Living in a safe community is important to everyone. Some HOAs provide extra security by hiring a security firm, such as Rapid International, increasing general neighborhood safety and in places like your community pool. We provide a unique security services because our goal of building community security is based on becoming active partners with residents and community members.
This summer, we worked with two HOAs in the Gwinnett County, Hall County and Jackson County areas. Of course, we focused on increasing security in their neighborhoods and surroundings. And with the warm summer temperatures, we were tasked to keep their community pools safe and secure for everyone.
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Community Concerns
The HOAs explained their major security issue was that these pools were not as secure as they wanted them to be. People who were not a guest of residents discovered their pools and used them without guest or HOA permission. This in turn caused potential added liability for the community and made residents uncomfortable when they wanted to use the pool. Some issues were caused by residents themselves and uncomfortable to regulate amongst themselves.
The issues our two clients faced before hiring Rapid went from disregarding HOA rules to actual law breaking:
Uninvited swimmers hopping HOA fences
Unauthorized guests or number of guests over HOA’s guest limit
Loud and obnoxious music, some inappropriate content even with children present
Glass containers being brought to the pool area against HOA rules and resulting in broken glass and injuries
Rearranging of HOA property such as patio furniture
Smoking (of all types) against recreational area rules
Unauthorized BBQ equipment being brought in
Some issues involved breaking laws:
Restroom vandalism
Fighting, from domestic disputes to physical altercations
Attempted robbery and robbery
Rapid Solutions
We met with the HOAs and worked together to find and execute solutions. We learned that both clients had certain security concerns in common; we also customized specific plans for each HOA.
The benefits of having a friendly and identifiable security guard present at their pools showed. Residents felt safer to use their community pools and HOA rules were enforced by Rapid personnel. Since our Rapid guards intervened when necessary, there was little or no conflict between neighbors having to confront each other. Having Rapid as a third party provided a bridge for communication as well as someone to make sure the pool was secure for swimmers, especially families and children.
Rapid’s positive impact also helped the HOA and community in other ways.
We were able to prevent residents who had not paid their HOA fee from accessing community pool amenities. Not only did their key cards not allow them to open the pool gate and access the area, but the Rapid security guard was there to stop residents from opening the gate for other residents whose key cards did not work. Of course, this upset those people at the time, but it also encouraged them to make good on their dues. Once that happened, these families were immediately able to enjoy the pool again. This was an unforeseen benefit to the HOAs as thousands in dues were recovered!
We also found that although the HOAs set up cameras in the pool areas to monitor for safety, it is almost impossible to collect the fine for trespassing or any other HOA regulation. With security staff in place, HOAs were able to either collect the fine from the resident and/or the resident was prevented from entering the community pool until the fine was paid.
Community Liaisons
Rapid management has extensive experience in the security industry and in each city, prioritizes partnership with local law enforcement and emergency service agencies. We’ve worked to build and continue to build collaborative relationships with law enforcement managers in these HOA communities. With Rapid personnel in place with our HOA clients, the local agencies have increased their “courtesy patrols” to these neighborhoods. These patrols are signs of security in these communities and help mitigate crime in the area, whether planned (discourages strangers from “casing” homes and neighborhoods) or opportunistic (such as car break-ins or vandalism).
What’s your HOA security plan?
Safety, Community, Together. Rapid International provides security services, including staffed areas and patrol services, prioritizing neighborhood-based security in collaboration with your community. Rapid’s management has extensive experience in the security industry and in each city, we build partnerships with local law enforcement and emergency service agencies. Together with community members, we work to make people and communities safe and secure.
Please get in touch, we’d love to help you make your community safer and more secure. In Georgia, call: (706) 844-2586, in California call: (213) 364-1394 or email us at info@therapidway.com.
Security is not a gimmick or a gadget: it’s a state of mind.
Andrew Calderon – Rapid International Security Services
IG: rapidgroup.ga | Linked In: Rapid International Group, Inc.
