Condominium / Strata Security: The Role And Responsibilities Security (Concierge) + Our Top 3 Recommended Protocols
Have you ever wondered what the role of security or concierge is within your condominium / strata? In every condo community, security - concierge stand as the vigilant sentinels, tasked not only with safeguarding residents but also with fostering safety and tranquility within the community. Their role goes beyond mere surveillance but it’s often overlooked, and security personnel can be harassed and vastly disrespected for just doing their job and abiding by the condominium / strata’s rules.
Harassment means engaging in a course of vexatious comment or conduct that is known or ought reasonably to be known to be unwelcome or offensive, abusive, threatening or intimidating, whether verbal or physical, including, without limitation, bullying, discrimination or sexual harassment - CAO
If you are interested about harassment in the condo industry, go take a look at our six-part blog annalysis covering all the main aspects of this problematic. You can start right here with PART ONE <<<
Roles and Responsibilities of Security - Concierge Personnel in a Condominium / Strata
Access Control and Monitoring
The most important, and more obvious, duty is to meticulously manage the condominium / strata’s access control systems. Security monitors entry and exit points, ensuring that only authorized individuals gain access to the premises. This entails verifying the identity of visitors, issuing guest passes, and maintaining a log of arrivals and departures. By enforcing strict access protocols, they contribute to the condominium / strata’s defenses against unauthorized intrusions.
Emergency Response and Crisis Management
In times of crisis, security - concierge emerge as the first line of defense, equipped to swiftly respond to emergencies and mitigate potential threats. Whether it's a medical emergency, fire outbreak, or security breach, they are usually the first ones to arrive at the place of the events. From administering first aid (if trained to do so) to coordinating with emergency services and condo management, their quick thinking and decisive actions are instrumental in safeguarding lives and minimizing property damage.
Surveillance and Patrol
The watchful gaze of security extends far beyond static surveillance cameras; they conduct regular patrols throughout the premises, diligently scanning for any signs of suspicious activity or safety hazards. Their proactive approach not only deters criminal elements but also serves as a reassuring presence for residents, creating a sense of confidence in the condominium's security measures.
Customer Service and Community Engagement
Beyond their role as guardians of security, concierge serve as ambassadors of hospitality, offering a warm welcome to residents and visitors alike. They assist with inquiries, provide directions, and offer support to residents in need. By fostering positive interactions and cultivating a sense of community, they contribute to the overall well-being of condominium living, transforming mere dwellings into vibrant residential hubs.
Maintenance and Risk Management
In collaboration with property management, security - concierge personnel play a pivotal role in identifying and addressing maintenance issues that could compromise security or pose safety risks. Whether it's a malfunctioning security system or a hazardous obstruction, they act as constant observers, promptly reporting any anomalies and collaborating with relevant stakeholders to implement effective solutions.
Our Top 3 Recommended Security Protocols
Every security policy or procedure that is in place serves an important purpose. There are many useful policies or procedures that a condominium / strata can set up to further secure its premises. We have selected the following top 3 since we believe they are at the base of any safe condo community.
Not Accepting Keys
It comes down to liability. By asking security to be responsible for a unit’s keys, residents or owners are asking security to be responsible for what is most likely your most expensive asset. Refusing to do so protects the person acting as security personnel, the security contractor and the corporation.
Receiving Courier Mail Only
This is also a liability issue, although security can never assume the contents of a parcel, it is much less likely that contraband would be mailed through a courier service. Some residents may consider this an extreme way of thinking, but ultimately this policy protects everyone. Here are a few examples of situations that can be prevented with this policy:
Sarah is a resident , and Kim comes by claiming to be her friend and that Sarah forgot her backpack Kim's house and needs to leave it for Sarah at the desk. However what security does not know is that said backpack actually contains an illegal substance and now that security accepted this bag, the staff member just unknowingly became involved in a drug trade.
It was Sarah's birthday yesterday and her Aunt Meredith wants to leave a nice gift bag for her. Again security cannot assume the contents of the bag. When Sarah retrieves the gift bag she accuses security staff of taking the 500$ that should have been part of the enclosed gift. Sarah and Meredith know there never really was 500$ in this gift bag but now not just the security member that accepted the parcel, but the entire security team is under scrutiny for theft.
John comes by with a package for Sarah, its is unmarked except for her name and address. Security accepts this envelope not realizing they've just accepted a court summons on behalf of Sarah. Security is now responsible to sign that parcel out to Sarah and thus effectively, serving her.
Requiring Guests to Buzz the Resident
There can be hundreds of suites at a high-rise condominium / strata, and although security personnel will strive to remember every one of the residents, they will often not remember all of the friends and family that may visit them. Security personnel also can’t know if there's ever an altercation between friends or family and they don't know who a resident may have a restraining order or peace bond with; for these reasons we recommend for residents, and only residents, to allow their guests entry to the premises.
The implementation of this protocols will ensure a safe working environment for security and concierge personnel. A happy employee is a better employee, and if they do their work better, then the whole community will be safe. But just in case the security company is not doing a good job,
the vendor directory is always there with many more
security vendors options to choose from.
-Stratastic Inc.
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