California Lobby Security for Property Managers

California does not have a law that requires building lobbies to have security guards. However, property managers and owners with employees working on the premises do have a responsibility to provide a safe and secure environment for those who visit, live, or work on-site.

Hiring guards and installing security systems are some of the best ways to create that environment. If you’re considering hiring security guards or expanding the security you already have, here’s what you should know about California lobby security.

Does Your California Lobby Need Security Guards?

Every lobby faces security risks, but property owners and managers should be aware of the following risks that are specific to California.

Natural Disasters

California is prone to natural disasters like earthquakes and wildfires, both of which can make building lobby security systems go down. Backup power systems and security guards are necessary to keep security systems functioning.

Location Challenges

Location can also present security challenges, particularly in:

• High-crime neighborhoods
• Areas with high foot traffic due to tourism and/or temporary film sets
• Residential or other areas where celebrity or VIP clients need added protection, particularly in Los Angeles and Southern California

If your lobby is located near one or more of these types of locations, hiring patrol guards can improve security while also creating a deterrent effect.

Regulatory Requirements

California may not legally require security guards in lobbies, but the state’s privacy laws do regulate where you can place cameras. Property owners and managers must also comply with Cal/OSHA workplace rules and ADA standards.

Warning Signs You Need Lobby Security Guards

Not sure if your lobby needs professional security? These red flags are a sign it’s time to improve your existing security measures.

Tenants in Your Building Expressed Security Concerns 

If your building tenants have come to you with security concerns, staffing your lobby with trained security personnel can put them at ease. Otherwise, tenants and lessees may not renew leases, leading to vacant units and undesirable properties.

Your Property is Located in a High-Crime Area 

The higher the crime rate in your building’s neighborhood, the more important it is to create a secure environment both inside and around the perimeter. Depending on your security needs, lobby security staff can either maintain a low profile or become a visible presence, going as far as screening for weapons or other unauthorized items at the door.

You Have High-Profile Tenants or Residents

Whether they live, work, visit, or conduct business in your building, you can offer celebrities, CEOs, and other high-profile visitors an added layer of protection by hiring building security. Lobby security guards create a safe, welcoming environment that VIP clients will appreciate, even when they’re traveling with bodyguards or personal security teams.

You Had Security Breaches in the Past 

If you’ve had security breaches in the past, don’t wait for history to repeat itself. Put guards in place now as a preventative measure to thwart future incidents in your lobby.

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Security Risks and Needs by Lobby Type

Not every type of lobby requires complex security measures, but for some properties it’s a must. Below is a breakdown of lobby security risks by building type.

Office Buildings 

If you run a high-rise office building that rents space to one or more business tenants, it’s time to hire lobby security. Lobby guards can monitor guests and visitors to prevent unauthorized access and reduce the risk of property crimes, such as burglary or vandalism.

Banks 

While most banks have guards stationed inside, financial institutions that have large lobbies or welcome areas can benefit from having a guard stationed near the door. This guard will be the first line of defense against criminal activity.

Corporate Headquarters 

Depending on the nature of the business, a front desk receptionist might be all you need to control who enters the building. But in some industries, a trained security guard is the preferred choice. Guards can take measures to protect employees and visitors as well as data, technology, equipment, and materials.

Hospitals and Healthcare Facilities 

In medical facilities, lobby guards are essential. They keep the peace, maintain order, restrict access to unauthorized visitors, and create a safe environment in a space that can otherwise be quite hectic.

Educational Institutions 

Schools are high-risk targets, and security threats in schools have unfortunately become all too common. In 2024, there were 83 school shootings across the United States – the highest annual number on record to date.

Lobby areas at schools serve several purposes. These include controlling the flow of students, staff, and visitors, preventing weapons from entering the premises, and denying entry to would-be criminals who could jeopardize the safety of students and staff.

Government Buildings 

Government buildings are usually open for public access, which means they’re always at risk of a security breach. Most federal buildings and courthouses have robust security measures, but it’s less common in local and state-level government buildings.

Gated Residential Communities 

Gated communities and high-end apartment buildings often use key cards or fobs to limit access to residents. Add another layer of protection by hiring lobby security guards to control who can enter and when, including visitors, contractors, and delivery personnel. Whether it’s a gated senior living condominium or a luxury apartment building with celebrity tenants, residents living “behind the gates” want to enjoy the security they’re paying for.

Hotels 

Many luxury hotels with grand lobbies prefer to avoid visible security guards, but for some guests it can be a reassuring sight. At a minimum, guards should be staffed in lobby areas at elevator bays to ensure only authorized guests can access guest floors. To maintain an upscale experience, consider having your guards wear suits and ties, rather than traditional uniforms, to blend in with the concierge.

How to Work with Security Professionals to Assess Risks

All California security guards are licensed and trained in access control, suspicious activity detection, emergency response, and crime deterrence, but you’ll still need to carefully vet security firms to find the best one for your lobby’s unique security needs.

Researching Security Firms

Verify that the security company has a California license to provide professional security services. Request references from existing or prior clients and confirm that they have experience in protecting properties similar to yours.

Preparing for a Security Assessment

Before interviewing and vetting a security company, gather building plans, incident reports, and insurance claims from prior incidents (if applicable). It’s also wise to gather tenant feedback to pinpoint any other security concerns.

Conducting a Walkthrough

Schedule a walkthrough of your lobby during peak traffic times. The security company should provide a written report with prioritized recommendations regarding the type of security measures you need, how many guards you need, and any security technology that should be installed or upgraded.

What to Review During a Security Assessment

During the initial walkthrough of your lobby, a security company will assess your current security protocols, including access control systems, emergency response protocols, and support for day-to-day operations. They will also recommend systems that you can put in place to increase security.

Access Control

During the assessment, discuss your current access control system and allow the security company to recommend better, more secure methods of protection, including:

• Badge or ID verification systems for authorized personnel
• Visitor check-in protocols, ID verification, and badge issuance
• Metal detection and weapons screening capabilities (if applicable)

Emergency Response 

During an assessment, your security company will review and make recommendations about your emergency response systems, including:

• Evacuation and lockdown security procedures
• Protocols for coordinating with law enforcement and first responders
• Incident containment protocols while waiting for authorities to arrive

Support for Day-to-Day Operations 

Lobby security guards should facilitate the day-to-day operations of your property and the tenants within. During an assessment, your security company will assess how well your current security measures:

• Manage visitors and provide customer service
• Manage deliveries and package drop-offs
• Control the traffic flow during peak hours

For high-risk properties, a security company may also recommend that you add K9 detection services.

How to Find Lobby Security Guards in California

The easiest way to find lobby security guards in California is Security Explorer. To get started, simply fill out a brief form with your contact information, location, and security needs. A member of our team will reach out to you to verify your information then connect you with vetted, verified security professionals in your area.

Security Explorer can recommend all types of security guards, including those who specialize in providing security for banks, commercial office buildings, and residential communities.

FAQs: What to Consider When Hiring California Lobby Security

Do you need 24/7 lobby security or part-time security personnel? 

In most cases, full-time security guard services are best. Security incidents can happen at any time, so protecting your lobby around the clock is always better than having part-time guards present. 24/7 security is a must if you operate a 24-hour property like a healthcare facility, an office building where tenants work late into the night or arrive early in the morning, or a residential facility where people come and go at all hours.

If you decide to hire part-time guards during hours of operation only, protect yourself around the clock with CCTV surveillance systems that off-site security personnel can monitor remotely.

Should you hire armed guards or unarmed guards? 

The decision to hire armed or unarmed guards largely depends on your personal preference and the types of people who visit or work in the building daily. Government buildings, banks, hospitals, transit centers, and schools are among the types of buildings that most often hire armed guards, but some residential facilities, hotels, and corporate buildings with high-profile companies hire them as well.

Should guards patrol or remain stationed at a front desk? 

Whether to have guards on patrol or stationed at a fixed desk depends on the nature of your property and how many people come and go through the lobby on a regular basis.

For example, in a small office building or medical facility with one entry point, a guard stationed at a lobby desk may suffice. For larger properties, like hospitals and commercial buildings with lots of foot traffic, it might make more sense to have guards stationed at a front desk and on mobile patrol to monitor all areas of the lobby.

Is your security technology up to date? 

There’s much more to lobby security than hiring physical security officers to stand guard; having the right technology in place is equally as important. Consider whether you need to install or upgrade:

• Alarm systems at access points
• Access control systems (key fobs and key cards) that restrict entry and prevent unauthorized access
• Motion detectors
• CCTV surveillance systems

Security guards in lobbies keep people safe by preventing incidents from occurring and responding immediately should one arise. To provide your tenants, guests, customers, or clients in California with the safety and security that they deserve, contact Security Explorer now.

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