What was going on at this Texas shopping center?
At approximately 3:36 am, ECAM monitoring operators observed an individual on the property of a Texas shopping center, digging through a trash receptacle before sitting on the sidewalk and nodding off, eventually lying face-down on the pavement, and passing out. Audible alarms were activated, but the individual was unresponsive. Officers and emergency personnel were dispatched to the property and made contact with the individual, safely removing them from the property and into their custody without further incident.
This incident is a clear example of the effectiveness of live video monitoring in helping to intervene in scenarios where individuals experiencing homelessness, mental illness, substance abuse/ addiction, or an unfortunate combination of any of these issues can be safely engaged with by law enforcement or appropriate emergency personnel without escalation.
It’s a common dilemma for commercial property owners– individuals experiencing homelessness often gravitate towards retail centers for a variety of practical considerations. These locations provide some shelter from adverse weather conditions through structures like awnings, overhangs, and alcoves, offering a temporary haven from the elements. Additionally, the availability of public restrooms may help meet essential hygiene needs.
Unfortunately, these types of scenarios also present challenges, including instances of troubling or aggressive behavior, as well as panhandling on the premises. In many cases, there are times when individuals do not vacate the property before the arrival of employees and shoppers, potentially leading to safety concerns and reluctance among staff to address the situation directly. These circumstances can impact both the security and the perceived image of the retail center.
Upgrade Your Property’s Security with a Tailored, Proactive Approach
Each retail, shopping, or other commercial center presents a unique set of security challenges, influenced by its layout, mix of tenants, current state of repair, demographic factors, and the volume of foot traffic. To effectively help protect this diverse array of properties, we believe it’s imperative to adopt security solutions that are both flexible and customizable.
At ECAM, we specialize in live video monitoring that is both proactive and adaptable to your specific needs. Unlike traditional, unattended security cameras—which are increasingly ignored by savvy criminals—our approach involves active monitoring. Our cameras are not only capable of detecting unauthorized activities but are also manned by trained professionals ready to respond in real-time.
For instance, if our operators observe any suspicious behavior—whether it’s trespassers, loiterers, vandalism after business hours, illegal dumping, or suspicious activity in parking lots—they are equipped to take immediate action. This can range from activating onsite warning speakers to notifying local law enforcement. Our ability to provide dispatchers with live updates on situations as they unfold often results in our alerts receiving priority attention, leading to faster police response times and, frequently, arrests before significant damage occurs.
Are you interested in learning how a proactive security solution can help protect your property and tenants from potential risks and liabilities? Contact us today to discover how you could reduce your security expenses by up to 60% compared to conventional security measures.
Texas Private Security License Number: B14187
California Alarm Operator License Number: ACO7876
Florida Alarm System Contractor I License Number: EF20001598
Tennessee Alarm Contracting Company License Number: 2294
Virginia Private Security Services Business License Number: 11-19499
Alabama Electronic Security License # 002116
Canada TSBC License: LEL0200704
