Security Update – Co-op Info, Audit Results, Alternatives
Below is the information displayed on the one pager given out at Heathlake’s Community Security Informational Session on Friday, February 11.
Constable Co-Op Info
The current law enforcement contract with Precinct 5 ONLY includes PRIVATE PATROLS. Response to emergencies are still intact.
– Heathlake is part of a 11 member HOA constable co-op (for patrols)
- – This co-op is a gentlemen’s agreement between the neighborhoods in how the precinctdeploys their deputies as they patrol
- – This gentleman’s agreement is managed by one person
- – Heathlake pays for 1 of the 11 patrol deputies at $85,000/year (80%) of deputies time
- – The only signed contract we have is the one deputy we finance through Harris County, onlyfor patrols
- – The co-op states the members share costs by means of $/home. Average cost being $208/home
- – Heathlake pays an average of $245/home (which includes an adjustment of a reimbursement from another co-op participating neighborhood of $10,000/year; without adjustment it would be $272/home)
- – Heathlake pays 18% more per home than the average home in the co-op
- – Heathlake contracts 80% of one deputy
CO-OP AUDIT:
– It was discovered through Heathlake co-op financial audit, Heathlake was not being paid as stated for sharing contract deputy
- – Heathlake stated to be paid 20% of contract value for 20% of deputies time from anotherco-op participant
- – Upon analyzing reports, co-op participant received 50% of Heathlake’s deputy time
- – Heathlake was under paid through 2015 confirmed loss of $81,130 and as far back as1980s, potentially a loss of $606,000
- – Heathlake negotiated additional payments from co-op
- – 2021 mutually agreed reimbursement did not arrive in mutually agreed upon deadlines
- – Heathlake gave 30 day notice when payments did not arrive
- – Reimbursement of $12,664 arrived in December 2021
Constable Patrol Statistics and Findings from 2021
- 77% patrols happened during the day
- 30% of days had no patrol activity
- Heathlake was unable to prioritize what day/time patrols were to occur
- Vacation watch is included in contract
Data over 245 days 171 total patrols
ADDITIONAL SECURITY OPTIONS
Private Patrol Info – $30/hour
- Flexibility in when and how long we want coverage
- Can detain persons of interest/criminals while police are en route – Armed and professionally trained in firearm handling/management – Can more easily negotiate contract terms
Cameras monitor the entrances to the community
- – If a car is flagged by Prct 5/HPD, police are notified immediately of vehicle and can dispatch immediately
- – $7,200/year for 3 cameras ($350/camera one time install cost) = $15,450 total for 2 year contract
- – Data is stored for 30 days, rolling basis
- – Data accessible to designated security liaison and local law enforcement branches
- – Immediate access to data
- – Residents can opt out of data collection (camera will not store info from registered vehicle)
- – All maintenance and software covered under contract
- – Solar powered
- – 90% reduction in reported package theft
- – 60% crime reduction in Cobb County, GA