Other gated communities provide several different means for creating a safe environment for the residents who live there. Many of these communities use outside security system companies which offer a variety of security systems to choose from. For example, Gate House Solutions- is a security system that offers mobile visitor check-in, visitor notification, a resident app, and a remote guard system that prints tickets for visitors as they enter the gate. DKS Solutions is another security system company that offers the options seen in the diagram below. We have also investigated additional security system diagrams to assess which would best fit the location of Aspen Heights, Harrisonburg.

 

 

 

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Intervention #1:  

“Video intercoms provide the same features of an audio intercom or telephone entry system but with the enhanced security of visual communication to easily verify the identity of the person at the other end” (Security Innovations, 2016).

One apartment complex in the Harrisonburg area to utilize video intercoms is Urban Exchange. In an interview with one resident at Urban Exchange, I asked what her opinion was on the video intercom and her frequency of use. She replied, “I liked the video intercom because it gave my roommate and I more warning of who was entering. I did not use it a ton, but when I did, I feel it was quite helpful” (Tori Fantasia, March 25, 2018).

Mary Messerly, a Portfolio Manager at Matchbox Realty, says, “We use the Aiphone brand and it has both intercom and video capabilities at the majority of our communities downtown.  We love this option because even though voice is usually a good way to recognize someone—you may not recognize the pizza delivery person or the voice of the person in your class that you only met a few times.  With the video, you have both options, so you can choose to allow or deny entry to those that visit your building. With the voice, it is also helpful to someone that has not entered the building before because you can guide them on how to enter the building and where to come to your apartment. The system also allows you to unlock the door from your apartment so that you don’t have to come down to the front doors to let someone in.  That is super-convenient when you are just waking up, just getting out of the shower or still in your PJ’s. That is personally what we love about our system from the management side of things” (Messerly, Mary, March 18, 2018). 

Based upon best practice research, our group has evaluated another apartment complex in Harrisonburg, Virginia and found that their video intercom system was useful and well-liked.

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Intervention #2:

Quick response codes, or QR codes, are not used widely in apartment complexes yet, but below are multiple uses in other commercial businesses like airports and governmental agencies are utilizing this tool.

“During a recent trip through the Phoenix airport, I was quite surprised and impressed to see the airport embracing them throughout their complex.  Everything from airport directories, downloading airport apps, to requesting maintenance for a specific restroom.  Each sign had a clear call-to-action and offered additional options, such as SMS or website links” (Budurl).

Here is a list from the Digital Gov website giving a few examples of useful ways QR codes can be used:

• “TSA is piloting use of QR codes on airport checkpoint signs to give passengers access to additional information about screening procedures.

• GSA’s Federal Acquisition Service used QR codes at an expo to help attendees track booths that they visited.

• A poster with flu information in a bus stop can have a code that can lead to a website with additional information.

• A piece of equipment can have a QR code that can bring up a reference manual or how-to video.

• The Government Printing Office and National Park Service (NPS) have created QR codes that allow users to download their mobile apps” (QR Codes).

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Intervention #3:

On the J&J Automatic Gate Service and Design website, there is a list of the benefits of Gate Access Codes:

• “You can’t lose it.

• Secure – only you know the access code.

• It’s easy to use – just enter the code.

• Works as a great backup if you lose your remote.

• Low maintenance – just replace the battery.

• Saves you a call to the security gate contractor if you can’t find your remote at the moment.

• It can be programmed to have a feature to allow you to make a distress call to the police” (21 Pros & Cons of using Keypads and Remotes for your Gate, 2018).