Jul
Why Every Property Needs a Security Plan for Homeless Encounters
Balancing compassion with protection through trained response.
Security today isn’t just about break-ins or vandalism—it’s also about how we handle the unhoused population that increasingly comes into contact with schools, apartment complexes, retail centers, and construction sites. These situations can be sensitive and unpredictable, and ignoring them puts both people and property at risk.
At All Nation Security Services, we’ve developed training and protocols to manage these encounters respectfully—but with firmness and professionalism. Here’s why it matters, and how to do it right.
The Challenge: Safety vs. Compassion
Unhoused individuals often seek shelter on private property—loading docks, stairwells, storefronts, or school grounds. While many are nonviolent, some are dealing with mental health issues, substance abuse, or aggressive behavior.
As a property owner or manager, you have to balance:
- The legal liability of someone getting hurt
- The safety and comfort of tenants, students, or customers
- The ethical obligation to treat people with dignity
How Trained Security Makes the Difference
Untrained or aggressive response can escalate tension—and even lead to lawsuits or negative publicity. At All Nation Security, we train our officers to:
- Approach with de-escalation first
- Communicate clear boundaries
- Know when to involve local outreach services or law enforcement
- Maintain composure, documentation, and body language awareness
- Use incident reporting to track patterns and inform better prevention
What Property Managers Can Do
- Establish clear post orders for these scenarios
- Post no loitering or trespassing signs (legally compliant)
- Set up lighting and surveillance in vulnerable areas
- Ensure your security provider has trained guards—not just “bodies”
Why It Reflects on You
The way your property handles homeless encounters reflects on your management—both in terms of safety and humanity. Security shouldn’t just protect the building—it should protect your brand and community image.
Want to develop a security plan that includes response to trespassing, loitering, and unhoused individuals?
Contact All Nation Security Services today.
www.allnationsecurity.com
888-360-2525
All Nation Security — Security You Can Trust.