Security Tips for Modern Gated Communities: HOA Security
It’s your obligation as an HOA manager to keep your residents secure from both internal and external security threats. People opt to live in gated communities because of the security and seclusion they give. While HOA gate systems, barrier arms, and manned guardhouses are extraordinary security measures, they can only go so far. Intruders, vandals, and thieves are becoming savvier, so staying one step ahead is critical. It is mission critical to be able to prevent intrusion, theft, and vandalism, as well as a variety of other crimes. Here is some advice to help you get started.
1. Eliminate the use of universal entry codes.
When we engage with HOA boards, one of the most significant issues we hear is that everyone uses the same access code and that the entire town knows the code to get past the gates. Many towns are considering replacing universal codes with unique access codes with pre-determined days, times, and use durations. Many modern solutions will be compatible with smartphone entrance systems that will accept digital passes sent by residents to guests. Visitors can enter a one-time access code or scan a digital QR code by driving up to the phone entry units. This limits the spread of a universal code and allows you to track visitor admissions and provide reports in an incident. To improve security, you can limit the number of times a code can be used each day or enable anti-passback. This is useful if your residents wish to grant access to recurring service providers such as pool cleaners and landscapers.
2. Choosing the Correct HOA Security Cameras System
Within and around your community, security cameras serve as your eyes and ears. Your security cameras must offer you a clear and complete view of all public and accessible locations to effectively deter crime and violence. It would be best if you looked for one that has the following characteristics:
You can see more of the property because of the wide field of vision.
Even when the lights are turned off, you can capture high-definition photographs.
Can resist the most extreme conditions
Make an appointment for a demonstration!
Different types of security cameras exist, each with unique capabilities that are tailored to specific surveillance applications. Bullet and dome cameras are currently the most popular, with many commercial establishments preferring them because they are tiny and simple to install.
Depending on your security demands, combine different types (e.g., multi-sensor, PTZ). For example, a bullet camera can be used at the gate because it can focus on a single point, while a PTZ may be used in regions that require more than 90 degrees of view.
3. Install security cameras system in high-traffic areas.
If you install sophisticated security cameras in the incorrect areas, they won’t perform their objective. Make careful to put them in places where they’ll be vulnerable, such as:
- Entrances
- Exits
- Garages for parking
- Recreational opportunities
- Offices of administration
- Other common locations
- Legal Points to Think About
Keep in mind, however, that installing cameras in private spaces such as changing rooms, residential apartments, restrooms, and locker rooms is forbidden. To prevent invading privacy and suffering legal consequences, configure PTZ cameras so that they do not pan across private premises.
Is it possible, for example, to put a camera aimed at a swimming pool? It is contingent on the pool’s categorization. If it’s a public pool, you can usually add security cameras because the area is considered public.
Put up Signs to Inform Residents
However, make sure that all of your neighbors are aware that your HOA has placed surveillance cameras. Include this in the contract, and post signage alerting the public to the presence of security cameras. If you’re going to record audio, make sure they’re aware of it.
4. Consider putting license plate readers in place.
Do you have concerns about the vehicles that enter and exit your gated community? ALPR (Automatic License Plate Reader) cameras take photographs of cars and their license plates to keep track of them as they enter and exit. In the event of a crime, stills and their corresponding written recordings can be used as evidence. When you access license plates using the system, it captures not only the license plates but also the time, date, car make, and model.
You can use this type of camera to keep track of suspicious vehicles by adding them to a watch list and taking fast action if necessary. On the other hand, you can white-list residents’ license plates so that their information is not recorded in the software. Residents can enjoy peace of mind with Alfred360‘s ALPR module because they have personal access to their vehicle’s white-list settings. An LPR camera may be considered an invasion of privacy by some.
How Does It Work?
The ALPR camera’s analytics program instantly translates textual pictures like plate numbers into readable formats, allowing software to evaluate and report on them.
Unlike a traditional security camera, LPR employs advanced technology to recognize and remember license plates and other things. You can set it to notify local law enforcement when an event occurs automatically. You can also use it in conjunction with a cloud-based mobile app to remotely monitor vehicles entering and exiting the community.
5. Control Access to All Common Amenities in HOA
Homeowners association access control for shared resources is helpful for everyone, whether it’s for the pool, the gym, or the parking lot. Theft, vandalism, and accidents can all be avoided by installing intrusion alarms and guest access credentials.
Access is granted only once
Instead of actual keys that can be copied, use access codes that are logged and timestamped. Even better, you can establish one-time access codes that expire. You won’t have to worry about giving keys to service personnel ever again.
Residents should use mobile credentials.
Have you considered using a smartphone in place of your key fob or access control card? With the use of smartphones, residents may enter community doors and gates without the need to go through a lengthy ID verification process.
The robust encryption used by smartphones reduces the security risks associated with using them as login credentials. As residents come in and go out, it’s simple to automatically activate and deactivate their credentials, reducing the need to issue or revoke physical identification manually. Furthermore, these smartphone-based credentials are nearly tough to replicate!
Invest in a Cloud-Based HOA Security Access Control System
Multi-layer verification is often used to impose access limitations, which is onerous for residents and visitors. To keep your business safe, use a cloud-based system for access control. Access to gates and shared facilities can be controlled from a central platform, and warnings may be monitored using the advanced automation software used in this system.
To ensure the safety of your people, you need to implement a cutting-edge security system. Nexlar security professionals can assist you in outfitting your gated community with a user-friendly, versatile solution customized to your community-specific requirements.
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