There is a great deal of news and civil debate on the best approach to crime in our society and what should the justice system do to and for offenders to strike a balance in rising costs of incarceration, providing a real opportunity for rehabilitation, and providing better community support programs that serve as preventive measures to crime.

For community associations, the impact of criminal activity takes on greater urgency with more immediate consequences. Community associations face risks of insurance coverage being unattainable or canceled. Moreover, the association also faces litigation risks for alleged negligence or other claims relating to its exposure to the crime.

While an association cannot control society as a whole and what is being done with criminal offenders, it can take the following operational steps to help secure its residents and property:

1. Proper resident registration/application process that ensures every resident is processed and their information registered in the association resident roster. The association should discuss the best legal with its management team and attorney if the governing documents do not contain any screening or approval provisions

2. Proper gate/entrance, amenities systems and procedures that ensure only the registered residents are gaining access to the community entrances and amenities.

3. Parking enforcement system and procedures ensure that only registered residents and their guests can park vehicles in the community.

4. Parking and common area lighting is fully operational, and there are no dark areas that present a risk to the association.

5. Perimeter barriers around the community that are interrupted and has the maximum allowable height. This could be metal fencing, wall, or landscaping.

6. Security cameras installed in key risk areas of the community. There are service providers that offer monitored security camera services, which is more responsive to ongoing incidents.

7. Crime watch group or committee that evaluates ongoing crime risks and works with management for solutions. Additionally, the committee can also work with local government such as the crime watch police liaison or district commission to ensure any ongoing issues are on the radar and the community if needed, receives additional patrols from local officers.

Acting on these seven items will help provide for the community’s safety and reflect that the association is addressing any major risk factors that could pose a safety or liability concern.