The Best Private Security in Kenmore, WA

In Kenmore, Washington, all private security companies and individual security guards must be licensed by the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) under Chapter 18.170 RCW. Companies must obtain a Private Security Guard Company license, and guards must complete mandatory training (including an 8-hour pre-assignment course) and pass a background check. Kenmore does not have additional city-specific licenses, but companies must comply with all state regulations, which include insurance requirements and ongoing training. Always verify a company's license status on the DOL's website before hiring.

In Kenmore's residential neighborhoods, which include areas near the Burke-Gilman Trail, Lake Washington, and quieter suburban streets, common services include: 1) Vacation watch and patrol services for homes while owners are away, 2) Alarm response and verification to reduce false alarms for Kenmore Police, 3) Gated community or HOA patrols for neighborhoods like Inglewood or along 68th Ave NE, and 4) Event security for private gatherings. Given Kenmore's mix of waterfront properties and wooded areas, services often focus on perimeter checks, access control, and deterring package theft or vandalism.

Private security in Kenmore acts as a supplement, not a replacement, for the Kenmore Police Department (KPD). Reputable security companies will establish a professional relationship with KPD, often through direct contact or the North Sound 911 dispatch center. Their role is to observe, report, and deter crime on private property. In an emergency, security guards should immediately contact 911. For non-emergencies, they may report suspicious activity to KPD's non-emergency line. It's important to choose a company that understands local protocols and can provide detailed reports that can be shared with law enforcement if needed.

When hiring for a business in Kenmore's commercial zones like along Bothell Way (SR-522) or in the Kenmore Village area, look for: 1) Valid Washington State DOL licensing (verify online), 2) Experience with local businesses and knowledge of specific area challenges (e.g., after-hours activity near parks or transit stops), 3) Appropriate insurance, including general liability and workers' compensation, 4) Clear service plans tailored to retail, office, or industrial needs, including loss prevention or closing procedures, and 5) References from other Kenmore or North King County businesses. Ask about their response times and how they coordinate with the Kenmore Police for incidents.

Yes. If you're hiring security for an event at a City of Kenmore park (like Rhododendron Park, Log Boom Park, or Squire's Landing Park) or a rented community hall, you must: 1) Obtain a permit from the Kenmore Parks & Recreation Department, which may have security requirements based on event size and alcohol service. 2) Ensure your security company understands the specific rules of the venue (e.g., curfews, alcohol restrictions). 3) Confirm guards are trained in crowd management for public spaces. The security plan should address parking, access points, and coordination with city staff. The company should also be aware of nearby resources, such as the Kenmore Police substation or fire department locations.