For an HOA to meet the expectations of their residents, they must focus on more than amenities and payment systems. A critical issue for the board of directors and association managers is criminal risk and exposure. Whether the security solutions in place are sufficient in addressing the community’s exposure to criminal risk is determined best by a walk-through threat analysis with an industry professional, which can help the HOA board to determine what is lacking in their security measures.
HOA boards of directors are required to quickly respond to risks or suspected criminal activities as part of their fiduciary obligation to their members. If the board fails to act on a foreseeable or reported problem they can be held liable. But before spending on expensive security measures, the HOA must properly assess their risks and determine the solutions that are most realistic for the property.
In many cases boards perform their own walk-through security evaluations or ask local law enforcement to assist. While this can be helpful in identifying risks with simple solutions, HOAs with properties of greater size and those experiencing a string of break-ins, vandalism, or other security threats may benefit from a professional consultation. Such an assessment can help the HOA look for effective and affordable security solutions with a minimal effect on the livability of the community.
The Property Security Assessment
This assessment is grounded in the on-site inspection of the property, and includes a walking of the grounds, commons, and an internal and external inspection of several units. Also important is interviewing a sample of homeowners or tenants to get a ground-level perspective on community concerns and security events that may have gone unreported.
The inspection should seek to address the following:
- What are the HOA’s security exposures and vulnerabilities?
- Are entry doors solid core and installed with deadbolts and eyeholes?
- Are door strike-plates secured with 3” screws to prevent being kicked or forced open?
- Are locks re-keyed and not moved to another unit or amenity building? (This is more broadly relevant to a rental community than to ownership units)
- Are all keys for common area facilities closely controlled and accounted for?
- Are door jambs constructed with solid wood and free of any rot, breaks, cracks or other damage?
- Do all windows, including those on the second floor, close properly and are they equipped with locks?
- Are sliding door locks intact? Do they have more than one lock to prevent lifting the doors out of their tracks?
- Are the outdoors areas of the HOA complex well lit? (Good lighting should be the norm at all entrances and dark areas, including open parking areas and garages)
- Are shrubs and other landscaping trimmed to discourage hiding for an intruder?
- Is there control over who enters and leaves the building or association property?
- Are fire stairs locked from the outside so that residents can exit but others cannot enter?
- Are mailboxes and public areas well lit and equipped with good locks?
- Is the property well maintained? Are burnt-out light bulbs replaced promptly, landscaping maintained, and graffiti removed immediately?
- Are residents in the complex trustworthy neighbors who watch out for each other?
- Is there a “Neighborhood Watch Program?
(echo-ca.org)
After the security assessment is performed, the cost of recommended services, equipment, and possible employment of on-site guards can begin to be determined. The HOA can then finalize the threat assessment document, including risks, vulnerabilities, and recommended actions. This document can be used in possible future litigation.
Implementing the Solutions
Whatever the board has determined to best address their threat assessment and be within their budget should be installed by a security integrator. This can include IP cameras, visitor management systems, license plate reader cameras on entry and exit points, and access control systems on public areas and management only buildings.
In addition to these, there are a number of cost-free ways to improve the overall security of the community.
These can include:
- Maintaining and upgrading (when possible) the overall appearance and upkeep of a community
- Keeping close cooperation with local law enforcement
- Removing any graffiti promptly
- Directing residents to call law enforcement instead of board members or the manager when suspicious activity occurs
- Working to help neighbors know and recognize one another (community events, newsletters, etc.)
- Making sure parking space numbers do not match house numbers
(echo-ca.org)
By combining these measures with the implementation of security hardware and systems, the overall safety and security of the community can be greatly improved.
Through a thorough threat assessment and coordinated deployment of these solutions, the HOA can tangibly and measurably better the community. While it may cost up-front, the value of having a reputation as a clean, crime-free community cannot be overestimated and returns value in spades.
Sources:
(echo-ca.org)
(https://securitytoday.com/)
As a Security Integrator, Security Technology of South Texas is prepared to build a tailor fit system to meet the needs of the HOA and property management markets. Please contact us through email at admin@gostst.com on our website or via phone at 210-446-4863 24/7
The uAxcess/UHF XM-700 Switchplate Reader From Awid
/in Access Control, Business Security /by Evan YoungmanSecurity Technology of South Texas is proud to now offer a new device from Awid, the UHF XM-700 switchplate-type reader. The device is designed with the user in mind: responsiveness, security, and speed. Having these crucial characteristics as the design philosophy, Awid have developed the essential access link for door entry into buildings, or gate entry into specified parking facilities. Cutting-edge UHF reader technology allows the use of hand-held cards and keytags used for access control into buildings, as well as by drivers at the gate. The cards and keytag are compatible with , LR-2200 and LR-3000 long-range readers. The fact that the reader operates at long range is important to users now in particular as social distancing due to COVID is a factor in daily life.
• People access using UHF cards and tags:
Same cards for vehicles and people
• Quick access at busy entrances:
Read range 5 to 7 feet
• Easy mounting: Fastens on electrical box or wall
• Easy wiring for power and data:
Connects like a proximity reader
• Combines car and personal access:
Interfaces to common access control
• Reader needs no programming:
XM-700 reads all AWID UHF cards
• Compatible with access systems:
Standard code formats & interfaces
• Visible and audible feedback:
Reads indicated by LED and beeper
• Great appearance in all locations:
Attractive enclosure, compact dimensions
Security Technology of South Texas is happy to offer custom access control and surveillance solutions to the commercial building market, and is partnered with Acadian Monitoring to bring you the best in monitored video solutions
Please contact us through email at admin@gostst.com on our website or via phone at
210-446-4863 24/7 to schedule a consultation.
Monitored Video in Commercial Security
/in Access Control, Business Security /by Evan YoungmanAs we move into a new decade, the landscape of commercial security and its video surveillance capabilities is changing. As a result, service providers and integrators must move to meet these changes. This opportunity to expand and adapt monitored video capabilities to counter modern threats and vulnerabilities has put monitored video on an evolutionary fast track and driven development of proactive monitoring technologies.
Proactive vs. Traditional Video Monitoring
Traditional monitoring and proactive monitoring serve distinct industry and client needs, with each having its own benefits. Both make use of on-site cameras to observe areas of importance – recording security events such as theft and trespassing. Traditional monitoring systems use a DVR or NVR to store video data on-site. With the data being readily accessible, actions triggering an alarm can be reviewed by personnel to verify the security event was not a false alarm and then take further action if needed. Yet this method only serves to confirm an event has taken place and does nothing to prevent it.
Many large commercial properties have a significant area they must cover to prevent property crime. Traditional video surveillance may not be a hardened enough solution in these cases. A proactive monitoring solution can be integrated with traditional surveillance in these commercial settings as a cost-effective method to protect the property and assets on-site.
Proactive monitoring can prevent crime around the perimeter before the crime takes place. Using continuously advancing AI and video analytics alongside a human operator, these systems can detect, verify, warn, intervene, and respond to security events as they occur. Cameras monitor the site for any unusual activity while algorithms interpret the data and alert the human monitors at the monitoring center in the event of a security issue. These human intervention specialists can then take actions such as giving a live audio warning to the intruder – which generally will scare off all but the boldest of criminals. In this way, these systems function to prevent crimes before they occur, and allow the monitoring specialist to give real-time support to authorities should the warning not work, with police intervention becoming necessary.
This service reduces the need for human guards to be present and enhances the capabilities of existing guards to better monitor and respond to threats. The software can recognize the difference between a person moving through a site and someone loitering. It can differentiate between a human, vehicle, or animal. This functionality greatly reduces false alarms compared to a conventional surveillance and alarm system.
Virtual Gate Guard
Instead of employing full-time guards year-round, proactive monitoring using virtual guard stations at gates can greatly reduce the cost of security while yielding similar results. With virtual gate guard systems, intelligent video monitoring is coupled with several gated entry points into a property. This technology is considerably more affordable over time than using a live guard company and is similarly effective.
Market Applications
Traditional video monitoring has long been established in the commercial market-space. However, there are many instances where proactive solutions make for a better and more economical security measure. A central application of proactive video monitoring solutions is asset protection, and industries such as car lots and large residential complexes present significant opportunity to benefit. Asset protection applies to other markets as well. This technology is useful in protecting public parks and other open spaces, helping to deter and prevent vandalism and loitering.
At Security Technology of South Texas, we design monitored video systems from the ground up to fit your needs or integrate intelligent monitoring into your existing system of cameras. Contact us today to get a quote on a video analytics system for your property.
Please contact us through email at admin@gostst.com on our website or via phone at 210-446-4863, 24/7 to schedule a consultation.
Commercial Security Implementation
/in Access Control, Business Security /by Evan YoungmanIn the commercial building segment there exists a universal challenge; how can we manage security without too aggressively eating into tenant privacy and quality of life. Safeguarding a complex requires a multi-tiered approach beginning with a well-trained staff and includes security integrators, CCTV/IP Video, access control, and lighting and landscaping choices to enhance the effectiveness of these systems.
A security breach can do serious damage to the reputation of a facility. And so, more of the modern commercial building market employs networked technology to manage access to their facilities using access control, monitor alarms, and video access management. Regardless of size, these systems can provide greatly enhanced security at a fraction of the cost of using on-site uniformed guards.
The key to balancing building security while still maintaining a welcoming and unobtrusive environment for tenants, staff and visitors comes down to the professionalism of the integrator and the role that any on-site guards take. Presenting guards from a customer service-oriented perspective rather than a police force greatly increases resident ease.
In build-outs that do include a human security presence, security professionals should strive to maintain a concierge-level of customer service to tenants and visitors. This is true of expensive down-town high rises and exclusive gated communities alike. Training for these professionals can include:
(securitytoday.com)
Controlling access during off-hours may involve security presence posted at access points around the property both to greet residents and act as a visible deterrent and barrier for people who do not belong on the property. Training in key control, reporting of suspicious activity, routine property tours are all important aspects of basic actions you can take to enhance effectiveness of your security presence.
Making sure that your monitored video is recording all public areas is critical. These areas may include the reception desk, any parking lots, and public areas such as pools and lobbies. It is important that video be monitored by a professional monitoring company. In our case, we use Acadian Monitoring.
Because commercial buildings are held to a high standard, they must ensure that their security methods and staff training for all heavily trafficked areas be fully comprehensive for both contract security and building staff. A building with a relatively open environment can certainly be more welcoming to tenants and guests, but of course carries its own set of risks. Seemingly hospitable doors open policies can lead to people under the influence entering the building, theft, and disruption from disorderly outsiders. Because tenants expect a high level of safety, come compromises to openness must be made.
Making use of a private security integrator will help your building manager to design a fitting security solution backed by well-trained and experienced professionals. When it comes to securing a commercial building, one should think twice about going for a DYI approach.
Security Technology of South Texas is happy to offer custom access control and surveillance solutions to the commercial building market, and is partnered with Acadian Monitoring to bring you the best in monitored video solutions
Please contact us through email at admin@gostst.com on our website or via phone at 210-446-4863 24/7 to schedule a consultation.
Source: https://securitytoday.com/
HOA Security Assessments and Solutions
/in Access Control, Community Security /by Evan YoungmanFor an HOA to meet the expectations of their residents, they must focus on more than amenities and payment systems. A critical issue for the board of directors and association managers is criminal risk and exposure. Whether the security solutions in place are sufficient in addressing the community’s exposure to criminal risk is determined best by a walk-through threat analysis with an industry professional, which can help the HOA board to determine what is lacking in their security measures.
HOA boards of directors are required to quickly respond to risks or suspected criminal activities as part of their fiduciary obligation to their members. If the board fails to act on a foreseeable or reported problem they can be held liable. But before spending on expensive security measures, the HOA must properly assess their risks and determine the solutions that are most realistic for the property.
In many cases boards perform their own walk-through security evaluations or ask local law enforcement to assist. While this can be helpful in identifying risks with simple solutions, HOAs with properties of greater size and those experiencing a string of break-ins, vandalism, or other security threats may benefit from a professional consultation. Such an assessment can help the HOA look for effective and affordable security solutions with a minimal effect on the livability of the community.
The Property Security Assessment
This assessment is grounded in the on-site inspection of the property, and includes a walking of the grounds, commons, and an internal and external inspection of several units. Also important is interviewing a sample of homeowners or tenants to get a ground-level perspective on community concerns and security events that may have gone unreported.
The inspection should seek to address the following:
(echo-ca.org)
After the security assessment is performed, the cost of recommended services, equipment, and possible employment of on-site guards can begin to be determined. The HOA can then finalize the threat assessment document, including risks, vulnerabilities, and recommended actions. This document can be used in possible future litigation.
Implementing the Solutions
Whatever the board has determined to best address their threat assessment and be within their budget should be installed by a security integrator. This can include IP cameras, visitor management systems, license plate reader cameras on entry and exit points, and access control systems on public areas and management only buildings.
In addition to these, there are a number of cost-free ways to improve the overall security of the community.
These can include:
(echo-ca.org)
By combining these measures with the implementation of security hardware and systems, the overall safety and security of the community can be greatly improved.
Through a thorough threat assessment and coordinated deployment of these solutions, the HOA can tangibly and measurably better the community. While it may cost up-front, the value of having a reputation as a clean, crime-free community cannot be overestimated and returns value in spades.
Sources:
(echo-ca.org)
(https://securitytoday.com/)
As a Security Integrator, Security Technology of South Texas is prepared to build a tailor fit system to meet the needs of the HOA and property management markets. Please contact us through email at admin@gostst.com on our website or via phone at 210-446-4863 24/7