How much does a security guard cost in Sacramento?

Mobile patrol coverage starts at $15 per night. Dedicated unarmed guards typically run $28–$38/hr and armed guards $38–$55/hr in the Sacramento region, depending on shift length, risk profile, and BSIS requirements.

Are Stormhammer guards licensed?

Yes. Stormhammer Private Security operates under California BSIS PPO licensing. All guards carry current BSIS guard cards; armed officers carry valid exposed-firearm permits.

How fast can patrol coverage start?

Most Sacramento-area properties can be onboarded within 24–48 hours. Emergency same-day coverage is available for active vandalism, squatter, or trespasser incidents.

Do you provide GPS-tracked patrols and reports?

Every shift is GPS-tracked with timestamped checkpoints and photo-verified incident reports delivered the same morning.

What's the easiest first step?

Ask your vendor to email you yesterday's tour log right now. A real vendor with GPS tracking can produce it in five minutes. If it takes 24 hours or arrives as a typed paragraph, you have your answer.

Should I install my own camera to spot-check?

Yes — a $40 doorbell camera at one entry/exit gate gives you a free, independent audit. Cross-reference vendor tour times against camera footage for one week.

Can I demand GPS data even if the contract doesn't say so?

You can demand it as a condition of continued service. If the vendor refuses, switch — that refusal alone tells you everything.

Will switching vendors take long?

No. Stormhammer onboards new properties in 24-72 hours, with a 7-night no-cost trial. Call (530) 902-9390 to start.

How to Verify If Your Security Company Is Actually Performing Patrols

1. Request yesterday's tour log — in writing

Email your vendor and ask for a PDF of last night's patrol log with GPS points and timestamps. Set a 24-hour deadline. A vendor with modern tooling will reply in minutes. A vendor without it will stall or provide a hand-typed summary. Both responses are informative.

2. Spot-check with a $40 camera

Install a cheap doorbell camera or driveway camera at the property's main entrance. For one week, compare patrol-vehicle arrivals on camera against the times claimed on the invoice. Even one missed tour per night = 30 missed tours per month you're paying for.

3. Audit GPS data — randomly, not on a schedule

Pick 3 random nights from the last 90 days and ask for the GPS traces. Predictable audits get predictable results. Random ones catch real behavior.

4. Talk to residents and tenants

Post a single notice asking residents to email property management if they see a marked patrol vehicle. Compare resident sightings to invoice claims. If residents have never seen the vendor on-site, that's the audit.

5. Verify the BSIS license is still active

Look up the vendor's PPO number at bsis.ca.gov. Suspended or expired licenses happen more than people think — and they invalidate every report the vendor files.

6. Demand a sample insurer-ready report

Ask the vendor to send a sample monthly report formatted for premises-liability documentation. If they can't, your property is not getting documentation that will hold up in court.

If your current vendor fails any two of these, switch.

Stormhammer will deliver the GPS tour log for last night's patrol on the same call you make to inquire. Call (530) 902-9390 and test us.

How to verify if your security company is actually performing patrols