Proper Security is Not an Expense, but a Necessity: SPG

Q: Given the increasing demand for specialized security services, how do you differentiate Seguridad Privada Guepardos (SPG) from competitors that offer similar solutions? 

A: SPG stands out for its strong commitment to service, both to our clients and our team. The company, which has over 15 years in the market, was born from the demand for reliable security. My husband’s experience in security, combined with our dedication to personalized attention, has allowed us to build a company based on trust and high-quality service.

Q: How does SPG adapt its security strategies to address the unique risks and challenges in different regions of Mexico? 

A: SPG adapts its security strategies through personalized attention and a deep understanding of regional risks. Our operations team conducts thorough assessments of each area, identifying high-risk zones across the country, particularly for security services. This proactive approach, combined with close client engagement, allows us to build trust and provide tailored security solutions.

Q: Which industries show the highest demand for your solutions, and what specific security challenges are driving this increased need? 

A: The highest demand for our services comes from the logistics sector, particularly for security services due to the rise in highway crime. At industry events like expos, we frequently receive inquiries about cargo protection. We focus on logistics companies and businesses with over 150 employees and annual revenues exceeding MX$50 million (US$2.5 million).

Security regulations have evolved, preventing us from lowering costs since our main asset is our personnel. This shift has helped dignify the private security industry, moving beyond the outdated perception of security guards as mere gatekeepers. We provide customized security strategies tailored to each client’s needs, ensuring comprehensive protection from the outset.

Q: What specialized training programs does SPG implement to ensure its personnel are prepared to handle evolving security threats, and how do you measure their effectiveness? 

A: SPG is implementing ISO 9001 and ISO 45001 to enhance service quality and personnel management. These standards require strict compliance with regulations, ensuring structured training and continuous evaluation.

Our dedicated team conducts regular security assessments at each site, identifying areas for improvement and addressing regulatory changes, such as compliance with workplace safety norms like the “Ley Silla.” We also work closely with clients, providing tailored recommendations to enhance security while improving working conditions for our personnel. This proactive approach ensures both efficiency and employee well-being, aligning security operations with evolving industry standards.

Q: How do you tailor your services to meet the specific risk profiles and operational needs of each sector while maintaining a standardized level of excellence? 

A: SPG customizes security solutions by conducting in-depth risk assessments for each site, considering factors like location, infrastructure, access points, and operational dynamics. Even facilities within the same industry can have distinct vulnerabilities.

Our operational team identifies internal and external risks, creating a tailored security plan. Regular site visits and ongoing supervision ensure adjustments are made as needed. We also emphasize proactive client engagement, educating them on potential risks and the importance of preventive measures. This hands-on approach enhances security while fostering long-term trust and operational excellence.

Q: SPG’s methodology emphasizes risk analysis as the foundation of a successful security strategy. How has this approach mitigated security threats? 

A: SPG’s risk analysis methodology has proven effective in preventing security threats by identifying and addressing vulnerabilities before they lead to incidents. For example, we advised a client to repair a damaged perimeter fence, which had already allowed stray animals to enter. This highlighted a larger security risk — unauthorized access — which could have led to theft or harm to personnel.

In another case, we identified an overlooked risk: a tree outside a facility that served as an entry point for intruders. Despite having advanced alarm systems, the client’s security was compromised because access came from an unexpected direction. By proactively assessing and mitigating such risks, we help clients strengthen their security and prevent costly incidents.

Q: What key challenges and opportunities do you see for businesses in navigating Mexico’s security landscape? 

A: Mexico’s security landscape presents significant challenges, particularly in balancing cost with adequate protection. Many businesses underestimate their security needs, often requesting fewer guards than necessary. For example, a company may believe two guards suffice, but if one is patrolling, the entrance remains unmonitored, creating a security gap.

A similar issue arose in a residential complex where a single guard was expected to cover multiple duties, leading to operational inefficiencies. In one case, a company executive missed an important meeting because no one was available to open the facility early. These situations highlight the need for well-planned security staffing to ensure both coverage and quick response times.

The key opportunity for businesses is recognizing that investing in proper security is not an expense but a necessity, as public security forces cannot fully meet demand. Strategic planning and adequate personnel allocation are essential to mitigating risks and ensuring smooth operations

Q: How do you balance cutting-edge innovation with the human factor in security to ensure both efficiency and reliability? 

A: Balancing technology with human oversight is key to effective security. While hiring personnel is essential, integrating advanced technology enhances efficiency and reliability. SPG leverages access control systems, facial and iris recognition, biometric authentication, and vehicle tag identification to strengthen security. These technologies can be connected to a central monitoring hub, either managed by SPG or the client. However, many businesses are unaware of or hesitant to invest in these solutions due to initial costs, despite their long-term benefits.

GPS tracking plays a crucial role in transportation security. While it may not prevent theft, it provides real-time data on vehicle stops, enabling immediate response protocols. Combining human expertise with cutting-edge innovation allows for proactive risk mitigation, ensuring optimal protection.

Q: Which regions in Mexico show the highest security risks, and what specific measures do you implement to mitigate these risks? 

A: The regions with the highest security risks in Mexico, based on SPG’s experience, include Puebla (especially Tlacotalpan and the Circuito Exterior Mexiquense), Arco Norte, Reynosa, Acapulco, and Celaya. These areas have seen a rise in criminal activity, particularly in cargo theft and violent incidents.

To mitigate risks, SPG strongly advises against traveling at night due to reduced visibility and higher crime rates. However, security incidents also occur in broad daylight — some clients have faced multiple robbery attempts in Puebla before noon. SPG implements strict security protocols, including real-time monitoring, GPS tracking, and strategic route planning, to minimize risks for clients operating in these high-risk regions.

A major challenge in assessing crime data is underreporting. Many businesses and individuals avoid filing complaints due to bureaucratic hurdles, such as lengthy legal processes and vehicle impoundment. This results in government statistics often underestimating the real security situation.

Q: How is the private security industry expected to evolve in Mexico, and what role do you believe SPG will play in shaping its future? 

A: The private security industry in Mexico is undergoing significant changes, particularly with new labor regulations limiting security guards to eight-hour shifts. This has created uncertainty, as companies must restructure their services and educate clients on the need for additional personnel. Despite the initial disruption, the industry is adapting. Many security firms continue operating under compliance, though unregulated providers still exist. Of an estimated 5,000 companies, about 2,000-3,000 are properly regulated, highlighting a large but fragmented market.

SPG sees adaptation as key to survival. Regulatory shifts, such as REPSE, have already pushed companies to formalize operations, and those that comply will endure. While uncertainty remains — due to both domestic and international factors — SPG aims to lead by maintaining high standards and helping clients navigate these changes effectively.

Q: What are the key strategic objectives and initiatives that SPG has set for the year, and how do these align with the company’s long-term vision and market positioning? 

A: SPG’s primary objective for the year is to grow, targeting a 34% increase based on rising demand and planned investments. To support this growth, the company is expanding its infrastructure to serve both new and existing clients more effectively. SPG is focusing on strengthening its market recognition, enhancing service quality, and improving talent retention and acquisition by at least 20%. These initiatives align with the company’s long-term vision of solidifying its position as a leader in the private security sector.

Seguridad Privada Guepardos (SPG) designs robust security strategies for the industrial, residential, and corporate sectors. Its services include on-site security guards, CCTV monitoring, and risk analysis, among others.