BASIC NECESSITY OF AN APARTMENT - SECURITY

Dear ALL, 

Let us now brainstorm on the most priority issue at hand - SECURITY. 

First, we need to look at a few areas before we start to decide which and what kind of security that suits our needs and the residence perimeters best. In our modern 21st century world today, there is no doubt that the high tech and advance components of camera and satellite surveillance have deterred many crime spates in the world. However, in certain situations, more conservative approaches are required as well in certain situations that require our physical security guards to do their rounds in the perimeters or in the walkways/stair wells particularly in the apartment concept residence. So, in my opinion, the pros and cons of each alternatives below needs presented in the meetings and evaluated before a final decision is reached on which to choose from. Of course, there is always no such thing as a perfect tool that oversees everything considering that both CCTV and security guards industry thrive in Malaysia and everywhere in the world: 

1) Security Guards (4 persons in a day shift/4 persons in a night shift) - existing approach 
Correct me if I am wrong, but there SHOULD be ONE guard EACH sitting in the lobbies of block A and block B; and TWO guards in the guard house IF ONE of them is not patrolling or doing his rounds of time clocking. 
COST: approx MYR 11,520 (RM4.8/person X 10 hrs X 8 X 30 days) 
PROS: the guards make their rounds from each of the clocking points set in the apartment being a preventive measure against prospective break in. Security from the external environment such as control of outsiders movements from the main entry/exit point is high. The solution of internal conflicts between residents is medium (assuming there is no need of police being called in). 
CONS: That the above PROS are being professionally executed. e.g: the guards make their clocking rounds, and not just literally walking to the clock's destination and back to the his original task (guard house/lobby). The person needs to reasonably carry out patrolling duties in each floor after making his clocking point on the 14th floor. Residents' feedback is important here to ensure that the security guards are carrying out their Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) professionally. The need of walkie talkie to be appropriately utilised. 

2) Additional physical security system in the lobby (proposal) 
- a security barrier/wall/gate to be implemented in both lobbies of block A & block B. 
- card system 
COST: MEDIUM (in the region of RM 10k to RM30k) - 1 off payment 
PROS: Undoubtedly strengthen our defences against unwanted trespassers or burglars. The proposal to allocate the existing guard at the lobby to monitor the entry/exit point of the barrier will definitely prove this additional barrier's worth. 
CONS: Options either only 1 card to be assigned to the guard at the additional entry/exit point or multiple cards to be assigned to each residence needs to be carefully assessed. Personally, quantitative wise, the latter would prove to be a strain on the funds balance in consideration of many factors such as costs in relation to number of cards to be issued/lost cards, costs related to the installations of the unique locator assigned to each resident's unit, and etc. 

3) Additional physical security system adjacent to guard house (proposal) 
- the small cleavage footpath whereby RESIDENTS/visitors on foot regularly passes through both exit and entry points will need to go through gates that are to be installed. 
- all residents will need to be issued a resident card (with photograph) 
COSTS: LOW 
PROS: another proposal to strengthen security defence and to discourage uninvited guests into AA. 
CONS: At peak period, ONE guard would prove to be a challenge attending all these issues such as issuing visitor cards and collecting visitor cards from both entry / exit points (assuming the other is on patrol duties). The entry log book of visitors needs to be strictly monitored. 

4) CCTV (recorded) 
- installation of CCTVs in recommended areas proposed by CCTV consultants. 
- can be combined with option #1 thereby proposing to reduce the number of guards 
COST: MEDIUM - HIGH (depending on how many units installed plus the main equipment themselves) - one off payment 
PROS: Undoubtedly a wise crime prevention option nowadays as long as the CCTVs are placed in the "RIGHT" areas. 
CONS: May encourage ineffectiveness of security guards in carrying out their duties. Also, it could be classified as a reactive measure in combating burglary as the frames are recorded if any burglars are able to made through the screening by the security guards. Additionally, take consideration of possibilities of insider jobs? 

5) CCTV (live) 
- installation of CCTVs in recommended areas proposed by CCTV consultants. 
- can be combined with option #1 thereby proposing to reduce the number of guards 
- surveillance established by external consultants 
- authorised residents/personnel/security guards are able to access into internet for live monitor of CCTVs. 
COST: HIGH (depending on how many units installed plus the main equipment themselves) - one off payment and monthly maintenance cost of surveillance by security agencies. 
PROS: Undoubtedly a wise crime prevention option nowadays as long as the CCTVs are placed in the "RIGHT" areas. Preventive measure in combating burglars. All actions and movements will be monitored indiscreetly. 
CONS: May encourage ineffectiveness of security guards in carrying out their duties. Ever think of privacy? Real pricey. 

The magnitude we place our financial categories based on our assumptions are: 

LOW: below RM 10,000 
MEDIUM: in the region of RM 10,001 to RM 30,000 
HIGH: RM 30,001 and above 

The categories are based on the facts and figures we are informed through the recent AGM. 

And finally don't forget that all the above will need to go through our hard earned savings in the maintenance fees account. But there is a saying, you win some and you lose some, but if you lose some for a greater cause, why not?