If you’re managing construction sites in most cities today, you’re likely dealing with a challenging situation: how to keep your property secure while being mindful of the growing homelessness crisis affecting your community.
We’re seeing more homeless encampments near construction zones than ever before, a heartbreaking reflection of the economic hardships many people face. But here’s the thing: construction site security isn’t just about preventing theft or keeping people out. It’s about protecting everyone’s safety, from your workers and neighbors to those who might not realize just how dangerous an active construction site can be.
In today’s article, we’ll dive into some practical and ethical approaches to securing your jobsites. You’ll learn how to maintain essential safety measures while treating vulnerable populations with dignity and respect because, yes, you can actually do both.
Why Unauthorized Access to Construction Sites is a Concern
Construction sites are works in progress, and unauthorized access generates real concerns for project managers and general contractors. They are such large concerns because:
- Active Construction Sites are Dangerous: Heavy machinery, open trenches, unstable structures, and raw materials present high risks of injury. Even workers must adhere to strict safety standards, which involve PPE. Off-the-street visitors likely lack the required PPE and can easily hurt themselves.
- Legal and Liability Issues may Arise: The risk of injury introduces legal and liability risks, as someone who gets hurt can sue. Likewise, government inspections can introduce legal or compliance activities should the jobsite fail such an inspection.
- Property Damage Causes Delays: Theft, vandalism, and unauthorized entry cause project disruptions. Disruptions lead to delays, and delays lead to missed deadlines, unhappy clients, and cost overruns.
While securing your jobsite prevents unauthorized access that fosters theft and vandalism, safety is the primary concern. We want to ensure that nobody gets hurt on our jobsites instead of targeting vulnerable individuals.
Ethical and Humane Approaches to Homeless Deterrence
You’re likely aware of some of the less-than-ethical approaches to deterring homeless populations from encamping on or near your jobsites. While some companies use everything from anti-homeless spikes to hostile design architecture to discourage homeless encampments, there are far more effective, humane, and aesthetically pleasing to accomplish that goal.
Utilize these homeless deterrents instead:
- Signage and Public Awareness: Deploy clear, well-placed signage that respectfully communicates the dangers of entering construction zones. These signs serve as no-trespassing warnings, protecting jobsites from long-term encampment activity. Signs can even communicate what kinds of dangers are present.
- Design Safer Perimeters: Well-secured fencing, physical barriers, locked entry points, and controlled access deter unauthorized entry without confrontation. These barriers signal to the outside community that the jobsite is still a work in progress and presents physical dangers.
- Motion-Activated Lighting and Alerts: Lighting and motion detection systems discourage entry while maintaining safety and visibility. These systems illuminate the workspace, which helps prevent accidents or injuries. They also make it difficult to hide in the shadows, reducing the risk of theft and vandalism.
- Encourage Alternative Shelter Solutions: Collaborate with local outreach organizations to connect homeless individuals with appropriate resources. It’s likely there are many programs available that go unnoticed, waiting to help those you come in contact with.
While securing construction sites remains essential for safety and liability reasons, the industry recognizes that working with community partners to support homeless people is a better long-term solution. Through shelter programs and resource recommendations, you can create more sustainable solutions than traditional deterrence methods involving anti-homeless architecture or confrontational tactics.
Leveraging Technology to Secure Construction Sites
Many cities are grappling with homelessness and property security concerns. In response to those challenges, construction sites are turning to technology-driven solutions that prioritize safety while respecting human dignity in urban areas.
Security cameras and smart systems transform how property managers monitor and protect their sites:
- Construction Cameras for Remote Monitoring: PTZ and fixed-position construction cameras transmit high-quality images for live views and motion-detected recording. Site managers can then monitor the footage and access points without direct intervention from anywhere they have internet access.
- Security Solutions as Non-Intrusive Deterrents: TrueLook’s TrueDeter system utilizes flashing strobes and loud sirens triggered by motion alerts to effectively deter unauthorized access without the need for physical confrontation. This solution is ideal for sites seeking a non-confrontational approach to security. For added protection and intervention capabilities, consider TrueShield. In addition to strobes and sirens, TrueShield features a talk-down bullhorn, allowing security personnel or site managers to communicate directly with intruders, further enhancing deterrence and control.
- Access Control Systems: Keycards and biometric entry systems ensure that only authorized personnel can enter the work site. These controlled access systems also track who comes and goes and can report unusual trends.
- Robotic Security Guards: Some construction projects require a physical monitoring presence. Robotic security provides that physical presence without putting a human in potentially harmful situations. These robots are heavy and come with their own set of deterrents.
Modern security technology offers a new way for the built environment to address safety and security while supporting community well-being. New technology advancements move away from deterrents that intentionally make life difficult for homeless people. Plus, these advanced systems allow property owners to monitor for unusual activity and prevent vandalism while maintaining a more ethical and compassionate approach to site security.
Partnering with Local Organizations for a Holistic Approach
While construction sites must maintain safety and prevent trespassing, there are ways to achieve these goals while supporting those who need the most help.
- Collaborating with Local Shelters and Outreach Programs: Instead of just putting up “No Trespassing” signs or installing defensive design elements, consider reaching out to local homeless support organizations. These organizations often have existing programs and resources ready to help. Through these partnerships, you’re not only protecting your property but potentially helping someone find the shelter and support they need.
- Implementing Community-Based Security Plans: When neighbors, local businesses, nonprofits, and city officials work together, they can develop more effective solutions than any single entity working alone. Collaborative approaches involve sharing security resources, coordinating outreach efforts, and creating clear communication channels that benefit everyone involved while addressing the root causes of homelessness.
- Providing Alternative Safe Spaces: Rather than simply trying to get rid of encampments near your property, consider advocating for and supporting initiatives that create designated safe spaces in your community. Work with your local government to establish or improve shelter systems to help address both immediate safety concerns and longer-term housing needs for vulnerable populations.
Our experience shows that construction sites can maintain security while still contributing to the solution to the homelessness crisis.
Protect Your Sites While Supporting Your Community
Construction site security and ethical homeless deterrents are possible. Through community support, technological advancements, and traditional security measures, you can prevent theft and protect life while helping those most in need.
Schedule your live demo today to see how TrueLook’s comprehensive security solutions help you protect your construction site while maintaining a compassionate approach to deterrence!
