In the state of Washington, remote monitoring can play a significant role in maintaining the security and safety of apartments and other multifamily residential communities. See one example in the video below:
At roughly 2:40 am, ECAM monitoring operators observed an individual wandering the property of a Tacoma, Washington multifamily residential community that appeared to be intoxicated or otherwise unwell. Due to the person’s abnormal behavior, local police dispatchers were contacted and officers responded onsite quickly, locating the individual and safely removing them from the property without incident.
Trespassing and loitering on commercial properties, particularly multifamily residential communities, pose significant challenges in Tacoma, Washington. These issues not only affect property values and tenant satisfaction but also strain local law enforcement and community resources.
Trespassing in Washington’s legal definition affirms that individuals are not tenants or authorized occupants and have refused to vacate after being asked. Violations can lead to criminal trespass charges, categorized as misdemeanors or gross misdemeanors depending on the circumstances. Loitering, while less clearly defined, is generally addressed through local ordinances and is often associated with other public safety concerns.
Trespassing and its Impact on Multifamily Residential Communities
Trespassing and loitering can lead to increased crime rates, including vandalism, theft, and drug-related activities. These behaviors not only compromise the safety of residents but also deter potential tenants, leading to higher vacancy rates and decreased property values. Additionally, the presence of loiterers and trespassers can strain community relations and create a sense of insecurity among residents.
In response to these challenges, the city of Tacoma, Washington implemented several initiatives:
- City Programs: The City of Tacoma’s Homeless Engagement and Alternatives Liaison (HEAL) Team works to address unauthorized encampments by providing outreach services and coordinating cleanups. Their efforts aim to balance enforcement with support for individuals experiencing homelessness.
- Community Policing: The Tacoma Police Department’s Violent Crime Reduction Plan includes strategies like hot spots policing and problem-oriented, place-based policing to address areas with high crime rates, including those affected by trespassing and loitering.
Preventative Measures for Washington Apartment Property Owners
To aide in the overall security of apartment communities, property owners and managers can take several actions:
- Signage: Posting clear “No Trespassing” signs can serve as a deterrent and provide legal grounds for enforcement.
- Trespass Authorization: Filing a trespass authorization form with the local police department allows officers to act on behalf of the property owner in removing unauthorized individuals.
- Environmental Design: Implementing Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles, like improved lighting and landscaping, can reduce opportunities for loitering.
- Community Engagement: Collaborating with local community groups and participating in neighborhood watch programs can enhance collective efforts to maintain safety.
Live video monitoring is a smart, proactive investment that delivers unmatched protection for your property, residents, and staff. Our AI-powered surveillance system does more than just record — it actively deters criminal activity and enables faster police response through instant incident verification.
For multifamily properties facing challenges like liability risks, theft, vandalism, and resident disputes, this technology can be a game-changer. The moment suspicious or potentially dangerous activity is detected, our trained monitoring team can immediately alert on-site security or law enforcement to ensure a rapid response — just as demonstrated in the video above. Hundreds of similar incidents prove our system’s ability to stop threats before they escalate. Beyond enhancing safety, this level of protection helps foster resident confidence and satisfaction, often contributing to higher occupancy rates and stronger rental income.
Simply put, stronger security drives stronger business results. Property managers who leverage live video monitoring not only protect their communities from burglary, trespassing, and property damage — they also boost their property’s market appeal and long-term ROI.
Take the first step toward a more secure future. Contact us today to speak with a security expert, schedule a demo, and discover how live video monitoring can transform your property’s security strategy.
