What is physical security consulting?

Physical security consulting is a service that helps you identify vulnerabilities in your property, procedures, and security systems. It involves a professional evaluation of how well your site prevents, detects, and responds to threats — with practical recommendations for improving safety, security, and efficiency.

What kinds of businesses or properties benefit from consulting?

Any property with people, assets, or operations worth protecting can benefit. We work with everything from small businesses and apartment complexes to industrial yards and corporate offices. Whether you’re looking to prevent theft, manage access, improve lighting, or respond better to emergencies, a consultation can make a big difference.

What can a physical security consultant do for me?

A security consultant will assess your site, procedures, and vulnerabilities through walkthroughs, interviews, system reviews, and physical testing. That can include testing access points, attempting unauthorized entry, or simulating real-world scenarios to evaluate your response. You’ll get clear, actionable advice tailored to your risks and operations. We don’t just point out weaknesses — we offer real-world solutions that work with your budget and goals.

What does a typical security assessment include?

Every assessment is customized, but most include a full site walkthrough, evaluation of existing barriers and systems, review of lighting, signage, and surveillance, interviews with staff, and analysis of access points and routines. We identify gaps, rate your risk level, and provide a practical action plan to strengthen your physical security.

Do I need to be a current NorthGate client to book a consultation?

Not at all. Our consulting services are available to anyone — whether you’re already a NorthGate client or simply looking for expert advice. We regularly work with business owners, property managers, and organizations looking to strengthen their security posture.

What kind of deliverables do I get after a consultation?

You’ll receive a clear, written summary outlining our findings, risk levels, and prioritized recommendations. This may include photos, diagrams, or maps, along with plain-language explanations of what should be improved, why it matters, and how to fix it. We can also present our findings in person or over a video call, walking you through the recommendations and demonstrating key concepts on-site if needed. Whether you’re improving compliance, reducing liability, or just tightening things up — you’ll walk away with a practical action plan.

How long does a consultation take?

Consultations are highly scalable. Sometimes it’s as simple as a single question and a ten-minute phone call. Other times, it can involve a full assessment over several hours or a months-long engagement for complex projects. We tailor the scope to fit your needs, your property, and your goals — no more, no less.

Will you recommend your own services?

No — not unless it’s truly the best fit for your situation. This isn’t a sales funnel. Most of our recommendations are simple, zero-cost procedural changes, self-implemented improvements, or solutions outside of our own service offerings. We’re here to help you strengthen your security, not upsell you — and we take that seriously.

Can consulting help reduce my long-term security costs?

Absolutely — in fact, that’s the goal. Most security problems don’t require more spending — they require better planning. By identifying inefficiencies, gaps, or wasted effort, we aim to reduce your risk and your costs. Our goal is for the savings from reduced loss, liability, or overhead to cover the cost of the consultation several times over.

How much does a consultation cost?

Costs vary depending on the scope, but we keep things flexible and transparent. Quick consultations may be offered at no charge, while full-site assessments are priced based on time and complexity. We’re happy to provide a quote up front — and we’ll never recommend services unless both you and NorthGate agree they’re necessary.

Do you offer physical penetration testing?

Yes. We offer physical penetration testing as part of our advanced consulting services. This involves attempting to bypass your security — such as accessing restricted areas, slipping past staff, or testing locks and barriers — to see how your current setup holds up in a real-world scenario. It’s one of the most effective ways to expose blind spots and weaknesses before someone with bad intentions does.

Can you assess my existing security systems and procedures?

Yes. Whether you’ve had a professional system in place for years or just want a second opinion, we can evaluate your current setup and procedures from top to bottom. That includes physical barriers, access control, surveillance, signage, policies, and staffing practices — everything that contributes to your overall security posture.

Do you provide CPTED assessments?

Yes. CPTED — Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design — is a core part of many of our consultations. We evaluate how the physical layout of your property influences behavior, visibility, and access. That includes lighting, sightlines, landscaping, fencing, signage, and how space is used. Small changes can have a major impact on deterrence, and CPTED helps us identify those opportunities.

Can you assess a site before construction or planning begins?

Absolutely — and it’s one of the best times to involve us. Bringing in a physical security consultant during the planning or design phase allows you to build security into the layout from day one. We can advise on things like access control points, lighting placement, natural surveillance, and barrier design — all before a single shovel hits the ground. It’s more effective, less costly, and leads to a stronger overall result.

What makes NorthGate qualified to offer physical security consulting?

We’ve spent years protecting real sites in the real world — not just talking about it. Our team has hands-on experience with security operations across commercial, industrial, and residential settings. We know what works, what fails, and where vulnerabilities hide. We’re provincially licensed and insured to provide consulting services, and we’ve committed to specific training in every area we evaluate during an audit. Combined with deep local knowledge, ongoing development, and a practical, no-nonsense approach, NorthGate offers consulting that’s grounded, honest, and built for results.