Tailgating (or "piggybacking") is one of the most common and difficult-to-prevent security breaches in apartment buildings. It occurs when an unauthorized person follows an authorized resident through a secured entrance.
Preventing it requires a multi-layered approach combining technology, physical design, and resident education.
Technology is the most effective way to create a physical and psychological barrier against tailgating.
a) Access Control Systems:
Turnstiles or Security Revolving Doors: These are the gold standard for anti-tailgating. They are physically designed to only allow one person per credential scan. They are common in high-rise, high-security buildings but can be expensive.
Mantraps (Security Vestibules): This is a small space with two interlocking doors. A person must enter the first door and have their identity verified before the second door unlocks. This effectively isolates and screens every individual.
Full-Height Tripod Turnstiles: A less imposing but still effective physical barrier that prevents people from easily sliding past.
b) Video Intercoms with Advanced Features:
A 21.5-inch Face Recognition Video Intercom is a powerful tool. Here’s how it helps:
Credentials are Inseparable from the Person: Unlike a key fob that can be shared or stolen, a face is unique to the individual. The system only unlocks for recognized, authorized faces.
Visual Deterrent: The large, prominent screen acts as a visual cue that security is taken seriously, discouraging opportunistic tailgaters.
Anti-Passback Feature: This advanced feature prevents a credential (including a facial template) from being used to open a door twice in quick succession unless there has been a valid "exiting" event. This prevents someone from scanning their face, entering, and then immediately holding the door for an unauthorized person outside.
Mobile-Centric Access: Systems that use smartphones as credentials can be configured with similar anti-passback rules. The convenience for residents is high, while security is maintained.
c) Video Surveillance & Analytics:
Strategic Camera Placement: Install cameras at all main entrances, pointed directly at the doorway to capture clear footage of everyone entering and exiting.
AI-Powered Analytics: Modern systems can be configured to detect "loitering" near an entrance or to flag events where multiple people enter on a single credential scan, sending an immediate alert to security or management.
a) Entrance Design:
Single-Point Entry: Funnel all resident foot traffic through one main, well-secured entrance rather than multiple, less-secure doors.
Clear Sightlines: Ensure the entrance area is well-lit and free of visual obstructions, making it easy for residents to see if someone is lingering with the intent to tailgate.
"No Tailgating" Signage: Place clear, professional signs that state: "For your security, do not allow others to tailgate. Every individual must use their own access credential." This raises awareness and makes it socially acceptable to deny entry.
b) Management Policies:
Strict Guest & Delivery Protocols: Require all guests to use the video intercom to call the resident they are visiting. For deliveries, consider a dedicated parcel room or a smart locker system that doesn't require building access.
Regular Access Audit: Periodically review access logs to check for anomalies and deactivate lost or former resident credentials immediately.
This is the most challenging but crucial layer. Technology can be undermined by a resident simply holding the door for a stranger.
Clear Communication During Move-In: Include a section on tailgating prevention in the resident welcome package and lease agreement.
Ongoing Reminders: Send periodic emails or newsletters reminding residents of their role in building security. Use real examples (without causing panic) to illustrate the risks.
Empower Residents to Say "No": Foster a community culture where it is normal and expected for a resident to ask an unknown person to use their own key or intercom. Phrasing is key—"I'm sorry, for security, you'll need to call your host. The intercom is right here," is polite but firm.
There is no single magic bullet. The most effective strategy combines all three layers:
Deploy a 21.5-inch Face Recognition Intercom or a similar high-security system as a powerful technological and psychological deterrent.
Design the entrance to discourage and physically impede easy tailgating.
Cultivate a security-conscious culture among residents through consistent communication and education.
By implementing these measures, property managers can significantly reduce tailgating incidents, creating a safer and more secure environment for all residents.
Tailgating (or "piggybacking") is one of the most common and difficult-to-prevent security breaches in apartment buildings. It occurs when an unauthorized person follows an authorized resident through a secured entrance.
Preventing it requires a multi-layered approach combining technology, physical design, and resident education.
Technology is the most effective way to create a physical and psychological barrier against tailgating.
a) Access Control Systems:
Turnstiles or Security Revolving Doors: These are the gold standard for anti-tailgating. They are physically designed to only allow one person per credential scan. They are common in high-rise, high-security buildings but can be expensive.
Mantraps (Security Vestibules): This is a small space with two interlocking doors. A person must enter the first door and have their identity verified before the second door unlocks. This effectively isolates and screens every individual.
Full-Height Tripod Turnstiles: A less imposing but still effective physical barrier that prevents people from easily sliding past.
b) Video Intercoms with Advanced Features:
A 21.5-inch Face Recognition Video Intercom is a powerful tool. Here’s how it helps:
Credentials are Inseparable from the Person: Unlike a key fob that can be shared or stolen, a face is unique to the individual. The system only unlocks for recognized, authorized faces.
Visual Deterrent: The large, prominent screen acts as a visual cue that security is taken seriously, discouraging opportunistic tailgaters.
Anti-Passback Feature: This advanced feature prevents a credential (including a facial template) from being used to open a door twice in quick succession unless there has been a valid "exiting" event. This prevents someone from scanning their face, entering, and then immediately holding the door for an unauthorized person outside.
Mobile-Centric Access: Systems that use smartphones as credentials can be configured with similar anti-passback rules. The convenience for residents is high, while security is maintained.
c) Video Surveillance & Analytics:
Strategic Camera Placement: Install cameras at all main entrances, pointed directly at the doorway to capture clear footage of everyone entering and exiting.
AI-Powered Analytics: Modern systems can be configured to detect "loitering" near an entrance or to flag events where multiple people enter on a single credential scan, sending an immediate alert to security or management.
a) Entrance Design:
Single-Point Entry: Funnel all resident foot traffic through one main, well-secured entrance rather than multiple, less-secure doors.
Clear Sightlines: Ensure the entrance area is well-lit and free of visual obstructions, making it easy for residents to see if someone is lingering with the intent to tailgate.
"No Tailgating" Signage: Place clear, professional signs that state: "For your security, do not allow others to tailgate. Every individual must use their own access credential." This raises awareness and makes it socially acceptable to deny entry.
b) Management Policies:
Strict Guest & Delivery Protocols: Require all guests to use the video intercom to call the resident they are visiting. For deliveries, consider a dedicated parcel room or a smart locker system that doesn't require building access.
Regular Access Audit: Periodically review access logs to check for anomalies and deactivate lost or former resident credentials immediately.
This is the most challenging but crucial layer. Technology can be undermined by a resident simply holding the door for a stranger.
Clear Communication During Move-In: Include a section on tailgating prevention in the resident welcome package and lease agreement.
Ongoing Reminders: Send periodic emails or newsletters reminding residents of their role in building security. Use real examples (without causing panic) to illustrate the risks.
Empower Residents to Say "No": Foster a community culture where it is normal and expected for a resident to ask an unknown person to use their own key or intercom. Phrasing is key—"I'm sorry, for security, you'll need to call your host. The intercom is right here," is polite but firm.
There is no single magic bullet. The most effective strategy combines all three layers:
Deploy a 21.5-inch Face Recognition Intercom or a similar high-security system as a powerful technological and psychological deterrent.
Design the entrance to discourage and physically impede easy tailgating.
Cultivate a security-conscious culture among residents through consistent communication and education.
By implementing these measures, property managers can significantly reduce tailgating incidents, creating a safer and more secure environment for all residents.
