Back to the Basics with Community Security

By Brie Shouppe, Manager of Business Development & Marketing

It’s not uncommon for an association to want to review their community’s safety and security. Sometimes it is a notion due to a recent incident that occurred at or within the neighborhood, or in other cases a technological advancement that a board member recently heard of. In either case, where do you start? Before looking into every system, company, and piece of equipment out there, you should begin with the basics and answer a few questions. First, does your community have a security plan or does one need to be developed? A security plan should address four things – prevention, detection, response, and evidence. Start with prevention to see if signs, technology, or people are already in place that act as a deterrent to unwanted activity. Although we would like to prevent all crime, it is unlikely. Are there systems or methods in place that will detect trespassing or other behaviors? Once detected, what or who responds? Finally, what evidence will the association have when an incident occurs? Keep in mind, it is not likely that one method or system will address all four components of a security plan. Often times, more than one solution is needed for robust security. While reviewing or developing your community’s security plan, there are basic guidelines that are helpful to remember. The Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED - pronounced sep-ted) recommendations outline three measures fundamental for security – mechanical, human, and natural. This concept addresses how our environment can be altered or re-designed to influence behavior. In this instance, it refers to reducing criminal behaviors while increasing the perception of safety. Mechanical measures are already commonly used at many communities with the availability of hardware and technology. Structural elements like gates, fences, signage, and locks deter activity by defining a private area. Additional technological systems like passive and active video surveillance, access control, and alarm systems add another layer to private or closed properties while addressing more steps in a security plan. The human elements of CPTED are also frequently used by associations to observe, respond, and report on community activity. Gate attendants, roving patrols, neighborhood watch programs, and virtual guards are included in this category. Not only does this measure help distinguish a private or monitored community, but it also enhances the display of ownership to visitors, passersby, and potential trespassers. The third measure of CPTED is often overlooked. Natural elements that influence safety and security include landscaping and lighting, which impact the visibility for homeowners around amenities and within a community. For example, some owners prefer large hedges or bushes around their property or even at community amenities, like pools. While this does create privacy within that landscape, it also provides hiding places for criminals and eliminates the ability for onlookers to view suspicious behavior. Lighting can have the same effect. When an entrance, amenity, or other property is not well lit, it is not likely for unfavorable behaviors to be noticed.

Starting with the basic CPTED guidelines and a security plan, will help a community evaluate their current methods and services, as well as determine what areas need improving. From there, board members and property managers can research the different providers and consultants available with solutions designed for communities. It is important for an association to talk with different companies and learn about the many options available. Each community is unique in their design and needs, making it critical that each one finds a solution tailored to their criteria. With the right security partner and applications in place, a community should feel the improved quality of life for the residents and welcome visitors.

Brie Shouppe is the Manager of Business Development & Marketing for Envera Systems. She works closely with the sales and marketing departments to provide best-in-class service to the communities that Envera works with. Envera Systems is an all-inclusive security provider that focuses on the unique needs of communities through technology-based solutions. Using Virtual Guards located at Envera’s Central Monitoring Operations Center, Envera is able to provide Next Generation Security by verifying visitors, monitoring video, managing community databases, and more. Contact info: (855) 380-1274 or www.EnveraSystems.com.

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PURPOSE

Our industry is about people, not paper. With a service-first mindset, we’ve developed rela�onships and built community in hundreds of neighborhoods through the past 45 years. We’ve worked diligently to build a posi�ve reputa�on as a community management leader and have succeeded in doing so by promo�ng innova�on and crea�ng experiences that connect people. This pursuit has allowed us to discover purpose and meaning in our work.

PASSION

We believe in giving back to the greater community. Through our HomeWorks program, we support charitable organiza�ons in markets across the country. Team members drive these hands-on efforts to serve in-need communi�es. We also encourage team members to follow their own hearts by offering paid volunteer hours. Together, we make a posi�ve impact and serve the greater good.

PEOPLE

Our 800-plus employees are more than a team; they’re a family. Guided by compassion for the individual, we value integrity, trust and respect. We empower servant leaders by suppor�ng industry-related educa�on and cer�fica�on and offer opportunity for personal and professional growth and development. Together, we aim to transform the way people think and feel about homeowners associa�ons.

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