Security guard management software for Chicago security companies

Chicago's Fair Workweek Ordinance names security services, so larger security companies post guard schedules 14 days ahead. Plan and publish schedules early, prove guards were on post and keep clients informed, in one platform.

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What software do Chicago security companies use to manage guards?

Chicago security companies use security guard management software to schedule guards, verify they were on site, record patrols and incidents, and report to clients. ForceVera does this in one platform: shifts published to guards' phones with reminders, a geofenced time clock, QR patrol checkpoints, incident and daily reports, dispatch and a client portal.

ForceVera in Chicago: key facts

  • ForceVera costs $169 a month for up to 25 guards (Basic), $449 a month for up to 100 guards (Pro) and $1,099 a month for up to 500 guards (Enterprise).
  • ForceVera is priced per company by the number of guards; admins, dispatchers, supervisors and client users are not counted.
  • Chicago's Fair Workweek Ordinance defines building services as including security services; covered employers post work schedules at least 14 days before they start.
  • Under the Fair Workweek Ordinance, a covered employee may decline hours that start less than 10 hours after the end of the previous day's shift, and is paid 1.25 times the regular rate for that shift if they work it.
  • The Chicago–Naperville–Elgin metro area had 48,360 security guards in May 2025, at a mean wage of $21.33 an hour (BLS).

Prices in US dollars before tax, as of October 2026. Other figures from the official sources on this page, checked October 2026.

Chicago rules

What does Chicago's Fair Workweek Ordinance mean for security companies?

Illinois licenses security guards (see our Illinois page). Chicago adds scheduling rules: its Fair Workweek Ordinance covers seven industries, and its definition of building services includes security services.

Who is coveredEmployees in a covered industry, such as building services, who earn up to $33.85 an hour or $64,945.55 a year, working for an employer with at least 100 employees globally. The ordinance defines building services as the care and maintenance of property, including janitorial, building maintenance and security services.
Schedules 14 days aheadCovered employers post the work schedule no later than 14 days before the first day of any new schedule, and give each new covered employee a written good faith estimate of their days and hours for the first 90 days.
Predictability payCovered employees get 1 hour of predictability pay, at their regular rate, for a schedule change made within 14 days, and may decline previously unscheduled hours.
Right to restA covered employee may decline work hours that start less than 10 hours after the end of the previous day's shift; if they work them, that shift is paid at 1.25 times their regular rate.
NoticesEmployers post a notice at each Chicago facility covering the minimum wage, Fair Workweek, paid leave and paid sick leave, and wage theft, and give covered employees a notice with their first paycheck and every year around July 1.
Chicago in numbers

How many security guards work in the Chicago area?

The Chicago–Naperville–Elgin metro area employed 48,360 security guards in May 2025, 10.72 for every 1,000 jobs, at a mean wage of $21.33 an hour (US: $20.42).

48,360 guardsChicago–Naperville–Elgin metro area (BLS, May 2025)
$21.33 an hourMean wage for security guards in the metro area (BLS, May 2025)
10.72 per 1,000 jobsSecurity guards per 1,000 jobs in the metro area

Which Illinois rules apply in Chicago?

Licensing is set by the state: Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR). Illinois's licensing, training and overtime rules are on our Illinois page, and the Chicago rules above apply on top of them.

How ForceVera helps

How does ForceVera help security companies in Chicago?

Schedules published earlyPlan the week by site and guard and publish shifts to guards' phones with reminders, so posting 14 days ahead is easier to keep. ForceVera does not calculate predictability pay or track right-to-rest premiums; your payroll should.
PERC cards on fileKeep a photo of each guard's Illinois PERC card on their ForceVera profile. ForceVera does not check cards with IDFPR or track expiry dates.
Schedules on every guard's phonePlan the week by site and guard, including recurring and overnight shifts, publish it to the guard app and send reminders before each shift.
Proof guards were on postGuards clock in and start breaks only inside the site's geofence with a PIN; leaving the site, going idle or clocking out off site is flagged.
Proof of patrolPrinted QR checkpoints that guards scan from the guard app, with missed tours listed on the dashboard.
Reports clients trustBranded daily reports emailed to clients; incident and daily activity reports with photos from the guard app are coming soon.

ForceVera keeps records; it does not make a company compliant with city or state law. See all features or see pricing.

FAQ

What else do security companies in Chicago ask?

Does Chicago's Fair Workweek Ordinance apply to security companies?

It can. Building services is one of the seven covered industries, and the ordinance defines it to include security services. It covers employees earning up to $33.85 an hour or $64,945.55 a year who work for an employer with at least 100 employees globally.

How far ahead must Chicago security schedules be posted?

At least 14 days before the first day of any new work schedule, for covered employers. New covered employees also get a written good faith estimate of their hours for the first 90 days.

What is predictability pay in Chicago?

One hour of pay at the employee's regular rate for a schedule change the employer makes within 14 days, in addition to wages for work done.

Does ForceVera calculate predictability pay?

No. ForceVera publishes schedules to guards' phones and keeps timesheets that export to your payroll system, which should apply predictability pay and right-to-rest premiums.

Is this legal advice?

No. This page summarizes the City of Chicago's official pages and the Municipal Code as of October 2026. Rules change and exceptions apply, so check the official sources or ask an employment lawyer.

Which official sources does this page use?

Checked October 2026. City rules change, so confirm them with the agency before you rely on them. This page is general information, not legal advice.

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