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"You have to pick the best tool and then surround yourself with some supplemental tools to support that best tool"
In this episode, Mindy Price and Nathan Burnett assess a hot topic in multifamily communities: safety and security. Through his work with Watchtower Security, Nathan has seen that every community is different in regard to the issues they see, but there are root causes that may be applied across the board. He notes that one of the biggest misconceptions people have regarding security, crime, and crime prevention is that one tool can solve a problem when it is really a combination of many measures and follow-through that helps prevent crime.
Burnett stresses how important it is for owners and operators to develop a security plan and have buy-in to implement that plan. Budgeting—not only for the initial solution but also for the long-term—along with developing a positive relationship with the police are vital parts of the plan. He discusses specific steps that communities can take to enhance their sense of security, including having ample lighting, cutting back landscaping, cleaning up trash, ensuring gates are functional, and installing cameras.
Burnett also illuminates another vital step in enhancing a community’s security, and that is preventative maintenance. He discusses his CPTED program—Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design—and notes daily, weekly, and monthly checks that staff can perform to catch issues in advance and deter crime. Finally, he closes by noting the importance of developing positive relationships in the industry in order to learn from others, share information, and identify best practices.