Everybody knows if you think your house is being broken into you call 911. With crime rates on the increase more and more people are trying to avert that 3am emergency call by hiring private security. Most H.O.A.'s are restricted by budget so it helps if you get professional advice. Private security companies will provide you with a consultation to assess which direction you need to go. Whether it is a camera system, drive by patrols or an on-site security officer.
Camera systems are mainly used as a deterrent and unless an operator is watching the screens at all times, the likelihood of catching a criminal is at best slim. They are mainly utilized in the identification of suspects after the event. Drives by patrols are by definition better as you have an actual person on-site for a set period of time. They can check access points and provide regular reports for the residents on anything from break-ins to illegally parked vehicles. For the best protection an officer on permanent patrol provides the best service. Giving the local residents peace of mind, and access to 24hr response.
Obviously cost is a major factor, cameras are the cheapest option but have little chance of crime prevention. An on-site guard provides the best protection but will be the most expensive. The pros and cons have to be weighed very carefully but with the right choice, private security can be a very cost effective way of preventing both loss of private property and heartache.
Having decided to use private security the next step is to choose the right company for your own particular needs. Depending on the type of security required (camera , drive by or on-site) the choice of company is important. National companies like ADT will provide camera systems but are loathe to patrol sites that do not have their systems installed. The best option is to go local. Many of the smaller companies will go out of their way to provide the best service possible to residents in their area. This provides a local point of contact and sometimes a better financial option for those people with a smaller budget.
Once in place , the security service you choose can be a welcome sight for residents looking for a safer place in which to live. As a deterrent an officer in uniform can prevent a crime from being committed just by being a visible presence. Like the old adage says; prevention is better than cure.
The right choice for private security poses many questions , but with those questions answered , for peace of mind and protection private security is the right choice.