The Best Private Security in Bedford, PA

In Pennsylvania, private security companies and individual security guards must be licensed through the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) under the Private Detective Act. Companies need a Private Detective Agency license, while guards must complete Act 235 certification (Lethal Weapons Training) if armed, or meet specific training requirements if unarmed. For Bedford specifically, companies must also comply with any local business licensing through the Bedford Borough or township offices. It's crucial to verify that any security provider you hire displays their PSP license number and that their guards' certifications are current.

Given Bedford's mix of historic downtown businesses, rural properties, and seasonal tourism (especially around the Bedford County Fair and fall foliage), common services include: 1) Static site security for retail stores, restaurants, and historic buildings along Juliana Street, 2) Event security for festivals at the Bedford County Fairgrounds or community events, 3) Residential patrols for larger rural properties or vacation homes in outlying townships, and 4) Executive protection for visitors to local corporate retreats or the Bedford Springs area. Many providers also offer alarm response and camera monitoring specifically tailored to properties that may be unoccupied for periods.

Costs in Bedford County vary based on service type. For unarmed static guards, expect $25-$40 per hour. Armed guards range from $40-$60+ per hour due to higher insurance and certification costs. Mobile patrol services for residential areas can start around $150-$300 per month for periodic checks. Event security for something like a wedding at a local venue or a festival might be priced as a flat fee (e.g., $500-$1,500 per day). Factors influencing cost include the location's remoteness, required coverage hours, and whether special certifications (like crowd control for events) are needed. Always get itemized quotes from licensed providers.

Yes. Pennsylvania law grants private security officers limited "agent of the owner" authority on the property they are hired to protect. This means they can detain individuals for trespassing or suspected crimes until police arrive, but they do not have general police powers off the property. In Bedford, if your property is within the borough limits, security personnel must coordinate with the Bedford Borough Police Department regarding patrols and incident response. For rural properties in the county, coordination is with the Pennsylvania State Police, Bedford Barracks. Additionally, any use of surveillance cameras must comply with Pennsylvania's wiretapping laws, which require consent for audio recording in private areas.

For rural properties common in Bedford County, prioritize companies with: 1) Experience securing large acreage, farms, or remote sites—ask for local references, 2) Reliable radio/cellular communication coverage for areas with spotty service, 3) Vehicles suitable for rural terrain (e.g., 4x4 for patrols in winter or on unpaved roads), 4) Clear protocols for coordinating with the Pennsylvania State Police and local fire companies for emergency response, and 5) Knowledge of local issues like hunting season safety, equipment theft prevention, and livestock protection. Verify their PSP license, insurance (including liability for property damage), and ensure their guards are trained in first aid/CPR, given longer EMS response times in some parts of the county.