Property owners and managers have increasingly become targets of liability claims from tenants who are holding owners and managers liable for injuries received in or around the property due to the lack of or inadequate security. By just implementing a few of the following security practices in a security plan, it may have an effect on crime prevention by deterring some criminals from targeting your property.
Security guards need to be an integral component of your security plan. The security guard’s major function is to be present in order to deter, detect and report any unusual or suspicious activity. Next, the security guard is there to safeguard both your property and tenant’s. Property owners or managers should make sure the security guards know what is expected of them in order to maximize the level of protection provided. You can radically improve security by setting up requirements for the security personnel. These are usually called “operation or post orders”. These orders should be detailed and always in writing. Utilize the security agency as an expert resource for security related recommendations that can limit your potential risks and liability.
Aside from the presence of a security guard, access control barriers are what residents think of when they look for security features on a property. As part your security plan, you may be considering putting a fence around the property. Fencing and other barriers provide access control to the casual passerby by controlling access to building entrances. The downside to fencing is that it will not deter a determined trespasser. Make sure that what ever type of fence you install you can see through it. You want to be able to control access without allowing a place to hide. Also, tree branches and bushes should not block the view of entrances and windows. Tree branches, bushes around doorways and windows should be trimmed so as not to impede visibility. Also bushes should also be trimmed up from the ground so as to dissuade persons from hiding behind them. Make sure that the building address numbers are clear of any obstruction and easy to read. Emergency responders will have less difficulty finding the building when called.
Closed circuit television (CCTV) should be operated in conjunction with security guards. Standing alone, CCTV can only record an event as it occurs and is a great investigative tool to review a past incident. By giving the security guard the ability to utilize CCTV you are now giving the guard a way survey a larger area. Remember, when an incident occurs a security guard guards can make decision and respond, something a CCTV system cannot do.
After dark, lighting is obviously the most visible form of security and makes us all feel safe because the bad guys don’t like to be seen. Doorways, walkways, playgrounds, parking lots and all other common areas should be well lighted. Good lighting not only minimizes hiding spots, it enhances CCTV surveillance and allows the monitoring or patrolling security guard to see a potential threat or suspicious person hanging about. Residential managers must make sure that security lighting is inspected regularly and immediately fixed.
In any complex, whether it is a good lock or lobby security, we know that we have to control access to deter unauthorized persons from entering the property. Well this also applies to vehicular traffic. Drug dealers, robbers and stalkers like to choose parking lots that they can dive through with more than one exit point. Consider blocking exits or rerouting traffic so all vehicular and pedestrian traffic, coming and going must pass within view of security.
The above, are just a few areas that management should address in a security plan. Each property is different in their design, landscaping, parking, utilization of on-site residential managers, security personnel and more. However, every security plan should be based upon the security factors which affect your property the most. Security should be a matter of supreme importance to any residential manager.
Written by Selwyn Falk, CPP, Vice President of EPIC Security Corp. He can be reached at (212)580-3434 or via email at selwyn@epicsecurity.com