An Interesting Security Program in a Beach Community

The Capistrano Bay District, in Orange County, CA, is a gated enclave of 186 homes, all built on beach-front lots. The area was developed in 1927, and in 1959 was designated as a Special Services District under the California Code of Law, meaning that homeowners jointly are responsible for providing various municipal services for the community.

A combination of property taxes and user fees are allocated for infrastructure projects and street maintenance, as well as for services such as garbage collection, enforcement of ordinances and regulations, and security.

“Our homeowners have high expectations -- for the quality of services provided and for the competence of the people delivering those services,” says Don Russell, district manager of Capistrano Bay District.  “Securitas USA excels on both fronts.”

In addition to around-the-clock access control of vehicular traffic, Securitas USA officers continuously patrol the community’s private, 1.5-mile Beach Road.  The officers are certified in First Aid, CPR and AED, and serve as first responders in the event of an emergency.  They also help enforce community rules, including the 15 mph speed limit, the leash requirement for pets, parking and noise regulations, and restrictions on the location and containment of beach fires.  Securitas USA officers regularly patrol beach areas and arrange for the pickup and proper disposal of organic or hazardous materials that wash onto the beach.

“We’re very pleased with the dedication and responsiveness of the Securitas USA security officers,” adds Russell.  “Contracting with Securitas USA has turned out to be a very attractive and cost-effective solution for us.” 

Russell explains that, before hiring Securitas USA about five years ago, Capistrano Bay District security was provided by in-house employees. He constantly dealt with personnel matters ranging from interviewing and training to uniforms and scheduling.  He had no reserve staff to call on if an employee called in sick.  “Now Securitas USA handles those details and our security costs are fixed by contract, which simplifies budgeting,” Russell says.  “The officers know most of the residents by name, and it’s comforting for the homeowners to be able to interact with people they’ve developed a relationship with over the years.”

When the contract began in 2004, Securitas USA managers worked closely with Don Russell to recruit, hire and train officers that met Capistrano Bay specifications.  A GateWorks access control system also was installed to improve the speed and efficiency of registering visitors and service workers entering the property.   User-friendly, Web-based technology enables homeowners to notify the Securitas USA gate officer of the names and expected arrival times of guests, as well as the names of contractors, vendors and service companies scheduled to work.

“The GateWorks system also helps us update information about the houses that are rented,” says Russell Willmon, Securitas USA branch manager.  “Many homes in Capistrano Bay are leased at various times during the year.”

The summer months are the busiest for the Securitas USA team at Capistrano Bay, with the influx of people who are not familiar with the various community ordinances and regulations.  Renters are briefed about community rules, and special passes are issued to those renting beyond the typical week-long vacation time period.

“All I know is that I haven’t been called in the middle of the night about a security issue for more than four years,” Russell concludes, “and that’s directly attributable to the quality of Securitas USA’s service.”

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