Why Protos?

SECURITY SERVICES For the education industry

Across K–12 districts and higher education, Protos delivers security programs that balance safety, sensitivity and the student experience. From residence halls and classrooms to stadiums, hospitals and research facilities, we tailor coverage to each campus environment.

college campus walkway with students

A Modern
Security Experience

Protos combines on‑the‑ground expertise with purpose‑built technology to give schools a single, unified security partner. We’re flexible and transparent about communication. Our teams bring a concierge‑level presence with the right tone for students, parents, faculty and visitors.

We adjust staffing quickly to match daily needs and peak periods, such as move‑in, graduation, game days or protests, and we maintain consistent levels of service across all roles offering off‑duty law enforcement and armed/unarmed security officers. 

Education and School Security Experts

We design, manage and operate comprehensive security programs tailored to the unique needs of educational institutions across higher education and K–12 school environments. Our approach goes beyond basic coverage, addressing the distinct challenges that arise in learning communities, from protecting open, collaborative spaces to ensuring the safety of students, staff and visitors in diverse facilities and during high-traffic events.

friendly off-duty-officer

Higher Education (University Life)

Colleges and universities require security solutions that balance openness with protection. We provide security for residence halls, academic buildings, libraries, laboratories and spaces that must remain accessible yet safeguarded against threats.

Dining halls, athletic venues, performing arts centers and campus hospitals/clinics require specialized planning due to high volumes of daily traffic and frequent large-scale events. Our services extend to satellite campuses and remote sites, ensuring a consistent security presence across the full university network.

K–12 (Primary & Secondary Education)

Safety in primary and secondary schools requires a strong focus on community trust and student well-being. Our programs cover district offices, elementary, middle and high schools, ensuring security throughout daily operations as well as during high-traffic times like arrival and dismissal. We provide structured solutions for bus loops and traffic management, reducing risks in busy zones.

Security presence at stadiums, gyms and auditoriums ensures safe participation in sports, assemblies and special events. We also support after-school programs, extracurricular activities and off-campus engagements such as field trips, academic competitions and tournament travel.

On-Campus Security Services

Our on‑campus services include uniformed, student‑forward security officers for concierge desks, reception areas and roving patrols, as well as armed officers where risk profiles require a stronger deterrent.

Bike and foot patrols increase visibility and approachability across quads, walkways and common areas, while residence life support covers guest access and wellness checks. We also provide off‑duty law enforcement officers for high‑risk posts, ensuring elite protection when it matters most.

computers and devices showing Protos' software technology

Purpose-built Technology

Our proprietary dynamic security management platform puts improved staffing, vetting, training, visibility, accountability and flexibility at your fingertips. Plus, our portal provides insights based on real-time local observations and national industry insights. 

Now you can easily manage a security strategy—and save time and money with more efficient operations—all while reducing risk and liability.

One of the key features of our platform is our Guard Touring program. The dashboard simplifies tracking started versus scheduled tours and completed versus scheduled checkpoints. Utilizing our Guard Touring capabilities allows you to stay updated at the portfolio level and manage your security officers’ tasks effectively, while maintaining comprehensive oversight of all vendors.

Working with Protos
You can
Protect

Students, staff and educational environments

Education Facilities and Schools Across North America:

reported nearly

0 M

criminal incidents between 2020 and 2024

k-12 schools Lost more than

$ 0 M

due to false threats 

Firearm incidents in schools increased

0 %

The Vendor Network

Our network of over 2,000 security vendors allows us to ensure your sites have the correct uniforms, trainings and certifications because we right-match their offerings to your requirements. The extensive Protos network covers a variety of needs from emergency and temporary posts to long-term permanent security contracts. The vendor network’s diverse expertise and flexibility allows us to select the right guard company for your needs. It also allows our teams to staff your posts up or down as your needs change.

All Protos clients Receive:

Client Portal Access

The Protos Client Portal is your central hub for visibility, streamlined service requests and powerful performance insights. The Protos Client Portal makes it easier to manage your security program across all locations. With clear data visualizations, historical reporting and intuitive navigation, you can stay informed and in control – all from one place.

  • Manage services, incidents and requests
  • Access dashboards that simplify complex data
  • Track performance and budgets with clarity
  • Strengthen communication and accountability
  • Gain confidence through transparent reporting
Always-accountable customer service
With Protos, you get a single point of contact to coordinate a team of experts dedicated to delivering on today’s needs and preparing for tomorrow. National Account clients receive additional support through the Enterprise Accounts Group, who act as client advocates and offer strategic security program guidance. All account team members are backed by our 24/7 dispatch and operations team. That means you can always get help with monitoring daily events, billing and invoicing, post fulfillment, new service requests, changes to existing assignments and communicating client portal enhancements. From our purpose-built technology to our professional teams, we promise an unwavering experience.
Interested In Learning More?

Reach out to our security experts for more information about our services today.

Contact A Security Expert

Contact Us 3 Column (Pardot-2025 new contact form)
corridor on a college campus
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.