Security “Health Check” Your Condominium
The concept of CPTED, Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design is not limited to just security professionals. CPTED is often used by developers and builders, as CPTED proposes that proper design and effective use of the built environment can lead to a reduction in the opportunity, fear, and incidence of predatory stranger type crime, as well as result in an improvement of the quality of life.
Developers do their best to implement industry leading security measures, however these good intentions are often competed with cost saving measures, ultimately leading to gaps in security coverage.
As the high-rise condominium environment changes over time, so does the need for each location to have a thorough security program in place. One of the most important aspects of this security program is a security assessment or audit. In less scary terms, we like to call it a Security Health Check.
How this assessment is conducted or what is contained within these assessments can vary from property to property, as long as some of the critical elements are included.
In general, there are three classifications to CPTED strategies:
1. Mechanical measures: This approach emphasizes the use of hardware and technology systems such as locks, security screens on windows, fencing and gating, key control systems, video surveillance, and electronic access control.
2. Organizational measures: Focus on policies and activities that encourage observation,
reporting and where appropriate, intervention.
3. Natural or Architectural measures: Designing of space to ensure the overall environment
works more effectively for the intended users, while at the same time deterring crime.
Strategies of CPTED include:
● Natural Access Control
● Natural Surveillance
● Natural Territorial Reinforcement / Boundary Definition
● Management and Maintenance
● Legitimate Activity Support
● Compartmentalization
On September 23rd, 2021, Kyle Klein and Jason Reid of National Life Safety Group were the key note speakers at CAI Canada’s 2nd Virtual Conference and Exhibit Hall. They presented the application and use of CPTED principles in securing condominium communities. Participants of this session learned about the current physical security concerns property managers face on a daily basis in residential communities.
The key learning outcomes of this seminar were:
· The current physical security concerns, gaps and opportunities in residential condominiums
· Understanding of the principals of using CPTED, crime prevention through environmental design, and other recognized security practices in condominium communities,
· A review of the 10 questions used to engage a security provider by way of “health checking” a security program,
· Participants also reviewed the 5 current best practices initiated in condominiums in Ontario that have been used to elevate the safety and security of residents and condo staff, while allowing the condo board to have the documentation to prove it.
We are excited to share further information on NLS Group’s Security “Health Check” program and we look forward to further connecting with you. Please reach out at solutions@nationallifesafetygroup.ca
About Kyle Klein:
Kyle Klein, CPP, is a Board Certified Protection Professional, and is the Lead Security Consultant with National Life Safety Group. He is a recognized security professional with extensive experience developing security programs, integrating security best practices, and creating resilient condominium communities. Over the past ten years, Kyle has acquired his knowledge background by working with industry-leading organizations focusing on security and safety. They include Kwantlen University, Southlake Regional Health Centre, and Shopify.