Many homebuyers look for a house or location that is considerably safe, reasonable distance to work, and for the right price. Gated communities are becoming more popular as it typically includes or involves security. People want to feel safe and secure in their own home and yard. Sometimes paying a Homeowners Association fee is worth that since of security.

The Homeowners’ Association is made up of a board of directors that are members of the neighborhood. These board of directors are responsible for handling the fees collected from homeowners in the neighborhood and where the funds are distributed. It is required that the board of directors provide its homeowners with a detailed list of the income from fees and where they are applied to. This includes but not limited to trash pickup, clubhouse and pool care, lawn care, security, and general maintenance.

Arriving at a community with a guard hut at the entrance can bring a sense of peace to potential and current homeowners in the neighborhood. The security guard can have various responsibilities, one being access control. Ensuring only homeowners, guests, delivery drivers, and employees only enter the neighborhood is a method of access control. This reduces the odds of a trespasser entering the neighborhood. The presence of a security guard is the first line of defense in deterring crime and trespassers.

With the proper training, the security guard can respond to Domestic Violence reports, stop or prevent unsafe activities, enforce parking codes and regulations, patrol the neighborhood, and know which authorities to call for response. Providing a security guard in the neighborhood provides a quicker response time to calls for service and being able to deescalate the situation at hand. A visible security guard equals reduced chances of theft, vandalism, and trespassers in the neighborhood. The expectations of the security guard’s role and duties is typically set up by the board of directors and commonly voted for approval by the homeowners in the neighborhood.

Detering criminal activity and vandalism using the physical presence of security guards is very common. Most people think twice of their behavior or potential act of crime upon seeing a security guard or security camera. Criminals do not like to be caught and they do not like to constantly look over their shoulders while waiting to potentially be caught. The security guard can patrol the neighborhood and/or station themselves in a guard hut by the entrance to the neighborhood. Patrolling the neighborhood in a clearly marked vehicle can draw attention to the vehicle and deter criminal activity.

Enforcing parking rules and regulations is an option that the homeowners’ association can request the security guard handle. Most homeowners’ association have rules about parking in the neighborhood. For example, as a rule, no parking on the street after 9 p.m. Security can patrol through the neighborhood after 9 p.m. and place tickets on vehicles in violation. Some have fees, and some provide a warning. If fees or fines are on the parking ticket, the payment typically goes toward the homeowners’ association to use toward bills or the upkeep of the neighborhood. This is something typically voted on by the current homeowners within the neighborhood.

Domestic Violence is a serious topic and can happen to anyone, anywhere. With a security guard stationed in the neighborhood, safety for the victim may come quicker. If the security guard is properly trained to recognize the scenario and respond appropriately to

deescalate the situation may mean life or death for a victim. They can also call the proper authorities to respond and take control of the situation.

It is important to remember that security guards are not law enforcement officials and do not have the same powers as law enforcement. They only have authority in protecting people, places, and objects. They have the means to do what is necessary to provide the protection if it abides by the laws and regulations. Some private security companies train their members self defense to protect themselves and allow a chance to break away from the threat.

Which is better, homeowners’ association providing security cameras or security guards? There is no right or wrong answer to this question. It depends on the client’s needs and wants. Security cameras are great for deterring crimes as people fear being caught after the criminal activity but they are stationary and do not interact with the criminals. Security guards move and interact with others. Sometimes having a physical person on the property is a stronger line of defense in protection. Some places like to have both options available, while some prefer one over the other.

The security guards will need a paycheck, so where does the money come from? It comes from the Homeowners’ Association. It is often a monthly fee applied to the current homeowners within the neighborhood and a board of directors apply and distribute the funds accordingly. One category being for security. Private companies often “bid” for contracts with Homeowners Associations and it is up to the board of directors to decide which company to accept and employ.

Most Homeowners’ Associations have unarmed security guards on their property, but it is not unusual to see an armed security guard. It comes down to what the client wants and needs. Most unarmed security guards pay $14.00 to $20.00 per hour and most armed security guards pay $25.00 to $30.00 plus per hour. These are average numbers and varies from location to location. The needs and wants from the client are what determines which type of security guard is assigned to the neighborhood.

Having a security guard stationed in the neighborhood can provide a lot of great benefits and advantages. Maintaining a safe and quiet neighborhood is a common goal for many homeowners. Taking the extra step to hire a qualified security guard can bring peace of mind to many families and guests within the neighborhood. A security guard maintaining the access control deters trespassers and threats as well as being a faster option in response time for calls of service.