Does Your Building Have Front Desk or Security Personnel? Here's How to Confirm

When filling out your Fortify Form after purchasing your Fortify Plan, it’s crucial to assess the presence of building security personnel or front desk staff. The presence (or absence) of these roles significantly impacts the security measures needed for your building. From buildings with no staff to those with dedicated security teams, understanding the level of security provided can help ensure your Fortify Plan addresses your building's unique needs. Let’s explore the different scenarios to help you complete your Fortify Form accurately.

1. No Staff

Some residential buildings, especially smaller or older buildings, may have no staff overseeing security or front desk services. In these buildings, residents are often responsible for their own safety, and there is no formal system to monitor who enters or exits.

Characteristics of a No Staff Building:

  • There is no front desk personnel or security staff to monitor visitors or control building access.
  • No oversight of building entrances or exits, making it easier for unauthorized people to enter.
  • Residents rely on individual residential building security measures like personal locks or keypads to secure their apartments.

Security Considerations for Buildings with No Staff:

  • If your building has no staff, it’s important to implement other security measures, such as security cameras, electronic access control systems, or intercoms for visitor verification.
  • Automated systems, like smart access systems or motion-activated security cameras, may be recommended to compensate for the lack of human oversight.

Be sure to indicate no staff in your Fortify Form so your Fortify Plan can include suggestions for enhancing security without on-site personnel.

2. Front Desk

In many modern residential buildings, a front desk is staffed with personnel who manage the flow of residents, visitors, and deliveries. Front desk personnel provide a welcoming service while also contributing to security by monitoring entryways and logging visitor activity.

Characteristics of Front Desk Personnel:

  • The front desk is often the first point of contact for residents and visitors, providing assistance and ensuring that only authorized people enter the building.
  • Front desk security may include logging visitors’ details, managing package deliveries, and answering resident inquiries.
  • While front desk staff can offer some level of security, they are not always trained security professionals, meaning their focus is more on service than strict building security.

Building Front Desk Services and Security:

  • Front desk personnel offer front desk monitoring, ensuring someone is always present to observe activity in and around the building.
  • The building front desk can be complemented by additional security systems like access control or cameras to further secure the property.

If your building has front desk personnel, be sure to note this in your Fortify Form so your security plan can acknowledge this level of monitoring and recommend additional enhancements if needed.

3. Security Staff in Building

Buildings with security staff provide a higher level of building security presence, often with trained personnel dedicated solely to the safety and security of residents. Security guards or personnel may work in conjunction with front desk staff or operate independently to ensure the building remains secure.

Characteristics of Security Personnel:

  • Security staff in the building may include guards stationed at entrances, patrolling common areas, or monitoring surveillance systems.
  • Security guards are trained to handle emergencies, respond to security threats, and ensure that only authorized individuals have access to the building.
  • Security guard in building offers a visible deterrent to potential intruders and provides residents with peace of mind knowing their building is actively monitored.

Front Desk vs. Security Personnel:

  • While front desk personnel focus on building management and resident services, security staff is dedicated to enforcing building security and handling security incidents.
  • Both can work together, with the front desk monitoring non-emergency activities and security personnel responding to potential threats or issues.

If your building has security personnel, make sure to report this in your Fortify Form. This will ensure that your Fortify Plan recognizes the existing security measures and focuses on optimizing or complementing them with additional recommendations.

How to Confirm the Presence of Front Desk or Security Personnel

To accurately fill out your Fortify Form, it’s essential to confirm the presence of front desk personnel or security staff in your building. Here are a few ways to confirm this information:

1. Ask Building Management:

Reach out to your building management or landlord to ask whether your building has security staff, front desk personnel, or any additional security measures in place.

2. Observe Building Entrances:

Take note of whether there is a front desk in your building’s lobby or if you’ve seen security guards patrolling the property.

3. Review Lease or Building Handbook:

Check any building documentation, such as your lease agreement or a resident handbook, which often outlines the services provided, including security measures and staffing.