PaladinGun Crime

Court case underlines value of using security guards

Florida Appeals Court Ruling on Apartment Shooting Liability Case Underlines Value of Security Officers

palsec May 22, 2015

In many cases, it is in the best interest of the owners of multifamily real estate assets to take measures to control access to the property and to curtail unauthorized persons from entering or remaining on the premises, including the common areas. There are multiple ways in which owners benefit from making these efforts, but one important reason is illustrated by the decision handed down on January 7, 2015 by the DISTRICT COURT OF APPEAL OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA FOURTH DISTRICT in the case of DENISE NICHOLSON v. STONYBROOK APARTMENTS, LLC.

In this Palm Beach County case, the plaintiff was shot by an unknown third party while attending a party in the apartment complex’s common area. In the ruling, the court makes clear that “…negligent security cases fall under the auspices of premises liability as opposed to ordinary negligence.” Additionally, the opinion of the court points out that a negligent security case is dependent on the injured party’s relationship to the land. In this case, the landowner’s duties were very limited because the person who was shot was known to be trespassing on the property. The fact that the injured party was a documented trespasser limited the liability of the landowner for the harm that was suffered by the plaintiff while on the property in an unauthorized status. In the end, the court ruled against the plaintiff and the landowner was absolved of fault for the injuries sustained by the person who was shot on the property.

One of the benefits landowners achieve when they utilize high quality security officers at apartment complexes and condominium complexes is the increase of access control and the ability to detect, deter, interdict and document cases of criminal trespass on the premises. As the Nicholson v. Stonybrook case points out, If a person is injured on the property by a third party criminal after they have been determined to be trespassing, the liability of the landowner is limited. If you have questions on how your organization can better control its risks Paladin Security experts are able to assist with current and relevant expertise in the deployment of security officers.

Reference: https://www.4dca.org/opinions/Jan%202015/01-07-15/4D12-4462.op.pdf

Shootings near University of Central Florida (UCF)

More Gun Violence on UCF Student Housing Apartment Complex Grounds

palsec Apr 30, 2015

Cops: Shots Fired Amid Argument at East Orlando Apartment Community

April 2015 is ending with an alarming level of violence and gang related activity near Florida’s largest University located in East Orange County. The University of Central Florida Community is talking about the latest shooting incident at a residential area where students live. Several shootings have now taken place in the area and the level of concern is growing along with the level of risk.

According to local media reports, on the evening of Thursday, April 23, sheriff’s deputies were called to a complex near the UCF campus to respond to reports of gunshots on the property.

“Shots were fired near Red Iris Lane at Campus Crossings Thursday night, deputies at the student-apartment complex said. UCF student Stephanie Smith told KnightNews.com she heard arguing, then four or five shots from her apartment. Two shots pierced a door at the complex, allowing a clear view into the apartment. Deputies said no one was hurt in the incident and no one has been arrested. “

Fortunately, in this shooting incident nobody has been reported to have been injured. Stray bullets ripped through the door of a nearby apartment. People in the area were lucky not to have been hit by the gunfire. In this case, local media reports indicated that the witness to this attack was unwilling to cooperate with police, and so far there have not been any arrests made. The frequency of violent incidents on or near residential properties where University of Central Florida students reside has many people wondering what can be done to protect themselves. Local media has reported on the list of incidents that have occurred recently. Also according to reports, controversy has arisen from the lack of notice to new prospective students who are moving into apartment complexes that have been the location of violent criminal activity. Parents of students have complained about the problem. Paladin Security has reported on another recent, similar incident of crime in this area in this blog. Click here to see the other post.

This problem has been escalating over the past year and now local authorities are moving to stem the violent crime in the area.

“Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings said his department is about to go public with a series of crime-fighting initiatives with UCF police to fight off-campus violence, including targeted enforcement in off-campus complexes.”

(Source: https://www.wesh.com/news/new-crimereducing-efforts-coming-to-ucf-area-orange-county-sheriff-says/32646008)

We will all be standing by to see what new initiatives the Orange County Sherriff’s Office is going to implement. They are a very effective agency and are sure to provide enhanced enforcement efforts. However, law enforcement agencies cannot be expected to tackle this problem by themselves. Property owners are responsible for the residents safety in the face of these risks and with the rising levels of violent crime they have choices to make. There are solutions available to the owners and managers of these residential communities. Many times, it takes proactive measures to control the risks from violent crime at apartment complexes. When teams of well trained, armed security officers are actively patrolling a property, criminal activity and incidents like these decrease. High quality security companies can work with both the local law enforcement agencies and with property management authorities to identify and then remove problem residents and control access to the property. We hope that the operators of these apartment communities will take the measures that will cut down the risks and make these places safer to live in order to protect lives.

Sources:

https://knightnews.com/2015/04/cops-shots-fired-amid-argument-at-campus-crossings/

https://www.wftv.com/videos/news/controversy-over-crime-plagued-apartment-complex/vCBWX/

https://www.wesh.com/news/new-crimereducing-efforts-coming-to-ucf-area-orange-county-sheriff-says/32646008

Gun suspect arrested while having sex in back seat of SUV at Orlando area Apartment Complex

palsec Apr 15, 2015

An Orlando apartment complex that has had a history of difficulties was the location on Friday April 10 of an arrest of an armed man who was literally caught with his pants down. According to media reports Orlando Police were responding to a report of a man wearing camouflage pants walking around in the area with a gun in his hand, when they discovered Jaudohn Hicks in a compromised position.

“When 27-year-old Hicks was ordered to get out of the SUV and lay on the ground, the officer noticed that he “had camouflage pants down around his ankles.”

Also according to reports a pistol and drugs were found in the vehicle.

You may ask yourself what sort of community would these sorts of arrests take place in? Well would you believe the below photograph is taken from this apartment complex’s website:

You may be thinking “It doesn’t look like the sort of place that has guys walking around with guns and drugs who might get caught by the police having sex in a parked vehicle on property”. But, that is what is reported. This is another example of how crime problems will escalate in an area that doesn’t respond to repeat incidents by contracting with a quality private armed security company to patrol the property. The only way to control risks and deter criminal activity is to face the threat with the proper countermeasures. According to the 911 police records that our analysts researched, this apartment complex has had multiple calls for service involving a shooting, batteries, and disturbances just in the past 30 days before this guy was reportedly walking around with a gun in his hand and having sex in a vehicle parked right in front of people’s homes. Would you want to pay to live in a community with those issues? Would you renew your lease here?

If the complex management had quality, trained, armed security officers patrolling this property and focused on deterring criminal activity, it is very unlikely this incident and others that have happened on this property in the past few weeks would have occurred at all. Many times, apartment complex operators choose not to invest the funds to source the correct solution. This is a mistake. In the current environment of internet and social media, the reputations of these sorts of properties are tarnished quickly in the market. If a person is harmed by criminal activity, legal liability can result for the owners and management if there was a history of ongoing crime. Large multimillion dollar judgements and settlements have been paid by Owners and management companies who have been found to be negligent by failing to provide the correct security measures.

Paladin Security has proven that it has the capability to help communities like this one get control of the situation and bring criminal activity to near zero. Our armed security officers are trained, equipped, and led in a way that produces quality outcomes. Owners and management companies have turned to our team to protect their communities from these sorts of problems. The armed security officers on our patrol teams are not the typical “rent a cops” – they are professionals who are dedicated to the mission and who take pride in helping to keep communities and businesses safe. Many are veterans of the US military who have proven themselves in difficult situations. All of them have extensive training and are focused on safe, ethical and effective performance. If your community needs our service, we can help. Contact our experts to consult with you to find the correct solution.

Source: https://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/breaking-news/os-gun-arrest-backseat-sex-20150413-story.html

Gang Related Double Shooting Near UCF marks 2nd in 2 weeks

palsec Apr 11, 2015

“Witness told deputies double shooting near UCF may have drug ties, report says”

Local media reports of a 2^ndshooting near off campus housing for the University of Central Florida area have increased concerns among parents and university leaders . Observers point to gang related incidents as an ongoing concern. Here are some quotes from the coverage by local media outlets.

“The UCF-area shooting that left two men critically injured Thursday night has raised more concerns about student safety and gang activity in the neighborhoods bordering the campus off Alafaya Trail.”

“It was the second shooting in less than a month linked to possible gang activity in the area near off-campus housing, including a row of University of Central Florida off-campus fraternity houses.”

“…Orange County deputies confirmed that the 59 Brims — an offshoot of the national Bloods gang — are active and living in the neighborhoods bordering UCF…”

“Someone yelled “Brim Blood,” a reference to the 59 Brim gang, right before gunfire erupted March 19…”
Residential communities in this area may consider increasing their security posture in light of the recent increase in violent gang related crimes. Paladin Security is able to provide our customers highly trained armed security staff to patrol communities to detect, deter, and defeat these threats. Armed security is used by many apartment complexes to reduce the risks of violent crime and send a message to criminals that the community will not tolerate the sort of activity that is being reported in the area of off campus housing where students and staff of the University of Central Florida live. Paladin Security specializes in providing high quality armed security services for residential communities. Paladin Security is different from the typical security guard company. Paladin Security is focused on providing armed security and our organization has a proven past performance record of decreasing criminal activity in the communities we patrol. Our demonstrated and proven ability to generate quality outcomes in very dangerous and risk filled environments gives our customers the confidence to trust our armed security officers with the task of reducing risks in their locations.

Sources:

https://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/breaking-news/os-ucf-shooting-gang-crime-20150403-story.html

https://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/breaking-news/os-ucf-area-shooting-possible-drug-gang-20150412-story.html

Orlando Apartment Shooting Victim Speaks to Media

palsec Apr 8, 2015

According to media reports, a 46 year old woman and her guest was hospitalized after being shot inside her home at the Timber Skan Apartments in Orlando, Florida.

“Me and old man, we were sitting there watching American Justice, eating popcorn and just heard a bunch of shots, so, we went to running. I didn’t get too far. I just fell by the sofa,”

According to statements given to media and law enforcement officials, the victim was struck by 11 bullets that ripped through her apartment window from outside. Officials are working to apprehend the shooter or shooters who are responsible.

“They heard some gunshots. Their couch is placed right beside a window [and] those rounds came through the window, striking them,” said Lt. Paul Hopkins of the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.

Apartment Complexes that hire armed security guards are less likely to suffer these sorts of violent incidents. When qualified, well equipped, well trained armed security officers are on patrol, criminals face higher chances of being caught or stopped. There are many cases where violent crimes are stopped by armed security officers who are working in apartment communities.

Source: https://www.wftv.com/news/news/local/hospitalized-tymber-skan-shooting-victim-talks-wft/nkft9/

Source: https://www.wftv.com/news/news/local/couple-shot-while-watching-tv-tymber-skan-apartmen/nkd26/