04/20/2025
Let’s talk about something too many security companies are doing wrong — and it’s costing people big.
If you’re a security officer getting paid on a 1099, but you wear their uniform, report to their supervisors, follow their schedule, and take orders from them…
you’re not an independent contractor.
You’re an employee.
And legally, you should be classified — and protected — as one.
But here’s what’s happening in too many small and mid-sized firms:
To cut costs, avoid payroll taxes, skip unemployment insurance, and dodge workers comp coverage, some companies are misclassifying officers as independent contractors.
That’s not just unethical — it’s illegal.
Let’s be clear: to be a legitimate subcontractor in this industry, you must:
• Hold your own security agency license
• Carry general liability and workers comp insurance
• Have your own EIN
• Invoice the company you’re working for
• Control your own officers, uniforms, and operations
If you’re wearing their uniform, working their post, under their direction, with their clients — you’re not a contractor. You’re an employee.
And here’s why this matters:
When you’re misclassified, you lose legal protections — including:
• Overtime pay
• Unemployment benefits
• Workers comp coverage
• Employer-paid taxes
• Proper wage protections
If you get hurt? You’re on your own.
If you get terminated? Good luck with unemployment.
If the IRS audits them? You could be pulled into the mess.
Security companies: Do it right or don’t do it at all.
Officers: Know your rights. Don’t settle for shortcuts.
At Bellator Defense, we don’t play those games. We classify our people correctly, train them well, and treat this like the professional industry it’s supposed to be.
Because cutting corners on paperwork eventually cuts into people’s lives.
