Blog Post

One of the objections that we often hear when a facility contemplates security upgrades is a fear that the measures will make the residents feel like they are in prison. However, when properly planned and executed, the implementation of a security system will reassure the residents rather than alarm them. As mentioned in Myth #2, there are many different ways that security measures can be incorporated into the Physical Protection System (PPS). To recap, these measures were through Personnel (security guards or additional staff), through Equipment (cameras, Intrusion Detection systems, remote monitoring, etc) and through Education and Processes. It is the 3rd available option that we will be discussing at the end of this blog.

Before that, we must be reminded that the main purpose of the Physical Protection System is to deter, detect and/or delay would-be intruders from trespassing or entering the property. It is the determent that we wish to expand upon at this time, in an effort to alleviate the concerns about too much security.

There is an old joke that is told that if 2 people are being chased by a bear, you do not need to outrun the bear - you just need to outrun the 2nd person. Condominium Security can be managed in the same manner. The condominium does not have to enhance its security to the point of addressing every threat, it just needs to be the most updated, comprehensive, secure condominium in the area (with visible signs - both physical and psychological) that will make perpetrators seek easier targets.

As you may have guessed, a lot of this information is covered in the Security Audit. There is a subdiscipline of physical security called CPTED (pronounced see-pted), which is Crime Prevention through Environmental Design. The core concepts are included in a security audit’s recommendations, and ensure that it is apparent, without being overbearing, that the facility is security-conscious and well-protected.

Previously, we have reported that one of the security measures with the best return on investment is education and processes. An earlier blog discussed this in terms of educating residents to be aware of people attempting to follow them into the building. There is another aspect to this in educating staff on what to look for and how to respond when events occur.

3D Security services has been working with Law Enforcement, and with Insurance Brokers & Adjusters, to prepare a process on what they need in order to properly protect the facility. In terms of insurance and reporting, it is staggering the amount of information that is not captured properly. One broker reported that approximately 60% of the condominium incident reports that he receives are missing required information.

While we are not legal experts, we cannot help but feel that missing vital information from a report could affect both if a settlement is made or not, and the size of the settlement.

Draft Incident reports are included in the Security Audit report, but we are also working to make this information available to all site staff and property managers who are looking to best protect their property. More information about this will follow in the May e-mail update.

If you have any questions about this subject or Condominium Security in general, please do not hesitate to contact us at [email protected]. Also, send us an e-mail at the same address if you would like to receive our monthly Security Update.