Page 14 - Security Today, July/August 2024

Multifamily Manager
Methodologies
Know which factors to focus on and how remote guarding can maximize technology, people and budget
By Scott Goldfine
Property managers have their hands full, especially when it comes to establish- ing successful security sys- tems on their properties. There are many pieces to the puzzle that come together for a property to protect it- self properly.
Tenant safety is top of mind for owners and managers of apartment, condomini- um and other multi-unit residential com- plexes. Crimes such as violence and theft — everything from vehicles to personal be- longings to mail and beyond — reduce residents’ sense of security. A building that is ultimately seen as unsafe negatively impacts a community’s reputation score, which in turn adversely affects the tenant retention and occupancy rates that keep these assets profitable.
Moreover, a lack of oversight leaves properties vulnerable to damaging claims and liability judgments. Without the abil- ity to prevent crime and settle disputes, communities experience a negative repu- tation from which it is difficult to recover.
What are the crucial elements property managers should examine when building a great security system? Before jumping in, there is no substitution for finding a quali- fied and preferably recommended security consultant or integrator with specific ex- pertise in this market. Look for a proven, trustworthy prospective partner offering a free consultation that highlights your property’s unique vulnerabilities and solu- tions to address these concerns.
The exciting news is that today, as we will see, technology and tactics have advanced to the point where it is finally possible to deploy proactive rather than reactive security solutions. Monitored by skilled agents, these perimeter-focused, video-based systems are forensically de- ployed onsite and leverage advanced AI and analytics to stop virtually all criminal activities on a given site. This solution is
commonly referred to as remote guarding. This article speaks to the end user, but the points outlined also serve as a guide- line for integrators to approach this mar- ket or to step through the process with their clients. With that, the following of- fers five strategies property managers can implement when it comes time to secure
their buildings properly.
DETERMINE YOUR
PROPERTY’S SECURITY NEEDS Every property is different and, therefore, requires different security solutions. Typi- cally, these systems are a combination of different types of security methods and tools, such as cameras, human security guards and access control.
It is important to consider who the ten- ants are and where they are when weighing diverse options to meet their needs. Do the building’s tenants expect an elevated level of security in place? What are their general
expectations?
For example, luxury buildings in a busy
downtown area may have multiple high- security methods in place such as desk guards, secured access points and cameras. On the other hand, a building in more ru- ral areas may not need to have such exten- sive security solutions integrated on site to be successful.
Considering the geographical location of a property is an essential step for prop- erty managers when deciding on the best solution.
SECURE ALL BASES
It is crucial to build a security system that protects the property in multiple ways, instead of focusing on just one issue. Ad- ditionally, the system should use different methods and not rely too much on one component or tool to solve all the prop- erty’s security issues.
A building will normally need to pro-
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JULY/AUGUST 2024 | SECURITY TODAY
REMOTE GUARDING