24-hour Security for Apartment Communities, Gyms, Businesses, and More

It’s 2 a.m. You’re driving along a dark highway, just outside of Macclenny, Florida, when suddenly you get the craving for a late-night snack. But where? As luck would have it, you see a sign for a convenience store – and better yet, it’s open 24/7.   

Businesses that operate around-the-clock are beneficial for owners, employees, and customers. However, operating such a business brings about new challenges, including the implementation of 24-hour security.

In this article, we’ll take a look at the benefits and challenges of 24-hour security, the latest technology, and how monitoring centers can help.

• What is 24-hour Security?
• Who Needs It?
• Types of 24-hour Security
• How to Customize Your Security
• Monitoring Centers and Security Guards
• Next Steps

What is 24-hour Security? 

As the name implies, 24-hour security is a method used by organizations and businesses to protect their facilities 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Not only does an effective security system safeguard property and assets, it also protects the people using the facility. 

Who Needs It?

Most organizations require their security to operate 24/7, however, staying open all day and night leaves businesses vulnerable to increased theft, vandalism, assault, and more. If you operate one of the businesses below, you should strongly consider investing in 24-hour security.

Common Types of 24/7 Businesses

• Fitness centers
• Convenience stores
• Gas stations
• Drug stores 
• Hotels
• Apartment complexes & HOAs

Let’s take a look at some of the options when implementing 24-hour security. 

Types 24-hour Security: What are My Options?

Before you skip to the next section, make sure you know which type of 24-hour security your business needs. There are three types of 24-hour security available: 

1. Technology-based security: Facilities are monitored 24/7 by surveillance cameras, AI-enhanced software, access control, motion sensors, and other solutions.

2. Manned security: Human security guards watch over your facilities, conducting regular patrols, security audits, and monitoring spaces. 

3. Virtual Guard security: These systems combine live guards with technology, giving businesses a multifaceted approach to their security. Virtual security guards use video and access control technology combined with live guards, typically staffed by a third party. These guards monitor all the client’s facilities from an off-site monitoring center. 

Which will get the job done better? It often comes down to your budget and preferences. Once you make a selection, you’ll need to start the customization process. 

How to Customize Your 24-hour Access

You walk into a shoe store – boring. The cashier greets you, and you quickly pace down an aisle. Midway down the aisle, you stop in shock. The shoes are all size 17. 

Just like the wrong-sized shoe, the wrong security system poses problems. It lacks adequate protection, leaves you exposed, and ultimately is a waste of money. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to customize your 24-hour security in order to fit your unique situation. All you need to do is a little planning. Here are some tips for making sure your facility is properly secure, 24/7. 

Update Waivers & Important Documents 

Before expanding the hours of your business, it’s best to start by updating all of your important documentation. For example, gyms and fitness centers may require patrons to sign a new liability waiver, agreeing to any rules that may be implemented. Employees will also need new instruction about how to operate within the new timeframe. Inform them about how they will gain access, and what they should do in an emergency?  

Limit Door Access

Businesses with many visitors like hotels, co-working spaces, senior living facilities, and gyms must consider how their guests will move in and out of the facilities. In some cases, security teams might choose to limit door access after a certain hour. If a hotel wants to keep track of who enters the building, they might permit access to the lobby entrance, but restrict access to the side doors. 

Access control and visitor management systems come with many features, from automating access credentials to custom floor plans to mapping doors and sensors. Security integrators like SafeTouch can help make sure you get the features you need. 

Time-Based Access

Access control systems help teams plan, monitor, and manage ingress and egress. If you choose a technology-based access control system over live security, you’ll be able to activate and deactivate credentials more quickly. 

Some cloud access control even lets you issue time-based credentials. Instead of assigning 24/7 access to everyone, you can assign credentials that are only active between certain times. Hotel guests may have access to the fitness room from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. while the cleaning staff may be given 24-hour access. 

Surveillance Cameras

Over 63,500 crimes occurred at U.S. gas stations last year, according to the United States Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI). Many storeowners have chosen to install security cameras to help combat and deter these crimes. In fact, so many gas stations and convenience stores have video surveillance; it’s become ubiquitous. Additionally, CCTV has helped reduce crime by 13, according to one New York Times article. 

Selecting the right system can be tricky. There are several types of cameras to choose from and dozens of security companies. Make sure to consider cloud-based vs. on-premises video management and camera build (e.g., lenses, video quality, etc.). 

Whether you hire manned security or go for a technology-based system, surveillance cameras and video management systems keep an extra eye on your security at all times.

Monitoring Centers and Security Guards

Technology is great, but sometimes a human touch is better. Live guard security can be just as effective as a technology-based security system. Many businesses have found creative ways to monitor their security, around the clock, by using both human security guards and virtual guard systems. Such systems typically include three essential parts.

Essential Components of Virtual Guard Systems

1. Access control systems – Monitor entrances and send alerts to security guards when an intrusion occurs 

2. Video cameras- Stream live footage of entrances to the security guards

3. Two-way intercoms- Enable security guards or first responders to communicate directly to suspects

Each of these components helps inform security guards, even when the guards aren’t in the immediate area. 

On-site Guards vs. Off-site Monitoring Centers

You’ve decided human guards are the best option for your 24-hour security. But wait! There is another choice to make. You can either hire your own guards, staff third-party guards at your facility, or use third-party guards who monitor your security from afar. Let’s examine the pros and cons of each.

On-site Guards 

Pros- On-site Guards provide a physical presence that serves as a strong crime deterrent. They also can immediately intervene during an emergency since they’re on site. When it comes to visitor management, on-location guards provide a friendly face to greet guests. 

Cons- This approach comes with higher costs, limited coverage areas, and potential risks to guard safety. 

Monitoring Center Guards 

Pros- Security guards stationed at a monitoring center are a more cost-effective approach to 24/7 security. Supported by virtual guard systems, they can detect threats and communicate with authorities more quickly. Additionally, monitoring centers reduce safety risks for personnel 

Cons- Since monitoring agents operate from a remote, off-site location, if a crime happens  immediate physical intervention is impossible. Remote monitoring may also offer less deterrence.

If you’re curious to learn more about choosing between on-site guards and monitoring, reach out to a SafeTouch professional. Our monitoring center provides an industry-best response time of 45 seconds or less, guaranteed. So whenever you need help, we’ll be there. 

Staying Safe 24/7

All-day access to your facility can make or break your business. By carefully considering your security options, you can ensure increased customer retention and business growth. 

SafeTouch will help bring your vision to life. Our experts will help assess, purchase, install, and monitor your security. With over 30 years of industry experience, we’ve got the knowledge to guide you through cloud platforms, mobile credentials, AI-based monitoring, and more. We’ll help you find a system that won’t become obsolete in a few years. Give us a call at 888.895.SAFE (7233) to speak with a SafeTouch expert today!