Knowledge & Expertise
Professional security begins with understanding risk. Since 2016, 3D Security's leadership has contributed articles to industry publications addressing condominium security, threat and risk assessments, crime prevention, access control and emerging security challenges.
These publications reflect the practical knowledge and consulting experience that helped establish 3D Security.
By monitoring local crime trends — usually easily accessible from local police websites — board and committee members can keep abreast of what is taking place in their backyard. When a security problem or vulnerability arises, the traditional method of dealing with it is to look for the most cost-effective, or no-cost, method to address it, rather than the most security-effective solution.
Advice for security professionals who may encounter persons in distress or dealing with a mental health issue. Currently, one in five Canadians suffer from a mental health issue. Given the nature of security work, the chances of encountering a person with a mental health issue is much higher than 20 per cent.
Condominiums have several choices when it comes to addressing security concerns within the building. One of the most important points that a condominium should keep in mind is that their security systems must be integrated — all the different components must be harmonized so they are in sync with one another.
Assessing and upgrading security procedures and equipment for condominium buildings comes with its own specific set of requirements. Condominiums face several challenges when it comes to implementing and upgrading security, including governance structures and the diversity of board expertise.
As condominium residents become more knowledgeable about the responsibilities of a condominium corporation and management, the security of the building is quickly becoming a more frequent topic of discussion at many board meetings and AGMs.
Properly maintained condominiums are less likely to be targets of crime. CPTED — Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design — is a concept known and utilized for the past 50 years for the purpose of reducing opportunities for crime while increasing responsible and positive use of the property.
Two recent events in Toronto have called into question the security of master keys in condo buildings — including a case where a master key was stolen and used to access storage lockers, and a locksmith company advertising that it will copy security locks for condo owners.
Tail-gating is when an unauthorized person follows a resident into a condo building to bypass security. Traditional remedies continue to be a challenge, and recent innovations in delivery services may raise additional security concerns, placing renewed importance on access control.
As technology and knowledge advance, clients are expecting more from their security providers. The security dealer who presents recommendations referencing established security principles — such as Layered Protection or Defence in Depth — is bound to stand out from the masses.
A well-functioning security solution is transparent to the end-user — it is only if the security system fails that it comes to the attention of management. Recent advances in equipment have made video surveillance systems and other technologies much more useful and affordable to condominiums.
The purpose of implementing CPTED principles into the design of the condominium is to reduce the opportunities for crime that are inherent in the design of condominiums or their neighbourhoods. CPTED has a proven record of being properly researched and utilized successfully on an international basis.
Condominiums are a different type of animal when it comes to security management. This article examines the Ontario Condominium Act as a primary reference, with notes on similarities to other provincial legislation, and addresses the unique governance and security challenges condominium boards face.
Within the condominium industry, there has recently been concern about third-party suppliers that are duplicating fobs for owners. Most worrisome is the lack of control that the condominium corporation can now exercise over access within the facility.
Property managers wear many hats when it comes to safeguarding the assets and residents of the building. Condominium security has evolved significantly — from ensuring door closures functioned and daily CCTV tapes were changed, to modern integrated security solutions.
Condominium security has undergone many changes over recent years. The topic has become far more complex with the advancement of technology in security equipment — and it is important to keep up with these changes, as the criminals targeting buildings are also becoming more sophisticated.
All articles are preserved in the 3D Security archive. Links open PDFs in a new tab.
Our consulting background and published research inform every security programme we design.
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