Sentry Force Security

The public safety and security landscape is evolving rapidly as law enforcement agencies and private security companies join forces to create a new paradigm of blended roles. Together, they aim to provide a more comprehensive approach to protecting the public and their properties. These partnerships are beneficial in forging a force focused on crime deterrence, leading to safer communities.

At the forefront of this transformation is Sentry Force Security, pushing the boundaries of traditional private security services to provide tailored solutions that go beyond armed or unarmed security officers.

A case in point is its unique offering, Special Conservators of the Peace. These officers are specialized court-appointed officers in the state of Virginia who, among an array of other duties, have the authority to take custody of mental health patients and transport them to mental health facilities throughout the state. Sentry Force deploys these specialized officers for various government contracts like transport services for mentally ill patients under police custody.

Besides this, Sentry Force offers security solutions that encompass a range of armed and unarmed security officers, including personal protection specialists, special police officers, diplomatic security agents, and canine officers. Combined with sophisticated tools and emergency services, it provides an effective deterrent to criminal activities with quick response times in case of an emergency.

“What makes us special is the extensive experience of our security personnel in fields like the military, U.S. special forces, and law enforcement, making them better equipped to handle high-risk and hostile situations. We provide robust security solutions that ensure high-level protection to safeguard an array of governmental and commercial clients alike from external threats,” says Tim Sansone, president of Sentry Force.

Uncompromising Safety with Multi-Level Security Officers

Staffing shortage is a prevalent issue among public law enforcement agencies, and private security services are stepping up to fill this gap and provide the necessary protection to citizens, businesses, and their properties. However, finding a reliable security company is a challenge as underqualified personnel result in increased risks.

Recognizing this issue, Sentry Force has taken steps to address it by implementing a unique service classification system. The system categorizes officers into different levels based on factors like experience, background, and training. This classification system allows clients to determine the level of qualification, experience, and expertise of the officer they require.

A dedicated recruitment department thoroughly vets the officers to establish their classification levels. The process includes reviewing a candidate’s work experience, contacting their work and personal references, verifying their education, and ensuring their licenses and credentials are up to date. Part of this extensive background investigation ensures the officers have no criminal history.
In addition to the skills and experience of the officers, Sentry Force’s service classification system takes pricing into consideration, which is a significant factor for many clients when selecting a security provider. Its classification system recommends the appropriate officer type based on their budget.

Depending on requirements and a comprehensive security assessment, it provides customized security solutions that include armed or unarmed officers, special police officers, and other officers at varying levels of qualification—level one, two, or three.

Level one officers, as entry-level professionals, handle low-level threats and present a budget-friendly choice for clients in need of services such as an on-site, visible security deterrent. In contrast, level two officers possess years of experience, additional credentials, and licenses that surpass minimum state requirements, and they have an aptitude for public safety and helping others. Meanwhile, level three officers represent the most advanced tier, with backgrounds in law enforcement or the military, extensive public safety experience, and advanced diplomas or training certificates. Through these classifications and service flexibility, Sentry Force strives to deliver top-tier officers who offer high-quality security services.

Some clients, like the Arlington County Department of Human Services and the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, also require the proposed officers to go through a criminal background investigation by the state police. In these cases, Sentry Force meets the vetting requirements by providing the police department with the relevant officer’s information.

24/7 Vigilance with Real-Time Officer and Patrol Tracking

A static security officer is a great choice, but a roving patrol service ensures better security for communities. Whether large housing complexes or massive manufacturing facilities, Sentry Force’s roving patrol provides around-the-clock security coverage.

The mobile patrol services feature marked patrol cruisers equipped with lights, sirens, and first aid kits to prepare officers for any situation and secure properties from illegal or suspicious activities. Combining cutting-edge technology with highly trained security officers, it provides an effective service that deters criminals and offers rapid response capabilities at an affordable price.

Sentry Force leverages TrackTik, a cloud-based security workforce management solution, to offer a patrol tour tracking system for clients to remotely monitor the activities and whereabouts of officers in real time. They can call the Sentry Force command center at any time to request officers to resolve issues like noise complaints, illegal parking, dumping, or vandalism. Going beyond security, Sentry Force reports maintenance-related cases, including burned-out lights, fire hazards, and property damage, in TrackTik with pictures to help property managers quickly recognize and fix the issues.

Timely Intervention with Emergency Services
Public emergency services may not always promptly respond to crises due to various factors, including understaffing, budget constraints, and a high volume of emergency calls. Realizing this, Sentry Force steps in with an array of emergency services.
Fire watch is one of these emergency services offered by Sentry Force, as local fire marshals often place properties on fire watch in case of malfunctioning fire detection systems. Its officers patrol the building per the fire marshal’s orders when its fire suppression system, fire monitoring control panels, or fire alarm systems are inoperable. This is crucial because inoperable fire control panels and alarms can create a significant safety hazard. The officers document their patrols and submit reports to the fire department, ensuring these critical services are being performed.

In addition to fire watch, Sentry Force offers other emergency services like alarm response. It partners with alarm monitoring companies and deploys security officers to respond to client service calls. It has 15 to 20 accounts with clients who require a quick response time of 5 to 15 minutes, as specified by federal guidelines. Failure to comply can lead to negative consequences for a client’s federal contracts. While public law enforcement often has longer response times for alarm calls due to the prevalence of false alarms, Sentry Force prioritizes them and ensures a response time of 15 minutes or less. This service is provided in Northern Virginia, where it can meet the requirements through its extensive network of patrol units.

Sentry Force also offers a specialized tactical emergency service known as Special Response Team (SRT) Officers. These officers are highly trained in tactical operations and have a background in law enforcement and/or the military. SRT officers are deployed during times of crisis, such as civil unrest. For example, amid the 2020 protests following George Floyd’s death, many of Sentry Force’s clients required riot suppression, crowd control, and armed patrol coverage to safeguard their properties from looting and vandalism. Sentry Force’s SRT teams supplemented law enforcement operations during this time of civil unrest.

Leading with Proven Success

“More than seven years ago, I envisioned a service that would provide security and safety to the neighborhood I grew up in. Initially, it started as a volunteer project during high school,” says Sansone, “but today it has grown into a thriving business across three different states.”

Since its inception as a volunteer program, Sentry Force has witnessed significant growth. From a single employee, it has expanded to over 300 officers, serving Virginia, Maryland, and D.C. It currently has offices in Fairfax, Virginia Beach, and Richmond and generates annual revenues of over $14 million.

Numerous success stories attest to Sentry Force’s remarkable service record. A case in point is a credit card manufacturing company that hired its armed security services to prevent a disgruntled former employee with a volatile and violent history from returning to their facility. These officers were briefed on the individual’s appearance, car details, and other relevant information, allowing them to identify and stop him if he returned to his former workplace. Thanks to Sentry Force’s trained and attentive personnel, they identified this individual attempting to return to his former workplace and detained him prior to entering the building, more than six months after his employment had been terminated.

These are testaments to the experience and expertise of Sentry Force’s talented team. The executive team is actively involved in day-to-day operations, personally meeting and speaking with clients, unlike large competitors whose leaders are not directly involved in client interactions and may not prioritize individual attention. This personal touch sets Sentry Force apart from its counterparts, ensuring reliable, vigilant, and dedicated security supervision of client assets. “This personal approach to serving and interacting with clients is why I tell clients that Sentry Force is large enough to serve you, but small enough to know you,” says Sansone.

Looking ahead, Sentry Force aspires to expand its operations and secure additional federal and state contracts, all while maintaining unparalleled security services through its skilled personnel and state-of-the-art technology, strengthening the safety and well-being of communities and businesses alike.