Apex Security Group was founded by a former Victoria Police detective who knew what professional security should look like — and built a firm to match that standard.
In 2011, former Victoria Police detective Mark Halliday walked away from a career in law enforcement with a clear conviction: Melbourne's businesses deserved better than the under-trained guards and reactive security setups that were failing them. He founded Apex Security Group not to fill a gap in the market, but to raise the bar in it. From day one, every person we hired came from law enforcement, the military, or emergency services — people who understood that security is a responsibility, not just a roster.
We started with commercial guarding contracts across metropolitan Melbourne. As clients saw the difference a genuinely trained team made, demand grew steadily — and so did our capabilities. We expanded into mobile patrols, CCTV monitoring, access control, event security, and formal risk assessments. Retail chains, industrial operators, logistics firms, and corporate head offices began contracting us not because we were the cheapest option, but because they needed security they could depend on. By the mid-2010s we had established a 24/7 operations centre with real-time monitoring capability across Victoria.
Today, Apex Security Group employs licenced security professionals operating across metro Melbourne and greater Victoria. We hold ISO 9001 certification for our quality management system — one of the few security firms in Victoria that does — and we maintain an average guard response time under eight minutes across the metro area. Most of our new clients come through referrals from existing ones. We are proud of that. It tells us that what Mark set out to build in 2011 is exactly what we are still delivering today.
These four principles shape how we operate, who we hire, and what we deliver to every client across Victoria.
Security that fails when it matters most is not security at all. Every Apex guard, patrol officer, and monitoring operator is personally accountable for the safety of the site and people in their care. We do not pass responsibility down the chain — it is held firmly at every level, from the operations centre to the front gate.
Our ISO 9001 certified quality management system exists because good intentions are not a substitute for documented processes and measurable standards. We audit our own performance, track response times, review incidents, and hold ourselves to benchmarks that most security firms do not publish. Rigour is what separates professional security from a security-shaped service.
Mark Halliday built Apex on the belief that clients deserve honest advice, not oversold contracts. If a site needs a mobile patrol rather than a full-time guard, we will say so. We assess risk objectively and recommend what will actually protect your assets — not what generates the largest engagement. Our reputation depends on that honesty staying intact.
Our guards are drawn from law enforcement, the military, and emergency services because those backgrounds produce people who remain composed and effective when situations deteriorate. Readiness is not just physical — it is procedural, psychological, and ongoing. We invest in continuous training so that our teams are prepared for incidents that have not happened yet, not just those that have.
When you engage Apex, you deal directly with experienced security professionals — not account managers or junior coordinators. The people who assess your site, design your security plan, and oversee your contract are the same people who answer your calls.
Founder & Managing Director
Mark spent 16 years with Victoria Police, including eight years in the Criminal Investigation Branch, before founding Apex in 2011. He holds a Graduate Certificate in Security Management and is a Certified Protection Professional (CPP). Mark leads all major client engagements and sets Apex's operational standards.
Operations Manager
Diane manages Apex's 24/7 operations centre and a field workforce of over 80 licensed security personnel. A former Australian Defence Force logistics officer, she brings rigorous systems thinking to shift planning, compliance, and incident response. Diane holds a Diploma of Security Risk Management.
Senior Security Consultant
James leads Apex's risk assessment and technology division. With 12 years of experience across physical security consulting and electronic systems integration, he has delivered projects for ASX-listed companies, major retailers, and government agencies. James is a Certified Security Professional (CSP) and a member of ASIS International.
ASIAL Member membership held by our principal team, reflecting our commitment to professional standards and ongoing development.
Master Licence Holder membership held by our principal team, reflecting our commitment to professional standards and ongoing development.
AIPM Member membership held by our principal team, reflecting our commitment to professional standards and ongoing development.
Contact us for a straightforward, obligation-free conversation with a senior Apex security professional who can assess your needs and give you an honest recommendation.