While the FBI’s annual Uniform Crime Report shows an overall decrease in violent crimes, property crimes have increased by 6%. At the same time, vehicle break-ins and theft have grown by nearly 30%. 

Apartments and condominium buildings are attractive targets for criminals. Potential residents know this. As such, security expectations in multi-family building security have changed. Residents today demand more advanced and enhanced security. 

Traditional security measures such as guards are often cost-prohibitive, and legacy surveillance camera systems are often only effective as a responsive forensic measure – but even then, the video evidence you need can be hard to find. Property managers need more effective security solutions to ensure the safety of their residents and protect their assets. Unlike traditional methods, live video surveillance offers dynamic, proactive security management that ensures safer living environments for residents and visitors alike. 

Proactive Deterrence and Enhanced Security 

One of the key benefits of AI-enabled remote video surveillance for multi-family residential properties is the ability to monitor multiple areas simultaneously in real time but not require on-site personnel to be viewing continuously. Security personnel or remote operators can observe activity when they are alerted but AI-enabled cameras to suspicious activity across various parts of the residential complex simultaneously — whether it’s the parking lot, lobby, common areas, or exterior perimeters. 

With instant access to live footage, security personnel can identify suspicious behavior and act before any criminal activity escalates.  

Proactive Deterrence 

For residents and guests, multi-family residential remote monitoring provides peace of mind. Knowing that security camera monitoring is in place throughout common areas like entrances, hallways, and parking garages can alleviate the fear of crime and foster a safer living environment.  

The presence of visible security cameras has been shown to deter crime. Areas under surveillance are less prone to illegal activities such as theft, vandalism, or trespassing. Since the chances of getting caught are higher, criminals are more likely to move on to another location. 

Swift Emergency Responses 

Traditional security methods often rely on delayed responses, such as an alarm system that alerts security or law enforcement after an incident occurs. In contrast, live video surveillance allows for immediate intervention. Operators can view incidents in real time as threats are detected — then, issue warnings, and call for help on the spot. 

Improved Investigative Capabilities 

Live video surveillance provides real-time visual evidence of an event taking place which is helpful to law enforcement as they know immediately that it is not a false alarm. As such, this “video-verification” of incursions receives significantly faster response from police.  

Security footage captures clear, detailed visuals of incidents as they happen, increasing the chances of identifying suspects and solving crimes. Live video feeds can also be shared directly with authorities to aid in investigations, making it easier to respond to threats and prosecute offenders.  

Unique Security Challenges in Multifamily Properties 

Multifamily residential remote video surveillance security can help you provide peace of mind for residents. By employing real-time video monitoring, property managers can detect suspicious activities and reduce trespassing, conflict, and burglars. 

There are a variety of multifamily security concerns that challenge apartment communities including:  

• Common spaces shared by residents and visitors 

• High foot traffic areas 

• Parking lots and garages 

• Bike storage 

• Visitor and delivery access areas

Technological Advancements in Live Monitoring 

Live remote monitoring incorporates cutting-edge technology to manage access control and artificial intelligence tools to enhance security. 

AI-Powered Monitoring 

Advanced surveillance systems employ intelligent video analytics to detect and classify people loitering from up to 250 feet away, even under challenging outdoor conditions.

The system can also tag and save key video clips as it records them, making them easy to find in video search eliminating hours of scrolling to identify events. The right provider can also let you perform a single search for events across multiple cameras.  

Other AI solutions include: 

• Advanced facial recognition 

• Appearance search finds multiple instances of a person over time, across cameras 

• Traffic and usage analysis 

• License plate recognition and vehicle identification 

Advantages of Video Surveillance Solutions Integrated with Access Control 

An integrated access control and video surveillance system with remote monitoring can enhance security and dramatically lower costs, especially for multifamily buildings and those managing multiple facilities. It also provides greater insight into access activity data, with the ability to match the identity, location, and timing of any event to ensure the actual entrant is the same as what their access credential may show in access records. This is invaluable in a world where access hacking is becoming a more prevalent way to gain unauthorized access to workplaces. 

Integrated video surveillance solutions help with: 

• Real-time monitoring, and identity verification  

• Centralized monitoring insight across multiple locations 

• Accelerating forensic investigations 

• Automating security processes and tasks 

Scalability for Larger Complexes

As residential complexes expand, live video surveillance systems can be easily scaled to cover new areas without significant infrastructure changes. Whether adding more cameras or integrating new areas into the surveillance network, these systems can grow alongside the property. 

Selecting the Right Monitoring Service Provider 

When choosing a monitoring service provider, make sure your provider is: 

• Is licensed and able to comply with all relevant regulations 

• Can integrate with your existing security infrastructure 

• Offers 24/7 monitoring and support 

• Employing the latest technology 

• Knowledgeable and experienced technicians and monitors 

Look for a security and monitoring provider with experience implementing advanced technology and a reputation to back it up. Kastle has 50 years in the security business and a stellar reputation for innovation in security as a service.  

To learn more about advanced security measures for multi-family complexes, contact Kastle’s video security and monitoring experts. Kastle provides you with cutting-edge technology and security solutions. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

What is remote live video surveillance? 

Live video surveillance involves AI-enabled security cameras to detect real-time threats at a location and notify remote agents to “tune in” and view live video feeds to assess the situation through security cameras. This allows for proactive deterrence and immediate response to incidents and is a proven way to deter crime. 

Can apartment complexes have cameras? 

Yes, if you’re a property manager, you can install security cameras in public and common areas like entrances, parking lots, and lobbies to enhance safety, provided you comply with local laws and privacy regulations. 

Can you put a camera in an apartment hallway? 

Property managers can install cameras in apartment hallways, which are considered common areas, but you must respect privacy laws and avoid monitoring inside individual units. 

How long do apartments keep security footage? 

The duration varies by property and system settings. It’s typically stored for 30 to 90 days before being overwritten, depending on storage capacity and legal requirements.