The question has been raised by some residents, “What are we getting for what we are paying for security?”

Knightsbridge is paying Proexec to supply security guards for three shifts so that we have 24 hour security personnel on duty and a quick, direct response team in case of emergencies.  These guards are to sit at the front desk, allow entrance of authorised owners and their guests, and to restrict those people who are not allowed into the building.  They are to do “rounds” both inside the building and around the outside, to make certain that crime is not taking place.  In a very real sense, they risk their lives for our well-being.  This is what we are paying our security guards for.  This is their primary job description. 

In fact, what we are paying is a very fair price for the service that is provided, compared to other buildings along the sea front.  The fact that the turnover of key personnel is kept to a minimum is quite remarkable according to Geoff Levy, owner of Proexec.

So this is their main job description and no more is technically required of them.  The following duties are “value added” services that our guards have elected to provide because of their sense of commitment to the well-being of Knightsbridge residents and to the constant training and reinforcement of the trustees:

·         Help people with groceries and open the door to the lift.

·         Water plants inside the courtyard and outside.

·         Take in keys for the convenience of owners (Note that neither Knightsbridge nor Proexec are responsible in any way)..

·         Know the physical plant, so that they know how to turn on electricity, fix the parking gate, report problems with the intercom system, etc.

·         Assist the elderly with packages and wheel chairs.

·         Help clean in emergencies

·         Greet guests with pleasantness and professionalism.

·         Make out reports for the trustees.

·         Co-ordinate “Move In” and “Move Out” of residents.

·         Assist in the enforcement of the Conduct Rules.

·         Pick up garden debris and papers around the building.

·         Mop up the rain water in the front foyer so owners don’t slip and fall.

·         Adjust the front door closure against changing wind, saving the building a R300 call out fee and time.

·         Guard owners’ cars when parked in the vicinity of the property.

·         Break up domestic fights in units if necessary.

·         Issue door buttons and maintain a user log, saving the building R250 an hour.

·         Maintain a log of entrance buttons so they aren’t given out and compromise security.

·         Distribute mail.

·         Receive packages.

·         Provide candles and torches during our power outages.

·         Make the trustees aware of maintenance issues noted on their watch. 

·         Disperse groups of unsavoury people who might otherwise pose a threat to the building.

·         Coordinate workmen for the building and owners.

·         Reset electrical trip switches if necessary.

·         Walk residents to and from their cars for security at night, if requested.

·         Provide 24 medical assistance if required.

·         Give messages to owners and their guests when applicable.

·         When possible, reset the parking gate when winds blow it off the track, saving the building a R350 call out fee and time.

·         Do small maintenance issues, saving the building R200-250 call out fees.

·         Help mop up water when units/geysers have flooded common areas.

·         Assist residents with luggage to and from their units if possible.

·         Water down evidence of dog foul from the front door and the garden and note which residents are responsible if possible..

·         Deal with residents under the influence of alcohol, using abusive language, as well as other late night problems.

·         Knock on doors of units when noise has become a nuisance.

·         Assist in controlling pigeons and rodents.

We trust that this answers the question of what we are getting for the money that is being paid for security.  Many buildings are levied a much higher fee for the 24/7 value-added service that our security personnel provide us.  Remember, all of the above services are at the option of the security guard on duty.

We hope that this list of “extras,” helps all of us to better appreciate the “behind the scene” efforts that are made on our behalf.