Security Cameras

Have any of you used camera systems to monitor their properties? I am trying to determine which are the best systems with reasonable costs.

Some time ago, our insurance people recommended against cameras because of the presumption that they are monitored 24 hrs.

The other way to look at it is to figure out what problem you're trying to solve. For example, we tied motion sensors to the pool lighting, which brightly illuminated the area and strongly discouraged some nighttime au naturel bathers. So think about what behaviors you're discouraging and if there's another way.

We are getting complaints of people gathering out in front of the buildings at night. There are often beer bottles and other garbage left outside the day after. Tenants have called the police on several occasions. I would like to be able to identify if it is existing tenants or people from outside the complex. I thought the cameras would help to both help deter that type of activity and also help identify parties that are doing it. I have cameras in other business's and it helps when people know that they are being recorded. Its also nice to randomly check up on things from time to time during times when you think shananagins might be going on. I was hoping someone had set up a system and had tips on the best systems.

The only system for your situation,is to hire off dute police officers to enforce either your no loitering,no public drinking,or your littering policies in your community handbook.You should sign a "no trespass"affadavit with your local law enforcemnt agency.

Do you have a picnic area where folks can gather after work? Have you sent a notice to the buildings where this is happening? Have you let the concerned residents know that they can call the person on call and have them check out the situation? I would address the behavior first before going to the expense of cameras. A camera by itself is not going to stop the behavior, unless they are monitored 24/7.

I have recently put cameras in some buildings and am having great success.

We have a property in Charleston, SC that had vandalism and loitering everyday. Since the cameras have gone live, the problems in the building have stopped. It is currently projected that the ROI will be 300% this year from the camera system.

What you should also look at is a program like what Pierce at LEDIC Management has done recently. In speaking with him a few months back, it sounds like it has made a huge difference and it is so simple.

progressive.powerstream.net/008/00167/press/projectsafeways.wmv

The most important thing to me is having staff that is out walking the community, and showing the residents that they care. If they stay hiding in the office, the few bad residents will take the place over.

I hope this helps.

This is not a solution. I'm going to contact the management company to see how the program is working for them. Here are some thoughts:
1. I would question their position about who is taking responsibility for security. I'm guessing it is now the police department.
2. The license plate recognition software is gaining ground across the US. I think it's the cat's pajamas. However, I question it's role on private property. Also it would seem there is the assumption that only bad guys are in cars that are connected to a wanted person. It does not detect that the owner has a rap sheet a mile long.
3. The demo video shown was during the day time. I'd be interested to see the video quality at night.
4. I agree with staff walking around. I have yet to interact with a property where the staff is walking the parking lot at night.

If anyone has more insight, please reply or contact me directly.
Pat Murphy
LPT Security Consulting.

Bob Pekol wrote:
We are getting complaints of people gathering out in front of the buildings at night. There are often beer bottles and other garbage left outside the day after. Tenants have called the police on several occasions. I would like to be able to identify if it is existing tenants or people from outside the complex. I thought the cameras would help to both help deter that type of activity and also help identify parties that are doing it. I have cameras in other business's and it helps when people know that they are being recorded. Its also nice to randomly check up on things from time to time during times when you think shananagins might be going on. I was hoping someone had set up a system and had tips on the best systems.

Bob:
The suggestion of off duty officers is a good one. It's short term and can be re initiated fairly quickly. Cameras are not the deterrent they once were because they're everywhere but frankly to spend that type of money to monitor littering may be somewhat of a waste. Even if you could identify them what would be your next step?

Call the police station that serves your property and have the officers who work that area come by and talk with you. Tell them you'd appreciate their help. They'll always come by more often, especially if you have the no trespass warning in place.

Pat

It would be good to hear from others who have installed cameras at their properties and get the pros and cons of doing so.

I personally have a building with two issues; 1. properly tracking over occupancy. I am finding it difficult to keep track of tenants adding occupants without request/approval. Secondly, I have intermitten issues with activity on the street, loitering, etc. Would be good to identify when someone is in front of the building and whether it is associated with a tenant or not.

I also figured the cameras would be a deterrant.

However, I have resisted due to fear of negative perception from prospective tenants that building is not safe.

Appreciate any suggestions or feedback/experiences.

J,

I am not sure that camera's are going to help you with your first challenge. It will help you with the second, as people will stop loitering in areas where they know they are being watched or recorded.

I have found that the good residents like having the camera's on the properties, and the residents that don't like them have something to hide.

We will be installing camera's on several more properties in the first quarter, and will continue this trend in 2010.

The ROI on this systems are great.

Michael