Association Security

The Trayvon Martin case has shown a very bright light on how Associations handle security. Having a gate and a guard is a wonderful amenity, however as we have recently seen, things can go wrong in a hurry If a guard is employed, a very specific job description needs to be developed and adhered to.

Hiring a guard company is much better than hiring the guards directly, as another level of liability insurance is brought to the table with a guard company.

• If you are considering a gate, spend the extra money for a system that can spit out logs of who actually came through the gate.
• A camera with a recording function should also be considered.
• Both will provide needed information in case of a crime.
• If the Association has a Crime Watch Committee, the Committee Charter must detail exactly the committee’s responsibilities and activity.
• The committee should never have the authority to confront suspicious characters.
• They should be directed to call 911 only.
• An attempt of an Association to get into the “security business” should be coupled with a review of the Association’s Insurance package so that the Association is properly covered for such as endeavor.