According to the latest National Multifamily Housing Council (NMHC) report, over half of renters said security was their main concern when choosing their new home. These stats show just how crucial this area of multifamily management is for attracting and retaining residents, as well as for successfully protecting both occupied and vacant properties.
With multiple entry and exit points, common spaces shared among residents, and car parking facilities, the requirement for perimeter video for multifamily properties is clear. Camera security, and more specifically perimeter video surveillance, not only improves safety by providing an oversight of the status of the properties, but can also deter unwanted visitors.
When installing this tech, there are a number of aspects to consider, including:
Choosing camera locations to ensure privacy
It's essential that managers balance the need and desire for heightened security measures with protecting their residents' right to privacy. The aim is to enhance security and deter criminal activity, but constant monitoring could make residents feel that their personal space is being invaded.
Carefully selecting appropriate camera locations is crucial for maintaining security while respecting residents' privacy. Cameras should be strategically placed to monitor high-risk areas such as entrances, exits, parking lots, and common areas like courtyards and hallways. However, it's essential to avoid installing cameras in places where residents have a reasonable expectation of privacy, such as inside apartments, locker rooms, or swimming pools.
To achieve a good balance, operators need to clearly communicate with their residents, informing them about where cameras will be installed, and explaining the rationale behind these choices to ease any concerns. By being open and transparent, residents will feel reassured that their privacy is being respected while their safety is being considered.
Installation Process: Ensuring Compliance and ConfidenceInstalling perimeter video technology needs to be carried out with close attention to privacy and legal compliance. Operators must ensure that the surveillance system adheres to all relevant local, state, and federal laws regarding video surveillance. This includes providing adequate notice to residents and obtaining any necessary permissions.
During installation, it's advisable to work with reputable security professionals who understand the legal and ethical implications of video surveillance. These experts can help design a system that maximizes security coverage without impacting residents' privacy.
Video Analytics: Smart Settings for Efficiency and Privacy
AI is revolutionizing the world of security, particularly when it comes to perimeter video solutions. AI-enhanced video technology analyzes video feeds in real-time, providing more accurate and efficient surveillance. It takes detection to the next level by differentiating movement from the environment and potential security breaches while classifying objects accurately and differentiating between a person, animal or vehicle.
Not only can AI-enhanced perimeter video surveillance provide a more secure environment but it offers numerous benefits to operators. Video is automatically analyzed and filtered with managers being alerted to specific moments during the recording, meaning they don't have to sort through hours of footage. The latest AI perimeter video functionality, AI Deterrence (AID), can even automatically warn trespassers with an AI-generated voice that they have been spotted and should move on as the camera is recording them, with no requirement for any human interaction or activity.
Saving Time and ResourcesBy thoughtfully considering privacy during the installation and operation of perimeter video technology, operators can not only enhance security but also save valuable time and resources. Efficient AI analytics reduce the need for constant human monitoring, and could even do away with expensive security surveillance and patrols, allowing management teams to focus on other essential tasks and protect their bottom line.