Neighborhood security is one of the most important considerations made by people moving to a new community. Not only is a sense of safety closely tied to overall well-being, but feeling unsafe in one’s neighborhood is linked to poorer health. Yet, while most property managers agree that strengthening neighborhood security is necessary – not only for tenant satisfaction but also for tenant retention – the strategies and technology used to achieve this are widely debated. Whether you’re a property manager looking to build an entire security system or you’re just on a tight budget, the first step to better neighborhood security is a virtual gate guard.
Virtual gate guards are systems used to control access and inform property management, security guards, and residents on who is entering their neighborhood. In this article, we’ll explore seven benefits of using virtual gate guards to improve your neighborhood security.
In this Article
- Why Improving Neighborhood Security Pays
- Why Virtual Gate Guards Should Be Your First Step
- 7 Benefits of Virtual Gate Guards
- How to Start Your Journey
Why Improving Neighborhood Security Pays
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) reported that violent crime fell by 49% between 1993 and 2022. This downward trend has continued over the last few years. Yet, according to a poll conducted by Gallup, 40% of Americans said they would be afraid to walk alone at night within a mile of their home – higher than any time in the last 30 years. So what’s causing this discrepancy?
These data sets clearly point out that feeling safe isn’t necessarily the same as being safe. Simply put, impressions matter. And those impressions impact your bottom line and your residents’ satisfaction.
So what can you do?
Even taking small steps towards helping your community feel safer can quell wariness and attract new tenants. From residents feeling safer to increased property values, improving your neighborhood security is beneficial in several ways, including:
- Reducing Crime
- Improving Quality of Life
- Strengthening Community Relations
- Speeding Emergency Response
- Creating Higher Property Demand
- Increasing Property Values
Obtaining better security is easier than ever. So the question is: to improve neighborhood security, where should you start? Keep reading…
What is a Virtual Gate Guard?
Achieving better safety in your community starts at your front gate. Virtual gate guards combine technology – access control systems, intercoms, motion sensors, and video management – with human security guards to help you add comfort to your community.
The Top 7 Benefits of Virtual Gate Guards
1. 24/7 Monitoring with Virtual Gate Guards
Security guards sleeping on the job? Make sure you have a backup. Virtual gate guards make sure your community stays safe and your security stays online 24/7. So even if your human guards nod off, you’ll be covered.
With high-definition or 4K security video cameras, all interactions at your community’s gates will be recorded and logged for reference. Additionally, many video management systems (VMS), allow property managers and security guards to stream footage to their smartphones while away.
In addition to video surveillance, virtual gate guards use access control alarms to monitor when a gate opens. As soon as a resident or visitor scans their credential, an alert registers within the access control software that’s integrated with your virtual gate guard.
2. Eliminate Blind Spots
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Even the most conscientious security personnel make mistakes. Blind spots in your security can happen during a patrol or when guards take a break. Instead of leaving your neighborhood security vulnerable, you can keep an eye on your entrances at all times.
3. Cost-Effective
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Property managers and security officers face the increasing need to do more with less. If you face a dwindling budget, you’ll need to find creative, cost-effective ways to keep your community safe. Virtual gate guards allow property managers to automate their security.
To reduce costs, some communities may choose to reduce the workload of their human guards during the day, depending solely on their virtual gate guards instead. At night, or during times when more security is necessary, human guards can augment these virtual systems.
4. Automated License Plate Recognition
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Automated license plate recognition (ALPR) has been helping police identify vehicles and the owners of those vehicles. Only recently has this technology started to become more widely used by HOA communities. Though some HOA boards have criticized the use of this technology, others are benefiting from it.
By integrating virtual gate guard systems with ALPR, communities can capture videos and still photos of suspicious vehicles. Additionally, if a crime is committed, ALPR technology gives police an extra piece of evidence.
If you decide to invest in this software, make sure you learn about the potential legal and privacy issues associated with it. Additionally, communicating with your residents is important before implementation.
5. Deterrence
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Much like standalone cameras and motion sensors, virtual guard systems act as visual deterrents against crime. The presence of these systems may stop bad actors, since they will understand they are more likely to be caught.
Pairing your virtual guard system with a two-way audio intercom helps preemptively deter crime as well. When human security guards are alerted of a gate breach, they can immediately address the intruder, making them aware that they’re being watched.
6. Remote Oversight
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If you’re the head of security in an HOA community, then you probably already understand the numerous advantages of remote oversight of your security system.
However, just in case you need a refresher, imagine this: It’s Sunday morning. You’re enjoying a summer weekend at home, lounging, kicking back, relaxing, when suddenly your phone chimes. It’s a security alert. But since you didn’t install a virtual guard system, you’ll have to relax another time. Duty calls.
Had you installed a virtual gate guard, you and your security team could remotely monitor and manage your community security from afar. Through an online platform or mobile app, you can view live video feeds, track entry logs, and authorize or deny visitor access. This level of remote control ensures that even without staff, your neighborhood remains supervised.
7. Video and Audio Logs
Keep tabs on everybody coming and going from your community. A virtual gate guard system can record details about each visitor, such as their name, the time they entered the community, and the reason for their visit. This information can be useful for a variety of purposes, such as tracking the number of visitors to your community, monitoring who is coming and going, and providing residents with a record of their guests.
How to Start Your Journey to Better Neighborhood Security
Virtual gate guards help improve neighborhood safety, add convenience, and make residents more comfortable. If you’re looking to modernize your security without adding complexity, a virtual gate guard system is a great option to consider.
SafeTouch installation experts will help you assess, purchase, install, and monitor your security. Whether you’re installing a virtual guard system, shopping for HD security cameras, or in need of human security guards, we’re here to help. Give us a call at 888.985.SAFE (7233) to speak with a SafeTouch expert today!