If I could give zero stars, I would. This security service makes residents feel like criminals while failing at their actual job. They enforce minor parking rules but ignore basic responsibilities, like removing people from the pool after hours. We often have to ask guests ourselves since we live in front of the pool because these useless securities don't show up on time. They've also forgotten to unlock one of two pool gates in the morning time. When we call at night, a young lady answers but gives no explanation or empathy. Honestly, AI could probably do a better job. A company entrusted with community safety should be able to perform even the simplest tasks reliably -- this one clearly cannot. read more

The only job they got for our Stevenson Ranch community is to lock the pool gates, and that's never done every single night we have to call them to lock the pool gates while there are people in the pool making loud noises, it's a joke for being charged $120 k a year and they cant even do a simple task read more

This is unprofessional security company. I called regarding and issue with parking and the shift supervisor named Elias hanged the phone on my face. read more

While driving in a neighborhood, a Security Specialist vehicle honked at me as soon as a light changed, not giving me time to go. Then, he succeeded to weave through traffic and did not stop at a red to turn right (not even a California roll). It seemed he was in a hurry, but as he was in a company car, should have known to represent his company better. I tried to access their site to leave a complaint about the aggressive driving, but the site it not available. Julyl 16, 2024 PPO: 14384 Car 83 License: 9DTA684 Please drive more responsibly. read more

First off, I live in the Tuscany community in Porter Ranch. Their "service" and how they handle "security" is a joke. They made me feel like a criminal in my own community. One time swimming at the pool with my younger cousins, their security guard came up asking my address of my house and proof that I live in the neighborhood. I know I look like I'm younger than 18 but this happened when I was 26. Honestly, if the security guard felt like I trespassed, I don't think he was doing a great job keeping me out. I just felt belittled by the guard and disrespected as if we were some hooligans running around trying to crash a pool party. When they patrol, it just seems like they are just looking to cite cars. Not sure if that's security but sounds like a meter maid. The Tuscany community even added gate arms and tire spikes on top of adding Security Specialists. With all this ramped up "security", I wonder if there were any incidents we didn't know about that caused them to these install tire spikes and gate arms in addition to the gates. Tells me that security isn't doing their job. Only reason I say this is there was an emergency where I had to take my friend's car back to my house. Unfortunately when I called them (and even spoke to a security guard in his car) begging to keep the car safelisted to avoid towing, they said they couldn't do anything about it. I thought it was absurd! And again the security guard giving me major attitude about it with no compassion at all. Lastly, I don't know if this is a new rule with Security Specialists but we aren't able to safe list cars after midnight? What if there was an emergency? What if it slipped your mind that the car needs to be safelisted since your mind is on more important things? Definitely don't feel safe nor do I feel their service is compassionate or kind. Update: Officer Stephan read more

We were short on options so we went with Security Specialists for the Beverly Grove area. 10 months later, I got an alarm call when a window sensor tripped. It was a very windy day but I wanted someone to check it out. I called Security Specialists to have them check out my house. Four hours later, they came by. I was already home by then and waited for them to show. I asked the guy where he was coming from and he said he came from Koreatown. Fail read more

security specialists is who the manager uses. my daughter had her catalytic converter stolen one night while the guard was sleeping. I parked in the handicapped space using my placard and 8 hours later they put a ticket on my car. a lady parks there for days and they never give her a ticket. I bet the security guard was getting busy with her.This is by far the worst security company there is for security! read more

I wish I could give a negative star. Absolute rip off! Do not fall for it. We have been paying them for going on a few years - and have not seen a patrol for months. They will sell you on what an amazing service they provide - but within months will be non existent. Don't waste your time or money! read more

Edit: I couldn't have been more wrong. Feel free to contact me if you need more details, or feel free to contact them if you want to wait an hour for them to respond. --------------------------------------------------------- As a first time homeowner, I was excited to move my family to the Valley and raise my son and daughter in a safe and friendly neighborhood. Unfortunately, within a year of moving I was robbed and nearly shot due to an increase in theft and crime within our community. I was presented with 2 options - ACS, the company many had already been using for years...in other words, the company that was patrolling the area during the rise in property related crime or Security Specialists who had been vetted by a group on Neighborhood Watch members and used by local high profile HOA's (all who highly recommended them). I have been working with Security Specialists for 3 months now and have nothing but positive things to say. My wife works from home and has called them on a few occasions receiving a response typically within 7 minutes. They are friendly and professional, in particular office Ybarra who has monitored my house on vacation watch on 2 separate occasions and goes above and beyond to ensure the property is safe and provides a follow up call with a report of what he saw and what if anything he did to help (such as pick up and hide packages or mail as to avoid any glaring signs I am gone). While 3 months may be a rather short sample size, so far so good. Honestly, I'm kind of shocked by some of the other reviews as I haven't noticed any of the issues they describe. Unethical? Mismanaged? Ill-behaved? Odd...my experience has been just the opposite. In fact, I highly recommend them and sleep well at night knowing I have a number to call if the need were ever to arise. read more

RIP OFF MERCHANTS!!!! AVOID!!!!!! These guys are the absolute worst. I signed up for Alarm + Patrol response. Since then, they have deducted their charge every month. But there have been alarms on two occasions, they refused to respond to both, saying they don't service the address. Try getting hold of them by phone - not possible. Try by email? Not possible. Cancel the service and they still keep billing you. I have had to call the card company to reject them taking further payments. Will be filing against them in the small claims court. read more

Great alarm response service! Fast response and professional staff. Thank you SSP for your services. read more

I am the lead volunteer of our neighborhood coalition. I started a security coalition of residents in this Sherman Oaks area because of the multitude of home burglaries and vehicle thefts or break-ins. We met as a community in June 2016 and invited 4 patrol service companies to submit proposals and present them in person to our group. The overwhelming response of the over 50 residents in attendance was to select Security Specialists. Their services and price to patrol our neighborhood (not a gated community) was excellent. We formed a membership of over 100 residents of single family homes to contract individually with Security Specialists. The 6 daily patrols began effective September 1,2016. To date we have 134 members and still growing. Our records indicate there have been 30 calls for patrol officer response by various members for non-emergency assistance, and several instances where the patrol officers have encountered suspicious persons in our area who may have had ulterior motives. In one instance, the officer approached two people in a car parked in front of the home of a member, he asked them politely their business and they said they were just visiting & pointed to the house. The officer verified no one was home. They took off in a big hurry! We feel sure a burglary was averted by our patrol officer. After 3 months of patrols we met as a group to decide about continuing with Security Specialists. We presented crime statistics compiled by the LAPD for the 9 months prior to the patrols. They showed 11 major property crimes during that period. In the first three months of patrols we have not experienced any major property crimes. This is not to say minor crimes have been eliminated, but it has definitely made a big difference which is obvious. The feeling of having another layer of security in our area has brought peace of mind to our residents. We are pleased that another community west of our area has also formed a security coalition and have engaged the services of Security Specialists. The San Fernando Valley has been particularly hard hit by property crimes and it won't get better on it's own. We have to harden the target with home security systems, removing temptation by locking our gates, homes & vehicles, forming Neighborhood Watch Groups, reporting suspicious characters, keeping in touch with our Senior Lead Officer with the LAPD, and having Security Specialists patrol our neighborhood. Together with them we are making a difference. (P.S. I am a community resident, a real person. Not paid by anyone to post this positive review. And, I do so with the utmost confidence and trust in this company.) read more

I have to say, these guys are fast! My alarm at my business went off and they showed up in under 10 minutes. Unfortunately, my front door window was smashed but I believe a burglary was prevented because of the fast response. Thank you Security Specialists! read more

I read on another blog that someone was relying on the reviews of Security Specialist on Yelp to make a decision about the quality of their services. I have read the "Excellent" and the "Eek" comment on Yelp. I am past relying on the Yelp reviews of the company ​since I have had first​-hand​experience with Security Specialists for the past 17 months wherein the company has successfully provided armed patrols to my single-family​ residential neighborhood. Most important to my family was a recent experience wherein our whole house alarm and other warning devices were tripped at 3 am. Our alarm company called us promptly, and then they called Security Specialists at our request. Within 15 minutes of the alarms sounding, an armed Security Specialist Officer was at our door. We discussed the matter with him, and he carefully walked the property. Before he left the area, we saw him stop to check each of the vehicles parked on and near our street, to see if perhaps that they had been used recently, by a perp. We are more than satisfied with the services of Security Specialists. My ability to quickly go back to sleep after the Officer left, is a ​testament to my​ confidence in Security Specialists. read more

I signed up just a few months ago and already I've noticed a difference in the neighborhood. Love the way their cars and officers look!

Absulte worst! They are found sleeping instead of patrolling. If you have to call them to come out be prepared to wait 2-3 hours if they come at all. Thank Guards are rude and the dispatchers are even worse. They are completely put off if you call them. Literally irritated. No HOA should trust the security of their community to this company . read more

Security Specialists has been working for our HOA for awhile now. It appears they do their job in their own time. They are constantly unlocking the pool hours late and telling people they need to leave so they can lock it early since they're in the area. It's gotten worse since our HOA gave them notice. Today, the pool was supposed to be opened at 8 am and it wasn't opened until the afternoon: Totally unprofessional! When I called about it one day last week, I was told they were aware but it had been a busy morning. read more

I live in HOA building and this company is the security for our building and I'm very happy with the service. Always professional and punctual, and most importantly make us feel safe. read more

Best security company out there. All the securities are very professional and make sure all your needs are met. They patrol my area and knowing that they're there, puts my mind at ease and makes me feel safe. I would definitely recommend them! read more

I live in an HOA for the past 4 years and for the past couple years, our community has used Security Specialists. Every time I see their officers they are alert, look very sharp and are very approachable. I've also called a few times for service and their dispatchers are professional and courteous and their response times have been under 20 minutes. I feel very safe living here knowing we have Security Specialists on patrol, thanks for all you guys do! read more

After reading some of the more recent reviews I felt like I should add also our experience when calling in to speak with a supervisor. They are in fact rude and unprofessional. They will lie to you and then to add insult to injury, they will be rude to you. For the person who ledt the 5 star review, I would suggest that YOU actually watch to see yourself if these folks are actually providing the patrols they could contracted for. If they treat your agreement like they treated ours, I can assure you they are not completing the actual patrols expected of them.. read more

Our HOA was looking forward to this Security Company. Dan there Business Development Manger/ Security Consultant came by and spoke to our community telling us about their services. These guys were suppose to be patrolling on site for 12 hours but instead were only patrolling 7 and half hours until they got caught. Instead of fixing the issue they decided to cancel their services with our HOA. This company did a complete disservice and would not recommend them. If you do decide to go with this company make sure you double check that they are actually doing what was agreed on. However, be carful if you address anything to Dan because instead of fixing the problem he rather cancel all services. Just bad business and very unethical. read more

Security Specialists has been patrolling our community for over a year now and I have to say, I see them all the time. Their officers are true professionals and courteous. Whenever I call them, they arrive in minutes and address the issue at hand. I am very happy with the services they provide. I wanted to put this out there because I know compliments are seldom heard or provided for a company that provides service. Great job Security Specialists!! Keep up the great work! read more

This organization is like no other. Driven and courtesy leadership from the top, uniforms and vehicles done with the up most attention to detail and you can always get a hold of someone, 24/7! Extremely professional yet humble. Up to date technology - all basis of security are covered. One stop shop indeed. Love it! And to you naysayers about dispatch taking too long, remember, they have to navigate through LA traffic - not the autobahn my friend. Perhaps you shouldn't be so cheap and opt for 24 hour service - just a thought :) Cheers! read more

If I could give 0 stars I would. Our HOA contracts out to these clowns and rarely can you call and have a friendly voice answer on their end. We live in a gated community and these tiny houses have 2 even smaller single car garages. We have 2 kids in college yet these jerks will only permit one of our cars to park curbside so when both of our kids are visiting for summer and holiday breaks they only allow the 4th car to park curbside for 10 days in each 60 day period. And believe me, there are plenty of places to park so it's not as if parking is limited. So, they towed one of the cars we were using during the holiday break stating it was cited the day before yet refuse to provide me with a copy of the citation (we never got the citation AND the car was not even parked there overnight). I requested a copy of the citation and they said they can't provide one unless I get the owner of the property we are renting to go before the HOA board (are you kidding me?). Additionally, their citations are not even numbered, nor are they electronically produced, so there is no way of proving when it was initially issued (I smell slimy fish). Who has the time and money to get your vehicles out of a tow yard? I'm 45 years old and have never had a car towed before. Such a violation and it's only because it was parked in front of the house we are living in. Not in front of a hydrant, not in an ADA spot, not along a red curb. My daughter had been staying with her cousin as we only have 10 days permitted during her 4-week winter break but after visiting another cousin who was in the hospital she decided to come home as it was after 1:00 AM (too late to call Security Specialists) and the car was towed at 5:20 AM. This is no joke. Definitely moving out of this gated community as soon as we can. read more

Don't waste your money if no one else in your block agrees to use them. We had them for 3 months. I saw a patrol ONCE. I have the Ring system so I can see when cars go by. When I addressed it with them hey sent an officer to speak to us. He was a substitute officer, unarmed and generally not too smart. I'm not sure what I expected from a guy who boasted he was working overtime and now earning $20/hr. We made two request for "vacation watch". The first time they came a week later, once we were back. The second time they sent officers three times in 12 hours, the rest of the days no one stopped by. I emailed them to cancel my service and as typical it took over 48 hours to get a response. Nonetheless, I was still charged for my next month. I was able to resolve the issue with a phone call. They are fairly disorganized and try mostly to be police wannabes. It's not a lot of money but better spent on an alarm system and cameras. read more

First of all I have never had this company called on me or any of my guests as a resident or anything at one of the largest communities they attempt to keep safe. I unfortunately have had to call them plenty ab things they should notice on regular patrols (hazards both injury and fire,sketchy people loitering,potential drug dealing,etc) after saying that.... Second of all, I had previously been asked to remove my review off of Google for not enough information as I guess this company contacted Google wanting it removed.(I WAS trying to be courteous to both cooperation and guards and not type too much detail but whatever now) and this review must be written and I have told this company that and guards several times as to why. These guards do not make me feel safe in my community and I share this feeling. Often times they are unable to prioritize the larger safety issues vs the smaller ones. They have also told me verbatim that they cannot patrol down to the end of the parking lot directly next to their guard shack, thus as my car had attempted break ins, oddly enough recently. Also several nights weekly people on bikes who appear to be transients are allowed through and into the community gates and when security is asked what is going on by me, and told those people also reek of alcohol as I walk directly behind them security becomes jaded and complacent. The night supervisor currently on until around 11 PM does a much better job then day management entirely and is much more attentive and responsive. Also I have had mysterious car parked in my assigned spot and although there's only one way in and one way out (and a pass to be obtained as a guest every time) security had no idea how this pass less car was within a heavily gated complex. Weird right?...Sounds like maybe they made a mistake. It happens but too often here in my opinion it's making it tough to live here. Last week I was told by an LAPD officer who visited the property to be careful they were about to tow a stolen car from the community lot next to the guard shack and that culprit was believed to have gained access via the front of complex gates and then drove out another vehicle through another monitored gate. All with on-site multiple security guards at all times 24/7. I do understand that security cannot cover all things and things happen, I myself manage property in West Los Angeles. They have a job though and it's to keep the property safe, not to watch sports in the guard shack on their phones as I have seen previous, not to continually vaporize or smoke in a community parking lot where all residents can see, or to continually not enforce property guidelines and time guidelines as is currently happening.... they have a job to be professional and not jaded, complacent , or to make you feel as though you constantly have to monitor and be vigilant of yourself, your car, and your community. The community is their job primarily to monitor. They must do a better job. I would not recommend them to anyone. They snicker behind backs and think nobody hears and don't appear to be hard working in my opinion. There is one guard who does his very best and he deserves kuddos. You can tell he truly cares. Thank you to that guard. People here must already know of him. I hope this security company can improve it's service. read more

Security Specialists really are the best. There team and patrol service are very quick on response. A week ago my wife and I went out for dinner and our alarm went off . My neighbor next door indicated Security Specialist where the first to show up before LAPD did. Overall I am very pleased by there service and would recommend them to others . read more

Terrible!!! I Don't recommend them at all!! Perfect example of just wanting to make money without giving the service required!! We contracted with them for security patrol since the burglary is on the rise. We were told to call them first if our alarm goes off not the local police since they take long to come. Ok our alarm went off both pd and specialists were called. Pd arrived within 2 min and 40 min later security specialists arrived. I asked why did you show up late and his response was " I'm not going to violate local laws to get to your house!" Really!! And you call yourselves a patrol company? Called the supervisor and his response was instead of we are so sorry I'll make sure this does not happen again, " sir you can always discontinue your service it a free world"! Wow... now they're asking for payment and the supervisors are no where to be found except their letters coming in threatening to take me to collection! Don't believe me? Try calling their number and getting anyone other than operator on the phone ... FYI in 6 moths I've seen Their patrol car 5 times times, and their rival company frequently per/hr since they have multiple cars....good luck read more

I've been living in one of the complexes they are patrolling (9800 Vesper Ave) for over 2 years now and I had no complaints about them up to this point. The complex has a 72 hour parking limit so the best way to monitor it is to mark the tires with chalk. Once the car drives off-- the chalk on the tread gets wiped off as you drive and when you're back there's no more marks. Lately, they had some "bright one" patrol this complex on Fridays and Saturdays and he started marking the sidewall for whatever reason. Now the owner has to spend some time wiping that stuff down since it's on the side and won't come off as you drive. Its no big deal for most people, but I take care of my vehicle and constantly apply chemicals on the sidewall (Bleche Wite, Black Magic Tire Shine etc) to keep my tires clean and as soon as that mark is on there, I had to pretty much redo it all over again, because if I just use the rag, it will stick out like a sore thumb. No biggie, I thought-- I'll just call the company and ask them to no longer do this. I called and the supervisor (very polite gentleman) apologized to me and said he'd have a talk with this guy. Come the following night-- another yellow mark. Okay? Maybe they didn't get a chance to talk so I thought I'll give it more time. A week and a half later, I find more of these marks on the sidewall. I'm sorry, but how many phone calls should it take to get someone to use their common sense? Are you going to be writing stuff on my windshield next?! I wouldn't bother writing this, but the fact that I took the time to look up their phone number and call them (when really, it's common sense stuff so I shouldn't have to) and STILL got the same result got me a little annoyed. I left a voicemail earlier for their watch commander again and if this isn't corrected, I'm going to bring this up at the next HOA meeting. Way to go, "Specialists". read more

These officers think they are the police remember the North Hollywood pursuit one of their vehicles was pursuing and hampering in the LAPD chase. I used them for a month got rid of them for I was coming home late one night and I passed our patrol officer he was sound asleep in his vehicle. We canceled for the month after. They had told me these officers were well trained I guess in the art of sleeping. I now have a great patrol company owned by 2 LAPD motorcycle officers and they have 2 in a car costs more but they have retired LAPD or Sheriffs or active police officers. My wife feels comfortable and when I told them that Security Specialist that they can run vehicles saw on a website they said they lied on law enforcement can run people and what they are saying are lies and I use them on several rental properties and my business and I have hired them as my internal security force for I have a government contract that we need law enforcement on the property and we have them patrol the parameter 24/7. I would not trust Security Specialists to do that they would probably sleep for we have one patrol car designated to drive around at all times. My neighbors and friends are using this company also for they feel very safe leaving their children home for they know off-duty or retired officers will respond, read more

For Over 10 Years Security Specialists has been doing daily patrols on 2 apartment buildings that I manage. They are available 24/7 for me and for my tenants & I have had to use them on more than one occasion for more than just a routine inspection patrol and they came through for me each time. I have had to make a call in on a holiday to request a special drive by or foot patrol and was able to talk with the watch commander and have my request handled in a timely manner. I have requested to be met at a building in the middle of the night for back up and they not only showed up when I requested them, they stayed as long as I needed and made sure all was secure before they left. On the few rare occasions that I have had a question about a report, patrol, patrol response etc I have never had a problem getting in contact with management or the watch commander to get my question answered or my issue resolved. read more