The seamless flow of authorized access into and within your Amarillo TX business, apartment building or community is critical in order to provide hassle-free movement for patrons and residents alike. Access control using automated gate systems helps reduce vehicular traffic controls access into the neighborhood while pedestrian gates and door access control limits access by foot to authorized personnel, residents and invited guest only. Approximately seven million households or 6% of the national total live in communities that provide some level of access control. Approximately four million of these households live in communities where access is controlled by gates, entry codes, key cards or security guards.

Is access control an effective at reducing crime?

Perhaps the most commonly asked question associated with access control measures is are they effective in reducing crime in Amarillo TX. The simple answer is, yes. Just being able to reduce unnecessary or unauthorized traffic alone is enough to reduce crime. Formidable fencing and gates restrict access and therefore provide both a physical and psychological barrier for criminals. Criminals want to come onto a property anonymously and blend in. Criminals like quick escape routes and don’t want to become trapped behind fences or gates should they be discovered. Many criminals will bypass a business or community that employs access control measures and opt instead to take their mischief to an easier target.

Access control for communities

Perhaps the foremost reason why people choose to live in an Amarillo TX community that offers effective access control is for safety and security. Because access to the community is controlled, chances of vandalism, theft and other crimes are reduced. A comprehensive access control system is composed of these primary elements:

  • Control Panel and Software – This is essentially the “brain” of the system that contains the database of authorized individuals. It also controls the commands for each door or gate within the community.
  • Entry Devices – This refers to the actual devices used to gain entry to the property which include options such as:
  • Keypads – Keypads allow access to someone who knows the code.
  • Key Card or Fob Reader –  The card reader system is ideal for properties with many people needing to gain access to a property. It makes it possible to configure access control to different doors and gates. It also makes it possible to issue different cards, depending on how they are going to be used. And when a card is misplaced, it is simple to deactivate it. Contractors may be issued cards that allow entry during very specific times or time periods only. Temporary cards may be issued for visitors, the validity of which expire once they exit the property.
  • Biometric Readers – The use of biometrics to accomplish access control access has been increasing. Personal physical characteristics are used as credentials, therefore, the need for cards or fobs with a unique code is eliminated. Examples of Biometric Readers include retina scanners, fingerprint readers, and hand geometry readers.
  • Radio Frequency Transmitters – Each resident is issued a transmitter unit
  • Emergency Vehicle Access Control System – This element of access control is able to quickly respond should emergency vehicles need access to the community.

Access control for apartment communities

Large apartment complexes in Amarillo TX frequently employ some form of access control such as gate systems to not only improve safety but to also attract new residents. Installing access control measures are typically a more effective and less expensive alternative to hiring and managing security guards. Residents can be granted access with only the click of a button. When a resident ends their lease – property managers simply revoke access using a web based application without having to collect back a card or FOB or change the keypad code. Access control for apartment complexes can provide convenient, secure high-tech access control on your property; secure main entrances and/or access to certain floors within a building and keep common areas such as the community pool, fitness center or clubhouse exclusive for residents all while being able to grant access or revoke access with only the click of a button.

Access control systems can also keep time-stamped records of all entries and exits for a protected property.  When a security breach or incident has occurred an audit trail can be very helpful in showing who entered the building/property corresponding to the time of the incident.

1st Alarm Amarillo boasts the best access control team, best security alarm team and the best video surveillance company in the greater West Texas region.

If you are looking to install access control measures, a new security system or security cameras in your Amarillo Texas home or business, make sure to do your research to find the best company in the Amarillo, Texas area to do the job. Look for a professional that can get the job done right the first time, and ensure that your investment is protected all hours of the day. Look to 1st Alarm Amarillo. The 1st Alarm Amarillo professionals have the expertise and resources to help you secure your property quickly and affordably. Contact the experts at 1st Alarm Amarillo. We have the expertise and technology to help you secure your premises at an affordable price.  1st Alarm Amarillo can help you with all of your security needs. Call 800-276-5559 today. Request a Quote online or come by the office located at 800 SW 7th Avenue in Amarillo, Texas.