Portland businesses face growing security challenges. Property crime continues to rise across the metro area. Police staffing shortages mean longer response times when incidents happen. Break-ins at commercial properties often go unreported because officers cannot respond quickly enough.
Private security has become a practical solution for commercial properties, retail centers, hotels, and residential communities across the city. Professional guards deter crime, document incidents, and respond faster than stretched public resources.
This guide covers 10 security services Portland, what makes each one different, and how to choose the right fit.
Why Portland Businesses Need Security Services
Private security fills gaps that public services cannot cover. Here are the main reasons Portland businesses hire security providers:
- Theft deterrence. A visible security presence discourages shoplifting, break-ins, and equipment theft before they happen.
- After-hours protection. Most incidents happen when buildings are empty. Patrol services check properties during nights and weekends when staff go home.
- Tenant and guest safety. Hotels, apartments, and office buildings need to protect the people inside. Security presence helps tenants feel comfortable and improves retention.
- Liability protection. Documented security protocols and incident reports help defend against lawsuits and support insurance claims.
- Faster response. Private security often arrives before police, especially during busy periods when public resources are stretched thin.
With these needs in mind, here are 10 security services in Portland worth considering.
10 Security Service Providers in Portland
- Providers International – Full-service security company with offices in Portland and across the Western United States. Handles armed guards, site security, patrol services, executive protection, private investigation, and corporate training. Staff members hold advanced degrees and national certifications in threat management, corporate security, and executive protection. Maintains memberships with ASIS International, the Association of Threat Assessment Professionals, and the International Organization of Black Security Executives. Recently won government contracts in Washington State and Arizona. Takes a consultative approach, building custom protection plans for each client.
- First Response Security – Operating in Portland since 1989. The largest privately owned full-service security provider in Oregon, headquartered in Beaverton. Services include guard patrols, alarm response, video surveillance, access control, and fire alarm systems. Operates its own monitoring center and dispatches officers directly when alarms activate.
- Allied Universal – Serving Oregon businesses for over 60 years. Portland office located on SW Barbur Boulevard. Services include on-site guards, mobile patrols, remote monitoring, and risk consulting. Holds contracts with the City of Portland for government building security. Works with clients in healthcare, education, retail, and commercial real estate.
- Echelon Protective Services – Founded in Portland with a focus on community-oriented security. Gained national attention after being featured in The New York Times for public safety work in downtown Portland. Services include armed and unarmed guards, vehicle patrols, surveillance, asset protection, and private investigations. Operates across Oregon, Washington, California, Colorado, and New Mexico.
- GardaWorld Security – International security company with a local office at 615 SW Alder Street in downtown Portland. Provides guards, mobile patrols, and concierge-style services. Guards receive training in first aid, fire prevention, and customer service. Serves office buildings, malls, industrial parks, and residential communities throughout the Portland metro area.
- Securitas – Global security company with multiple Portland locations. Services include on-site guards, mobile patrols, and electronic security systems. Recently became the safety provider for the Central Eastside district through an enhanced service district program. Guards patrol the area and respond to concerns from local businesses and residents.
- Cascade Enforcement Agency – Operating since 1997, based in Beaverton. Family-owned and woman-owned. Services include on-site guards, patrol services, alarm response, and emergency response. Serves apartment buildings, corporate offices, shopping centers, retail stores, and school districts. Uses GPS tracking to verify patrol routes.
- Security Services Northwest – In business since 1977. Serves seven states, including Oregon, Washington, and California. Services include armed and unarmed guards, patrol services, alarm systems, remote monitoring, and maritime security. Handles corporate offices, retail locations, and special events.
- Oregon Patrol Service – Serving the Portland metro area since 2008. Locally owned and woman-owned. Services include mobile patrols, alarm response, and government facility security. Provides same-day consultations for urgent security concerns.
- Pacific Security Services – Local company established to address rising crime in Portland. Family-owned with over 30 years of combined experience. Services include on-site guards, construction site security, mobile patrols, and access control. Guards are licensed through DPSST and receive ongoing training. Focuses on affordability while maintaining quality.
Security Needs by Property Type
Different properties require different approaches. Here’s what Portland businesses in each category should prioritize:
- Retail: Loss prevention, shoplifting deterrence, after-hours alarm response, and visible floor presence during peak hours.
- Construction: Equipment theft prevention, access control, perimeter monitoring, and fire watch services during welding or hot work.
- Hotels: Guest safety, parking lot patrols, lobby presence, and event security for conferences and private functions.
- Office Buildings: Access control, visitor management, tenant relations, and emergency response coordination.
- Apartments: Mobile patrols, package theft prevention, common area monitoring, and after-hours noise or disturbance response.
- Warehouses: Inventory protection, loading dock monitoring, employee access verification, and overnight perimeter patrols.
When evaluating providers, ask whether they have experience with your specific property type. A company strong in retail security may not understand construction site risks.
Final Thoughts
Portland businesses have plenty of security options. The right provider depends on property type, risk level, and budget. Some situations call for a large national firm with extensive resources. Others benefit from a local company that knows the Portland market inside and out.
Providers International stands out as one of the most trusted security service providers in Portland. With certified professionals, government contract experience, and a consultative approach, the company builds protection plans around actual risks. For businesses looking for armed guards, patrol services, executive protection, or corporate training, Providers International has the expertise to help Portland properties stay protected.
