The Best Private Security in Smithville, TX

In Smithville, Texas, all private security companies and their individual security officers must be licensed by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Private Security Bureau (PSB). This state-level licensing is mandatory and supersedes any local requirements. Companies must hold a Company License (Type A, B, or F depending on services offered), and each security officer must complete required training and pass a background check to obtain a Security Officer Commission or Registration. Before hiring a company in Smithville, always verify their active Texas PSB license status on the DPS website to ensure compliance with state law.

Given Smithville's mix of historic residential neighborhoods, local businesses along Main Street, and its proximity to major highways like SH 71, common security needs include residential patrol services for larger properties or neighborhoods, static guards for special events like the Smithville Jamboree or Bastrop County events, and after-hours business security for retail shops and restaurants. Many residents also seek alarm response and vacation watch services, especially for homes in more rural areas of Bastrop County surrounding Smithville. Mobile patrols are particularly effective for covering larger areas within the city limits and the immediate outskirts.

Security costs in Smithville are generally more affordable compared to larger metropolitan areas like Austin, but they can be influenced by several local factors. The primary cost drivers are travel time for patrols covering Smithville's spread-out residential areas and rural county properties, and the specific risks associated with properties near SH 71 or large public events. For a basic unarmed security officer, you might expect hourly rates starting in the mid-$20s to low $30s, but this can increase for armed personnel, specialized event security, or contracts requiring significant travel within Bastrop County. Always get detailed, location-specific quotes from licensed providers.

When hiring for a Smithville event, prioritize firms with direct experience in Bastrop County. Key factors include: 1) Proof of valid Texas DPS licensing for both the company and all assigned officers. 2) Familiarity with Smithville Police Department protocols for event coordination and emergency response. 3) Appropriate insurance coverage, including liability specific to Texas. 4) Clear understanding of local ordinances, such as noise ordinances or parking restrictions around venues like the Recreation Center or Riverbend Park. 5) References from other local event organizers. A good local firm will proactively coordinate with Smithville PD for large events to ensure a seamless security presence.

While private security in Texas is primarily governed by state law (Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 1702), Smithville and Bastrop County have local ordinances that security personnel must observe. These include regulations on parking, trespassing enforcement procedures, and noise control, especially in historic districts or during nighttime hours. Security officers have the authority of a private person on the property they are hired to protect but cannot enforce city ordinances—that remains the duty of Smithville Police. A reputable security company will train its officers on these local nuances to ensure their actions (like detaining a trespasser) are performed within the bounds of both state law and local expectations, and they will know when to immediately contact Smithville PD for assistance.