Business Details
36 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Trusted Security Services in Madison, WI
Founded in 1990 by Ed and Karin O'Brien, our agency brings over five decades of combined law enforcement expertise to private investigation and security solutions. We operate as a fully licensed and insured agency across seven states, employing more than 350 trained professionals including former police officers, military personnel, and EMTs. Our team specializes in fraud investigations, loss prevention, and security services tailored to government agencies, retail businesses, and special events.We maintain rigorous training programs to ensure our staff meets the highest industry standards while remaining adaptable to evolving security challenges. Our commitment to personal integrity drives our approach of delivering professional security services with a focus on client satisfaction. Through strategic nationwide coverage and access to exclusive law enforcement databases, we provide cost-effective solutions for fraud detection, asset recovery, and comprehensive security needs.
Services
Security Patrol
Loss Prevention
Fraud Investigations
Mobile Patrol
Event Security
Government Fraud Detection
Process Service
Child Care Investigations
Skip Locate Services
VIP Security Details
Details
- Year established: 1990
Highlights and features
- We employ over 350 licensed security professionals with state-issued licenses
- Our team includes former law enforcement officers and military personnel
- Licensed to operate across seven states with nationwide investigation capabilities
- Proven 95% success rate in government benefit fraud recovery cases
- Customized security solutions for businesses of all sizes and special events
Associations and certifications
- NAPPS
Services
Security Patrol
Our security patrol services combine marked vehicles and foot patrols to protect businesses and events. Officers deter theft, prevent break-ins, and respond to emergencies while maintaining close coordination with local law enforcement. All personnel hold state-issued licenses and undergo continuous training to ensure professional service delivery.
Loss Prevention
Specialized loss prevention solutions address external shoplifting, internal theft, and retail fraud. Uniformed officers use surveillance and floor observation to recover stolen merchandise while implementing strategies to reduce future losses. Our programs deliver measurable return on investment through proven deterrence techniques.
Fraud Investigations
We conduct comprehensive fraud investigations for government agencies and private clients. Our team performs home visits, verifies income claims, and tracks unreported assets using exclusive databases. With 95% success in benefit fraud recovery, we provide detailed reports and legal support for administrative hearings.
Mobile Patrol
Mobile patrol units provide flexible security coverage for businesses and special events. Vehicles equipped with visible markings enhance deterrence while officers conduct perimeter checks and respond to security alerts. This service adapts to varying site requirements and event sizes across multiple locations.
Event Security
Custom event security solutions accommodate venues of all sizes, including VIP details and large-scale productions. Staffing frequently exceeds 50 officers per event, with personnel trained in crowd control and emergency response. Our team works closely with local authorities to ensure comprehensive safety measures.
People
Ed O'Brien
Co-Founder
With over 50 years in law enforcement, Ed O'Brien established our agency's foundation in investigative excellence. His expertise in fraud detection and government program integrity shapes our agency's operational standards and client service approach.
Karin O'Brien
Co-Founder
Karin O'Brien brings extensive experience in security operations and personnel management. As co-founder, she oversees training programs and ensures compliance with licensing requirements across our seven-state service area.
Questions
What security services do you offer for retail businesses?
We provide uniformed loss prevention officers, surveillance monitoring, and theft deterrence programs targeting external shoplifting, internal theft, and retail fraud.
Do you handle government-contracted investigations?
Yes, we specialize in fraud detection for government entitlement programs including housing assistance and child care subsidies with 95% recovery success rates.
Are your security personnel licensed and trained?
All officers hold state-issued licenses and complete ongoing training programs. Many staff members have law enforcement, military, or emergency response backgrounds.
Can you provide security for large events?
We regularly staff over 50 security personnel for major events, offering VIP protection, crowd control, and emergency response coordination.
What areas do you serve?
Licensed in seven states with nationwide investigation capabilities, we provide services across the United States through our expanded network.
Reviews (7)
Tay Lutz
Jun 23, 2022
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I really enjoyed working for this company. They have very flexible scheduling and were able to work with me on when I am able to work. They also have a very flexible work load and I felt very independent with this job
Dakota Garthus
Jun 20, 2022
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While working for O'Brien's I've built some trusting relationships and support from my higher ups. I've been provided with really helpful training and it's honestly been such a breath of fresh air working with people who understand my needs as an employee.
Dawson John
Apr 17, 2022
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They lack communication there's no job security one wrong move you're out the door there's no disciplinary action whatsoever the owner "Ed O'Brien" feels the need to always assert his dominance to his employees, every week there's a new rule, they don't offer health insurance benefits or PTO ALL IN ALL WOULD NOT RECOMMEND THIS COMPANY SAVE YOURSELF THE TROUBLE!
Abas Omar
Feb 14, 2022
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Don't work for this company. They will keep your money, also they will promise you something and they will not follow through. The owner makes policies pretty much every other day. It's the worst company to work for. I can't say any positive thing about this company
Jenni Talia
Dec 22, 2021
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DISCLAIMER: Just my opinion. Don't @ me Edwardo Fun Job. Horrible owners. Corporate office is a circus ran by clowns. Get assaulted on the job and Eddy boy will send you thoughts and prayers. Criticize Eddo and the egomaniac will probably go nuclear and all of a sudden have more than enough money to try to get both the cops and lawyers involved. The owner likes to assert his dominance on his workers to make sure they know he's the Alpha Male and that he has the biggest third leg.
Pretty soon, Edward's clown boots and his circus will run out of flavor and Koolaid for his minions. (You know who you are). Oh, one more thing. This guy (Edison, the owner) really gave his own company 5 stars LOL
Pretty soon, Edward's clown boots and his circus will run out of flavor and Koolaid for his minions. (You know who you are). Oh, one more thing. This guy (Edison, the owner) really gave his own company 5 stars LOL
Jack Meoff
Nov 07, 2021
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Critical: Professionalism, Quality Never work for this company. Menards pays them a lot but they don't pay their LPs enough. This is the WORST security company ever. DO NOT APPLY!
Kimberly Ming
Oct 08, 2021
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I understand why they need workers now. Why would anyone want to work for them? Very unprofessional. They don't let you know the rules of the job but expect you to know them, then trouble you about them. They communicate through text rather than being a professional and communicating there issues in person. How do you expect issues to be resolved if you can't address them properly? This company needs new management.
Especially the EC district; husband and wife managing? No wonder they get to do anything they want and write everyone else up for doing what they allow themselves to do. Maybe Menards should hire a different security company.
Especially the EC district; husband and wife managing? No wonder they get to do anything they want and write everyone else up for doing what they allow themselves to do. Maybe Menards should hire a different security company.