With many tenants living in close proximity—and
sharing any range of common spaces such as lobbies, hallways, parking garages,
laundry facilities, workout rooms, swimming pools, etc.—the security of an
entire apartment complex can pose unique challenges.
In order to ensure a safe and
secure environment for all residents, a property manager must have a system in
place that deters crime and flags suspicious activity of all kinds. These
activities can range from trespassing to loitering, parking problems to noise
violations, and drug activity to domestic violence.
To answer these needs, there is
no substitute for having a qualified security professional on patrol. A
security officer functions as a key deterrent to criminal activity, a real-time
responder in any situation, and a customizable solution for property owners and
managers.
The following are just some of
the benefits of hiring a security guard to patrol your apartment complex.
A security officer deters crime and unauthorized activity.
The most effective way to deter
criminal activity is to make a building unattractive to potential criminals and burglars.
This means heightening the real and perceived risk of committing a crime. The
presence of a uniformed guard—armed or unarmed—is a simple way to send the
message that the property is being watched and protected.
Criminologist Philip Cook of
Duke University asserts that private security efforts are playing an important
role in reducing
crime, with an emphasis on security guards. He notes that as the number of
private security guards employed nationwide has grown—now far outnumbering
police—there has been a significant drop in crime rates.
Qualified security guards
should have the training and communication skills necessary to diffuse conflict. They are also
usually equipped with uniforms and patrol cars that resemble those of law enforcement
officers. All of this—an officer’s physical presence, appearance and targeted
skills—contributes to deterring crime and making residents and guests feel
safe.
A security officer reacts in real-time, with a professional,
measured response to each scenario.
Every apartment manager should
have a plan in the case that an actual situation or emergency arises. Emergency management is the
building owner’s legal responsibility, and there should be someone on call to
answer residents’ concerns and problems. Security officers meet these needs, as
long as they are properly qualified and equipped.
Domestic violence is one
example of a situation that calls for quick, measured response. Officers can
step in to stop violence in the act, apprehend the perpetrator and properly
document the situation for litigation. In a 2014 case of domestic violence in a
Memphis apartment complex, the real-time response of a neighbor, security guard
and police officers was credited with saving a victim’s life. In this case, it
was the security professionals who provided details of criminal trespass and
assault—evidence that was used in court.
An effective security
professional is trained in
observing, responding to and documenting a variety of issues. The most
effective officers are also monitored, managed and supported remotely, in
real-time, by supervisors.
Cutting-edge management technologies—through GPS and motion
sensors—can ensure that security officers remain on patrol and safe. In
addition, communication devices allow officers to make quick decisions with
expert supervisory
input. This also reduces any potential risk of deploying security guards, while
also increasing their effectiveness.
Security guard surveillance can be customized to meet the unique
needs of each property.
An apartment building’s
security risks and needs will likely vary according to the time of day, week or season,
and shifts can be adjusted accordingly. A building’s security needs may also
vary with the presence of certain high-profile guests or tenants, such as
government officials, corporate executives and diplomats.
Security professionals offer a
flexible, customizable solution to a building’s security needs. Officers may be
deployed 24/7, or just for one or two shifts. Guards may be armed or unarmed—again, according to
need.
There also might be certain
physical areas of the complex that call for extra attention. For example,
security risks are usually higher in parking lots and garages, especially at
night. A nighttime patrol may target these areas and even provide the added
service of escorting
residents from parking lot to building.
When it comes to the safety and
security of an apartment complex, the stakes are high for property owners,
managers and residents alike. It is, in fact, the legal responsibility of
apartment complex owners and management companies “to protect all residents and
guests legally on premises from any foreseeable harm.”
Call Citiguard today to set up your free apartment security protection assessment and consultation.
