o Where is the camera output going to go?
owners to invest in their associations. Gated communities
o Does the camera need to have PTZ (pan, tilt, zoom)
are a perfect example. Many developers recognise that gated
control?
communities can command higher home prices and sell units
o How are the surveillance cameras recorded?
faster than non-gated communities. A lower-quality gate system
• Alarm systems can be broken down into two categories –
may operate reasonably well in the community’s initial stages of
development but, at some point, the developer must decide if perimeter and residential.
and how to increase security. o Perimeter detection system allows the perimeter of
the community to be electronically monitored from a
Security services
centralised location. As an intruder crosses the perimeter
line, an alarm is activated. The alarm notifies the security
guards or police of the location of the breech so that they
Many estates outsource the security function to dedicated
can dispatch the roving patrol to investigate.
security services. This has many advantages, but also some
o Even in secure estates, all residents should be encouraged
constraints, and the role a contract security firm plays when
to have security systems for their homes. With a young
providing security at a community association is often
community it is easier for the association to establish a
misunderstood.
•
security system requirement policy.
Legally, there are many limitations to what actions a
• Access control systems include a device, reader, controller
security officer can take – whether armed or unarmed.
•
•
The legal powers of a security officer are usually limited to and security barrier. The access control device is read by a
those of a private citizen – not those of a police officer. reader. The reader sends the device number to a controller.
At the heart of a security service’s scope is the phrase The controller makes a decision whether to allow access and
‘observe and report’ – make proper observation of, and sends a signal to the gate or door for it to open. These may
accurately and speedily report, any criminal activity. be stand-alone for each entry, or can be integrated to run
Ultimately, the best goal of any security system is to deter from a single database.
• Vehicle access control systems fall into four categories:
criminal activity. This is best achieved by striking a balance
•
•
between high visibility and customer service. attended, automated (unattended), open access, or some
A successful security solution within a community is built combination of these three. The type of system that is
upon clear, two-way communication. Expectations are best appropriate for your community depends on what you
managed when the security team knows exactly what the would like to accomplish. The type of access control device is
community expects, and when the community knows what chosen based on who is going to use the device and the type
the security team can legally deliver. of access point that the community wants to control. There
Part of the defined objectives should clearly address what will usually be different lanes for residents and visitors,
expectations there are for any ‘first responder’ duties. If life with different systems, usually automated for residents and
attended for visitors.
safety is part of the responsibility, the initial and ongoing
• Pedestrian access control can be by the use of keys,
training should have been planned into the contract and
keypads, access cards, photo ID.
scheduled.
The selection of the security provider involves evaluating a
number of factors. Associations that make the decision solely
end up moving from company to company. So it is important Checklist: Tips on securing your
community
that the board takes into account what is expected, and what • Analyse your community as a whole – include both
on price often find themselves dissatisfied with the service and
can be delivered.
the surrounding communities and the community
association.
• Conduct an annual safety survey.
Elements of the security system
• Call a security meeting with the members.
• Point out effective interior security measures, in
meetings and in newsletter articles.
Community security is not a one-size-fits-all venture. What may
• Conduct daily or weekly tours of the property, both
work for high-density clusters may not necessarily meet the
on foot and by car.
needs of residents in a large-scale, planned community, but
most will include the same elements. • Check street lighting nightly.
• Video surveillance systems usually consist of CCTV (closed- • Communicate with neighbouring properties.
circuit television) cameras, cabling, recording devices and • Review your use of exterior lighting.
monitoring devices. These are most commonly used at the • Control access into the community association, by
limiting the number of entrance areas, or via gates.
entry and exit gates – usually with number plate recognition –
• Use effective landscaping and maintenance
and at the perimeter fencing. When designing a surveillance
measures.
system, a few questions need to be addressed.
• Establish a neighbourhood watch programme,
o What is the camera going to watch?
including an out-of-town watch programme and
o When is the camera going to be used?
regular member recognition for their participation.
o How are the cameras going to be connected?
o How much ambient light is available?
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