There is no contest between a gated community vs. a non-gated community in terms of safety and the level of security. A community with no gate or barrier to impede access is the least secure. However, the best option is not always a simple matter of a choice between a gated vs. a non-gated community.
What Is A Gate?
Most people will say a gate is a structure between two fences that opens to let a car or a person through. They have the basics down. A more specific definition of a gate is a barrier across an entranceway, attached or bordered on three sides, that can be manipulated on hinges or rollers to allow access. The only difference between a gate and a door is that the gate does not have a top-side structure, and that is a significant weakness, as you will see.
How Secure Is A Non-gated Area?
In terms of how well a non-gated area will keep the world out, a non-gated area is not secure. An area without a fence or wall on the perimeter is completely insecure, and there is nothing there to act as a barrier. Even if the area has a perimeter fence or wall, the barrier it creates is negated by the open entranceway.
A Gated Area Is More Secure
A gate at an entranceway and a fence or wall around an area create a continuous barrier around the perimeter. The weakness of the perimeter fence and gate is that the top is open. No matter how high it is built, it can be scaled.
Of course, a six-foot-high wall and gate with razor wire across the top will be formidable. Add some climbing roses, and the thorns on their vines will make the barrier even more daunting. However, even a 30-foot-tall wall isn’t insurmountable.
While an automatic gate operated by a password-protected access control is convenient, a security problem occurs when the password is shared with every pizza delivery person, delivery company, and contractor in the neighborhood. A widely shared password is almost like no password control at all.
Add A Guard At The Gate
A guarded gate will be more secure. A guard provides more control and restricts who comes into the area. A live guard eliminates the problem of shared passwords.
A guard does not eliminate the problem of someone scaling the fence or wall at a point where they aren’t seen. However, guards at multiple entranceways where visual ranges of the perimeter overlap will prevent unnoticed breaches and improve security.
Nevertheless, guards are human. They make mistakes, and they fall asleep. They can be distracted. Sometimes, they can even be bribed. The question regarding guards is whether their security level is worth the expense. In most cases, a cheaper answer can be found that increases security to an even higher level.
Gated With Virtual Guards
Modern technology provides security options that were previously impossible without an extensive security budget. There are places where live guards must respond immediately to trespassers, but even that workforce can be reduced with today’s technology.
Putting a virtual gate guard is the first step. Cameras at the gate will record an image of every detail of every person trying to enter the premises and will store that information for as long as you think you might need it.
Imagine having the name, address, and photo as well as high definition images of the license, plate, and car from multiple angles of every car that passes through the gate. Not only would it be nearly impossible to get away with anything without getting caught, it would be a massive deterrent for criminals.
It is by far the safest option when it comes to protecting a facility with a gate.
For a free demo, give us a call at 813.909.7775.
