Security and safety at a senior community in California

Rossmoor, an award-winning, senior adult community located 25 miles east of San Francisco in California, hosts more than 9,200 seniors at an average age of 78. The 2,200 acre property includes amenities such as golf courses, tennis courts, swimming pools and a wide variety of daily education and recreation classes.

Ever since the development of the area began more than 40 years ago, Rossmoor’s in-house public safety department had handled security duties, but as the need for more specialized services became apparent, Rossmoor’s property management company, the Golden Rain Foundation, decided to consider outsourcing safety and security responsibilities. 

“We looked for a contract security company that would give us consistent, high-quality service, and also one with the resources and expertise to help us upgrade our program,” says Judith Perkins, Senior Manager, Human Resources & Administrative Services at Rossmoor.  “We considered several companies, but quickly identified Securitas as the best-in-class provider.”

In addition to 22 security officers who help control access to the community and patrol its 14 miles of roads, Securitas provides around-the-clock Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) services to meet residents’ frequent need for medical assistance.  EMTs and patrol officers routinely respond to 10 to 15 calls per day, maintaining constant radio contact with an on-site Securitas dispatcher who notifies local police and fire departments as required.

“Our ability to quickly respond helps save lives, not only when medical attention is needed, but also in case of other emergencies,” says Peter McCabe, Securitas account manager at Rossmoor, referring to a recent fire in a 12-unit condominium building.  “We were able to safely evacuate a number of residents, including many who needed physical assistance down stairways.”

Because Rossmoor is located in a valley that could be isolated for several days in the event of a major earthquake, it is critical to have a comprehensive emergency preparedness and disaster recovery plan. Trailer pods containing generators, power cords and emergency supplies are strategically placed in surrounding areas so that they immediately can be moved to areas of need.  In addition, Securitas maintains the availability of at least 100 additional security officers to secure Rossmoor residents and their property within the first 72 hours of a major disaster.

“Our residents have responded positively to the new program,” says Perkins.  “They appreciate the helpful, customer-service attitude of Securitas officers, and agree that our security program is much stronger and forward-looking than before.  We’ve established a partnership with Securitas that positions us to deal effectively with whatever may happen in the future.”

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