Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions. Although buying security is a complicated subject, read on we'll make it a lot easier. 

The following are simplified answers to frequently asked questions about our company, the cost of services, and what to look for when shopping for security guard, patrol or investigative services. We'll even answer additional questions via E-mail or our toll-free hot-line!

       


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  1. How many years has your firm been is business?
  2. Where can I find a list of your clients ?
  3. Why don't I know your name? I've heard of Pinkerton's
  4. Who is Bowles ?
  5. What major emergency situation has your firm actually handled?
  6. How much do your services cost?
  7. Is a security officer the same as a police officer?
  8. Should I call the police

How many years has your firm been in business? 

Ten Years! Bowles has been in business since 1992. We are incorporated in the state of Delaware. Divisions are incorporated in New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Connecticut and the United Kingdom. Our firm provided its first guarding to Arron Faber Jewelers, our first major assignment was to provide security coverage to Dean Witter now known as Morgan Stanley Dean Witter.

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Where can I find a listing of your clients?

Listed below. Of course some of our clients may not be identified. The following however are some of our "name" clients, we have hundreds of clients. his is the answer to the question.

Dean Witter was one of  our first clients.  Alan Bowles has provided security and related services to Dean Witter since 1996.  Dean Witter has been with Bowles Corporate Services, Inc. since it's founding.  BCS provides security coverage to many departments within Dean Witter. The cage area, where millions of dollars in stocks and bonds are secured. None get by our officers! Key departments such as Executive, Advertising, Sales and Marketing, Training, and of course the Trading Floor are secured  by our staff.  MSDW was the largest tenants in the World Trade Center. As a result of the attack on the WTC, BCS lost five security officers and two of our most wonderful friends, Richard "Rick" Rescorla and Wes Mercer.  Our officers saved all but two Dean Witter Morgan Stanley.  Our lost included: Mr. Titus Davidson, Mr. Godwin Forde,  Mr. Charles Laurencin, Mr. Norbert Salomon and Mr. Jorge Velazquez ( BCS/MSDW).

 

We provided over seventy persons on a daily basis to secure the New York based facilities of Dean Witter

New York Post, this newspaper giant of new York has all its security, consulting and investigative needs met by the Bowles staff. BCS secure all NYP facilities, conduct off site investigations, and consulting. Major areas of responsibility area the Press Room, Editorial, Cash, Printing and Circulation.

Citibank, arguably one of the top three banks in the world. Citibank headquartered in the famous "skyline" Citibank building, has all its security needs met by Bowles Corporate Services, Inc. Over 10 facilities employing over 10,000 people are protected by BCS staff. Trading areas, credit card facilities, lending, cash processing, executive areas, sales & marketing are all apart of our protection responsibilities. Locations in Long Island, New Jersey and New York.

Fox News Channel. We have been securing the Fox News Channel (FNC) since it was "on the drawing board". Yes since before it's birth, when it was just a twinkle in Mr. Murdock's eye:) We have secured this, like our own child! The world's largest news gathering organization have entrusted Bowles since before they went "on-air". Located within New York's Rockefeller Center, BCS provides all the security, investigations, location, and consulting services. BCS provide over 70 persons to the various FOX facilities. FNC is now the most popular new organization in the United States. 

Pearson Education.  This firm is one of the largest book publishers in the world. We secure many locations for them including: Offices and Distribution centers.

Chase - JPMorganChase is a multi-state customer. We provide alarm response, ATM, Retail and major building security at various locations. JPMC is made up of many divisions, we work with many of these division as part of their premium security team of dedicated professionals

G+G Stores. Bowles has worked with G+G since 1992. Providing protection, investigation assistance and various other security related services. Permanent coverage is provided to the clothing stores operated by G+G. 

In addition to the aforementioned, we provide services to many types of customers such as: Hospitals, Financial Institutions, Condo Developments, Malls, Distribution Centers, etc.

A more detailed list of references are provided upon request for a proposal.

 

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Why don't I know your name? I've heard of Pinkerton's ... ?

They've been around longer, some like Pinkerton's, Burns International, since 1800's. Other's such as Group 4, Well's Fargo, Securiguard, plc. etc. also are known names. The aforementioned are well known and respected security firms. Depending upon their local manager they provide different levels of service. Most, if not all the aforementioned firms have been brought, sold and/or merged. 

Are we the same?  Well, we provide some of the same services, and are probably like they were many years ago. Bowles is still a relatively new, privately owned firm. We're a firm where you can still deal with the owner! Yes, we have get local managers too! We may not be well publicized, but we are well known!  Our client list is a good gauge in that aspect. Since our founding in 1992 we have grown become one of the largest privately owned security companies on the east coast. With over 3000 employees in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Long Island, Delaware, and London (UK). Bowles Corporate Services, Inc. (security)  is a top security / investigations firm. Our other operations also include Corporate Travel, Corporate Cleaning, Mail room and Messenger services. We are one of the few firms with a Bowles' staffed 24 hour operations center. You can reach any manager via our Operations Center, Pager, Cell Phone, or E-mail.

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Who is Bowles?

[Bowles is Alan D. Bowles, CPP. Mr. Bowles was born in London, England. He has worked in the security and investigative field for over 20 years. His experience was gained through working with the worlds largest security/investigative firms including Securiguard, plc of London, Pinkerton and Burns Int'l In 1992 Bowles started his own firm. He wanted to be able to treat his clients and employees in a special way. He wanted to be able to keep all promises made. Bowles has managed operations in Texas, Minnesota, Washington D.C. His charitable work includes East Manhattan School for gifted children (director), House of Hope-drug & alcohol treatment Maryland, fundraiser. Masonic and related charities. He has spent many years coaching youth soccer. And his favorite professional team is Tottenham Hotspurs:).  Mr. Bowles primary residence is in New Jersey, USA. Bowles earned the CPP (Certified Protection Professional) accreditation  in 1990. He is a State certified Private Detective, Private Investigator and Instructor. He is active in ASIS (American Society Industrial Security) and was the New York chapter (award winning)  newsletter editor for many years. He is active in the Associated Detectives of New York State, New Jersey Private Investigators Association, member Chiefs of Police. He is listed in Marquee's who's who in the world.  This is the answer to the question.]

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What major security emergency has your firm actually handled?

[Our highest publicized emergency situation was the Bombing of the world trade center. Bowles had responsibility for security for the largest tenant in the WTC. with responsibilities for most of WTC 2 and WTC 5. Our employees ensured that was our customers employees were safely evacuated. Initially we had 67 employees assigned to the location. This number grew to well over 200 within hours.  Bowles provided 24 hour 7 days emergency coverage, we liaison with major law enforcement, provided emergency radios and flashlights and related equipment.  We comforted those who were scared, stranded in offices and those persons who were stuck on elevators. Our employees never left the site!

After the bombing evacuation our attention was turned to security the physical assets of Dean Witter and it's employees. We were involved it helping Dean Witter maintaining it's Pace "we lost our space, but maintained our pace" Dean Witter had maintained a redundant off site trading and administration center. We provided all the security, before and after the incident. Dean Witter was trading again within just a day or two.

The aforementioned was eclipsed after the merger of Dean Witter and Morgan Stanley. On 11, September 2001 event that captured the attention of the world evolved this same client. The result was the complete destruction of the World Trade Center. Our employees saved over  3700 lives. The cost was an expensive price, the lives of five (5) BCS employees and two client representatives. We know of all their actions after the terrorist planes hit. All remained on the property, they ensured all persons were safely evacuated. They died as a result of their heroic efforts.

Other major incidents have involved firearms and explosives found on client premises. Stalking situations, strike coverage, theft rings, drug and various other incidents.

 

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How much do your services cost ?

[Not an easy question to answer. But we will give you a basic idea of price range.

 

Temporary Coverage is expensive - shop, (our price is $25.00 per hour with a 6 hour minimum) so, if you have time, shop around. Ensure the company you use is licensed, has at least one million in liability insurance and (in New York State) employees are registered. Don't be afraid to ask for references!

Temporary Coverage $25.00 per hour minimum 6 hour coverage.

Permanent Coverage - One plus year of coverage

Security Officers 40 - 124 hours per week - Price per hour is 14.00 - 25.00

Security Officers 125 to 600 hours per week - Price is 12.00 - 22.00

Security Officers 601 + based upon specific proposal only.

Investigations 65 - 100 per hour. 20 hours minimum (+ costs)

Armed protection $45 - 75 per hour minimum 40 hours

Security Patrol Service (not armored) $ 19 -24 per hour minimum 112 hours per week

Alarm response - basic fee $ 100 per month, plus $35.00 per call/response

 

Coverage area's:

 New York - All five boroughs and within 75 miles of New York City.

Long Island - whole island 

New Jersey - Northern Jersey, to exit 125 Garden State, Exit 11 NJ Turnpike

                    - Southern New Jersey, exit 5 to exit 1

Maryland - Baltimore metro area (60 miles radius) and to Delaware border

Pennsylvania - Philadelphia and 75 mile radius

DE - whole state

UK Operation by special arrangement only. Restricted to major US / UK firms fortune 500

London, UK - Investigations/Bodyguard service only. Minimum rates £100.00 per hour, 35 hour minimum

London City Center and North only - Man Guarding by special arrangement only Minimum rates £25.00 per hour 

168 minimum coverage.

Questions you may wish to ask when shopping for Security, Patrol or investigative services.

How long have you been in business?

Are you incorporated? Which State?

Are you licensed? Detective, Investigative, or Watchguard?

Ask for the license number

What training are you employees required to have? Who provides the training?

What qualifications you trainers/instructors have?

Do you have CPP (Certified Protection Professional) on staff?

What type of insurance coverage's do you have? liability, employee dishonestly, umbrella?

What will you pay your employee who work at my location?
(do you want a $5 person securing your valuables)

What benefits do you provide these employees (life, 401K, health, vacation, etc.) 

What types of uniforms do you provide?

Can I talk to the owner of the company?

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Is a security officer the same as a police officer?

The short answer is NO. Security Officers have the same powers of arrest as every citizen.
Except in special circumstances (special officers/peace officers) they have no more authority than regular citizens. Security Officers are primary hired to protect private property, by detecting and deterring criminal acts, fire and safely problems. 

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Should I call the Police ?

If you feel your life is in immediate danger CALL 911 NOW. (in the UK 999). The short answer is YES. If your life has been threatened, you or your firm are the subject of terrorist threat (bomb threat, etc, via phone or note) call your local police department now.  Report all threats against you and or your property.

BOWLES CORPORATE SERVICES-Return to previous page

 

 


Alan D. Bowles, CPP - President /CEO.
Copyright © 1999  [Bowles Corporate Services, Inc.]  All rights reserved.
Revised: November 02, 2003 .