For HOA boards and community managers
Does our HOA need a patrol service or a full-time guard?
Short answer
Most communities under about 200 homes are well served by vehicle patrol visits several times a night. A full-time officer makes sense for a staffed gate, a large community with amenities open late, or an active problem such as nightly trespassing. Patrol typically costs $2,500 to $7,000 a month and a dedicated overnight officer $7,000 to $10,000.
Choose patrol when
- Incidents are occasional and spread across the property
- You want gates, pool and clubhouse checked and locked each night
- The budget is limited and you want proof of coverage
Choose a posted officer when
- You have a gatehouse or a single controlled entry
- Residents need someone on site to call
- There is a nightly problem at a known spot
- Amenities stay open late and draw non-residents
A sensible way to decide
Start with the least coverage that addresses your incident history, read the reports for 30 days, then adjust. A company that pushes the largest contract first is selling, not advising. We quote both options side by side. See HOA security pricing.
This is general information from a security company, not legal advice. Laws change and details matter, so confirm anything important with your attorney.
Talk to the owner, not a call center.
Call any hour. Michael or a supervisor answers, asks a few questions, and you have a written quote within about two hours.