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What's the point of gates, guards, and security cameras if you're letting hundreds of unscreened workers into your community?  On this week’s episode of Take It To The Board podcast, host Donna DiMaggio Berger talks with security expert Mark Hall to reveal the alarming blind spot in most residential communities' protection plans.
 
After spending over two decades in law enforcement, Mark identified a critical vulnerability: communities invest heavily in perimeter security while opening their gates to thousands of unknown service providers each year. This realization, coupled with a horrifying incident where an air conditioning technician with a criminal record took a family hostage, led him to create the Safe Communities Vendor ID Program.
 
The program's findings are eye-opening. Since 2016, they've identified and prevented 81 registered sex offenders and over 900 recently convicted burglars and thieves from accessing participating communities. 

Donna and Mark walk listeners through the program's three-tiered screening protocol, which includes five-year bans for theft-related offenses, ten-year bans for violent crimes, and lifetime bans for sexual offenders and homicide perpetrators. They explain how the program accommodates immigrant workers through foreign government ID verification, addresses identity verification challenges, and operates without cost to associations or residents.
 
 If your community is serious about security, listen now to learn how you can close this critical gap. 

Conversation Highlights Include:

• The security gaps in the marketplace that inspired the creation of the Safe Communities Vendor ID program
• Details on the program’s screening protocols
• How Safe Communities communicates with vendors after screening employees, including reports and follow-ups
• Addressing concerns about second chances for individuals with prior convictions
• The frequency with which employers fail to use rigorous screening protocols
• Training programs and ongoing evaluations offered to vendors to stay updated on best practices
• Safeguards in place to avoid mistaken identity and minimize legal liability
• How the program has grown since its inception in 2016
• Vendor screening expansion into industries beyond community associations

Related Links:

• Podcast: Checking In On Background Checks: What’s In, What’s Out and What’s Questionable? with Robert E. Sanchez of Sarma | Becker & Poliakoff
• Article: Law.com Op-Ed: Smile, You’re on Condo Camera—Florida’s New Law on Recording Zoom Board Meetings | Becker & Poliakoff