General FAQ

Where is Next Step Solutions located and what areas do you serve?

Next Step Solutions is located in Huntington Beach, California, about 30 miles south of Los Angeles.
We are willing to consider projects in any location in the US where we feel we can provide good service to the client in a cost effective manner.

Does it matter where the consultant is located?

Work on projects away from the consultant’s home base always increases costs due to travel time and travel expenses. A consultant located in your area also probably has a better understanding of local business conditions and has better contacts in the local community. So, when considering two equally qualified consultants, you are generally better off hiring someone local rather than bringing in someone from out of town.

Why Use Consultants?

The benefits provided by an outside security consultant include:

  1. The ability to provide a fresh, unbiased opinion.
  2. Experience with similar security problems and conditions at many other companies and organizations.
  3. Current knowledge of security best practices and the latest security technology.
  4. Ability to work full-time on your project.
  5. Experience in conducting formal consulting assignments, report writing, and presentations.
  6. No need to moderate opinions for political reasons—can “tell it like it is” without fear of retribution.
  7. Sometimes you don’t have enough time to think an issue through.
  8. Sometimes you don’t have the expertise and would like assistance.

Security FAQ

What is a Security Management Consultant?

Security Management Consultants are “general practitioners” of the security consulting field. Security Management Consultants provide generalized advice on managing a client’s overall security and loss prevention program. Security Management Consultants typically conduct security assessments, write policy and procedures, provide security training, assist in recruiting and developing security personnel, and provide assistance in the procurement of security products and services.

What is a Forensic Consultant?

Forensic security consultants provide advice and testimony related to litigation and legal matters. Forensic security consultants are typically retained by attorneys to serve as Expert Witnesses is a court of law or other legal proceedings. Forensic security consultants review evidence, conduct site surveys, perform threat and risk assessments and provide analysis opinions and testimony concerning specific legal cases.

What is a Security Risk Assessment?

Security Assessments are an excellent way to evaluate your existing security program and a great first step to take prior to making security improvements at your facility or when trying to solve a specific security problem.

During a Security Assessment, all aspects of your security program are examined, any weaknesses are identified, and suggestions for security improvements are made. In addition, opportunities where costs can be reduced or where security operations can be made more efficient are identified.

What does it cost to have a Security Assessment performed?

Costs for a formal security assessment usually range between $5,000 and $50,000 depending on the size of the facility, number of employees, and complexity of operations. Please contact us for a free, no-obligation quotation on the specific cost to conduct a security assessment for your facility.

How long does it take to have a Security Assessment performed?

It typically takes about 3 weeks from the time we start the security assessment process until the time that we deliver the first draft of the Security Assessment Report. Larger and more complicated facilities may require more time.

What is a Multi-Family Security Assessment?

Next Step Solutions provides comprehensive physical security assessments for multi-family residential complexes including apartment buildings, condominiums, and gated and planned communities. We work closely with property managers and homeowners associations to help solve security problems and to create effective security programs for residential communities of all sizes.

Security assessments for multi-family residential properties typically include:

  1. Review of local crime statistics and crime trends.
  2. Review of the losses, thefts and other security incidents that have occurred at your property for the past two years.
  3. Review of the unique security risks that may exist in your neighborhood or be caused by adjacent properties.
  4. Review of security policies and procedures and resident security awareness.
  5. Review the use of security guards and security patrol services.
  6. Examination of site perimeter including fencing, landscaping, and security signage during and after operating hours.
  7. Examination of security lighting in parking garages and at building exteriors.
  8. Examination of building perimeter including pedestrian doors, overhead doors, gates, and windows.
  9. Examination of security at building common areas, including lobby, mail center, parking garages, storage areas, and recreational areas.
  10. Examinations of building lock hardware and keying systems.
  11. Examination of electronic security systems including access control systems, alarm systems, security intercom systems, and video surveillance systems.
  12. Examination of security policies and procedures, security training for residents, and security incident reporting procedures.
  13. Preparation of written Security Assessment Report that states consultant’s opinion of existing security program and provides specific recommendations for security improvements at the property.
  14. Presentation of Security Assessment Reportat Homeowners Association Meeting to present findings of report and to answer homeowner questions.