Community Security and Crime Prevention

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Questions and Answers

What is the most effective action against crime?

Prevention (correct)

Investigation after a crime

Punishment after a crime

Reaction after a crime occurs

What is the board's obligation when exercising its management powers?

To make arbitrary decisions

Only to obey the governing documents

To only consider the interests of a select few members

To have a duty of diligence and effectively carry out its fiduciary duty (correct)

What is a common theory used to sue a community association for third-party criminal acts?

Breach offiduciary duty

Discrimination against owners

Breach of contract (correct)

Failure to maintain-common areas

What should the board consider when applying the reasonableness standard?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is the board's duty when exercising due care?

To give the association the benefit of their best care and judgment Signup and view all the answers

What should the community manager and the board understand when discharging their responsibilities?

How to properly apply the standards of reasonableness and the duty of care Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between making a conscious decision not to take an affirmative step and merely doing so through inactivity?

The former shows intent, while the latter shows negligence Signup and view all the answers

Why should the board analyze its scope of overall authority?

To understand its powers and responsibilities Signup and view all the answers

Where should an association first look to determine its duty to provide security?

To the articles of incorporation and governing documents Signup and view all the answers

Why is protecting property value a main concern of any association?

Because a person's home or unit is typically their largest physical investment Signup and view all the answers

What is one way to measure resident instability in a community?

Residential mobility Signup and view all the answers

What is the impact of crime on property values?

It has a negative impact Signup and view all the answers

What happens when crime in a community disenchants community members?

They both withdraw from social activities or focus excessively on crime in community meetings Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step in analyzing a community's response to crime?

Identifying what measures are being implemented to address the crime problem Signup and view all the answers

Why do community associations have a responsibility to protect the investments of the community members?

Because a person's home or unit is typically their largest physical investment Signup and view all the answers

What is one way to measure the impact of crime on the quality of life within the community?

Community activity participation Signup and view all the answers

Why do perceptions of crime influence community-level expenditures?

Because they drive community-level expenditures Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason why informing residents of community responses to crime is critical?

To address the residents' fear of crime Signup and view all the answers

What is the third step to assessing the community response to crime?

Evaluating the effectiveness of the community's response Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of assessing the impact of crime on the community and the community's response to crime?

To help an association develop a crime prevention program Signup and view all the answers

Who has a substantial impact on the security systems and features a community association ultimately chooses to obtain and implement?

The developer Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of a developer's due diligence?

To prepare rough sketch plans for the community Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important for a community association to gauge the residents' perceptions of their crime prevention activities?

To determine whether residents approve of their response Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a side effect of a community's crime prevention activities?

Residents being required to validate themselves and their guests when entering the community Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a developer sharing sketch plans with local officials?

To solicit input from local officials before more costly hard engineering plans are prepared Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of a developer in the development process?

To begin the development process once a tract of land has been identified Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of landscaping in a community?

To enhance residents' sense of safety Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason why developers construct community associations with a wide variety of amenities?

To entice potential owners to invest in their associations Signup and view all the answers

When evaluating a security provider, what is a key aspect to consider in their proposal?

The transition plan for moving into the community Signup and view all the answers

When should a community contract with a reputable gate access control contractor?

Before taking ownership of the gate system Signup and view all the answers

What is a limitation of a security officer's powers in a community association?

They are limited to the powers of a citizen or client representative Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of asking security providers to discuss two things that set them apart?

To understand their unique services and features Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical consideration when developing terms and conditions for a security program?

Liability issues and privacy concerns Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to define the scope of work for a security officer?

To ensure the safety of the security officer and the community Signup and view all the answers

What is a key aspect of a surveillance system?

Determining what the camera will focus on Signup and view all the answers

What should be addressed in the training program for security officers?

What they are expected to do, how, when, and what not to do Signup and view all the answers

Who can be drawn into a dispute if a perceived legal violation has occurred in a community association?

Security contractor, community association, and management companies Signup and view all the answers

What should the board consider when evaluating a security provider's proposal?

The transition plan and key aspects of their service Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of a gated community?

To increase the value of properties in the community Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to ask the security provider about their site supervisor?

To assess their direct interaction with the board and residents Signup and view all the answers

What should a developer consider when establishing a security program?

Local law enforcement, security consultants, marketing studies, and insurance consultants Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical aspect of labor management in a security program?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to define the role of a security officer?

To ensure the safety of the security officer and the community Signup and view all the answers

What is a key consideration when designing a surveillance system?

When the camera will be used Signup and view all the answers

What is a residential-specific issue to consider in a security program?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between a security officer and a police officer?

Police officers have more powers than security officers Signup and view all the answers

What should the board consider when evaluating a security provider's experience?

Their training and supervision Signup and view all the answers

What is the core aspect of a security service's scope?

Observe and Report Signup and view all the answers

What is the ultimate goal of any security system?

Deter criminal activity Signup and view all the answers

What is necessary for a successful security solution within a community?

Clear, two-way communication Signup and view all the answers

What should be addressed in the defined objectives of a security team?

First responder roles Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to define key terms in the security industry?

To improve communication Signup and view all the answers

What should be outlined in the request for proposal (RFP) when selecting a security provider?

Scope of work and expectations Signup and view all the answers

Why should the board inspect the security company's office of operation?

To determine if the personnel and resources are equipped to back up the community's onsite staff Signup and view all the answers

What should the board ask to sit in on during the selection process?

One of the security company's training classes Signup and view all the answers

What should the board ask for from the bidding security companies?

A complete list of existing clients Signup and view all the answers

Why should the board verify the liability insurance of the bidding security companies?

To ensure proper coverage exists Signup and view all the answers

What type of cable is rated in miles and can be used to connect a surveillance system?

Fiber optic cable Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of an infrared illuminator in a surveillance camera?

To create artificial light that is above the capability for the human eye to see Signup and view all the answers

What type of camera is recommended for capturing objects at a distance as well as up or down?

PTZ camera Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of a multiplexer in a surveillance system?

To split the video monitor screen into multiple camera displays Signup and view all the answers

What determines the length of recording time for all cameras in a surveillance system?

The size of the hard drive Signup and view all the answers

What type of camera is used to capture the license plate of a vehicle without concern of glare?

License plate camera Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a DVR in a surveillance system?

To record video feeds from the cameras Signup and view all the answers

What type of camera is recommended for capturing images in low-light conditions?

Day/Night camera Signup and view all the answers

What is the main location for a surveillance camera in a community?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of an overview camera in a surveillance system?

To capture the vehicle as it passes through Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of installing cameras in plain sight around the community perimeter?

To act as a deterrent to possible intruders Signup and view all the answers

What type of camera is suitable for covering long distances of the community?

PTZ camera Signup and view all the answers

What should be considered when installing cameras in community facility buildings?

Ambient lighting Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of a community perimeter security system?

To electronically monitor the perimeter of the community Signup and view all the answers

What type of technology is used on top of walls or connected to fences in a perimeter security system?

Stellar cables Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of individualizing perimeter zones in a perimeter security system?

To provide a more exact location of the breach Signup and view all the answers

What should be compared when adding an infrared illuminator to a PTZ camera?

The distance the illuminator will project light to the distance the zoom lens can see Signup and view all the answers

What areas should interior cameras in community facility buildings cover?

Common areas and exit points Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a security panel in a perimeter security system?

To control the notifications to the guards or police Signup and view all the answers

What type of technology is used to send several infrared beams between two points in a perimeter security system?

Point to point beams Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of establishing a security system requirement policy in a young community?

To inform owners and developers about the type of security systems allowed Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of door/window contacts in a residential security system?

To trigger an alarm when a door or window is opened Signup and view all the answers

Why should motion detectors not be the sole source of security for a home?

Because they can be triggered by the owner's movement Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of an interior siren in a residential security system?

To serve as a deterrent to intruders and notify the owner Signup and view all the answers

What is the advantage of integrating access control and security systems?

It reduces the time and difficulty of managing the systems Signup and view all the answers

What is the heart of an access control system?

The controller Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a reader in an access control system?

To read the device and send the device number to the controller Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to arm a residential security system?

To prevent a successful home or unit invasion Signup and view all the answers

What is a benefit of hard wiring security system devices?

It is a better practice Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a controller in an access control system?

To make a decision about access and send a signal to the gate or door Signup and view all the answers

What is an important consideration when selecting a security software provider?

The number of communities that currently use their security software products Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to speak to other communities that use the security software?

To see how the software is used in action Signup and view all the answers

What is a key consideration when it comes to community data?

Who owns the data Signup and view all the answers

What is important to consider when it comes to software training?

How residents will be trained Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to collect new data instead of importing old data?

To ensure data accuracy Signup and view all the answers

What is an important consideration when it comes to help desk support?

Availability of technical support Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to establish who will be responsible for ongoing maintenance and updates?

To ensure the software is up to date Signup and view all the answers

What is a key benefit of investing in security software and systems?

Improved community safety Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of a controller in an access control system?

To make access control decisions Signup and view all the answers

What is the advantage of using a controller panel over a computer-based system?

It is more reliable and uses solid-state circuitry Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of access levels in an access control system?

To limit access to designated gates or doors Signup and view all the answers

What is the benefit of using multiple controllers in an access control system?

It provides real-time communication between gate locations Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of security software in an access control system?

To manage and program the access control system Signup and view all the answers

What is an advantage of using security software in an access control system?

It allows the community to track and manage guests, contractors, and vendors Signup and view all the answers

What happens when communication between controllers is lost in an access control system?

Each location will function independently using the last programming data Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of time zones in an access control system?

To limit access to specific times of the day and days of the week Signup and view all the answers

What is a benefit of using a controller panel in an access control system?

It can support multiple types of access control technologies Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the device in an access control system?

To read and identify devices Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the benefits of using security software in a community?

Save money by using technology instead of manpower Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of a security software system design?

Customizable to meet a community's specific needs Signup and view all the answers

What is a feature of security software?

Dial multiple resident telephone phone numbers automatically Signup and view all the answers

What is a benefit of using security software with internet capability?

Residents can edit their guest list via the Internet Signup and view all the answers

What is a feature of security software for intersystem communications?

Warning screens with resident specific messages and pictures Signup and view all the answers

What is a feature of security software for tracking medical information?

Medical information and emergency contacts tracking Signup and view all the answers

What is a feature of security software for reporting?

Numerous standard reports customizable to meet association needs Signup and view all the answers

What is a feature of security software for guardhouse activity?

Daily log to track guardhouse activity Signup and view all the answers

What is a feature of security software for handheld units?

Guards can process guests at curbside with handheld units Signup and view all the answers

What is a feature of security software for dispatching?

Dispatch log to track calls and response times Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Community Security

Prevention is the most effective action against crime, and it is essential to analyze a community association's authority, legal obligations, and security needs before an adverse situation occurs.

Legal Obligations

The board's legal obligations in the exercise of its management powers include:
- Obeying the governing documents
- Having a duty of diligence in the conduct of its activities
- Effectively carrying out its fiduciary duty to the association and its members

Theories Used to Sue Community Associations

Breach of duty to provide adequate security
Breach of contract
Misrepresentation

Reasonableness Standard

When applying the reasonableness standard, determine:
- Whether the decision is arbitrary or capricious
- Whether it is non-discriminatory and even-handed
- Whether it was made in good faith for the common welfare of the owners and occupants of the community

Due Care

When exercising due care, each board member should:
- Give the association the benefit of his or her best care and judgment
- Exercise his or her powers in the interest of the association and the members

Scope of Authority

The manager and board should analyze their scope of overall authority, including:
- Reviewing the association's governing documents
- Conducting an analysis of their legal obligations
- Consulting with an attorney to review the foreseeability of danger within the community and case law decisions and trends

Responsibility to Protect Property Value

Community associations have a responsibility to protect the investments of the community members
A person's home or unit is typically their largest physical investment, thus protecting property value should be a main concern of any association

Measuring Resident Instability

Two methods to measure resident instability include:
- Residential mobility (frequency of residents moving in and out of the community)
- Owner occupancy (rate of resident owners)

Impact of Crime on Community

Crime can have a negative impact on property values, quality of life, and community activity participation
Assessing the impact of crime on the community can help an association develop a crime prevention program

Community Response to Crime

Four basic questions to ask when assessing a community's response to crime:
1. What is the community doing to prevent crime?
2. How does "perceived" crime influence the community's crime prevention efforts?
3. Is the crime response successful?
4. What are the side effects of the community's crime prevention activities?

Developer's Role in Security

The developer has a substantial impact on the security systems and features a community association ultimately chooses to obtain and implement
The developer should consider hiring a professional management company to provide input on the plans and ensure that the association will be able to reasonably maintain the common elements

Establishing a Security Program

A developer can turn to a number of sources for information on how to establish a security program, including:
- Local law enforcement
- Security consultants
- Marketing studies
- Insurance consultants
- Other communities in the area

Security Services

A contract security firm's role is often misunderstood, and they have many limitations in terms of actions they can take
The legal powers of a security officer are usually limited to that of a citizen or a client representative on private property

Expectations for Security Officers

Expectations for security officers must always include:
- What they are expected to do
- How they are to do it
- When they are to do it
- Actions that are never to be done

Observing and Reporting

At the heart of a security service's scope is the phrase "observe and report"
Proper observation and accurate and speedy reporting are critical parts of the security team

Deterrence

The best goal of any security system is to deter criminal activity
This is best achieved by striking a balance between high visibility and customer service

Clearly Defined Objectives

A successful security solution within a community is built upon clear, two-way communication
Expectations are best managed with detailed "post orders" of what the community expects from the security team

First Responder Roles

Part of the defined objectives should clearly address what expectations there are for any "first responder" duties
Training on definitions is critical, and the scope of work for a security officer must be written with as much clarity as possible

Hiring a Security Provider

Steps to follow when hiring a security provider:
1. Create an RFP (request for proposal)
2. Inspect the company's office of operation
3. Review the security officers' training manual
4. Ask the company for a complete list of existing clients
5. Ask for a copy of the liability insurance
6. Visit existing client communities and speak with security officers
7. Ask the company to develop a "transition plan"
8. Ask about vehicles, uniforms, and equipment
9. Ask the security provider to discuss what sets them apart
10. Meet with the site supervisor

Key Security Considerations

Areas to consider when developing terms and conditions for a security program:
- Residential specific issues
- Neighborhood watch
- Video surveillance
- Residential information
- Liability issues
- Entering private residences and alarm response
- Armed vs. unarmed guards
- Full-time vs. part-time presence of security
- Onsite officers vs. periodic or random vehicle patrols
- Legal issues for providing breaks and meal periods
- Serving many "masters"—setting up proper reporting procedures### Community Security
Authority issues in community security:
- Issuing codes, changing codes, and officers' authority to override access denial
- Access control for visitors, contractors, real estate agents, and vendors
- Management of public facilities, construction, and animal control

Surveillance Systems

Components of a surveillance system:
- CCTV cameras, cabling, recording devices, and monitoring devices
Design considerations:
- Determining what the camera will focus on and when it will be used
- Choosing the type of camera (stationary, PTZ, or day/night)
- Considering ambient light and using infrared illuminators if necessary
- Deciding how to connect the cameras (coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, or Cat5 networking cable)

Types of Surveillance Cameras

License plate cameras:
- Specially designed to capture license plates without glare
- Infrared illuminators and infrared cut filters are used
Overview cameras:
- Capture vehicles as they pass through
- Day/night cameras with infrared illuminators for nighttime use

Perimeter Surveillance

Using a mix of technologies:
- PTZ cameras for long distances and stationary cameras for areas like building access points
- Infrared illuminators for areas with low ambient light
Installing cameras in plain sight or covertly
Considering the distance of the illuminator and the zoom lens

Community Building Surveillance

Installing cameras inside and outside community buildings
Covering entry points, delivery areas, and parking lots
Considering ambient light and using infrared illuminators if necessary
Avoiding installation in private areas like restrooms and locker rooms

Alarm Systems

Community perimeter intrusion detection systems:
- Electronically monitoring the perimeter of the community
- Using technologies like point-to-point beams, stellar cables, and outdoor motion detectors
Residential security systems:
- Requiring security systems in residences
- Specifying the types of security systems allowed
- Limiting the types of security systems to reduce the learning curve for security guards

Access Control Systems

Components:
- Device, reader, controller, and security barrier
How it works:
- The device is read by the reader, which sends the device number to the controller
- The controller decides whether to allow access and sends a signal to the gate or door
Design considerations:
- Integrating various gate/door locations
- Using a single database and programming
- Controlling access through access levels and time zones
- Limiting access to specific times and days of the week

Security Software

Benefits:
- Operational consistency
- Expedited guest processing
- Increased accountability
- Financial rewards
- Enhanced community marketability
Common characteristics:
- User-friendly
- Customizable
- Modular design
- Real-time networking
- Integration with controller panels and access control technologies
- Automatic database backups
- Ability to import data and interface with other software programs### Security Software Requirements
Security software should not display popup advertisements to resident users
Ability to operate even when communication with the central database is lost
Message board system for intersystem communications
Warning screens with resident-specific messages and pictures
"Be on the look out" (BOLO) device and license plate warnings
Medical information and emergency contacts tracking
Special medical needs tracking
Second address tracking with mailing capabilities
Tenant/renter tracking
Customizable standard reports to meet association needs
Vehicle citations and violations with mail merge capabilities

Guardhouse and Security Features

Daily log to track guardhouse activity
Guard memorandums
Incident and field investigation reports
Party guest list management
Work order systems
Open garage door tracking
Out of town resident tracking
House check tracking
Package/delivery tracking
Calendar with event notification
Traffic statistics by gate location, traffic lane, or community wide
Handheld units for curbside guest processing
Roving patrol units for accessing security database in vehicles
Driver's license scanning for guest access
Dispatch log for tracking calls and response times
Resident communication system for sending notifications
Video integration with CCTV system for guest identification
Country club interface for greeting members or guests by name
Photo-ID system for customized photo-ID badges
Alarm receiver integration for monitoring resident home security and fire alarms

Selecting a Security Software Provider

Consider years of experience in providing security software to community associations
Evaluate the number of communities currently using the provider's security software
Experience with system integration and various community types is essential
Consider the number of features offered by the security software
Ensure the software provider allows for future changes and expansion
Speak to other communities that use the security software
Evaluate service and the provider's ability to maintain the software
Determine who maintains ownership of the software and community data
Consider software training and ongoing support
Evaluate data transfer and maintenance responsibilities
Investigate the availability and response time of technical support

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Description

Explore the role of community associations in preventing crime and their legal obligations to take action. Analyze their authority and security needs to prevent adverse situations.