2 Security Procedures for Your Gated Community
You are responsible for managing the security and safety of residents and guests when you manage a gated community. Your security program needs to be robust enough to prevent break-ins or security breaches that might lead to physical assault, robbery, theft, and other dangers. It requires a highly delicate balance to control who enters and exits the community. The overall visitor check-in experience should be convenient and easy for residents and authorized visitors but impossible for criminals and trespassers. You should always feel confident that your gated community is as safe as possible. You should also be sure that you have the best security measures to protect your residents and the community as a whole. Experts recommend these security procedures to safeguard your gated community.
Secure all access points
There are two primary security points in a gated community that you should focus your security planning on as a property manager: pedestrian and vehicle gates.
Your gated community’s vehicle access points are the areas that experience the most traffic. Options for securing vehicle gates range from monitored surveillance cameras and full-time security officers to keypads and additional barriers. Your gated entrance should be controlled by a restricted access device, like remote control, number pad, or key fob system. For extra protection, you might consider installing tire spikes, speed bumps, or automated boom barriers to help prevent unauthorized vehicles from following others into the community before the gates can close.
A full-time security officer at the gate offers maximum security. For example, if there is a power outage, an unwanted intruder could bypass your restricted access devices and gain entry to the premises. Therefore, it would best benefit you to have a trained security guard at the main access point to the community as an added layer of security. It is also essential to install surveillance cameras for security officers to monitor in real-time.
Many gated communities choose keypad systems, key fobs, and lock and key access to secure pedestrian access points. A gate that sends an alert when it has been open for too long is the best choice for maximum security. These access points can also benefit from surveillance cameras.
Use technology
Gated communities can increase security by installing motion detectors that trigger alarms, spotlights, or camera recordings at all access points. Some communities use recordings to check later if an issue arises, and others have guards respond to triggers in real-time.
With digital security technology, security guards and property managers can track pedestrians and vehicles entering the community. A digital visitor management system can document authorized visitors and allow easy retrieval of information when needed. For cars, automatic license plate scanners are the most efficient way to track who enters and exits the property. Many security systems now have integrations for security staff and property managers to control and access through their cell phones. Some options can extend to security guards viewing real-time surveillance and residents controlling visitors coming in and out of the community.