Video surveillance in apartment complex security systems proactively identifies and responds to a range of security threats.
This includes preventing package theft, car or bicycle theft, responding to fires, assisting individuals in distress, managing elevator entrapments, thwarting break-ins, and addressing various other incidents.
A well-situated apartment complex featuring schools, markets, and ample parking is desirable. However, the top priority for tenants in an apartment complex is security for themselves and their families.
This blog is your one-stop solution to understanding the role of video monitoring in apartment complex security.
We will also discuss the important components required of video monitoring in apartment complex security. And how do these components work together to provide a completely secure apartment complex!
Components of video CCTV monitoring in an apartment complex security
- Security cameras
- Video intercoms
- Package lockers
- RFID access control door locks
- Emergency intercoms
- Remote monitoring services
Apartment security cameras:
A key element in the remote video monitoring of an apartment building or shared living complex is the strategic placement of CCTV cameras.
Contrary to the assumption that towering structures like 50-story apartment complexes require countless cameras, it’s more about strategically positioning them in common areas, entrances, exits, and parking lots to ensure comprehensive coverage.
High-resolution cameras equipped with pan-tilt-zoom features deliver sharp, clear images and are versatile in security applications, including license plate recognition and identifying unusual behaviors.
Dome security cameras, suitable for both indoor and outdoor settings, offer unobtrusive surveillance, ideal for monitoring areas like package locker rooms and elevators.
It’s important to note that CCTV security cameras respect privacy when appropriately placed, avoiding areas where there’s an expectation of privacy, such as bedrooms or bathrooms.
Video intercoms:
Video intercom systems enable visual communication. When placed at entrances, remote operators can verify the identity of visitors before granting them access through video intercoms.
How video intercoms work:
Integrating video CCTV monitoring with access control systems guarantees entry only to authorized individuals. The use of video intercoms simplifies the process, allowing visitors to initiate contact with a single button press.
Remote security operators can then respond through bidirectional audio and unidirectional video, ensuring secure and efficient communication.
The operator can verify credentials by asking pertinent questions and letting the authorized person in the apartment complex. Video intercoms play a strong role in access controls because:
- Operators make sure each visitor has a legitimate reason for entering the apartment complex.
- Delivery personnel are given precise instructions and are monitored and managed via a security camera.
- Service personnel such as electricians and cleaners have to undergo thorough ID verification before being let in.
- The remote concierge also assists in various situations, including when residents forget their keys or encounter issues like malfunctioning doors.
Package lockers:
Package lockers or package locker rooms, are secure storage units designed to receive and store packages.
They are equipped with electronic locking systems to ensure the safety of delivered items and address the escalating issue of package theft.
The first step is to strategically choose a location for the locker room that is convenient for both delivery personnel and residents while ensuring secure access through methods like, keypad codes, or access cards.
The next crucial aspect is fortifying security by implementing a reliable system, such as a keypad or RFID card reader on the locker room door to prevent unauthorized entry and theft.
RFID access control door locks:
RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification) technology is used for secure access control.
Residents are issued RFID cards or key fobs for entry, and the system can be programmed to restrict access to specific areas. The technology provides a higher level of security compared to traditional key-based systems.
The RFID access control door locks in the apartment complex can be placed at the apartment unit doors, gym entrances, pool gates, and other shared facilities.
Emergency intercoms:
Strategically positioned throughout the building in areas like public restrooms, the gym, pool, locker rooms, and parking lot, these intercoms enable residents to quickly call for help in emergency situations.
The systems may be connected to a central monitoring station or directly to emergency services.
Remote real-time CCTV monitoring service
To bolster the security of your condo or apartment complex, incorporating additional lighting, advanced RFID locks, and AI security cameras with pan, tilt, and zoom features is vital.
However, the true effectiveness of these high-tech solutions hinges on their integration with a state-of-the-art remote live video monitoring center, providing an essential extra layer of security.
In a remote CCTV monitoring service for an apartment complex, all security devices such as cameras, motion detectors, and sensors are linked to a centralized security operations center.
When an alarm is triggered, the vigilant operators at the security operations center respond in real-time following your pre-established SOPs, such as intervening with audio talk-downs, calling the police, etc.
The benefits of apartment complex security systems
- Effectively reduces theft and vandalism
- Fastest emergency response
- Secure package deliveries
- Quick detection of security breaches
- Provides evidence in incidents
Effectively reduces theft and vandalism
The biggest benefit of apartment complex security via live remote video monitoring is the prompt detection of thieves and vandals.
Across Canada, various condo residents have become frustrated over mail and package thefts, multiple instances of condo break-ins, and stolen bikes and cars from the condo parking lot. A lot of people are now moving out of condos for better safety and security.
How does remote video monitoring reduce theft and vandalism?
The AI-equipped CCTV cameras, strategically placed within and around the apartment complex, serve a dual purpose.
Firstly, their mere presence acts as a deterrent to potential criminals, who are aware that being detected by these cameras significantly increases the risk of facing serious consequences.
Furthermore, if criminals are lurking around the apartment complex to break in and commit crimes, camera AI detects them early on, allowing them to be stopped before causing any damage.
When the camera AI detects suspicious behavior, alarms are activated at the remote video monitoring center. The trained operators quickly assess the situation via live video feeds and act according to the pre-established SOPs.
Faster emergency response
Remote video monitoring offers the fastest emergency response to security. Apartment complex residents or tenants often complain about missing valuables.
This may be because of loiterers hanging around the apartment complex for indefinite periods and may indulge in picking up stuff as they leave.
How does remote video monitoring respond faster to emergencies?
Advanced video monitoring systems, powered by intelligent AI algorithms, efficiently detect and notify security personnel of instances where individuals linger or remain in prohibited areas longer than permitted.
Remote video monitoring facilitates the early detection of crimes, enabling swift responses from security operators who are trained to promptly dispatch the necessary assistance.
Furthermore, when operators can confirm to the police that a crime is actively occurring, emergency responses are accelerated.
Secure package deliveries
Remote video monitoring proves to be the safest and ideal way to manage deliveries and visitors in the apartment complex. A survey discloses that over 23% of Canadians had their packages stolen from “porch pirates.”
According to a report by Finder, stolen packages cause an eye-popping figure of 784 million dollars in losses.
Most of the time, the packages are delivered in the afternoons, when most multi-family apartment owners are away for work and there is not always sufficient space in the hallways for them.
So the best way to go about it is in a dedicated package room.
How does remote video monitoring facilitate secure package deliveries?
Continuous security is maintained via a robust locking mechanism, which involves implementing a secure system that keeps the locker room locked at all times, allowing entry only with a valid code or card.
Residents are provided with unique codes or individual access cards, ensuring exclusive and secure entry for retrieving their packages.
Additionally, integrating an automated system ensures that the room locks automatically when a resident leaves, providing ongoing protection against unauthorized access and package theft.
In the event of a lost key or card or other unforeseen situations, a remote security operator can grant access to the resident, employee or subcontractor after thorough verification via two-way audio and one-way video through a security camera and intercom placed at the entrance of the locker room.
Quick detection of security breaches
AI-enabled video surveillance cameras significantly improve the quick identification of security threats like ‘tailgating.’
Through remote monitoring, each entry is verified for authorization, effectively helping to prevent unauthorized access that might occur when someone follows an authorized individual through a secure entry point.
How does remote video monitoring enable quick detection of security breaches?
Once an individual attempts to enter behind another authorized person, the alarm is activated at the remote central location.
Remote operators then access live video feeds to identify the trespassing individual and intervene using audio talk-downs.
For instance, in a scenario such as an apartment complex with card reader-protected facilities like a pool or gym entry, our AI system will detect and highlight any person trying to enter without a valid access card behind an authorized individual.
Provides evidence in incidents
The primary purpose of a security camera is to capture visual information for monitoring and safeguarding a location. These video feeds can be used in the future as evidence in incidents such as theft or loitering.
How does remote video monitoring provide evidence in incidents?
The retention period for security footage in apartment buildings varies. It is typically based on legal requirements, but many establishments keep footage for a set duration, often ranging from a few days to several months.
Apartment building security system via remote video monitoring or security guards
The biggest features that make a security system complete are access controls and a continuous check of apartment complex security.
Some complex apartment owners may choose security guards, but remote monitoring surpasses security guards in many aspects.
Security guards offer a physical presence limited by human errors, while live video monitoring provides 24/7/365 effective surveillance.
Here we have listed a few security features that can be better performed by remote monitoring than by security guards:
Access control system
Access controls are the first step towards securing apartment complex security. Remote video monitoring gives you full control over who enters and exits, whether it is the residents, workers, visitors, or delivery personnel.
Personalized cards and virtual passes are given to apartment complex residents to enter places like buildings, gyms, pools, storage rooms, and parking garages.
These cards are customized to fit each person’s needs while making sure everything stays secure.
Virtual guard tour
The remote operators function as virtual guards, accessing all cameras at predetermined times to review live video feeds and check for anything out of the ordinary.
These scheduled checks can occur multiple times during the day or night and accurately detect people in distress or on the floor, door ajar, smoking, someone smoking in a prohibited area, flooding in underground parking lots, etc.
Conclusion
Real-time video monitoring for apartment complexes increases overall security by detecting and promptly addressing security breaches.
Video remote monitoring with AI-equipped CCTV cameras enhances security by preventing theft and ensuring a prompt response.
Striking a balance between security and privacy, this system provides controlled access, surveillance, and a comprehensive security strategy.
Contact us to schedule a consultation and fortify the safety of your apartment complex security.
