In-House vs. Outsourced Security: Which is Right for Your Business?

A uniformed security officer holding a radio stands on a staircase inside a modern building.

When it comes to protecting your people, property and peace of mind, one of the most important operational decisions a business can make is how to staff and manage its security presence. This blog will explore the key differences between in-house and outsourced security contractors, examine the pros and cons of each approach and help you evaluate which option best fits your organization’s needs.

Security Budgeting 101: How to Balance Cost & Risk

A desk setup with financial documents displaying bar graphs and pie charts, a calculator, a blue pen, a coffee cup and a laptop showing colorful data visualizations.

Private security is one of the smartest investments a business can make to protect its people, property and assets. But how do you balance strong protection with cost? In this blog, we’ll break down security budgeting strategies, explain how to measure ROI and explore how outsourcing can enhance your program without compromising safety.

Workplace Safety & Security: Building a Strong Safety Culture for National Safety Month 2025

A group of male construction workers wearing safety gear, including yellow hard hats and safety glasses

June is National Safety Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about health risks and safety hazards in the workplace and beyond. Founded by the National Safety Council, this month-long observance focuses on minimizing unintentional injuries and promote safer environments across the United States. In this article, we will explore strategies for building and sustaining workplace safety culture.

Direct-to-Agency vs. Outsourced Off-Duty Law Enforcement Services: Why Protos is the Smarter Choice

A police officer stands in front of a police vehicle on a city street. He wears a dark blue uniform with a badge.

When it comes to securing your people, property or projects with off-duty law enforcement, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is whether to manage it yourself or outsource to a trusted partner. At Protos, we help clients unlock the full return on investment (ROI) of their security spend by delivering a better way to manage off-duty law enforcement programs. We eliminate the hidden costs of internal coordination, elevate the quality and consistency of off-duty law enforcement programs and assume full risk through comprehensive insurance coverage.

The People, Places and Purpose Behind Protos’ Guarding Services

Did you know that Protos Security is considered one of the fastest-growing guarding companies in North America? Since being acquired by the private equity firm Southfield Capital in 2019, Protos has experienced remarkable growth – acquiring new businesses, increasing our workforce, advancing the proprietary software that first set us apart and broadening our service offerings to include guarding, off-duty, specialized and remote services divisions.

Workplace Violence Prevention Strategies: How to Create a Safer Work Environment

Employees seated in a training room attentively listening to a workplace safety presentation, with a projector screen at the front and an orange-colored wall in the background.

Workplace violence affects every industry, posing risks to employee safety, business continuity and legal compliance. At Protos, we believe that prevention starts with preparation. In this article, we explore actionable workplace violence prevention strategies, training approaches and risk management frameworks to help organizations create safer, more resilient environments.

Specialized. Trusted. Committed: Highlighting Blue Star During National Police Week

Graphic for Blue Star, part of Protos Specialized Services, featuring headshots of Jeff Salvetti and Anthony Varchetto. On the left is the Blue Star logo with a bold blue star inside a circle and the text 'Blue Star' above the 'Protos Specialized Services' logo

Each May, National Police Week is observed to honor the courage and commitment of law enforcement across the country. Since 1962, it has been a time of remembrance and gratitude, but more than that, it calls for action. At Protos, we recognize that supporting law enforcement goes beyond just a week or month. It means investing in their well-being, standing beside them during hard times and ensuring their voices are heard.

Protos
Headquarters

383 Main Ave, Suite 505
Norwalk, CT 06851, USA
Phone: 203.941.4700

Protos
Headquarters

383 Main Ave, Suite 505
Norwalk, CT 06851, USA
Phone: 203.941.4700

Mark Hjelle

Chief Executive Officer

Mark Hjelle is the CEO of Security Services Holdings, LLC as well as Protos Security and its subsidiaries. Mark is an experienced Chief Executive Officer and Board Member who has led large national business and facilities services firms for nearly 25 years delivering strong top- and bottom-line growth while building high-performing teams with strong culture. Most recently, he was CEO for CSC ServiceWorks, a B2B2C provider of technology-enabled consumer services. Prior to CSC, Mark was President of Brickman/Valleycrest a national provider of exterior landscape and snow removal services. Over the course of his 18-year tenure at Brickman, he held numerous leadership positions in operations, finance and business development. Mark holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from The Wharton School of Business, University of Pennsylvania, a Master of Government Administration from the University of Pennsylvania Fels Institute of Government and a Law Degree from Case Western Reserve School of Law.