Property managers -
why do you need a Security Consultation?:
Another high profile crime may turn in to a
catalyst for increased liability at your apartment
or condominium community. Having worked in physical security in
these environments for over 21 years, I
know that most properties have only minimal
security precautions:
1.
Ineffective lighting in hallways,
parking areas and walking paths. - This is a big
liability issue for property managers, and one that
isn't taken seriously enough. Adequate lighting can
make a huge difference in deterring criminal activity,
particularly when coupled with a pro-active security
enforcement team and a good CCTV system.
2.
A "courtesy patrol" type of
security service that makes a couple swings through your
property every night, locking up the jacuzzi and pool
cabana by 10pm! - This is perhaps the biggest
issue facing apartment community owners. How much do
you pay for a security service? What can I really
expect from them as far a service level is concerned?
What should I ask of them, versus what should they
really be doing? Should my security staff be expected
to be on property at a specific time, every night, to
lock up my cabana or my pool, when I have maintenance
personnel who could do this? Or I could install
automatic locking systems and card key access controls
in order to allow security flexibility, and not
establish routine stop in times for security officers?
Criminals look for routines in security deployments when
they're targeting a property for criminal activity. If
they know when security is going to be on a property,
they'll come at another time.
Also, the lowest bidding company isn't at all the best
company to use. The constraints of a small security
budget should not preclude a property manager from
hiring a good company either. Spend some time with a
consultant who knows physical security, and they'll tell
you what to look for in a security services provider,
and how much to expect to pay from a quality provider.
3.
Or a low cost, minimally paid on
site security guard who provides ineffective patrols,
documentation and deterring presence throughout the
property. - This goes back to the lowest bidder
concept. A security guard who makes 9 dollars an hour
doesn't want to risk his neck to find out what the
problems are in your community. Even at the 10 or
11 dollar an hour level, a security guard is subject to
compromise by the criminal element in or around your
community by pay offs and corruption. A security guard
who is paid well, receives health and medical benefits,
paid training and uniforms, adequate training and
equipment (such as a means to defend himself), is more
likely to produce quality results towards providing your
residents with a safe and secure living environment.
Guard companies do what they have to do to get your
business, but then they have to provide a poorly
trained, inexperienced, and usually under qualified
guard for your property, as you've tied their hands by
expecting them to provide quality security for 18
dollars a hour.
There's some room for security company owners to be more
flexible in their bottom line as well. Most of the owners that I am
familiar with are more interested in self promotion,
political aspirations, their Corvette's, yachts and very
large houses, then they are the welfare of their clients
or employees. This is a sad state of affairs, but
there are good companies and owners out there!
Find out who by calling or clicking on contact us.
4.
CCTV systems recording on low
quality tapes (that don't get changed), the camera
coverage is inadequate based on the poor lighting,
placement and underqualified staff who quoted and
installed the system.
5.
In unit security systems with poor
quality electronics on the receiver board, and
poor installation of detection devices (door contacts
and motion detectors).
Tony R. Myhre
Co-Owner & Executive Vice President