Negligence in security is a major problem that can lead to a variety of negative outcomes. It can range from loss of private data, to physical injury, and even death. Therefore, it is important to understand who is responsible for ensuring security measures are in place and properly followed. Bey & Associates are especially experienced when it comes to dealing with such matters.
In this blog post, we will explore what properties can be held liable for negligence in security. We will look at the laws that govern security, what types of properties are held to a certain standard, and how to apply these standards in a practical way. With this knowledge, property owners and managers can better protect their tenants, customers, and visitors by taking the necessary steps to minimize or eliminate negligence in security on their premises.
Lack of Property Maintenance
Property owners have a responsibility to ensure that their premises are kept in a safe condition and free of hazards. This includes ensuring that the exterior of the building is safe and secure, conducting regular maintenance and repairs, and providing adequate lighting, signage, and security measures. By failing to maintain the property, owners can be held liable for any injuries or damages that occur as a result of their negligence.
Inadequate Security Features
This can happen when a property owner has failed to provide an adequate system of security or fails to implement necessary measures to protect their property, such as installing locks, alarms, or cameras. It’s important for a property owner to ensure that their security system is up to date and is able to provide necessary protection for those on the property. Failure to do so may result in legal action.
Poorly lit grounds
Poor lighting can also be a hazard for people, who are unable to properly see their surroundings, potentially leading to accidents or injuries. Additionally, dimly lit areas can be a deterrent for potential security personnel from patrolling an area, further increasing the risk of criminal activity. Property owners must ensure their grounds are adequately lit, taking into account their geographical location, desired lighting levels, and the appropriate use of light fixtures.
Failure to Follow Security Protocols
Security protocols are the set of rules that dictate how an organization should handle its sensitive data. This includes things like password policies, file sharing, and data encryption. When organizations don’t adhere to these protocols, it can lead to data breaches and other security incidents. Companies need to ensure that their staff is aware of security protocols and that they’re consistently followed. Failing to do so can increase the risk of a data breach and leave companies open to potential litigation.
Poorly Maintained Alarm Systems
Alarm systems should be regularly tested and maintained to ensure they are functioning properly. If an alarm system is not properly maintained, it can malfunction or fail to alert authorities in an emergency, leaving a property vulnerable to security breaches. Property owners should also ensure that all personnel responsible for maintaining alarm systems are properly trained and knowledgeable about all alarm system features. Regular inspections by security professionals should also be carried out to ensure the alarm system is operating at its full potential.
Unsecure Locks on Windows and Doors
Building owners must ensure all windows and doors are properly secured with locks that are up to date and functioning properly. Neglecting to do so can lead to negligent security, resulting in the building owner being held liable for any criminal activity that takes place as a result. Furthermore, all locks should be regularly inspected to ensure they are still working properly, and any faulty locks should be replaced immediately.
Failure to Address Known Security Risks
This occurs when a property, such as a business or an organization, fails to take active steps to identify and address any known security risks. This can include failing to install updated security software, not having a detailed security policy in place, or not properly training staff on how to identify and respond to security threats. All of these are examples of negligence in security that can lead to serious security breaches and damage to the property and its customers.
Negligible Security Personnel
In terms of property owners, one of the most common causes of negligence in security is the lack of security personnel present. This is especially true in residential buildings, business premises, and other places of public access. Negligible security personnel can lead to a number of security issues, such as inadequate coverage of areas, slow response times to incidents, and a lack of understanding of security processes. In order to ensure the safety of those present, property owners should develop a security team and ensure adequate personnel are present at all times.
Poorly Constructed Fences
Poorly constructed fences can be easily breached, allowing intruders to gain access to a property or a facility. Poorly built fences also provide insufficient protection from the elements, leaving properties and their occupants vulnerable to vandalism, theft, and injury. When evaluating a case of negligence in security, it is important to determine if the fence was built to industry standards, and if any damage or wear and tear has caused it to be inadequate. Additionally, it is important to assess how the fence was maintained and whether or not it was properly secured.
Unmonitored Surveillance Systems
When these systems are not properly monitored and maintained, they can fail to identify intruders or potential criminal activity. Furthermore, if a surveillance system is not consistently checked for functionality, it has the potential to become obsolete and render it ineffective in providing adequate security measures. This is why it is essential for organizations to invest in monitoring and maintenance services to ensure their surveillance systems are up to date and working properly.
Conclusion
Property owners have a responsibility to protect their tenants and visitors from preventable harm. When evaluating a property for potential negligence in security, one must consider the physical environment, lighting, signage, and overall security of the property. Property owners must take precautions to protect tenants and visitors from foreseeable security risks and should be held accountable when they fail to do so.