Perla Marina uses Puerto Plata Security. Overall, I have no complaints. Nothing is ever perfect here in the DR. And no matter what company is used, there are a few things that I think can help you be satisfied with the people paid to protect you.
I, personally, always treat the security guards with respect and kindness. I make it my duty to know all their names and call them by name when I speak with them. I ask about their families, and on occasion, bring used clothing for their children. I make coffee each night for the security guard posted nearest my home.
On the other hand, I NEVER let them inside my gate or allow them to see my house. Without seeming obvious about it, I keep a firm line between us.
Just like other household help, security guards-whether hired personally by you or employed by your community- need to be treated differently than we would hired help from our home countries. Learning those inroads is often via the School of Hard Knocks.
One side item....at a time when I was leaving the country for a month, I approached Puerto Plata Security about paying for one more guard posted directly outside my gate. They quoted me an outrageous price. As we often do in the DR, I figured out another, sort of under the table way, to achieve the same results. And I found success.
Lindsey
