Community Encampment Response Team
In addition to being a complicated public policy issue, homelessness is a humanitarian crisis. On top of that, unmanaged encampments on private property can create immediate operational, liability, and safety risks for tenants and homeowners. Customer aversion, vandalism, and blocked access can also reduce your property’s value and NOI.
That is where the services of our seasoned security experts at Green Knight Security come in, offering you and your property maximum security. We assist property managers in upholding local laws, de-escalating and resolving incidents, and coordinating with local law enforcement and outreach partners to protect places, people, and brand reputations.
As the number of encampments increases, having an encampment response team on standby can help reduce your liability as a property owner. Do not hesitate to contact us wherever you are in Los Angeles to discuss various security solutions we can offer you to ensure your and your property’s safety.
Homeless encampments are informal settlements (tents, vehicles, and structures) where homeless people live. In most cases, you are more likely to find encampments along highways, under bridges, and in parks, and people who live here often lack access to basic needs. Generally speaking, more than half a million people nationwide go unhoused, representing about 0.2 percent of the country’s population.
Homelessness was first recognized as a national problem in 1870, and the problem has since become worse. Unfortunately, as the number of encampments grows, you will face increased liability as a property or homeowner, necessitating the use of an encampment response team.
Recurrent public disorder and encampment can reduce foot traffic, raise operating costs, and lower sales. Emerging empirical research has started to quantify these impacts. For example:
A recent study of Los Angeles homes found that approximately 41% of properties with homeless encampments within 0.2-0.3 miles sold for an average of 1.41% less than comparable homes. That translates to over $752 million spread across more than 49,000 properties.
The City Auditor’s report on the city’s homeless response summarizes that homelessness-related sanitation, enforcement, and service costs have increased significantly for municipalities
In industrial parks, retail centers, and multifamily communities, the impacts of homelessness are straightforward. However, an encampment response team can help protect your asset or property value through lawful and consistent control, supported by partnerships, documentation, and police outreach.
When you partner with a security company as your encampment response team, they will work with you to determine the appropriate security solution for your home or private property. Here are four security options that can meet your specific needs and ensure maximum security in your home or private property, especially if they are near homeless encampments:
An Off-duty Law Enforcement Officer to Provide Security for Your Home or Private Property
When choosing security services, it is critical to work with an experienced and highly trained police officer whose primary responsibility is protection and security. Because law enforcement officers are frequently exposed to a variety of security risks and threats, an off-duty law enforcement officer may be an ideal option for your home or private property. Off-duty officers are sharp and skilled in every situation.
Contrary to popular belief, a police officer’s authority does not diminish when they are not on duty. Even when a police officer is off-duty, he/she cannot watch a homeless or unhoused person commit a crime and refuse to intervene.
The officer has the power to make an arrest or even request backup if a potentially dangerous situation arises, making them the perfect security personnel for your property if you are worried about theft or break-ins.
Although the majority of security guards aspire to become law enforcers, becoming a security guard is not a direct route to becoming a law enforcement officer. Outstanding qualities that make off-duty police officers different from typical security guards or personnel include the following:
Interpersonal skill
Communication skills
Exceptional moral character
Dedicated and committed to the community
Critical thinking
Problem-solving skills
These essential characteristics enable security personnel to handle situations with the least amount of disruption. These officers know when to use force and when to warn suspects before taking action. As long as the officer has proper identification, he/she has the authority to carry a hidden gun anywhere.
To that end, an off-duty police officer can provide security services to homeowners and property owners and respond to threats from homeless or unhoused people more effectively and efficiently than a typical security guard. Hiring an off-duty enforcement officer is also advantageous because he/she comprehends the law and can enforce it where necessary.
As a property owner or homeowner, knowing you have a skilled expert who can enforce the law can provide peace of mind. You can trust an armed law enforcement officer to keep you, your assets, and your loved ones safe at all times. Depending on your unique needs, the off-duty police officer could show up in an official uniform, business attire, or plainclothes.
A uniformed law enforcement officer can offer you more protection and security than a typical security guard. When a homeless or unhoused person is considering committing a crime within your property, the presence of a uniformed officer may cause them to reconsider.
Patrol and Surveillance of Your Home or Private Property
If you are a homeowner or property owner, you could benefit from the patrol and surveillance services if you need security in your home or private property, but you do not need posted security guards permanently. Your encampment response team will offer you the services explained below:
Help open all of the facilities that were locked the night before at a particular time
Respond to your home alarms and determine whether there was a forcible entry, and call the police when necessary
Help install security cameras to deter the homeless or unhoused people from loitering around your private property
Remote live video monitoring with a seasoned security expert constantly monitoring feeds from your security cameras
Survey your property or home to identify potential security vulnerabilities. Site surveys can help determine whether the preexisting security measures are effective and whether you need an upgrade of your security measures on your private property or home
Help conduct after-hours door checks to ensure all doors are locked and alarms are set. Even if you have an off-duty security officer to keep an eye on your property, ensuring all your properties’ doors are safe and secure at night is crucial
Help secure and lock your garage, swimming pool area, outbuildings, and other facilities at the time you choose
Armed Security Protection Services for Your Home or Private Property
Police officers are always searching for ways to reduce homelessness and crime. However, private security personnel outnumber law enforcement officers. According to a Forbes report, there were 660,000 police officers and 1,100,000 private security personnel in 2017. That means the lack of resources, time, and personnel limits law enforcement agencies.
As a result, it is nearly impossible for law enforcement officers to enter private residences to offer safety and security services, making collaboration with a security company a more efficient and cost-effective solution. Although having armed security guards on your property or home has many advantages, their primary responsibilities are to deter possible threats and respond quickly to any that occur.
An experienced security company will understand how to deal with your specific situation while prioritizing your safety and that of your property. Generally speaking, having armed security personnel on your property will discourage intruders from committing crimes or making dangerous threats. Additionally, their presence also conveys that you prioritize your and your property’s safety seriously.
In addition to watching over your property, an encampment response team will monitor the activities and visitors. They do that by monitoring the exits and entrances to your premises by searching all individuals.
The guards you will work with will accomplish this by monitoring the entrances and exits to your property and searching all visitors and their luggage to ensure that nobody brings an unlawful substance into your home. The security guards are also properly trained to identify and address suspicious incidents and situations before they escalate into criminal offenses. These experts help do that by:
Breaking up loitering groups or unhoused people
Performing random patrol visits
Implementing access control
Reporting unusual behaviors or conduct to the relevant authorities
Unarmed Security Guarding Services for Your Private Property
It is your duty as a homeowner or property owner to ensure that your property and everyone on the premises are safe. You cannot overlook or take these critical duties lightly, especially with the growing number of encampments and unhoused individuals. One effective way to protect your worthwhile investment and loved ones is to hire unarmed security personnel.
While most people believe that armed guards provide the best security solution, that is not necessarily true. There are several reasons why hiring unarmed security personnel would be an excellent choice for your facility.
Generally speaking, the security firm you choose should help you determine a cost-effective and appropriate security strategy for your home or property. Some of the factors your prospective security company will consider when determining a suitable security plan that suits your unique preferences include the following:
Whether you have many people who live in the property or home
Whether your property or home contains several precious items, including cash, jewelry, and equipment
Whether the location of the property is prone to criminal activities
Your security company is more likely to recommend working with unarmed security personnel if you do not have valuable items on your property and the location has a low crime rate. Working with unarmed security personnel in your home or property has numerous benefits. An unarmed officer serves as your primary defense against unwanted visitors and trespassers.
The presence of an unarmed officer on your property or home can help deter vandals, trespassers, and criminals from attempting to destroy or camp there. When an incident occurs, these officers will be the first ones to respond, utilizing their training and experience to address any ongoing security risk.
Unarmed security officers can quickly resolve disputes without weapons. Other advantages of working with unarmed security personnel on your private property include the following:
They provide you with peace of mind — It gives you a sense of security and tranquility to know that a trustworthy person is watching over your property to keep it safe from potential damage by homeless people.
Their services are affordable — If you have any cost concerns as a homeowner or property owner, working with unarmed security personnel could be a cost-friendly option, particularly if your home or property is not in a location that is prone to crimes
Local laws assist security guards and property managers in determining how to handle structures, tents, and camp “paraphernalia” on or near your property. Here are two vital roles that security guards and property managers consider when making their decisions:
Penal Code 647e
Under Penal Code (PC) 646e, it is illegal to lodge, also commonly referred to as “squatting,” in a vehicle, structure, place, or building, whether private or public, without the owner’s consent or permission to take possession.
While the enforcement of this law has become controversial due to the growing rate of homelessness and housing prices, this offense could attract misdemeanor penalties after conviction, including a fine of not more than $1,000 and up to 1 year in jail.
Penal Code 602
PC 602 makes it illegal to stay or enter another person’s property or home without his/her permission. Remaining on another person’s property after being asked to leave could also attract trespass charges under PC 602. A conviction under this statute could attract the following potential misdemeanor penalties:
Up to six months of jail time
A fine not exceeding $1,000
Criminal enforcement could be necessary when someone commits any of these offenses. However, a security guard will act only within his/her authority and training, prioritizing documentation, engagement, observation, and reporting.
In addition to being a threat to people’s safety, unhoused people or homeless people living in encampments could pose a safety risk on your property or home. If you are looking for a reliable security company or encampment response team to protect your home or private property, you should consider the following factors:
Whether the Security Guard Officers are Familiar With Local Laws
A security guard who understands local laws will know when to involve law enforcement when handling conflicts or any other security issues. For example, when someone trespasses on a property and refuses to leave, a security guard can report the matter to law enforcement officers for appropriate legal action.
Whether the Team is Courteous
A reliable security company should have courteous and respectful security guards who can document and escalate issues when necessary. The training of a security guard emphasizes precise record-keeping and respectful contact, which are vital when a case escalates to a criminal matter and law enforcement intervention is required.
Whether the Company Offers Flexible Security Services
The security company you partner with can tailor their services based on your budget, where your property is located, and other risks. For instance, where you live and whether you have valuable items in your home will determine whether the security company will give you armed or unarmed security officers.
When homeless people set up encampments on your private property, the associated costs could extend far beyond the immediate visual impact. As a property owner or homeowner, you could face the following:
Safety and Health Risks
Human waste, dirty needles, and other waste materials could pose a safety and health risk to you, employees, customers, and other users of the property.
Extensive Clean-Up Costs
Removing hazardous, trash, and biohazardous materials, including syringes and needles, may require the services of a specialist, which is costly.
Reputation Damage
A neglected property will affect nearby businesses and reduce the community’s overall appeal.
Property Damage
Vandalism and fires are other security issues associated with homeless encampments, which can leave you with costly repair work.
If your home or property is near a homeless encampment, working with a security firm to provide security services is a decision you cannot regret. In addition to protecting your safety, the security company can offer you specialized services to protect your property value.
People could often end up homeless or unhoused for various reasons, including health issues, economic hardship, and family issues. However, there are humane and effective ways you can handle the risks that come with growing homelessness and encampments.
We at Green Knight Security are aware of the safety risks associated with having a home or operating a commercial establishment in a location with several homeless encampments. If you need security services for encampments to protect your home or commercial establishment, you can count on us to offer tailor-made services.
Call us at 844-457-8326 to schedule your initial obligation-free consultation with us, wherever you are in Los Angeles.
Surveillance and patrol of the private property services are tailored to accommodate private property owners with security needs but don’t require permanently posted security officers. The personnel offers the following services:
Any skilled security company should have mobile patrol officers performing night checks to ensure your property is empty, alarms set, and all doors secure and safe.
Your community encampment response team will lock and secure your outbuildings, garage, offices, swimming pool area, among other facilities, at the precise time that you determine.
This service differs from the lock-up services. The security officer will open all the facilities locked the previous night at a specific time.
On top of standard security services, your security providers should offer an evaluation that determines your private property’s vulnerabilities. It functions as either an upgrade review for your established environment or a pre-services analysis.
Instead of having the management or police officers respond at the wee hours of the night, you can take advantage of the alarm response services. It will also save you money since many police departments charge a lot of money for false alarm responses. The security company will look for forcible entry and contact the police when required. It will ensure your alarms are reset after searching and securing your facility.
They will also ensure that late-arriving residents are authorized to get into your property.
Installing a security camera outside the property is an excellent strategy to deter unhoused persons from loitering on the property and minimize crime. If a person sees a security camera monitoring the facility, they are less likely to camp there.
Additionally, the cameras can assist you in getting law enforcers when a person is causing a nuisance or loitering. Generally, police receive numerous calls regarding disturbances, but only a few are taken seriously. Video footage makes your case a priority, and the law enforcement agency will handle it timely.
The camera system could send a cloud-based alert to a smartphone should an intrusion occur and contact the police.
Installing a security camera outside the property is an excellent strategy to deter unhoused persons from loitering on the property and minimize crime. If a person sees a security camera monitoring the facility, they are less likely to camp there.
Additionally, the cameras can assist you in getting law enforcers when a person is causing a nuisance or loitering. Generally, police receive numerous calls regarding disturbances, but only a few are taken seriously. Video footage makes your case a priority, and the law enforcement agency will handle it timely.
The camera system could send a cloud-based alert to a smartphone should an intrusion occur and contact the police.
Live video monitoring can offer you the degree of protection you want if you want to safeguard your facility from theft, vandalism, or loitering. With video monitoring, a skilled security agent can constantly monitor feeds from security cameras, ensuring all criminal activities are detected instantly, and the agent handles the matter accordingly. The agent can determine whether it is a loiterer, false alarm, severe criminal conduct ongoing.
Your agent might talk to the unhoused via speakers and request them to leave. Should they fail to leave, the security agent might contact the police and have them removed from your property.
Your certified patrol service provider should be available for an after-hours check upon management request.
As far as hiring security services is concerned, working with highly-trained and experienced officers whose priority is safety and protection is essential. Since police officers are exposed to different security threats and risks, an off-duty police officer might be the best choice for your property security. They are highly skilled and sharp in all situations.
Being “off the clock” does not strip the law enforcer of power. They can’t watch an unhoused person engage in a robbery and do nothing because they aren’t on duty. If a possibly hazardous situation happens, the officer can arrest or even call for backup. It makes them ideal security guards, especially if you’re worried about break-in or theft.
Police officers undergo a considerable amount of training before earning their badge and continuous training throughout their careers. Their training covers state, federal, and local laws, emergency response, crowd control, police ethics, firearms, drug and substance abuse, and first aid. Although most security guards might be interested in law enforcement, being a security guard isn’t a shortcut to being a police officer. Qualities that set them apart from standard security guards include:
These qualities assist your off-duty police officer resolve issues with the least disturbance. They know when to apply force and typically warn any suspect before acting.
The Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act permits eligible retired and active law enforcers to move around with hidden firearms. In other words, the officers can carry guns anywhere provided they have proper identification. Therefore, a policeman or woman who isn’t on official duty can offer security for private property and respond to any threat from persons without homes more sufficiently than a security guard.
A police officer is credible, has the authority to use their training and capability to execute appropriate security measures swiftly and safely. They are inspired by crime prevention, act in emergencies, and prioritize safety. That means they can do more to protect you and what matters to you the most, your property.
An off-duty police officer understands the law because they enforce it. It can eliminate challenges that might arise when handling persons without homes. Knowing that you not only have an expert trained in the law but can also enforce it gives you peace of mind.
Do you have precious goods, jewelry, furniture, equipment, or antique at your property? Or would you like VIP and executive protection for guests and clients?
With an armed police officer as your security provider, you can be assured that your loved ones, assets, and you are safe 24/7. The officers are familiar with criminal dealings and can plug gaps in your security efforts before you know they exist.
Depending on your specific needs, an off-duty policeman or woman can be an in-plain outfit, official work uniform, or business attire. A uniformed police officer will offer more protection than a standard security guard. If an unhoused individual is contemplating committing an offense, they might think twice after learning a police officer is present.
Apartments, condo complexes, gated communities, businesses, buildings, among other private properties, share typical threats, including assaults, vandalism, break-ins, loitering, burglary, and property theft. While electronic gates and alarm systems are effective security measures, they have limitations.
A practical security program must include on-site skilled security guards. Your security provider should understand your unique and pressing threat needs. That way, they recognize the essence of learning your private property, residents, and building characteristics, developing a plan for identifying and mitigating risks.
Your security personnel can function as a first responder to an unusual occurrence or emergency. Their expertise and training allow them to secure the scene promptly. They will remain calm and take the necessary steps to gather the required information for further investigations, ensuring the matter is resolved effectively.
The off-duty police officer also assists law enforcement by ensuring that medical or fire personnel locate the scene efficiently without wasting time. They can also maintain the scene’s integrity by keeping residents, unhoused persons, and motor vehicles at a distance, permitting emergency responders to do their work.
On top of their response at the scene, the officer can receive a quicker response from the emergency service. They can call in a code on their radio. Even when they do not have the radio, they can contact emergency dispatchers more effectively.
Your entry gate is the doorway to your building or home. Without keen supervision, any person can quickly enter and leave your property at any time. A police officer at the entrance will keep unfamiliar or uninvited persons out and convey to them a message that you prioritize your security.
Your security guard will create a strong first impression while simultaneously being friendly to your residents. They can maintain your visitors’ book, check identification, secure and open gates at specific times, and offer the visitor and resident assistance.
Police patrols safeguard your private property from potential community encampments and promptly detect security concerns. The official can perform both irregular and regular vehicle or foot patrols on your asset and around the perimeter. It gives you confidence that a person is available should your safety be at risk.
Law enforcement can also identify suspicious conduct, monitor parking, control traffic, and enforce noise regulations.
Community Encampment Response Team
Law enforcement agencies are constantly looking for methods to reduce crime and the unhoused rate. However, there are more private security guards than police officers. According to Forbes, there were six hundred and sixty-six thousand police officers and one million one and hundred thousand private security officers in 2017.
That means the police department is limited due to the lack of personnel, resources, and time. It is almost impossible for a police officer to go onto all private properties to ensure their security and safety, making private security services a more cost-effective and efficient method.
Although there are numerous benefits of having an armed security presence for your private property, the leading roles for your armed security guard are deterring potential threats and responding promptly to immediate security threats. Any experienced armed security company in Los Angeles knows how to handle various situations with protecting your assets and loved ones as their priority.
Typically, the presence of armed security guards with firearms will deter aggressors from making hazardous threats or committing a crime on your asset. Additionally, they send a message that you take security and safety seriously. The guards offer a degree of safety that is second to none; monitoring and alarm systems cannot do that.
Should your aggressor decide to execute their criminal plans, your security guard should know how to respond appropriately and fast, using their knowledge and specialized training. They can use conflict resolution, among other de-escalation methods, allowing the likelihood of peaceful solutions.
On top of preventing potential criminal activities, your guard keeps a close tab on the activities and guests in your facility. They will help monitor entrances and exits from the facility and search individuals or bags so that no one brings an illegal product to your home or building. Additionally, they can identify and handle suspicious situations before they result in a crime, such as:
Other services offered by armed security guards include:
As a property owner, you are accountable for the security of the property and persons in the facility. You cannot take these duties lightly, particularly in the increased rate of unhoused persons. Engaging unarmed security guards is an effective method to protect your investment.
Most people think that armed security guards are the optimal security solution. Nevertheless, that isn’t always the case. There are numerous reasons why an unarmed guard might be the best fit for your preference.
Your security company should assist you in determining the most practical and pocket-friendly security strategy for your situation. Here are essential questions to consider:
An unarmed guard acts as the first line of defense against unwanted trespassers and guests. Their presence deters vandals and thieves from trying to camp in or destroy the property. Should an incident occur, they are the first to act, using their training to respond to any active security threat. While they don’t have weapons, they are trained to resolve conflict swiftly.
Other benefits include:
Peace of mind — Knowing that a person is protecting your property from harm brings a sense of safety and calm.
Affordability — If you’re concerned about costs as a property owner, hiring an unarmed guard might be a more reasonable option, especially if you are not in a high-risk environment.
Generally, the police is the first and sometimes the only government contact for unhoused persons. Although it is not uncommon for the police to use conventional methods when dealing with the vulnerable, most law enforcement agencies are gradually moving away from making arrests. Today, they partner with stakeholders among seasoned security providers and community members to develop approaches designed to foster positive relationships with those without homes, assess needs, and guide them to different services they need.
Green Knight Security community encampment response team also provides other services, including:
Help the relevant government agency identify various factors the government can address
Collect and share data crucial in understanding the scope and nature of being unhoused and measuring the impact of all implemented strategies
Help the relevant government agencies maintain public safety through patrols.
People are left unhoused for many reasons, and there is no cut-and-dry method for removing the individuals from your private property. However, there are humane methods you can use to handle the problem the right way. By hiring seasoned security personnel in Los Angeles, you can efficiently protect against loitering, vandalism, theft, and trespass by only allowing the authorized persons in your property.
At Green Knight Security, we offer security measures and reliable solutions that you can trust and make your protection and safety our priority. Call us today at 844-457-8326 to schedule your free security assessment and consultation.