour for unarmed guards, with armed guards costing more. Many companies offer discounted rates for contracted regular patrols rather than one-time services. The limited number of local security providers means you may need to consider companies from nearby Marysville or Marion, which can affect response times. Some companies specialize in rural security with ATV patrols and wildlife monitoring capabilities.

When hiring for rural Richwood properties, look for companies with: 1) Experience with rural security challenges (livestock protection, long perimeters, limited lighting), 2) Properly insured vehicles suitable for rural roads, 3) Clear communication protocols since cellular service can be spotty, 4) Knowledge of local terrain and emergency response routes, 5) Relationships with Union County Sheriff's Office for coordinated response. Ask specifically about their experience with agricultural properties and request references from other rural clients in the area.

In Ohio, private security officers have the same arrest powers as private citizens. They can make a citizen's arrest if they witness a felony or have reasonable grounds to believe someone has committed a felony. For misdemeanors, they generally can only detain someone if the offense occurs on the property they're protecting. However, most reputable Richwood security companies train their personnel to observe and report to the Union County Sheriff's Office rather than physically detain individuals, except in extreme circumstances. Their primary role is deterrence and timely reporting to law enforcement.