2024 Year in Review 27 Feb 2025, 10:35 pm

We’re pleased to share Per Mar’s 2024 Year in Review, showcasing our key achievements. Access it by clicking the image below, or view it here: Year in Review.

2024 marked a year of groundbreaking achievements for Per Mar. From strategic acquisitions and the launch of our loss prevention service, to a record-breaking 377 documented deterrences, we’ve seen exceptional growth. CEO Brian Duffy aptly described it as a year of ‘firsts.’ We invite you to explore our accomplishments and express our gratitude to all who contributed to our success. Here’s to 2025!

Per Mar Hiring Event Staff in Davenport, IA 20 Jan 2025, 6:34 pm

Hiring Event Staff in the Quad Cities Area

Join our team and help shape unforgettable events. We provide event services at various local events throughout the year and seek talented individuals to join our team. Please fill out the form below to be included on our email list for upcoming special event opportunities. 

Who We’re Looking For

We hire individuals aged 16 and older for a variety of positions, including:

• Seasonal Positions: Great for students, teachers, or anyone seeking supplemental income.
• Part-Time Roles: Ideal for those needing flexibility in their work schedule.

Throughout the year we have openings for event staff and security guards for major local events, such as the Mississippi Valley Fair and the John Deere Classic, a globally broadcast PGA Tour event. Our staff will be positioned at key locations like hospitality tents, entrances, and the GrandStand, ensuring a safe and secure experience for all attendees.

Whether you’re interested in general security roles or event-specific positions, we have openings that cater to your availability and interests.

Opportunities with Per Mar Security

As a security officer with Per Mar,  you’ll play a vital role in maintaining a safe environment for our clients. Our diverse positions offer opportunities in multiple settings, with duties that may include, but are not limited to:

• Premises monitoring and patrol
• Access control and gatekeeping
• ID checks and camera surveillance
• Alarm and incident response
• Event-specific tasks like ticketing, bag checks, and crowd control
• Traffic management and parking oversight

Why Choose Per Mar Security?

At Per Mar,  we are proud to hire security officers and event staff from the areas we serve, and from the communities we serve, fostering a sense of local pride and commitment. With in-house training, we ensure our team is equipped with the skills and resources needed for success.

Apply Now!

Take the next step in your career and join our team in the Quad Cities. To view open positions and submit your application, visit our job portal:

View Job Openings and Apply

We look forward to welcoming you to our team!

Security Checklist For Your Business 3 Dec 2024, 6:42 pm

With winter right around the corner, businesses face specific security challenges due to shorter daylight hours and changing weather conditions. To ensure your business remains secure, check out our fall security checklist.

1. Enhance Access Control Systems

Review and update access codes regularly, especially if you experience high turnover during seasonal changes. Implement more secure technologies like biometric authentication to restrict access more effectively.

2. Comprehensive Security System Checks

Conduct a thorough audit of your security cameras, alarm systems, and motion detectors. Ensure they have the latest firmware updates and perform maintenance checks to fix any vulnerabilities. This includes cleaning lenses and adjusting angles for optimal coverage. PRO TIP: Per Mar can handle this one for you if you’re a client.

3. Fire Safety Verification

Test all smoke detectors and fire alarm systems to ensure they are in working order and comply with the latest safety standards. Check that all employees know the fire evacuation routes and that these pathways are clearly marked and unobstructed. If you are a Per Mar customer, again we can help you here.

4. Optimize Exterior Lighting

Evaluate the adequacy of lighting around your building, particularly in parking lots, walkways, and other outdoor areas. Increased lighting not only deters criminal activity but also reduces the risk of accidents during darker hours.

5. Secure Entry Points

Inspect all windows, doors, and other entry points to ensure they close securely. Repair or replace any worn locks or entry mechanisms to prevent unauthorized access.

6. Emergency Preparedness

Update your emergency response plans, including fire evacuation and disaster response. Conduct drills to ensure all employees are familiar with procedures and can respond appropriately in an emergency.

7. Debris and Fall Hazard Management

Regularly clear debris and other obstacles from exterior spaces to prevent accidents and ensure clear emergency access. Check that roofing and drainage systems are clear to handle seasonal rain and prevent water damage.

8. Environmental Control Checks

As the temperatures outside are dropping, inspect your HVAC system to ensure it is functioning correctly to prevent fires caused by overheating or electrical faults.

9. Weather Preparation

Prepare for winter storms by securing outdoor equipment, ensuring you have adequate supplies such as ice melt or sandbags for flooding, and plan for potential business interruptions.

10. Conduct a Security Audit

Hire a professional to conduct a security audit of your premises. Per Mar can identify vulnerabilities in your current security setup that you may have overlooked, then suggest specific improvements tailored to your site.

This checklist will help ensure your business is prepared for the fall months and beyond, covering all aspects of physical security and safety to protect your assets and ensure the well-being of your employees and visitors. Give us a call to find out how we can help streamline your security needs!

Safety Checklist For Your Home 3 Dec 2024, 6:42 pm

As the seasons change, ensuring your home is secure and prepared for the colder months is a good idea. Below is a comprehensive safety checklist to keep your residence safe and sound this winter.

1. Test Smoke & CO Detectors

Ensure that your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are functional by testing them and replacing any old batteries. This simple step is crucial for your family’s safety, especially as heating systems come back into regular use.

2. Security System Maintenance

Check that your home security system, including cameras, alarms, and motion sensors, is fully operational. Update any software as needed and clear lenses and sensors of dust. Or give us a call to do this for you!

3. Clear Pathways

Remove debris and other obstacles from walkways and driveways to prevent slips and falls as the weather turns wet and icy.

4. Enhance Outdoor Lighting

With daylight decreasing, improve the lighting around your home’s exterior. Ensure that all pathways, entrances, and driveways are well-lit to deter potential intruders and to prevent accidents.

5. Secure Windows and Doors

Inspect all locks on windows and doors and repair or replace any that are faulty. Consider adding window sensors or additional locks for enhanced security.

6. Inspect and Repair Exterior

Look for any damage to your home’s exterior that could give easy access to intruders, such as broken windows or malfunctioning door locks. In addition to making the necessary repairs to keep your home secure, keep your gutters, dryer vents and chimneys clean. Let our environmental monitoring be your eyes. 

7. Prepare for Emergencies

Review your family emergency plan. Ensure everyone knows what to do in case of a fire or other emergencies. Keep an emergency kit updated and accessible.

8. Smart Home for Added Safety

Now that it’s darker earlier, consider implementing some of our smart home features – like timed lights – so that it looks like people are home even while you’re away. And so you never accidentally leave the garage door open again! 

Taking the time to perform these checks can help you enjoy a secure and comfortable fall season. Schedule an appointment with us to ensure your home security system is up to date. 

2024 Premier Security Dealer Of The Year Award 20 Nov 2024, 8:06 pm

Per Mar Security Services, a leading provider of comprehensive security solutions for residential and commercial customers, has been honored with the 2024 Premier Security Dealer of the Year award by Resideo at its 35^th Annual CONNECT customer event. The award honors the company’s dedication to growth, demonstrates true team performance, and delivers exceptional security solutions.

Brian Duffy, CEO of Per Mar, expressed his gratitude for the recognition: “It is an honor to be recognized as Resideo’s Premier Partner of the Year.  We are fortunate to be supported by such a great organization and we will continue to grow together in the future.”

With a brand promise of protecting what matters most, Resideo is a leading global provider of home comfort and security solutions, offering trusted brands like Honeywell Home and First Alert.

Per Mar remains committed to delivering innovative, reliable security solutions that protect what matters most to its customers.

Why Businesses Should Consider Cellular for Alarm Systems 4 Nov 2024, 8:22 pm

As commercial entities increasingly transition from traditional landlines (POTS, a.k.a. plain old telephone service) to more modern solutions like VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol), the need for reliable communication during emergencies becomes even more paramount. While VoIP offers many advantages such as cost savings and enhanced features, its dependency on stable internet connections can be a critical vulnerability during power outages or other disruptions. This is particularly concerning for monitored security systems that require constant, fail-safe communication channels.

To address these concerns, many businesses are turning to cellular technology for their commercial alarm systems. Cellular connections provide a robust alternative that does not rely on local internet infrastructure, ensuring that alarm systems remain operational regardless of the status of other communication methods. This shift enhances security and ensures compliance with safety standards, which mandate reliable emergency communication systems.

For businesses that still utilize VoIP, maintaining a backup cellular connection can offer a balanced approach, combining VoIP’s advanced features with the reliability of cellular service. This dual-system strategy safeguards against potential downtimes, keeping premises secure and protected 24/7. 

Due to the instability of VoIP or POTS, we had to make the tough decision to no longer install security systems without the presence of cellular. Instead, we’re committed to guiding you toward and equipping your business with the latest, more secure cellular-friendly technologies.

Cellular vs. Phone Lines

• Independent Infrastructure: Cellular networks operate on a dedicated infrastructure that is distinct from traditional phone lines, often with robust backup solutions such as battery power and generators, which ensure service continuity during power outages or local network issues.
• Wider Coverage: Cellular signals cover more extensive and varied geographical areas, including remote locations where phone lines might not be available or reliable.
• Less Susceptible to Local Disruptions: Unlike phone lines that can go down due to local issues like bad weather, cable cuts, or router malfunctions, cellular networks are less likely to be affected by local disruptions, maintaining connectivity across multiple towers.

By integrating cellular technology, you can avoid the pitfalls associated with internet-dependent systems and maintain a high level of security and reliability for your commercial security system. This approach is not just about adopting new technology; it’s about ensuring continuous protection and peace of mind in today’s unpredictable environment.

We look forward to answering your questions. Our inside sales team is standing by or you can schedule a visit (for your home and/or business) with our outside sales team.

Optimizing Security in the Food Industry 22 Oct 2024, 12:48 pm

Sethness Roquette, a leader in the food industry known for producing caramel color, has consistently prioritized rigorous security measures to protect its operations. Established in 1880 in Clinton, IA, the company has leveraged its partnership with Per Mar Security Services to integrate scalable and flexible access control systems, ensuring the safety of products and personnel.

Downsides of the Traditional Key & Lock System

Before updating to company-wide access control systems, Sethness Roquette faced significant challenges with traditional physical keys and codes. Managing multiple keys was not only cumbersome and costly but also lacked efficient tracking, with no system in place to record who held keys to various areas. According to a Sethness engineer, “Our process was manual and inefficient. We had to maintain entry logs and share mechanical punch codes with contractors, which complicated job performance.” This old method proved to be inadequate for modern security needs.

Enhanced Access Control Implementation

The new system uses mobile credentials and/or key cards (and pin mechanisms), allowing precise control over facility access. This modern approach has replaced inefficient manual processes, facilitating easy updates and customization of access permissions, thus enhancing operational security and efficiency. 

Highlights of Per Mar’s commercial security access control systems include: 

• Real-time monitoring and alerts
• Facial recognition
• Mobile credentials
• Control Readers
• Visitor management
  • Cloud-based flexibility
  • Mobile app (unlock doors, manage user permissions, and monitor your premises from your smartphone)
• Smart locks
• Integration with video surveillance and other security systems
• Complementary to physical security

Strategic Benefits and Impact

Implementing these access control solutions has significantly improved the management of entry points and sensitive areas within the facility. Programming and deactivating access cards in real time ensures that only authorized personnel can enter critical spaces, substantially reducing the risk of unauthorized access and potential security breaches. Moreover, the system’s flexibility supports the creation of custom access schedules and automatic smart lock settings, further securing the facility after hours.

“The access control system installed by Per Mar has revolutionized how we handle facility security, allowing us to focus on our core operations without compromising safety. Adjusting permissions and deactivating access is now straightforward and hassle-free,” noted an engineering team member at Sethness. 

The crucial role of commercial access control systems in safeguarding the food manufacturing industry is undeniable. By addressing both internal and external security threats, these systems ensure the integrity of products and the safety of personnel, reinforcing Sethness Roquette’s commitment to maintaining the highest security standards. How can you see access control systems and key cards making a difference at your facility? Give us a call for a free walk-through! 

Teaching Kids About Fire Safety: A Guide for Parents 21 Oct 2024, 7:20 pm

There are a lot of lessons we must instill in our children but it’s easy for some topics to take a back seat. Don’t let fire safety be one of them! We’re imparting our top five tips on approaching this important topic in its simplest form.

Start Early and Keep it Simple

Introduce fire safety concepts early on in a child’s life. Fire safety education can begin as soon as they understand basic instructions and communicate effectively. This is typically around the age of three or four. Use simple language that is easy to understand. Explain the dangers of fire and the importance of never playing with matches, lighters, or other ignition sources.

Practice Drills

Regular practice of fire drills ingrains a sense of routine and familiarity, reducing panic and confusion when faced with a real fire. This is especially true for children, who benefit significantly from repetitive learning. The repeated exposure to emergency procedures through drills helps build automatic responses, ensuring everyone knows what to do and where to go without hesitation. It also familiarizes them with the sound of the smoke alarm while teaching them what to do and where to go when they hear it.

Stop, Drop, and Roll

Teaching children what to do if their clothes catch on fire can be life-saving. Stop immediately, drop to the ground, cover their face with their hands, and roll over continuously to extinguish the flames. Again, practicing these movements makes it more likely for children to remember the steps should they need them.

Visit a Fire Station

A visit to your local fire station can be an exciting field trip that provides real-life context to the lessons. Meeting firefighters and seeing the equipment helps children understand who will help them if a fire occurs. There are usually opportunities for open house-style visits throughout the year or you can call and ask for a tour.

Involve Them in Safety Checks & Maintenance

Teach your children about the role and function of monitored smoke detectors while testing and maintaining them as a family. Explain why they are installed in every room, familiarizing your child with their sound and what to do when they hear it. We recommend aiming for Memorial Day and Labor Day as your smoke alarm testing and maintenance checkpoints. 

By integrating these lessons into routine safety checks and making fire safety a regular topic of discussion, you ensure your children understand the importance of reacting quickly and calmly in fire emergencies. Fire safety education combined with practical applications like understanding and maintaining smoke detectors (and carbon monoxide detectors), prepare your family better for unexpected emergencies. Give us a call for more fire safety tips for your children.

Per Mar Hiring Security Guards in Chicago, IL 15 Oct 2024, 4:59 pm

Now Hiring Security Guards and Event Staff in the Chicago Area

Per Mar Security Services, a trusted provider of comprehensive security solutions for homes and businesses, is actively recruiting security officers in Des Plaines, IL and Oakbrook Terrace, IL. We have a range of open positions, including roles for event security and general security services, and we’re eager to welcome new team members.

Why Join the Per Mar Team?

As a security officer at Per Mar, you will be essential to maintaining a safe environment for our clients. We offer roles that allow you to work in a variety of settings, with responsibilities such as:

• Patrolling and securing properties
• Managing access control and gatekeeping
• Monitoring surveillance systems and checking IDs
• Responding to alarms and incidents
• Supporting events with tasks like ticketing, crowd control, and bag screening
• Managing parking and controlling traffic flow

Who We’re Hiring

We are looking for candidates aged 18 and older to fill several positions, including:

• Full-Time Roles: Perfect for those pursuing a career in security.
• Part-Time Roles: Ideal for individuals who need a flexible schedule.
• Seasonal Positions: Great for students, teachers, or anyone seeking temporary work.

We are actively recruiting for upcoming major events in Chicago, including local festivals and sports events. Our security staff will be stationed at key locations, ensuring smooth operations and guest safety. This is an exciting chance to be a part of high-profile events in the Chicago area.

Why Work at Per Mar?

At Per Mar, we take pride in hiring security officers and event staff from the communities we serve. We provide in-depth training to make sure you have the skills and knowledge needed to excel in your role and contribute to keeping your community safe.

Apply Today!

If you’re looking for a new career opportunity or a seasonal job, Per Mar Security Services has the perfect role for you. Explore our current job openings and apply online through our job portal: 

View Job Openings and Apply

We look forward to welcoming you to the Per Mar team and providing top-notch security services across the Chicago area!

The Steps Of A Professional Background Screening 4 Oct 2024, 4:58 pm

In today’s fast-paced world, background screening has become an essential step in hiring. Professional background checks ensure that businesses and property managers make informed decisions while complying with legal requirements. Background checks are conducted in many circumstances including, but not limited to:

• Transportation
  
• Health Care
• Home Service
• Tenancy
• Financial Industry
• Education
• Volunteers
• Child/Elder Care
• Office
• Contract Assignment

Per Mar Background Check Services conduct all types of background checks including:

• Global Searches
• Professional and Personal References
• Social Security Number Trace
• Court Records
• Education Verification
• Driver’s Record/License History
• Professional License
• Employment Verification

But how exactly does a professional background screening process work? This blog will walk you through each step.

Step 1: Provide Personal Information

The first step in a background screening process is for the applicant to provide their personal information. This typically includes basic personal information like name, date of birth, social security number, and addresses—along with a signed consent to allow the check to be conducted. This consent is a crucial part of the process, ensuring that the background check complies with privacy laws and regulations. Depending on the type of screening required, the applicant may also provide additional details like employment history, education information, or references.

Step 2: Identify and Add Checks

Once the personal information is collected, Per Mar Background Check Services moves on to identifying and adding the necessary checks. These checks are defined by the client’s scope—meaning that the employer, property manager, or business will specify what types of background screenings they need based on the position or role the applicant is being considered for. Common checks include criminal history, employment verification, credit reports, and drug testing. Our background checks are tailored to meet the needs of the client, ensuring that all relevant checks are performed in a timely manner.

Step 3: Prepare Report

After gathering the applicant’s data and conducting the required checks, our investigators will compile a comprehensive report. This report is prepared in compliance with legal regulations, ensuring that the information provided is accurate, up-to-date, and relevant. The report results are carefully reviewed , cross-referencing data from multiple sources to ensure a complete and precise report. This step is vital in delivering accurate information that the client can rely on to make informed decisions.

Step 4: Send Report

Once the report is ready, the Per Mar Background Checks sends it to the requesting client. The client then uses this report to make decisions about the applicant. Typically, the report includes summaries of criminal records (if any), employment verification, education history, and other relevant findings. This stage helps the client assess the applicant’s suitability for the role or position. At Per Mar, we believe in the importance of fostering a company culture that values integrity, trust, and community, which is why we help ensure that all applicants meet company specific standards. 

Step 5: Applicant May Dispute

After the client receives the background report, although the occurrence of any disputes are unlikely, the applicant has the right to review it and dispute any inaccuracies they may find. For example, if an applicant believes that the criminal history reported is incorrect or that an employment verification was not accurately recorded, they can raise the issue with us. Applicants have the right to know what’s in their background check and to challenge any information that might not be correct.

Step 6: Reinvestigate Any Disputes

When an applicant disputes an aspect of their report, Per Mar Background Checks is legally required to investigate the claim. During this reinvestigation, we recheck the disputed information, reaching out to original sources or verifying the accuracy of the data provided. The investigation typically takes a few days, depending on the nature of the dispute, and once it’s complete, an updated report with corrected information will be provided to both the applicant and the client. This step ensures fairness in the screening process and helps prevent any incorrect information from affecting the applicant’s opportunities.